The Thai New Year is upon us and there's no better way to celebrate than to gather some family and friends around a dining table for a good meal. Whether it's buffets or khao chae s, here are some of our picks on where you should go for some delicious lunches or dinners this Songkran.
Anantara and Avani+ Riverside Hotels
Apr 9-16
An eight-day Songkran line-up has been planned all across Avani+ Riverside and Anantara hotels. The celebrations kick off on Apr 9 with Skyline Seafood Night (B1,350++; additional B399++ for free-flow beer) at Avani+. On Apr 10, the Wet N' Sin Pool Party will bring live music and Thai fusion food (B400). You can also head over to Lost & Found for some retro luk thung vibes (tickets start at B1,500). Head to Brunch Up on Apr 11 to enjoy local and international delicacies (packages start at B1,950++). You can also have a moonlit cruise down the Chao Phraya on Apr 12 while enjoying a fantastic dinner (B1,999++). Spice & Barley will have non-stop dim sum on Apr 14 (B888; additional B399++ for free-flow beer) while on Apr 15, the family can enjoy a Benihana brunch (B1,500++). Finally, on Apr 16, head over to Anantara Riverside's Trader Vic's for an all-you-can-eat Moo Krata (B699++; B999++ with free-flow beer).
Anantara and Avani+ Riverside, Charoen Nakhon Road / Call 02-476-0022 ext 1416 or email riversidedining@anantara.com.
The St. Regis Bangkok
Apr 14-15
Commemorate the Thai New Year by feasting on a number of local delicacies at St. Regis. On Apr 14, have an auspicious Songkran lunch buffet (B1,288++; B2,287++ with a trio of wines) with delicacies like Thai vermicelli with curry and stir-fried seafood with pepper sauce as well as the chance to win prizes like an epic dinner or afternoon tea. On Apr 15, head to the 15th-floor swimming pool for a Songkran barbecue party (B699++) where you can enjoy beef, lamb, chicken or prawn skewers while partying with a live DJ.
The St. Regis Bangkok, Ratchadamri Road / Call 02-207-7777, email fb.bangkok@stregis.com.
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park
Until May 31
Siam Tea Room is serving up the seasonal summer delicacy, khao chae, to its guests. Enjoy the main course of jasmine rice chilled in jasmine-infused water and served with herbal fish and dried shrimp paste. Priced at B590++ per set for dine-in and B490++ for take away.
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park, Sukhumvit Soi 22 / Call 02-059-5999, email restaurant-reservations.bkkqp@marriotthotels.com.
Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel
Until May 15
Anantara Siam's Spice Market invites guests to enjoy the cool local treat as the summer days begin to grow hotter to signal the arrival of Songkran. Aside from the steamed rice soaked in jasmine-scented water, the set also comes with deep-fried paste balls, sweet dried turnip and deep-fried shallots with shredded pork among others. The set is priced at B580++ for dine-in or B780+ for take-away.
Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, Ratchadamri Road / Call 02-126-8866 or email dining.asia@anantara.com.
The Okura Prestige Bangkok
Until Apr 30
Up & Above Restaurant will be serving khao chae for the whole month of April at Okura Prestige. Their version of the summer delicacy includes shredded sweet pork, shredded sweet beef, sweet bell peppers stuffed with pork and encased in an egg wrap and fried fish with shrimp paste balls. There are also other condiments like fried shallots and stir-fried sweet pickled Chinese turnips with egg. Priced at B590++ with refreshment or B790++ with refreshment and mango with sticky rice.
The Okura Prestige Bangkok, Witthayu Road / Call 02-0687-9000, or email FB.concierge@okurabangkok.com.
Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok
Apr 30
Flourish is serving up a set menu with khao chae as the centrepiece for guests to enjoy. The rice smoked with a scented candle served with jasmine water and ice will include sides like crispy pulled pork or beef, steamed banana chilli stuffed with minced pork, caramelised pickled turnips, vegetables and more. Priced at B490++ per person.
Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Soi Ton Son, Lumphini / Call 02-095-9999 or email fb.sindhorn@kempinski.com.
Taan
Ongoing
Taan presents their very first khao chae set that puts a twist on the seasonal treat. With the likes of lacto-fermented lychee, smoky Surat Thani oyster and Ranong lobster, this is khao chae like you've never seen or tasted before. Chef Monthep "Thep" Kamolsilp has described it as "follow[ing] the khao chae structure, but step[ping] away from tradition". Priced at B490 per set and only limited in availability.
Taan, Rama I Road / Call 065-328-7374.
Centara Grand at CentralWorld
Until Apr 17
There's no better way to celebrate the Thai New Year than with a sumptuous international buffet. Ventisi restaurant is serving up a buffet lunch and dinner which includes seafood on ice, sushi and sashimi, soups and salads and a wide variety of desserts. You can also order khao chae as an a la carte dish for B550++. The international lunch buffet is priced at B850++ while the dinner buffet is priced at B1,290++. Drink packages for both start at B149++.
Centara Grand at centralwOrld, Rama I Road / Call 02-100-6255 or email diningcgcw@chr.co.th.
