Guru By Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.
EAT
Seasonal dim sum / Shang Palace Chinese Restaurant / Until Aug 31
Savour an exclusive and limited time selection of special dim sum with delightful flavours and texture at Shang Palace Chinese Restaurant, Shangri-La Bangkok. Indulge in a symphony of taste sensations, including Scallion layer puff, Yunnan ham bun, Kataifi prawn and Red bean to conclude on a sweet note. The seasonal dim sum is available until Aug 31. Visit the hotel’s website.
First anniversary / Bistrot De La Mer / Until June 30
Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok celebrates the first anniversary of Bistrot De La Mer with a “Buy A Tower, Get A Bottle” campaign. Order the Royale seafood tower and enjoy a complimentary bottle from the curated wine selection. Bistrot De La Mer offers a menu filled with seafood delights such as fresh oysters, succulent prawns, and premier caviar, temptingly presented in refrigerated displays, as well as flavourful favourites, including escargot, French onion soup, crème brûlée. Meanwhile, the hotel is also celebrating Pride Month at Berthold Delikatessen. The deli will offer Rainbow layer cake and Rainbow macarons. Visit the hotel’s website.
Chocolate heaven / Tea & Tipple
Centara Grand at CentralWorld has launched the “Afternoon Choco Bliss”, a luxurious chocolate afternoon tea set that offers a modern take on the traditional experience. The tea features a centrepiece in the form of a chocolate tree adorned with assorted bonbons, truffles and berries. There are also chocolate-dipped marshmallows, dark chocolate strawberries and assorted pralines, including a selection of pastries, cakes and desserts. Visit the hotel’s website.
Afternoon tea / 1897 Lounge / Until July 31
This summer, Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok’s 1897 Lounge is offering the “Summer Water Lilies” afternoon tea, a collab between executive pastry chef Franck Istel and decorative and furniture design artist Jiraparnn Tokeeree, The tea harmonises history, art and flavours into an appealing tower of light snacks. Chef Franck Istel brings his vision of a royal summer garden from the 19th century to life through a combination of French pastry recipes with touches of tropical Thai flavours. The new tea stand features summer lotus leaves, inspired by the charming history of Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, once part of the royal mansion’s lotus pond. The tea is accompanied by a live harp performance from Tong-Juan Wang. Visit the hotel’s website.
Taste of the tropics / The Lobby Lounge / Until July 31
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park’s The Lobby Lounge will serve the special, limited-edition “Mango Afternoon Tea”. Available every afternoon for two months, this enticing array of delicacies celebrates the freshness of local and seasonal Thai mangos, combined with other premium ingredients to transport guests on a multi-sensory journey. A selection of sublime savoury delicacies includes Foie gras mousse and mango sable, Red crab salad and mango wrap, Spicy tuna with mango coulis, and Smoked chicken with mango chutney, apple and mint. Desserts including Fresh mango tart, Mango and vanilla dome, Mango and passionfruit chocolate, Mango jelly, Nam Dok Mai cheesecake and the Thai classic mango sticky rice. Visit the hotel’s website.
After work / Café Pitorre / Until June 30
Café Pitorre, the Italian-style coffee shop, co-working space and social venue at The Empire Tower, has launched the “Aperitivo Fridays” promotion. Held after work, it is a good way to wind down after a hard week of work. Enjoy unlimited dishes like handcrafted pizzas, freshly-made pasta, salads and paninis, along with two hours of free-flow cocktails. Visit the cafe’s website.
Flavours of Piemonte / Volti Tuscan Grill & Bar / Until July 7
Indulge in the culinary traditions of Italy’s Piemonte region with a four-course “Festa Piemontese” seasonal menu, curated by executive Italian chef Bruno Ferrari. Begin with Slow-cooked veal, followed by Homemade ravioletti del plin, a small ravioli stuffed with Toma and spinach, served in a rich veal jus. The main course is Brasato al barbera, where tender beef cheek is braised, and end with Bunet, a chocolate and amaretto pudding drizzled with caramel sauce. Volti Tuscan Grill & Bar is at the Shangri-La Bangkok. Visit the hotel's website.
New menu / Igniv Bangkok / Until Aug 31
Igniv Bangkok presents a tribute to the essence of the sun-drenched season, with a new “Summer Menu”, featuring 19 dishes in a sharing experience, available until August. A harmonisation between Swiss flair and local ingredients, the menu includes dishes such as Wagyu short ribs, salsa verde and grillgemüse; Eggplant, pomegranate and sesame; and Raviolo with vegetables and saffron. The add-on signature dish is Chicken nuggets served as a set with condiments. The restaurant has also expanded their Sunday brunch service to Saturdays, as well. Drawing inspiration from the seasonal menu, the Weekend Brunch menu includes different breads, appetisers, classic egg dishes and BBQ dishes. Visit the restaurant’s website.
JOIN
Classical concert / RBSO / June 7
The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation, supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Ministry of Culture’s Department of Cultural Promotion and B. Grimm Group Ltd, will perform on June 7, at the Thailand Cultural Centre, with Principal Clarinet of the Hong Kong Philharmonic, Andrew Simon performs Mozart’s Clarinet concerto in honour of Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana. After a performance of Edward Elgar’s “Pomp And Circumstance March No.1”, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622” will be performed. This is considered to be Mozart’s best wind concerto and will be performed by soloist Andrew Simon, the first American artist with a career spanning three decades. To end the concert, the RBSO, with almost 100 musicians, will play a piece by Gustav Holst, “The Planets”, a legendary seven-movement orchestral suite in which each movement takes you through an auditory journey with the planets of the solar system and their corresponding astrological character. Tickets are available at Thai Ticket Major.
Exclusive dinner / Mia Restaurant / June 13
An "Australian Beef And Truffle Dinner" will be hosted at Mia Restaurant in collaboration with chef Josh Raine of Verduno Thailand, Black Opal Wagyu and Truffle Hill. Indulge in an eight-course meal where each dish features beef and truffles. Begin with an array of snacks, which include the Beef tongue taco with truffle ponzu and buckwheat tuile, among others. For starters, savour the delicate flavours of Beef tartare with oyster mayonnaise and truffle tuile. The main course features Aged Stone Bass with Phuket squid in a bourguignon style, finished with a truffle emulsion, alongside the indulgent Black Opal ribeye, presented with red cabbage, black garlic, roasted truffle, chicken garum and white soy jus. The meal ends with a Yuzu posset and Borneo vanilla with roasted barley ice cream and truffle caramel. Visit the restaurant's website.
Chelsea flower show / Café Wolseley / June 9
Café Wolseley will host the "Romance In Bloom", a captivating celebration of summer inspired by the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in London. On June 9, the dinner promises a fusion of culinary excellence and floral enchantment. Stunning floral centrepieces by PHKA Studio will transform the venue into a captivating oasis. Diners will also get the chance to attend a flower workshop, where they'll learn the art of floral arrangement and discover the secrets behind creating stunning displays. Café Wolseley will also unveil its exquisite new prix-fixe menu, curated to showcase the vibrant flavours of summer. Visit the hotel's website.
Wellness Day / The Oriental Spa / June 8
The Oriental Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is celebrating "Global Wellness Day" with “Tech Detox Escapes” on June 8. Escape from technology as a token of life appreciation to strengthen the body and soul. The spa has a variety of activities planned for the day. Immerse in a day of inside-out health and digital detoxification, and find inspiration to pave your own path to well-being. Start with an Awaken Yoga session by The River Of Kings and end the day with a serene Moonlight Bath Ritual. There is also a 4.7km run, while visiting nine temples on the way; an "Ice and Fire Renewal"; and hipnotic dance. Participants can choose one or more activities or the a full-day programme. Limited spots are available for each activity. Visit the hotel's website.
Pride Month / W Hotels
W Hotels will “Take A Stance” and reaffirm its commitment to diversity, equality, inclusion, and LGBTQIA+ rights as it celebrates Pride Month in Bangkok and Koh Samui. The hotel's will host activities, including interviews with leading LGBTQIA+ figures, plus educational workshops, art exhibitions and other events to highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the community, along with DJ parties, drag performances and colourful cocktail events. An evening of immersive and meaningful activities will be held on June 7. The event will feature interviews with people who are making a real difference in the community, including half-Thai, half-Swedish actor and model Rasameekae Fagerlund, Thai transgender actress, comedian and emcee Jennie Panhan, Thailand’s top drag superstar Natalia Pliacam, local artist Pui Surachai Saengsuwan and same-sex couple Fang and Hong, who will share their experiences. At W Koh Samui, a full month of activities await, including a sharing session designed to celebrate love and inspiration in all its forms. Other highlights include two "W Does Brunch: Pride Theme" events on June 15 and June 22, an Art Gallery exhibition from June 14-16, daily DJ sets and a "Pour For Pride" cocktail menu all month long at WooBar. A limited series of “I Stand For” Pride postcards will also be placed in all villas. Visit the hotels' websites.
Inclusive journey / Clinique La Prairie x Vivid IV Drip Bar / Until June 30
Celebrate love without boundaries this Pride Month with the “Unbounded Wellness Journey”, a collaboration between Vivid IV Drip Bar and Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie. The journey begins at Vivid Bangkok at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, with a rejuvenating IV Drip session. At the next stop, The St. Regis Bangkok Hotel, a private Oxygen Therapy session awaits while savouring healthy drinks from the Longevity Bar. After the treatment, relax and unwind in the Relaxation Zone, complete with hot and cold plunge pools or a sauna for a full-body recovery experience. Buy the package at special rates until June 30 for use before Aug 31.
Faiths and animals / RCB Photographers' Gallery / June 13 to July 7
River City Bangkok, in collaboration with MeArt Gallery, presents "Faith", the third solo exhibition by Thana Phothong. After hosting the "Beyond Tigers: The Journey Of The Tiger In You" exhibition in 2022, Thana returns to the same venue. What perhaps doesn't change much is his theme based on animals. This time, his flock of anthropomorphic fauna represent faiths and beliefs, bringing positive energy or luck to those who witness them. Put this on your calendar if animals and auspiciousness are your things. "Faith" will run from June 13 to July 7 at the RCB Photographers' Gallery. Free admission.
Thai comic artists / RCB Artery / June 8-30
"Blood Sweat Tears And Ink: Back To The Comics" explores the trials and tribulations of four veteran Thai comic artists. They are Tripuck Supawattana (Puck), Aphisit Muennak, Suttichart Sarapaiwanich and Songwit Seakitikul. They showcase their artistries through memorable pages from their comic books, striking characters and large-scale paintings. Suttichart, who's best known for the "Joe The Sea-cret Agent" series will present a short comic book, which can be viewed and bought only at the exhibition. Free admission. The exhibition will be on display at RCB Artery. Free admission.
TRAVEL
Escape package / Centara Grand at CentralWorld / Until June 30
Centara Grand at CentralWorld will offer the "Vibrant Escape Package", an invitation to indulge in luxury within the dynamic CentralWorld complex. The package offers two accommodation options: Superior Upgrade to Deluxe Room and Club Suite One Bedroom. The Superior Upgrade to a Deluxe Room offers a luxurious experience featuring daily breakfast for two at Ventisi Restaurant, a rejuvenating 60-minute spa treatment for two, and two Champagne cocktails at Cru Champagne Bar. The Club Suite One Bedroom offers a lavish escape with daily breakfast for two at either Ventisi Restaurant or the exclusive Club Lounge on the 51st floor. Guests can indulge in a 60-minute spa treatment for two and enjoy two Champagne cocktails at Cru Champagne Bar. Additionally, the package includes a "2 Feet Of Tapas" with two desserts at Uno Mas Restaurant, along with full Club Benefits to enhance the overall experience. Reservations can be made directly via Facebook Messenger until June 30 for stays till July 31, with blackout dates on June 15-18 June and July 22.
First-time flyers / AirAsia / Until June 26
Those who have never been abroad or are about to embark on their first journey overseas should check out the "AirAsia Guidebook 101 Pop Art" in Siam Square 4 until June 26. Free downloadable guidebooks on popular destinations for first-time flyers, free flights, discount codes, free seat selection coupons and more await. Highlighted destinations include Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Malaysia. In other AirAsia news, the carrier has launched new direct flights from Bangkok to India's Tiruchirappalli, also known as Trichy, the sacred capital of Tamil Nadu. Must-visit highlights include the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, the world's largest Hindu temple. Built in the 10th century, the temple is an example of Tamil Nadu architecture with colourful deities decorating its gopuram, one of which stands magnificently at 73-metres-tall... think the Indian temple on Thanon Pan, except larger. Also on the sightseeing list should be the Our Lady Of Lourdes Church and Rockfort Temple. Starting with three flights weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, the flights take off Sept 21. As usual for AirAsia, promotional fares are available for booking until June 16 while travelling period starts from Sept 21 to March 29, 2025. Visit the website or app.
STUFF
New collab / Christian Louboutin X Pierre Yovanovitch
To reimagine the iconic Pierre Yovanovitch Mobilier Clam Chair, Yovanovitch recently collaborated with longtime friend and legendary fashion designer, Christian Louboutin to create a series of limited and open edition chairs inspired by historic female icons. Taking an haute-couture approach, the collection incorporates the work of Maison Vermont embroidery, as well as a selection of other best-in-class, historic French artisans to meticulously craft each piece. There are nine one-of-a-kind works, inspired by female characters throughout history, from Nefertari to Dita von Teese. As a nod to Christian Louboutin’s Nudes collection, which originally launched in 2013, with five shades of skin tones, the collaboration also features an open edition “Simply Nude” series of five female-inspired silhouettes offered in a variety of wood colours meant to reflect feminine strength and unique beauty. All of the works feature Louboutin’s iconic red-bottomed heels as the feet of the chair.
40th anniversary / KFC Thailand / Until June 15
To celebrate its fourth decade, KFC Thailand has set up "The Kentucky Town Bangkok" pop-up with exclusive items and activities at Samyan Mitrtown until June 15. With BamBam being the first Friend of KFC Thailand, visitors can expect exclusive menus, a limited-edition streetwear collection (in collaboration with BamBam) and daily activities. Foodies may want to try exclusive creations at the pop-up such as Donut zinger burger, Volcano dunked wings and the Zabb bucket. Show how hardcore you are as a KFC fan by designing your own Kentucky Citizen ID. Enjoy a 360° photo booth, a nail art corner and VR games. Pick up commemorative keepsakes from the KFC Thailand 40th Years Original Collection, featuring t-shirts by GQ, stylish red jackets, KFC chicken pants, crossbody bags, caps and limited-edition chicken socks.
