Spectrum Lounge & Bar is one of Bangkok’s most enticing sunset rooftop dinging destinations

Rooftops have a special place in this city-dweller’s heart. In fact, in a vibrant environment like the city centre of Bangkok, where backyards are non-existent, the innate urge for any city slicker to gather on rooftops in an urban jungle of skyscrapers is more frequent than not. The highest point of the building is our version of ‘the wild’ – an open-air space where we congregate to eat, drink, converse, laugh, and simply have a grand old time. So, when I received the opportunity to visit the suave and sophisticated Spectrum Lounge & Bar, located atop the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, I was eager to bask in its stunning views, the cool breeze of higher elevations, and the electrifying atmosphere of the evening sky. As the kids say nowadays, “It’s a vibe!”

THE AMBIANCE

The style and elegance, spanning three separate floors, were designed by the renowned Japanese design firm Super Potato, creating a warm, welcoming, and relaxing ambiance. Complemented by various Thai art pieces, musical instruments, and intimate lighting, the lounge and bar on the 29th floor are inspired by modern-day metropolitan penthouses. The residential-style space is incredibly versatile, going beyond the usual dining experience. By day, it can serve as an event lounge, ideal for meetings, product launches, and even smaller wedding events. During evenings, the space transforms into a Bond-like venue for live music, stylish drinks, and delicious food.

The fun is turned up a notch on the 30th floor, providing a space for an open-air rooftop bar with stunning views and up-tempo beats from a live DJ. With a fantastic mix of crafted cocktails, wines, and premium beverages, this can easily serve as a fun and relaxing date night. At the top, however, on the 31st level, is an exclusive area for private events with a 360-degree view of Bangkok. With the risk of sounding ridiculously cliché, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world with champagne in hand.

THE CULINARY SELECTION

Admittedly, I was applauding the vibes alone, reserving my opinions on the food as an afterthought. How could they possibly top the penthouse-like space with stunning views and cocktails churned from two different bars? They did, indeed, top the overall experience with their brilliant menu. My friend and I were spoiled with Spectrum’s must-try selections, such as the Kagoshima wagyu kushiyaki (THB 600++), a unique, rich Kagoshima Wagyu beef, known for its exceptional marbling and buttery smoothness once bitten. Another beef wonder, with its tender-to-the-touch, rich marbling, and juicy satisfaction, was the exquisite USDA prime tenderloin A5 200g (THB 2,800++).

The beef dishes weren’t the only stars of the show, as items like the classic Spanish gambas (THB 500++), prawns sautéed with garlic and dried chili, and served with warm focaccia bread, balanced out the other bold and brave flavours. The Japanese snow crab salad (THB 600++), plated with crispy truffle tapioca, celery, and shallots, blended with mayo, and topped with crab roe, made it more difficult to choose a favourite. Not to mention, we were nearly swept away by the Hokkaido scallop, garlic butter sauce (THB 950++), a dish with succulent, premium Hokkaido scallop, wonderfully seared to obtain its natural sweetness and freshness. Adding to this zesty affair was the Mushroom arancini with mozzarella cheese, spicy tomato sauce (THB 420++), crispy risotto balls stuffed with mushrooms and melted mozzarella, and topped with spicy tomato sauce.

Sweetening the meal was a trio of desserts, each better than the previous. Spectrum’s kitchen puts its own twists on a couple of Italian classics. First, the Tiramisu with dark chocolate shell (THB 380++), which leaves little to the imagination; a tiramisu wrapped in a crisp dark chocolate shell, offering a balance of the richness of espresso and the bittersweet crunch of the cocoa. Second, two versions of wine-fused Italian gelato (THB 300++), a Pinot Bianco version (white wine) and the Sangiovese (red wine). The latter made it increasingly difficult to put my dessert spoon down.

And if that wasn’t enough, after indulging in the bar’s signature cocktails: In love with spectrum, Rock with you, Mad romance, Miss independent, and Lady spectrum (all THB 520++), we were also fortunate enough to sip from an impressive list of wines.

THE MASALA CHOICE

The Spaghetti truffle carbonara (THB 680++), a pasta that is so wonderfully put together, coated in a silky blend of egg yolk, parmesan cheese, and crispy guanciale, with the addition of the taste and aroma of truffle, that it took me by surprise. The somewhat overtly oily variety I’ve found in most restaurants has left me underwhelmed, and to a certain extent, disappointed. Fortunately, this plate of carbonara is possibly one of the best I’ve tried in the city, even more so when you’ve been given a list of quality wines that you can pair with. In other words, experiencing this take on carbonara pasta was bellissimo!

SPECTRUM LOUNGE & BAR

1 Soi Sukhumvit 13, Hyatt Regency, Bangkok

Phone: +66 2 098 1234

Open daily: 5:30 PM – 1 AM

Instagram: @spectrumrooftopbkk