EXORESIDENCE - Heart of Chinatown

There are some things in life worth queuing for. Welcome to one of them. Jay Fai has long been a street food icon, and for good reason — the begoggled chef’s signature crispy, golden-brown crab omelettes are wonderful and will remain long in the memory of everyone who’s tried them. If you’re looking for another reason to love the local legend, then also try her stir-fried prawns in yellow curry or one of the many noodle dishes. The queuing system is well organised but arrive knowing you’ll have to spend time standing in line – and bring cash.

Named for the ratio of local ingredients to the chef's inspiration, 80/20 promises a dynamic seasonal tasting menu, featuring innovative delights from the first bite to the last. The concept extends to the design, using predominantly Thai materials in an industrial loft style. The chef employs traditional techniques to create contemporary interpretations of classic Thai dishes with Lao influences. Mains are paired with aromatic Yasothon jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan.

For six decades, this family-run business has been braising tender goose with aromatic spices. The menu counts just two items but several size options. The goose has soft meat and thin skin; intestines are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

A new chapter unfolds in Bangkok’s dining scene as Anne-Sophie Pic brings her celebrated French artistry to the city. Working alongside her trusted Japanese head chef, Tamaki Kobayashi, the menu highlights Pic’s signature creations, including her renowned lobster dish and the thoughtfully curated Voyage menu. Set in a beautifully renovated space overlooking the Chao Phraya River, it blends elegance with quiet refinement.

Peruvian executive chef Evens López stays true to the spirit of French fine dining, albeit with a fresh, lighter, international perspective. He thoughtfully interweaves Southeast Asian ingredients and Mediterranean flair, a refined balance exemplified by his heritage tomato starter – Thai and French tomatoes transformed into jellies and consommés, topped with crunchy almonds. The tender Mount Schank lamb rack with fig leaf is equally accomplished.

Nusara pairs refined cooking with a mesmerising view of Wat Pho, best admired from the softly lit rooftop. Olive-green interiors with gold accents set a quietly elegant tone. The journey begins with welcome bites, before guests descend to the main dining room. Highlights include a stellar Thai Wagyu stir-fry with holy basil and a delicate quartet of regional relishes – each dish telling its own story. One of Bangkok's most intimate Thai dining experiences.

A talented Japanese chef reimagines French cuisine through the lens of his heritage, applying classic techniques from both culinary cultures to top-notch Japanese and French ingredients. The dishes in his refined and varied seven-course menu change with the seasons, each beautifully composed and with a wealth of nuance. Though the panoramic city views are striking, it's the balance of precision and creativity on the plate that make the biggest impression.