The 2022 edition of the Michelin guide Bangkok was released and once again, includes a few restaurants in Phuket and Phang-Nga. Gwendal Poullennec, Michelin’s international director, notes: “Due to lockdowns and dine-in restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic in many countries, the restaurant business has been on its all-time lows. Nevertheless, Thailand sees the opening of new restaurants with interesting cuisine types – such as street-food-inspired stalls and authentic Thai food from ancient recipes.” Here are 7 Michelin-starred restaurants in Thailand that we can’t wait to visit.
1. Aksorn (new)
New on the Michelin Guide for 2022 is Aksorn, helmed by David Thomson who was previously of Nahm. His unique gastronomy concept takes inspiration from Thai cookbooks from the ’40s and ’50s. Using this as a source, he goes on to recreate Thai culinary history. The menu features authentic renditions of classic Thai recipes like red curry with beef, braised river prawns with pork and green watermelon and more contemporary desserts like coconut ash pudding. Naturally, the dishes here are geared towards communal dining.
1266 Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok
2. IGNIV (new)
Another newcomer to the Michelin Guide in 2022 is IGNIV. Set in the elegant confines of The St. Regis Bangkok, the restaurant features Art Deco-inspired interiors and a menu that highlights modern European cuisine in a unique fine dining sharing experience. The restaurant is the first outpost of IGNIV outside of Switzerland and is led by head chef David Hartwig and sous and pastry chef Ame Riehn. To experience the very best the restaurant has to offer, opt for the four-course dining experience that includes mains like deer with butternut squash, quail with truffle and spinach and an eggplant with paprika mojo.
159 Rajadamri Road, The St. Regis Bangkok
3. Le Du
With a focus on the seasonal produce of Thailand, chefs at Le Du combine their modern cooking techniques to dishes that are the cream of the crop. Opt either for their four course menu; which allows you to select the dish of your choice for every course, or have a go at their six-course tasting menu.
399/3 Silom, soi 7, Silom Bangrak, Bangkok
4. Methavalai Sorndaeng
Methavalai Sorndaeng is the adjoining restaurant of the Methavalai Residence hotel in Bangkok. Enjoy authentic Thai cuisine in a fine dining setting at this restaurant, with the highlight being their steamed duck and the pineapple fried rice with shrimp.
78/2 Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Methavalai Residence Hotel Bangkok
5. PRU
The only restaurant on the list from Phuket, PRU offers Western cuisine with a local touch. What really makes it unique is the fact that they use ingredients from their very own farm, which ensures a freshness of ingredients. They have six and eight course menus available, as well as a six-course vegetarian menu. The restaurant is also the only one in Thailand to receive a Michelin Green star in recognition of its sustainable practices.
60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Road, Phuket
6. Sorn
Sorn has been serving up authentic Thai fare to locals for over 20 years. Their menu boasts a wide variety of dishes, ranging from appetisers to sharing plates, and even dessert. They have lunch specials available as well and offer take-out and delivery services.
56 Sukhumvit, 26 Soi Ari, Klongton Khlong Toei, Bangkok
7. Saawaan
Saawaan is a fine-dining Thai restaurant is set in a converted shophouse in the heart of Bangkok. They offer a single 11-course tasting menu, with an option of adding tea or wine pairing as well. Each course of its menu represents a common technique or concept found in traditional Thai cooking including fermentation, charcoal grilling and raw items.
39/19 Soi Suanplu, S Sathon Road, Bangkok
8. Suan Thip
Feast on delectable Thai cuisine in a gorgeous restaurant set in the midst of lush surrounds north of Bangkok. Suan Thip’s à la carte menu has a wide range of local dishes to choose from, and one of their house specials include their Kaeng Kee Lek (herb curry with salted fish). On special occasions, they offer themed dinner menus as well.
9 Sukhaprachasan. 2 Soi 76, Tambon Bang Phut, Bang Phut Sub-district, Nonthaburi