Guru By Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.
EAT
Summertime cooking / The Siam Tea Room / Until March 31
The Siam Tea Room at Asiatique The Riverfront is celebrating the summer in Thailand with a khao chae promotion. Until March 31, experience the fragrant flavours of khao chae, the summer dish of chilled jasmine rice with traditional condiments. The “Khao Chae Chao Phraya” experience includes a choice of set menus for one or two people, or a delectable selection of à la carte dishes. Indulge in a classic khao chae bowl of chilled aromatic jasmine rice in fragrant water, accompanied by Fried young pepper stuffed with pork and shrimp in a fluffy egg, Fried dried chilies stuffed with sweet fish, Fried marinated shrimp paste bun, Sweet shredded fish, Marinated pork with steamed salted fish topped with egg yolk, Roasted coconut mango salad, Sweet pickled turnip, Sweet shredded pork, Fried butterfly pea stuffed with chicken, Fried frangipani flowers stuffed with shrimp, Deep-fried shallot stuffed with chicken, Deep-fried salted egg and Fresh mixed vegetables. The dessert is Sugar palm, rose water and fruit jelly on ice. The à la carte dishes include Sweet shredded beef with coriander seeds, Sweet and crispy fish in spicy sweet and sour sauce, Sweet and crispy dried shrimp, Sweet and crispy dried squid and Crispy-fried golden beans. Visit the restaurant’s website.
Thai BBQ / Khao by Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai / Until March 31
The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai will offer a "Moo Kra Ta Thai BBQ" every evening in March. Experience a family Thai BBQ under the stars, featuring a sumptuous array of premium meats and seafood per set for two persons, including free-flow soft beverages, coffee, tea and welcome cocktails. Visit the resort’s website.
Dining promotions / Sirimahannop / Until Dec 30
The reimagined Thai tall ship, Sirimahannop on the Chao Phraya River is offering a host of dining promotions this month. Fish lovers can indulge in the Sublime sea bream roasted with butter, lemon and capers, until March 31. Enjoy a six-course set menu that highlights Freshly-shucked French oysters, House-cured salmon, Baked pork chop on the bone and more. With two complimentary cocktails and a Polaroid picture to take home, the offer is available until June 30. Happy Hour offers a“buy one get one free” offer on nine signature cocktails that highlight tropical fruits, is available until Dec 30. Slide into the groove every Wednesday at Funky Night, being held until March 27. Visit the restaurant’s website.
California feeling / SoCal Social / March 22
SoCal, the California-inspired gem at the InterContinental Bangkok, will hold an extravaganza connecting food and wine enthusiasts on March 22. Highlighting the essence of the West Coast of the US, expect California-style canapés with French and California wines, all set to the rhythmic tracks spun by DJs. Choose from a variety of wines, three from California and three from France. The weekend night will be filled with activities, including a 360-photo opportunity and exciting prizes, promising an atmosphere of celebration and joy. Visit the hotel’s website.
Dinner collab / Clara Bangkok / March 22
Chefs Pierre Chomet of Paris’ Ambos and Christian Martena of Clara Bangkok will join forces to offer a seven-course menu on March 22. Chef Pierre Chomet is a familiar face on the Bangkok culinary scene, having previously worked at Joel Robuchon Bangkok and Chef’s Table. The four-hand dinner will highlight a symphony of Italian and French cuisine. Visit the restaurant’s website.
Chocolate and cognac / Cocoa XO
Find your slice of chocolate bliss at Cocoa XO on the 57th floor of Centara Grand at CentralWorld. It's not about satisfying your sweet tooth, it's about enjoying a haven that rises above the ordinary, with views that stretch out over the city. Treat yourself to our celebrated Chocolatier Buffet and savour an array of Cognac cocktails. In collaboration with Rémy Martin Cognac and French chocolatier Cacao Barry, the Cocoa XO Pod's 49 cacao barry artisanal creations are paired with the cocktails. Indulge in chocolate pralines, velvety ganache, decadent chocolate cakes and dip into white or dark chocolate, or enjoy a Cognac-infused soft serve ice cream. Visit the hotel's website.
Earth hour dinner / Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok / March 23
To celebrate Earth Hour on March 23, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok flicks off the switch for a special four-course dinner that celebrates the ingenuity of primitive cooking. The dinner will be served in Maa-Lai Library. A string trio will also perform. Highlights include Charcoal-smoked duck salad and Grilled halloumi salad, Salmon ceviche and Heart of palm ceviche, Lamb mandi, Pepes ikan, Grilled fruit kabobs and Vanilla flan with barbequed pineapple. Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok will donate one tree to the BangkokTree project for every guest joining the dinner. Visit the hotel's website.
New outlet / Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza
Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza has opened at The Emsphere on the GM floor. Originally opened in London in 2018, Street Pizza offers a variety of toppings, from timeless classics like Margherita to Tandoori paneer, Corn & chorizo, and Pepperoni with a range of dipping sauces. Side dishes include wings in five delectable flavours: Sweet chili kimchi, G.F.C, Chocolate BBQ, Street hot sauce and Hotter than hell, along with Dirty fries, Mac & cheese, Chopped salad and a selection of signature cocktails and mocktails. Visit the restaurant's website.
Beach blues / Hua Hin Marriot Resort & Spa x Bourbon Street / March 23
“Blues On The Beach” returns to Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa and will be in collaboration with Bourbon Street, the Bangkok restaurant, known for its Cajun and Creole cuisine since 1986. On March 23, sip cool drinks paired with Bourbon Street’s signature dishes, such as Shrimp and crabmeat gumbo, Suckling pig, spare ribs and Creole-style pork and red beans, accompanied with a fresh selection of seafood on ice, a live barbecue and delightful desserts. All this while live blues music takes over the beach. Visit the resort’s website.
Irish specials / Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel / Until March 17
The luck of the Irish will be in full swing at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel's Aqua Bar and Cafe Wolseley on St. Patrick's Day, with a menu featuring Irish-inspired delights. Indulge in six Irish oysters served with condiments, rye bread and butter, or warm up with a hearty Fish chowder brimming with salmon, clams and mussels. Delight your taste buds with a classic Guinness beef stew or tender Roast lamb chops, and finish on a sweet note with Apple crumble paired perfectly with Jameson whiskey ice cream. Toast to the occasion with an authentic Irish coffee. Visit the hotel's website.
TRAVEL
Date night / Anantara Bophut Koh Samui
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort’s new “Romantic Cocoon Dinner” is part of the resort’s “Dining By Design” programme, a new experience in a secluded and cosy setting inspired by the shape and symbolism of a cocoon. The elegant rattan structure, in a warm sand tone, contrasts beautifully with the orange hues of the sunset sky, creating a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable evening. The dinner will consist of a multi-sensory culinary journey with a personal chef and butler. Set menu options include Mediterranean allure, Ocean’s treasure and Southern Thai relish, while the ambiance can be further enhanced by adding flickering candles, live music, fire show or themed decorations. Visit the resort’s website.
Avec amour / Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort / Until April 30
Romance is still in the air in Chiang Rai at Le Méridien. Awaken the senses with a chocolate moments welcome amenity, a complimentary classic Kir Royale at Latitude 19 and a mouth-watering Le Méridien breakfast. Package includes stay in a Deluxe Garden View Room for two persons, with daily breakfast. Visit the resort’s website.
Padel paradise / The Sanchaya / March 20-27
The Sanchaya in Bintan, Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago, will hold the first padel tournament in the region from March 23-24. The Sanchaya Padel Cup will also have open play with Spanish-professional padel player and expert coach Luis Ruiz. The Sanchaya is offering two packages tailored for padel enthusiasts under “The Sanchaya Padel Cup: Stay & Play”. Both packages are inclusive of the joining fee for the tournament, a private coaching clinic for two, padel equipment fees, padel T-shirt and Cap, as well as healthy snacks and drinks. Bookings made from March 20-27 will enjoy a 20% off the best available rate. From March 25-26, a private coaching clinic will be led by Ruiz, who is also the champion of the Thailand padel series. Padel, a blend of tennis and squash, has captivated sports enthusiasts globally with its fast-paced action and accessible gameplay. Visit the resort’s website.
JOIN
Mix and mingle / Guilty Bangkok / March 17 and March 31
Guilty Bangkok at Anantara Siam Bangkok and OMG Matchmaking will host the “Fast & Flirtatious” speed-dating night, where singles can mix, meet and mingle. March 17 is for straight people while a LGBTQ+ night will be held on March 31. Participants will speed-date with 20+ singles, both Thai and expats, and will be eligible for a complimentary drink and a 20% discount on food and drinks, during the session. Visit the hotel’s website.
Italian symphony & Citron magic / Capella Bangkok / March 22 and March 23-24
The inaugural edition of “Capella & Friends”, a series of open-air soirees hosted quarterly at Capella Bangkok’s tropical courtyard on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, will be held on March 22. The event is a celebration of friendship and local community spirit, welcoming people and pets to indulge in the pleasures of food and the outdoors. The hotel has collaborated with seven Italian chefs and restaurants for the event. Expect Giglio, Italian Osteria, L’Oliva, Cetara, Appia, Pizza Massilia and Peppina. Highlights include La porchetta, Pizza finocchiona, Arrosticini abruzzesi and Spaghetti alla chitarra al ragù delle. An Italian guest bartender will be on hand to mix up classic aperitivi — think Negronis and Spritzes, while live entertainment and a unique lucky draw with a grand prize will enhance the festivities. Meanwhile, for two nights only, dive into the magical world of Menton citrons in an exclusive citrus-themed dining experience by chef Mauro Colagreco at Côte, Capella Bangkok. Chef Colagreco will put the prized fruit in the spotlight at a dinner on March 23, and lunch and dinner on March 24. The experience is an unscripted “Carte Blanche” menu of five courses for lunch and seven courses for dinner. For the two days, Capella Bangkok is offering the "Stay In The Mood For Citron Room Package" in a Riverfront Premier room, including dinner dinner for two and breakfast for two the following morning. Visit the hotel's website. Visit the hotel’s website.
Cantonese delights / Banyan Tree Bangkok x Hotel Icon / March 21-22
Banyan Tree Bangkok will join forces with Hotel Icon, a unique teaching and research hotel in Hong Kong, where the focus will be on influential culinary delights and a cultural exchange through a tasting menu. The gastronomic event will include chef’s collaboration dinner at Banyan Tree Bangkok’s Bai Yun, and Thai cuisine showcase at Hotel Icon's The Market. The collab begins with a Thai Food Influence Festival, featuring Thai sous Renu Homsombat from Banyan Tree Bangkok and Hotel Icon’s executive chef Danny Ho in Hong Kong. The festival will bring forth a delightful array of authentic northern Thai delicacies to The Market from March 12 to April 30. From March 21–22, Bai Yun will present "4-Hand Symphony of Cantonese Flavours" between executive Chinese chef Chi Ki Wong from Hotel Icon and Banyan Tree Cantonese resident chef Simon Kin Man Kwok. The two master chefs will join forces to craft an exquisite eight-course culinary journey that blends traditional Cantonese cuisines with local influences. The four-hand collab at Bai Yun will showcase the culmination of culinary expertise that has been honed for decades, perfected with modern techniques, and laced with epicurean flair of local premium ingredients. Diners can expect Jelly fish, Crispy pork and Bird's nest; Hong Kong-style sautéed Phuket lobster; Classic steamed grouper in lotus leaf with a modern twist; and Abalone steak with egg noodles. Chefs Man Kwok and Ki Wong will then travel to Phuket for an exquisite three-day event from March 26-28, where they will present their Cantonese creations at Veya restaurant at Banyan Tree Phuket. Visit the hotel's website.
Mojito week / Diplomat Bar / March 18-24
Partake in Mojito Week at Diplomat Bar at the Conrad Bangkok, which is a celebration dedicated to one of the world’s most coveted libations — the iconic Cuban cocktail. Succumb to the allure of this elixir, whose ingredients include rum, sugar, lime and mint. Enjoy five handcrafted mojito creations, namely the Lychee Mojito, Strawberry Mojito, Tom Yum Mojito, Cucumber Mojito and the Chocolate Mojito. On March 22, for one night only, festivities will reach their peak. Visit the hotel's website.
District party / Soho Hospitality / March 23
The annual Soho District Party returns with a New York theme on March 23, at the front garden of Fraser Suites Sukhumvit 11. Expect a variety of food and drink options from Soho Hospitality’s seven participating outlets: Above Eleven, Charcoal Tandoor Grill & Mixology, Cantina Italian Kitchen, Havana Social, Soho Pizza, Yankii Robatayaki & Bar and the newly-opened El Santo. Entertainment will include DJ performances, hip hop battles, dance performances, make-up artists, a photo booth, beer pong, live saxophonist, street art and more. Tickets can be purchased via Megatix.
Combat office syndrome / Lifestyles On 26 / March 19
Lifestyles On 26 at Centara Grand at CentralWorld will hold a 90-minute revitalising yoga programme designed to combat the strains of office work on March 19. Under the guidance of Kru Nam, a seasoned yoga professional, and crystal singing bowl maestro, the session is tailored to address and alleviate the symptoms commonly associated with office syndrome. The Yoga For Office Syndrome And Crystal Singing Bowl sessions are open for registration. Visit the hotel's website.
Guest shift / Aqua Bar x Bitter Burro / March 20
Aqua Bar will host Taipei mixology virtuoso, Allen Chien, from Bitter Burro in Datong district, on March 20. The collab promises an unforgettable evening of innovative cocktails and flavour sensations. From tantalising twists on classic concoctions to bold, inventive creations, each drink promises a bittersweet symphony that celebrates the complexity of flavour in every glass. Visit the hotel's website.
Chef's table / Centara Reserve Samui / March 21
Illuminating Koh Samui's culinary landscape on March 21 at The Terrace at Centara Reserve Samui will be the "Samui Chef's Table: Baan Suan Lung Khai At The Terrace". The event is a celebration of Thai flavours, with a menu curated by the chef from Baan Suan Lung Khai, which is set in a lush coconut plantation. The collaboration between The Terrace and Baan Suan Lung Khai symbolises a fusion of the best that Koh Samui has to offer. The evening’s menu features signature dishes such as Stir-fried blue crab in coconut sauce, Grilled prawns with green curry, Grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves and Kanom co with young coconut. Visit the resort's website.
Mental health festival / Slowcombo / March 23-24 and March 30-31
Love Frankie, a renowned social impact agency, has announced "We're Being", a unique mental health festival set to take place on March 23-24 and 30-31. The festival will host more than 80 wellness workshops led by industry experts, an interactive exhibition, a curated marketplace, and enlightening talks and panels. Attendees will experience a range of activities, from expressive writing to movement therapies, aimed at building resilient communities and fostering long-term well-being. The festival will be held at Slowcombo, a space known for its commitment to nurturing creativity and wellness. Free admission.
Beach parties / The Standard, Hua Hin / April 13-14
In anticipation of the Thai New Year, The Standard, Hua Hin has joined forces with Corona Sunsets to host DJ-led beach parties. This year’s Songkran Edition will be a two-day extravaganza of fun, sounds and sunsets. On both days, The Standard Hua Hin’s beachfront lawn will be transformed into a playground of sound and celebration as guests revel in the chill vibes and relaxed ambience. Central to the event is the curated line-up of top local DJs, who will spin an eclectic mix of tunes, from bossa and jazz to deep house and tropical techno. A Heinz and Quickie Burger collab will roll in a food truck, in addition to Praça’s izakaya pop-up. On the extensive beverage list are Corona bottles and buckets, chilled rosé, bubbly, white wine, selected liquors and cheerful summer cocktails. Visit the hotel’s website.
STUFF
Beauty hack / Colgate Optic White Purple
Colgate launches its first purple toothpaste, the Colgate Optic White Purple that instantly colour-corrects yellow tones with the very first brush. Colgate Optic White Purple is an all-purple formula, which contains Purple Brighteners in every tube and incorporates Colgate's exclusive and cutting-edge micropolishing technology. The combination of Colgate's advanced technology with clinically proven ingredients helps to remove surface stains, achieving a brighter smile. Colgate Optic White Purple is available at retailers all over Thailand.
Collection giveaway / Lenovo / Until March 31
Lenovo Thailand unveiled its new collectible giveaways for the Year Of The Dragon in collaboration with Line Friends. Until March 31, Lenovo and Line Friends fans can anticipate receiving collectible gifts themed around the 2024 New Year when purchasing selected Lenovo laptops and desktops at authorised Lenovo partner stores nationwide. Participating Lenovo products include IdeaPad, IdeaPad Flex, IdeaPad Duet, IdeaCentre, IdeaCentre All-in-One and Yoga. These New Year-themed gift items showcase the three most beloved characters – Brown, Cony and Sally donning a dragon costume to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Footwear collection / Jim Thompson X FitFlop
Jim Thompson and FitFlop recently launched the "House On The Klong" Collection, a collaboration that marries traditional Thai patterns with bio-mechanically engineered footwear. The collection aims at delivering style and comfort, offering a product that reflects the aesthetic of Jim Thompson’s heritage along with the smart, ergonomic design of FitFlop. Available online and in select Jim Thompson and FitFlop stores globally.
