Life has changed. Surrounded by uncertainty and anxiety, many of us struggle to come to terms with this unprecedented pandemic. The health issues, economic impact, social distancing, lockdowns, and global travel restrictions have all become part of life as we know it. We can only hope that in the not too distant future, we can visit friends and family while looking back on this period and reflecting on the worldwide impact. We are reminiscing about our last trip before the pandemic; vegan fine dining in Bangkok. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before we can revisit these restaurants and savor their plant-based creations.
Nahm
Located in the upscale Metropolitan Hotel and led by Chef Pim Techamuanvivit, Nahm has continued to entice diners to this award-winning restaurant. Launched by renowned chef, David Thompson has regularly won awards since the restaurant’s inception in 2010; it currently sits at number 22 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and has won a Michelin star in each of the last three years. They offer a multi-course menu with seasonal ingredients throughout a selection of traditional dishes with modern twists.
Mei Jiang
Considered by many to be the finest Cantonese restaurant in Bangkok, Mei Jiang at The Peninsula Bangkok boasts an enviable location overlooking lush gardens and the Chao Praya river. Chef Jackie Ho and his team serve dishes that are both beautifully presented and packed with incredible flavors. The exquisite cuisine combined with the refined ambiance and elegant service makes Mei Jiang a favorite. There are vegan options on the a la carte menu and a wellness dim sum lunch menu, which can be served vegan.
The Allium Bangkok
The Allium Bangkok is a French fine-dining restaurant at The Athenee, a Luxury Collection Hotel. European chef de cuisine, Roxanne Lange is of Dutch heritage, but her refined cooking style is classic French-inspired. Expect impeccably presented food that will impress you with its complexity and creativity. Much of the produce is local and organic where possible; this is an ideal fit for the multi-course, plant-based menu on offer. The restaurant provides vegan fine dining of the highest level where the food, service, and ambiance combine to create plant-based perfection.
bo.lan
Since 2009 on Sukhumvit 53, the husband and wife team of chef Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava and chef Dylan Jones have continued to excite diners with their refined interpretation of traditional Thai food. Number 19 in Asia’s Best 50 Restaurants and boasting one Michelin star, bo.lan’s cooking style, and elegant restaurant design encompasses three dining rooms and an outdoor area. The multi-course ‘Bo.lan Balance’ menu is wholly vegan and takes you on a Thai culinary journey before arriving at a platter of their fantastic petit fours.
If you are dreaming of vegan fine dining in Bangkok, then you won’t go far wrong by choosing any of these four restaurants. Each with their unique styles, but everyone was creating plant-based cuisine that will leave you wanting to come back for more. Let’s hope we can beat this global pandemic and make our dreams come true.
By Paul Eyers