Nirai Kanai

Among the many Japanese restaurants in Bangkok, Nirai Kanai is unique for its Okinawa-style interiors, which brings the beach atmosphere from Japan’s southern islands to Bangkok – you can almost feel the sea breeze when you enter the restaurant. Nirai Kanai, which means “heaven of happiness,” is a famous chain restaurant from Tokyo. There are two branches in Bangkok: one at Sukhumvit 26 and another in Thonglor 11 (this branch is a favorite place for Time Out Bangkok meetings). Don’t miss the melt-in-your-mouth Okinawan braised pork belly, or try the kumesen, soju and soda water mixed with orange juice for a real taste of Okinawa. Friday and Saturday nights are more enjoyable – live music played on a shamisen, a local Okinawan musical instrument, accompanies your delicious meal, and brings you – as the restaurant’s name suggests – to heaven.