Taste your way through Thailand on a gastronomic tour of the country

SAM | 12th June 2019

A joyful social and emotional experience, travelling for food will be intrinsic to traveller’s decision-making this year.

 

Famous for its rich culinary history, from authentic Pad Thai to world-class Michelin Starred international cuisine, there is no better foodie destination than Thailand.

 

Here are VIVA’s top picks for places that promise to elevate the senses with their vibrant dining offerings!

 

For Hillside Dining: Pimalai Resort & Spa

 

 

A home-from-home for Michelin Starred Chef Bruno Menard, each year this beautiful hillside resort makes way for an exclusive epicurean evening of outstanding cuisine with the annual gastronomic journey, prepared and hosted by Chef Bruno himself. Showcasing his culinary excellence through an extraordinary four-course dinner, served within the resorts stunning seafront dining destination, Seven Seas Wine Bar and Restaurant, it has firmly earned its place on the gourmet map.

 

Previously awarded three Michelin stars at ‘L’Osier’ in Tokyo as well as a judge on MasterChef Asia, Chef Bruno brings a wealth of expertise to the table with menus rooted in France and artistically infused with his personal culinary journey which has taken him across all of Asia.

 

Ensuring a deep connection with Koh Lanta whilst remaining sustainable, many of the ingredients are sourced from the resort’s own herb garden, with delectable dishes including confit salmon with caviar, asparagus and Chantilly sauce, to lightly poached turbot with white wine and extra virgin olive oil emulsion and ikura – a true gastronomic haven.

 

For Private Dining: Santiburi Koh Samui

 

 

Taking guests on a variety of memorable private dining experiences, from a BBQ Butler to a floating brunch and private mixology lab –this place is officially a foodie paradise.

 

Offering bespoke comfort and luxury living in complete tropical privacy, the resort’s new Grand Reserve Pool Villas caters to the culinary curious with private terrace Barbeques, candlelit dinners, a private drinks lab and an authentic selection of delectable cuisine sourced from both land and sea.

 

A dream-like experience to ensure guests make the most important meal of the day utterly blissful, villa guests can slide bedside to poolside with the hotel’s Insta-genic floating brunch. Indulge in pancakes, Thai Omelette and Danish pastries alongside a refreshing selection of fresh juices with a sparkling tipple of Moet & Chandon Brut or Zonin Italian Prosecco. Then as the sun sets, relax on the tranquil terrace where a private in-villa BBQ butler will arrive to prepare and cook a tantalising selection of meats and seafood.

 

For Riverside Dining: Michelin-starred dining with regional specialities

 

 

Thailand’s most anticipated opening this year and the first urban Thai property from the visionary global hospitality brand Capella Hotel Group, the chain is set to will open its doors with a divine selection of riverside eateries in Bangkok.

 

Boasting sweeping river views, nestled on the east bank of the legendary “River of Kings”, the Chao Phraya, head Thai chef, Wichian Trirattanavatin will introduce guests to the rich culinary heritage of Charoenkrung.

 

Following in his father’s footsteps – who worked as a chef in the area for a respected 40 years – Chef Trirattanavatin will showcase his exceptional culinary experience through regional Thai dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients at Phranakhon restaurant.

 

Raising the bar for world-class Michelin dining experiences within Bangkok, the hotel’s signature restaurant will be curated by celebrated Michelin-starred Chef Mauro Colagreco; offering a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional recipes and culinary heritage of the French and Italian Riviera.

 

Set to be a cultural magnet hosting a carousel of local artisans, musicians and chefs reflecting the neighbourhood’s passion for food, wellness and culture, this metropolitan oasis will also be home to The Capella Living Room. Serving refreshing concoctions using indigenous ingredients from the chef’s very own organic garden, this serene space is a river-facing lounge filled with natural light boasting undisrupted views of Thailand’s colourful capital.

 

For Colonial-Style Dining: Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

 

 

Inviting guests to step back in time, taking its design inspiration from Hua Hin’s railway station originally built in the early 1920s, The Railway restaurant offers a worldly selection of cuisines.

 

Capturing the areas historical significance through the tangy flavours of Thai cuisine to refined European specialities, dinner at The Railway Restaurant is a special affair. With signature themed offerings such as the French buffet and à la carte delicacies, guests can indulge in the finest dishes from baked snow fish crusted with coconut and panang curry paste to prime beef ribs, and of course wine to pair.

 

As well as an expansive selection of dining experiences including traditional Japanese, home-style Thai cuisine as well as the fresh seafood and grill beach club, guests can be transported to an untouched Thailand with the resort’s new Historical Tour. Beautifully illustrating the story of Hua Hin’s evolution from a small fishing village to a thriving holiday destination, the resort’s brand new ‘Heritage Tour’ is a walking tour of Hua Hin that is free for guests, exploring must-see historical sites, giving a rare and special glimpse into an earlier age.