From burgers to authentic Japanese fare, here’s what to explore.

By Ashima Sethi

New Burger Joint

For a taste of the American diner experience, visit Quickie at Velaa Langsuan. The restaurant has been adorned in red and white, and fitted with leather booths and neon signage that looks straight out of a Hollywood movie. On the menu, you can expect an array of diner classics spanning burgers, sandwiches, milkshakes, soda floats, and more. Their most recommended item is the Quickie burger (THB 190 for a single patty; THB 310 for a double), which looks a lot like Shake Shack’s famous burgers, and comprises of a meaty smashed patty, cheese, tomato, lettuce, and their secret ‘quickie’ sauce. Just as tempting are their brioche sandwiches, like the Cheesy bacon & egg sandwich (THB 190), ideal for a hearty breakfast. Elevate the meal with your choice from their sides including fries, cheesy bacon fries, sweet potato fries, and even truffle mac ‘n’ cheese. Facebook: @Quickiebangkok

New Restaurant

Bangkokians have grown familiar with Suki Masa and Sushi Masa over the years, each providing affordable menus for sukiyaki, sushi, and other Japanese fare. The team behind the two chains have now opened Masa Garden inside of Sukhumvit 39, a restaurant that takes the shape of a quaint house that sits tucked away amidst bamboo gardens. Beyond appetisers, sashimi, and rolls, the restaurant has three main menu types to choose from: shabu-shabu, sumibiyaki, and sukiyaki, with the latter the most recommended as it follows a Kansai-style format that has been around for centuries. This involves dipping the meat into a hot cauldron filled with a rich sauce until cooked, and then enjoying it with other elements of the set spanning rice, salad, veggies, and soup. Facebook: @masagarden

New Café

If you’re looking to escape the city without the few hours’ drive, head to newly-opened The Wood Land in Sukhumvit 52. A ‘food, dessert, and coffee cabin,’ the café sits on a grassy plot with plenty of al fresco dining space. There’s a statement curve-shaped bar with high stools, bean bags dotting the garden floor, and more traditional seating options tucked away on the deck area. On the menu are all the café options you’d ever need ranging from non-caffeinated drinks like hot chocolate, juices, and fruit frappes, to iced and hot teas, iced and hot coffees, filter coffee, and cold brews. Beyond just drinks, the café also serves an array of Western and Thai-inspired snacks, comfort food, and dessert to quell any hunger. Instagram: @thewoodlandofficial

New Izakaya

Now open inside of the Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Ki Izakaya combines the traditional izakaya concept with the Kempinski hotel brand’s signature elegance to create an elevated dining experience. Taking inspiration from the famous alleyway izakayas of cities like Osaka and Tokyo, Ki Izakaya is adorned with plenty of Japanese motifs and murals, cosy seating, and cityscape panoramas, creating an environment that is perfect for a night out with your significant other, friends, family, and even colleagues. In regards to cuisine, the restaurant offers everything from small plates and appetisers to fresh sashimi, yakitori, noodle dishes, and rice bowls that are best enjoyed with their selection of draft beer, high balls, or sake. www.kempinski.com/en/bangkok/sindhorn-hotel/