Amidst shop windows displaying chic, off-the-runway outfits by upscale fashion retailers —frequent sights at the luxurious Gaysorn Village—the minimalist entrance of Tokyo-hailing Ginza Tenharu looks a tad like a fish out of water. But behind the discreet traditional sliding door lies another sophisticated experienced, and one of the most heftily-priced tempura meals that Bangkok has to offer.
Styled similar to a typical omakase joint, Ginza Tenharu features a completely cramped, blond wood-heavy setting that can cater up to only 12 patrons. A bar counter encircles a cooking pit equipped with oil-filled frying pans and a chopping board that enthusiastic chefs use to elevate typical tempura bites to another level.
The tempura at Ginza Tenharu doesn’t only include battered shrimp and assorted vegetables that are usually served at Japanese eateries in the city. Instead, top- notch ingredients like scallops, sea urchin, abalone and kobe beef also sizzle their way into your plate to elevate your tempura experience. Head chef Kawaguchi Daiki makes sure his tempura is only coated with a thin crust to retain the moisture and freshness of the ingredients.
If you want to get the full-on experience, opt for the 11-course omakase meal (B6,500). The set starts off with a perfectly golden sweet tiger prawn tempura followed by seasonal vegetables and premium bites like indulgent sea urchin wrapped with nodoguro fish and amadai fish. The meal makes a touchdown with a comforting tendon tempura rice bowl topped with fritters of shrimp, onion and oba leaf.
If you’re on a budget, drop by for lunch which offers menus starting at B1800.
The fancy tempura meal at Ginza Tenharu is a refreshing change to the sushi omakase options that have been bombarding Bangkok as of late. Golden, lightly battered meat and seafood is definitely another great way to satiate the high-end appetites of the city’s gastronomic
connoisseurs.