Bangkok (Lonely Planet) - Andrew Burke [121]
EAT ME RESTAURANT
Map International $$$
0 2238 0931; www.eatmerestaurant.com; Soi Phiphat 2, Th Convent; mains 390-1200B; 3pm-1am; Si Lom exit 2; Sala Daeng exit 2
A little bit of Sydney has blossomed here off Th Silom, helping to give Bangkok more cosmo cred. Chic, minimalist decor is accessorised by rotating art exhibits supplied by H Gallery, the city’s leading contemporary gallery. And lest we forget, the food is creative and modern, spanning the globe from pumpkin risotto to tuna tartare.
BLUE ELEPHANT
Map Thai $$$
0 2673 9353; www.blueelephant.com; 233 Th Sathon Tai; mains 180-880B; 11.30am-2.30pm & 6.30-10.30pm; Surasak exit 4
The Blue Elephant got its start in Brussels more than two decades ago as an exotic outpost of royal Thai cuisine. After spreading to other cities, the owners boldly chose Bangkok, the cuisine’s birth mother, as its ninth location. Set in a stunning Sino-Portuguese colonial building with service fit for royalty, the restaurant also features an impressive cooking school (see boxed text Click here).
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DINNER CRUISES
Mae Nam Chao Phraya is lovely in the evenings, with the skyscrapers’ lights twinkling in the distance and a cool breeze chasing the heat away. A dozen or more companies run regular dinner cruises along the river. Some are mammoth boats so brightly lit inside that you’d never know you were on the water; others are more sedate and intimate, allowing patrons to see the surroundings. Several of the dinner boats cruise under the well-lit Saphan Phra Ram IX, the longest single-span cable-suspension bridge in the world.
Loy Nava (Map; 0 2437 4932; www.loynava.com; set menu 1766B; 6-8pm & 8.10-10pm) Two cruises travel from Tha Si Phraya aboard a converted rice barge. Vegetarian menu available.
Manohra Cruises (Map; 0 2477 0770; www.manohracruises.com; Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa, Thonburi; cocktail cruise 900B, dinner cruise 1250-1990B; cocktail cruise 6-7pm, dinner cruise 7.30-10pm) Manohra commands a fleet of converted teak rice barges that part the waters with regal flair. Boats depart from the Marriott Resort, accessible via a free river shuttle that operates between the hotel and Tha Sathon (Central Pier), near Saphan Taksin Skytrain station.
Wan Fah (Map; 0 2222 8679; www.wanfah.in.th; set menu 1200B; 7-9pm) Departing from River City Shopping Centre, Wan Fah runs a buxom wooden boat that floats in style with accompanying Thai music and traditional dance. Dinner options include a standard or seafood set menu and hotel transfer is available.
Yok Yor Restaurant (Map; 0 2439 3477; www.yokyor.co.th; dinner 300-550B, surcharge 140B; 8-10pm) This long-running floating restaurant on the Thonburi side of the river also runs a daily dinner cruise, as well as several boats that can be hired for private functions.
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SOUVLAKI
Map Greek $$
0 2632 9967; 114/4 Soi 4, Th Silom; mains 120-280B; 11.30am-2.30pm & 6pm-late; Si Lom exit 2; Sala Daeng exit 1
Greek is among Bangkok’s most elusive cuisines, and this new eatery has finally brought Hellenic flavours to town. The menu runs the predictable gamut of Greek-style fast food and mezze, but also offers interesting daily specials. Warning: serving sizes are truly Olympian.
INDIAN HUT
Map Indian $$
0 2635 7876; www.indian-hut.com; 311/2-5 Th Surawong; mains 160-380B; 11am-10.30pm; air-con 504, 544 & 547, ordinary 1, 15, 35 & 163; Tha Oriental (N1)
This Indian restaurant, across from the Manorha Hotel, specialises in Nawabi (Lucknow) cuisine. Try the vegetarian samosas, fresh prawns cooked with ginger or the homemade paneer in tomato and onion curry.
SCOOZI
Map Italian $$
0 2267 4344; www.scoozipizza.com; 174 Th Surawong; mains 150-350B; 10.30am-11pm; Si Lom exit 2; Sala Daeng exit 1
At this chic pizzeria you can witness