KHAAN Bangkok: When Thai Street Food Becomes Gastronomic Art
In a city where Thai cuisine reigns supreme, certain restaurants manage to stand out by boldly and creatively reinterpreting traditions. KHAAN Bangkok embodies this culinary excellence, offering an experience where the authenticity of local flavors meets contemporary sophistication. Located on a quiet street in the city center, this restaurant promises more than just a meal: a full immersion into the Thai art of living through innovative gastronomy, supported by an elegant setting and a bold vision.
The Quintessence of Thai Culture in a Contemporary Setting
KHAAN Bangkok is nestled on a peaceful street, just steps away from the vibrant Phloen Chit Road, near Central Embassy, a prestigious luxury mall. This strategic location, between the Chit Lom and Phloen Chit skytrain stations, provides easy access while offering a haven of tranquility. Walking along Soi Somkid, away from the boulevard's bustle, the atmosphere subtly shifts: traffic noise fades, replaced by the murmur of trees lining the street, offering a green escape in the heart of Bangkok.
The name “KHAAN,” meaning “tiger” in Thai, embodies both strength and elegance while conveying positive connotations linked to speech and song. From the outside, the establishment captures attention with its visible kitchen through a stylish opening, creating an intriguing connection between the street and the interior. The minimalist entrance sets the tone for a thoughtful and refined design. Inside, KHAAN harmoniously blends tradition and modernity, combining ancient Thai influences with contemporary elements. Deep shades of red and gold, omnipresent throughout, reflect the timeless grace and elegance of Thai aesthetics.
Thai Street Food Reimagined as Haute Cuisine
Opened in October 2023, KHAAN has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination on Bangkok's gastronomic scene, embodying a harmonious balance of authenticity and innovation. The restaurant elevates Thai flavors by reinterpreting them through avant-garde culinary techniques while honoring the richness of local traditions. KHAAN's philosophy is built on an audacious ambition: to elevate Thai street food to the level of culinary art. Inspired by the vibrant flavors and textures of local markets, the chef reinvents these classics with flawless creativity and meticulous precision. Each dish highlights carefully selected ingredients, often organic and sourced from local producers, adapting to the seasons to ensure a constantly evolving culinary experience.
Recommended by the Michelin Guide 2024 and listed among Bangkok's best restaurants, KHAAN has garnered prestigious accolades, including the title of Best New Restaurant of 2024 by Thailand Tatler. These recognitions reflect the restaurant's commitment to providing an exceptional experience to every guest. Whether you are a fan of Thai gastronomy or a curious epicurean in search of new flavors, KHAAN promises an unforgettable culinary adventure through an 11-course tasting menu. To enhance the experience, the restaurant offers wine pairings with 4 or 6 glasses, as well as a non-alcoholic alternative with carefully selected teas.
KHAAN: The Passion and Talent of Chef Aom
At the helm of KHAAN is the talented Chef Sujira 'Aom' Pongmorn, a rising star of Thai gastronomy. Winner of the prestigious Michelin Young Chef Award in 2021, she has distinguished herself with an exceptional career, blending her family's culinary heritage with collaborations alongside some of the biggest names in fine dining. Originally from Bangkok, Chef Aom grew up in a family of culinary artisans, where she was introduced to Thai culinary traditions at a young age.
Her career began at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, where she honed her craft alongside internationally renowned chefs. Building on this experience, she explored various domains, from molecular gastronomy at Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin to the creative interpretation of Pad Thai at Baan Phadthai, recognized by the Bib Gourmand, and finally to the culinary direction of the Michelin-starred Saawaan. In 2023, Chef Aom opened KHAAN, marking a new chapter in her already impressive journey. This restaurant reflects her vision: transforming Thai street food into a refined and contemporary gastronomic experience.
A Culinary Journey in 11 Acts
We experienced an exceptional gastronomic journey through a sumptuous 11-course tasting menu, enhanced by the perfect pairing of four carefully selected wines. The meal began with delicate and daring amuse-bouches, including a finely crafted eggshell filled with crab meat infused with Southern Thai curry. The spicy flavors, balanced by the subtle sweetness of coconut, revealed exquisite complexity. This opening tableau was accompanied by a South African wine, I Am The Ninja, with deep and intense aromas.
Each dish was a culinary masterpiece. Among them, an Andaman tiger prawn, elevated with homemade candied lemon and a touch of coconut freshness, served with a tomalley biscuit, a creamy preparation from the crustacean's liver and pancreas, topped with tiny whole shrimps.
The signature dish, a grilled rice field crab served with sticky rice, offered a playful and memorable experience. Carefully unwrapping the leaf that encased the rice to dip it into the smoky crab meat added a tactile and immersive dimension, magnified by a glass of Loimer Grüner Veltliner Kamptal.
We then enjoyed fermented Sangyod rice, accompanied by a dry-aged radish aged for 60 days and Thai borage leaves, known as pak krachae. The aromatic notes of these leaves provided unique freshness, while the radish offered a remarkable crunchy contrast. This was followed by an elegant reinterpretation of Tom Kha, highlighting Barron Point and Surat Thani oysters, accompanied by lacto-fermented king oyster mushrooms. A creamy sauce and Surat Thani oyster powder enriched the coconut and galangal-based broth, achieving perfect balance between depth and refinement.
A refreshing watermelon interlude prepared us for the seasonal fish, freshly caught and served in a spicy Thai bisque with Thai basil. This was followed by Khao Yai duck, cooked in a fragrant five-spice curry, served with Paka-Um-Pun rice and roasted pineapple. This complex and generous dish paired wonderfully with a Château Argemonia 2018 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru.
A light pre-dessert of pineapple cream and basil offered a delicate transition to the final dessert: a modern reinterpretation of a Thai classic. The ripe seasonal mango, accompanied by sticky rice and mung beans, evoked both sweetness and nostalgia. To conclude this feast, refined mignardises were served: a pineapple shot, an intriguing stick, a marshmallow, a pandan tart, and a lime chocolate. Each bite marked the end of an unforgettable dinner, a true celebration of culinary excellence.
My Opinion
KHAAN deeply impressed me with its ability to magnify the very essence of Thai cuisine. Each dish transcends simple reinterpretation to offer an immersive experience where every bite reveals a new discovery. The harmonious balance between tradition and modernity is masterfully executed with remarkable finesse. A destination that redefines standards and establishes itself as a must-visit culinary reference in Bangkok.
Practical Information
A big thank you to KHAAN for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain free in my opinions in this article!
