From the first ever MAMA noodle station to the world-famous culinary training school, École Ducasse, there is a lot to look forward to this spring.

By Aiden Jewelle Gonzales

EAT & DRINK

PREGO PATTAYA (pictured above)

Renowned Italian restaurant Prego, whose classic Italian recipes propelled itself to fame since its inaugural branch in Koh Samui, and which has continued to make waves with its Bangkok branch in Amari Watergate Bangkok, has now opened its latest iteration in Pattaya. Offering luxe beachfront dining, the menu consists of all of Chef Marco Boscaini’s most celebrated dishes, including his Risotto alla montanara, which was featured as one of the 100 Best Risottos by The Gallo Guide. The restaurant also has special options for children, as well as stunning indoor dining and outdoor al fresco options, for those who want to enjoy Italian delicacies while basking in the sea breeze. Facebook: @PregoItalianRestaurantPattaya

PASTEL ROOFTOP BAR & MEDITERRANEAN DINING

Having recently opened its doors in Sukhumvit’s lively and renowned Soi 11, Pastel Rooftop Bar & Mediterranean Dining has already taken social media by storm due to its Instagram-worthy, distinctive
design; convivial atmosphere; delicious food and drinks, and sunset views that one has to take advantage of at golden hour. Perched at the top of Aira Hotel Bangkok, their menu is replete with Mediterranean flavours and premium ingredients, and they promise to take you on a culinary journey comprised of their range of appetisers, such as their Sea urchin croquettes or Wagyu ‘petit farcis’; their fresh raw bar options; their sharing plates, including a Gigantic burrata dish with 500g of the deliciously creamy treat; and their variety of mains and salads. Website: www.pastelbangkok.com

TANDOORI JUNCTION

Tucked into Hotel Nikko Bangkok in the buzzing Thong Lo Road, Tandoori Junction has come to Bangkok from Hong Kong, offering authentic Indian dishes packed with flavour. Part of the “legacy passed on to Amit Chopra, CEO of Apple Hospitality Limited,” this homey yet fine-dining restaurant has, true to its name, a menu of tandoori favourites, such as their Tandoori lamb knee; and other classic dishes such as their Chicken tikka, their flavourful Dal tadka, or their piping hot Garlic naan to pair with any meal. They have options for most dietary requirements, including for those who eat halal. Facebook: Tandoori junction

SHAKE SHACK THAILAND

The much-anticipated Shake Shack Thailand, for which Bangkokians have been waiting with bated breath, is finally opening the doors of its fist permanent location in Thailand at CentralWorld this March. Starting out in 2001 as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in New York, the brand has since exploded worldwide, with over 400 locations in countries around the globe serving their signature burgers, fries, and shakes. The location currently has an ‘I Heart Taxi’ mural designed by Thai-Indian artist Navin Rawanchaikul, which shows “a voyage in art and gastronomy”, for those who wish to take a commemorative selfie before the store opens and the queues will inevitably reach a few kilometres long. Facebook: @shakeshackthailand

MAMA STATION

The iconic instant noodle brand, MAMA, whose packets have warmed many a lonely heart abroad who’s missing home, is opening its first restaurant in LPN Park Phetkasem 98 Mini Mall, with plans to franchise it depending on its success. MAMA Station will feature a range of all the best MAMA noodle flavours, from Tom yum kung to Yentafo, and guests will also be able to choose their ingredients of choice. True to their vision of being the affordable option for the masses, all the offerings will start at THB 49, so you won’t have to break the bank to dine there. Facebook: @mamastation.th

BISOU BANGKOK

The urbane Langsuan district has yet another luxe restaurant opening its doors to the public, this time a chic bistro that serves modern French cuisine “with a Parisian attitude”. A charming standalone building surrounded by verdure with end-to-end windows to let the outside in, their menu features seasonal ingredients and a selection of premium wine labels to pair. Although their menu will keep changing to keep things “spontaneous and seductive,” current standouts include their Seafood platter featuring lobster, gamba rora, oysters, and more; and delicacies such as Roasted pigeon, stuffed with mushrooms, foie gras, and eel. Facebook: @bisoubangkok

STAY

IRENE LUXURY BEACH RESORT

Koh Lipe, with its inimitable sunsets and golden-sand beaches, will see the opening of its first-ever luxury pool villa, IRENE Luxury Beach Resort. Comprised of only 16 villas, all with stunning views of the glittering Andaman Sea, individual outdoor infinity pools, sundecks, and in-room pantries; the resort hopes to capture the Thai ‘chao lay’ lifestyle with its sumptuous designs focused on relaxation, and modern amenities. While the beachfront resort offers direct access to the turquoise waters of the sea, replete with water activities during the day; the villas themselves are also ensconced in lush gardens so that guests can enjoy the best of both worlds. Make sure to visit their elegant Bok ‘etto Med-Asian Restaurant & Bar, which offers tapas
to share and Thai delicacies. Website: www.ireneresort.com

VISIT

ICS, A ‘MIXED-USE LIFESTYLE TOWN’

The ICONSIAM landmark mall by the riverside has recently opened the expansive ICS, a ‘Mixed-Use Lifestyle Town’, a THB 40 billion collaboration between Siam Piwat, CP, and Magnolia, three of the country’s biggest real estate developers. On the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River as ICONSIAM, ICS offers 29 floors of retail spaces, including over 200 brands; a smorgasbord of F&B offerings; as well as office and hotel facilities. Part of the space is the premium Lotus’s Privé with only top-quality offerings for those who want even their grocery shopping to be high-end, and the Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok ICS Charoen Nakorn, the first one of its kind in Bangkok. Website: www.iconsiam.com

SOHO HOUSE THAILAND

The worldwide private members’ social club, Soho House, is finally bringing its exclusivity and creative spirit to Thailand, the first in Southeast Asia. Having first opened in 1995 in London, UK, with a focus on creative members of society, patrons of the arts, and those who place values over financial success, since then, the club has expanded to 14 countries with 39 Houses worldwide. Memberships in Thailand range from their ‘Under 27’ membership at THB 2,500 a month with 50 percent off food and drinks on certain days; the ‘Local House’ membership at THB 5,000 a month exclusively for the Soho House Bangkok location; and finally, the ‘Every House’ membership at THB 11,250 a month which gives you access to Houses around the world. Website: www.sohohouse.com/thailand

MARCHÉ THONGLOR

Retail and property development giant Central Pattana is launching Marché Thonglor in March, a massive THB 2 billion mixed-use development which is set to be a new landmark in Sukhumvit Soi 55. A self-proclaimed “curated food and hangout destination” with night and day experiences, the destination will span over 60,000sqm and will be simultaneously a community mall with lifestyle and fashion brands, an F&B destination with Grab & Go stores as well as renowned restaurant brands, a beauty and wellness hub, and a hangout space for urbanites of all ages. Facebook: @marchethonglor

ÉCOLE DUCASSE – NAI LERT BANGKOK STUDIO

The world-famous culinary training school, École Ducasse, is opening a branch in Bangkok in Soi Somkid, together with a café offering their delicious and premium dishes and pastries. Founded under the auspices
of Chef Alain Ducasse, of Blue by Alain Ducasse fame, the school offers short classes, essential classes, and more, for home cooks, semi-professionals, and professional culinary experts. The space will have five kitchens and workshops, a wine cellar, an event room, and even a chocolate and ice cream lab for those who want to channel their childhood Willy Wonka dreams. Website: www.bangkok-ecoleducasse-studio.com

DON DON DONKI THANIYA PLAZA

Japanese supermarket Don Don Donki has opened a new branch, Don Don Donki Thaniya Plaza, bringing its 24-hour service, affordable yet high-quality Japanese products, fresh produce, snacks, household items, and other bulk stock to Sathorn. Featuring Japanese F&B options such as Ramen Go and Sen Sen Sushi, it’s yet another spot to grab a late-night snack after taking advantage of Sathorn and Silom’s vibrant night life.
Website: www.dondondonki.com