Table talk in Bangkok (October 24-29)

Over the past decade, Soi Nana in Chinatown has transformed from a street of traditional Chinese medicine shops into a destination for bars, cafes and restaurants. The latest addition, Cataplana, brings Portuguese and Mediterranean flavours to the area, with Cafe de Nata on the ground floor serving coffee, pastel de nata (custard tart) and bifana sandwiches by day and cocktails and tapas by evening. Founded by Thai event executives alongside Portuguese and Macanese hoteliers and restaurateurs, Cataplana offers shareable small bites, hearty stews such as its namesake cataplana, premium grilled meats and fresh daily raw fish sourced from Phuket. Desserts include dark chocolate mousse, French toast and traditional Portuguese tecolameco, while a Mediterranean-focused wine list rounds out the experience.

2/F 10,12, 2 Soi Ram Maitri, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai. Open Wed-Fri 5pm-midnight, Sat-Sun midday-midnight. Closed Mon 

It’s almost time for Bangkok to embrace the winter breeze and Vertigo TOO at Banyan Tree Bangkok invites you to enjoy it from high above the city skyline with the Honeybee Bloom and Buzz Afternoon Tea. Inspired by the floral sweetness of honey, the experience begins with a selection of savoury bites, including iberico ham on crispy grain bread with chestnut spread and a touch of wildflower honey gel, honey butter chicken bao buns and crispy summer rolls paired with brie, peach and chili honey pickle. The sweet offerings feature lemon honey scones served with mascarpone chantilly and lemon pickle, strawberry-lime mousse elevated by white chocolate whipped ganache and compote and a matcha yuzu dessert with matcha sponge, yuzu honey curd and rose-madeleines – rose-infused honey treats complemented by raspberry gel and fresh raspberries.

Starts at B1,690 per set for two persons. Reserve via 026-791-200 or email Bangkok@banyantree.com. Every Sat-Sun 1pm-4pm 

Bangkok may be the capital, but flavours from every corner of Thailand find a home here. The newest to join the city’s dining scene is Nuea Mek, a Northern Thai restaurant located inside BLOQyard, the creative community space. Founded by Sloane’s Group, the concept grew organically from behind-the-scenes staff meals. Pasta makers from Scarletta experimented with noodles on their machines, while the butchery team fermented naem (pork sausage) alongside pepperoni. These playful mashups inspired something bigger. After months of tastings and collaboration across the team, the establishment was born. The menu highlights include sai oua (spicy sausage), grilled dry-aged Wagyu and vegetarian dishes, all made with ethically raised meats, organic rice and locally grown produce.

190 Phiphat 2, Si Lom, Bang Rak. Open daily 11am-10pm 

Sometimes you just want to enjoy the simple pleasure of fried chicken, and at Joe Wings, you can indulge freely. After bringing their signature chicken to Siam Paragon and The Mall Lifestore Bangkapi, they’ve now opened a new branch in Silom Complex, making it easy for office workers, shoppers and evening strollers to grab a tasty bite. Health is still at the heart of this spot. The team uses canola oil and an innovative fryer that cuts oil absorption by 30-40 percent, giving you chicken that’s crispy, juicy and not greasy. Everything is fried to order, never sitting around, and the same care goes into all menu items. Choose from nine flavours with adjustable spice levels such as american nashville, thai spice up, midnight (our favourite) and garlic parmesan, plus five signature dipping sauces. Where will this cult favourite open up shop next?

B/F, Silom Complex, 191 Si Lom Rd, Si Lom, Bang Rak. Open daily 10am-9pm 

Whether it’s the city’s endless appetite for omakase or simply a desire to change the pace of dining, Bangkok offers plenty of experiences for adventurous eaters. One standout destination is Yellow Tail Sushi Bar at Vie Hotel Bangkok, where expert chefs craft 10 multi-course omakase-style creations each night. Diners savour curated dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients and culinary precision, including rare Kuromame Wagyu from Okayama, prized for its rich marbling and delicate taste. Each course is thoughtfully paired with sake to enhance the flavours and elevate the experience, highlighting the balance, texture and presentation that make omakase dining a true culinary journey. 

Until December 23. Starts at B2,999. Reserve via 020-983-888.  Yellow Tail Sushi Bar, Vie Hotel Bangkok, 6pm-8pm