It will have come as no surprise to those knowledgeable about the fine dining and luxury hospitality options available in Thailand to see the announcement this week that 2 Bangkok restaurants have been listed amongst the top 25 restaurants in the world.
One thing that might come as something of a shock to connoisseurs of fine food however is that 10th placed Gaggan, chosen by independent judges on the panel of the annual competition of the world’s 50 Best Restaurants, is actually positioned higher in the list than any restaurant in France.
This is the first time that Asia has been classified in an internationally judged restaurant competition as superior to the self-proclaimed home of gastronomy, and is a prime example of the increased standards, competition and importance placed on the luxury hospitality industry in the region.
Gaggan, having already been awarded the title of the best restaurant in Asia, now also has the distinct honour of not only being the 10th best restaurant in the world, but also of being the number 1 Indian restaurant in the world.
Owner and Chef Gaggan Anand has taken the traditional food from the streets of his hometown of Kolkata in India and tinkered with the flavors and presentation using cooking techniques he learned at former world number 1 restaurant el Bulli in Spain to literally reinvent the Indian dining experience. This blend of modernist molecular gastronomy and strong familiar Indian flavours results in an exciting, luxurious and vibrant menu. He’s even invented new terminology to describe the results “Progressive Indian cuisine”.
Nahm, the other Bangkok restaurant ranked in the list came in at a highly commendable 22nd place of the 50. Famous for its use of locally sourced produce, Nahm presents a respectful yet wonderfully innovative interpretation of traditional Thai foods. The modern and eclectic menu demonstrates the magical diversity of Thai dishes, from the opulent luxury of food served in palaces to the simplicity and flavor of the food eaten on the streets.
And these are only 2 of a large number of luxury high-end restaurants currently making a name for themselves and building a reputation within the region and worldwide for delivering an outstanding dining experience. Thailand has long been celebrated by those in the know for its magnificent food and hospitality, fine dining scene, and innovative and exciting bars. But the secret is now out, and as the 2nd most visited city in the world, Bangkok is setting its sights to be a mecca for food lovers from around the globe.
From glittering modern and sophisticated restaurants in high-rise blocks to traditionally decorated and more subtle eateries in old renovated colonial-style houses – the restaurant scene in Bangkok is leading a country- and region-wide renaissance of luxury fine dining. With strong competition coming from Singapore, Hong Kong and China, Thailand is looking to mark its place in the world of gastronomy. Chefs bringing their international skills and knowledge from Australia, Europe and the ASEAN region are making good use of the abundance of fresh foods, flavors, colors and ideas from Thailand. It will not be that long before Bangkok, and Thailand, will be regarded as one of the greatest food destinations in the world.
If you are traveling to Bangkok then the choice of places to experience luxury fine dining has never been greater. If you are keen to take advantage of either of these 2 celebrated restaurants then you’d be advised to plan well ahead, as they are understandably very busy. Booking a table several weeks in advance is highly recommended and very much worth it.
06 June 2015
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