Nikko Cafe (Sukhumvit Soi 23)

After the success of its Ekkamai outlet, Nikko Cafe has opened a second branch. The new spot still puts the precedence on drinks over food, serving up matcha latte (B130) and chocolate frappe (B185), along with desserts like cheesecake (B140) and matcha pudding (B160).   As for savory dishes, it’s all about comfort food—try the spaghetti alfredo (B220)—and they also have a breakfast buffet available daily at B200/person. 

Nikko Cafe (Sukhumvit Soi 23), G/F, Citadines Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 23. Open daily 6am-midnight

Meat Bar 31

Meat Bar 31 is a new steakhouse that serves a variety of premium cuts from the US, Japan, Australia and England prepared by owner Itthi Voranate, a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef who is also the main guy behind Silom's Bitterman and Ari's Barka. The highlight has to be the Australian grain-fed tomahawk steak (B2,950), a 1kg bone-in rib cut which serves at least three. Other picks are the platter of six different cured meats (B800) and lobster mac’n cheese (B240). Dessert include a cup of double chocolate brownie with marshmallow cream (B280), while drinks range from TWG tea (B150) and coffee (from B85) to French house wine (from B200/a glass, B980/a bottle).

El Patio, Sukhumvit Soi 31. Open daily 6:30-11pm; Sat-Sun 11am-2pm

Q&A

Hidden inside a little alley, this speakeasy style bar comes courtesy of the local cocktail specialists behind many of the best drink menus in town. The long, narrow space replicates a classic railway carriage dining car with a ‘20s New York vibe. Just 10 leather-upholstered seats are lined up along the deeply polished bar, where the barman specializes in personalized drinks. Chat to him about your favorite spirits and he’ll pour something to match, or choose from a list of 10 signature cocktails. 

Lab Ramen Burger

Had it with charcoal buns? Tired of gua bao? Fear not, there's a new artery-clogging burger fad in town. Having debuted at the Artbox Market last month, Lab Ramen Burger serves up burgers with buns made from pan-fried house-made soft ramen with a crisp exterior. At B180 apiece, you can choose from beef or pork patty. To highlight the East-meets-West attempt, the burgers are served with mayo-and teriyaki-based sauces, along with rocket and fried shallots. For now, only 20 burgers are available daily at Japanese restaurant Masami Sushi in Asoke, while the next Lab Ramen pop-up events can be found at their Facebook.

Lab Ramen Burger @ Masami Sushi, G/F, Mille-Malle, 66/4 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-663-7287

Tim Ho Wan

Sure, it's filled with big-haired aunties and massive families, but the Hong Kong dim sum specialist is worth braving the queues. With more than 20 cooks in the kitchen, all dishes are guaranteed to be made fresh a la minute--meaning no reheated dim sum. The one-sided placemat menu features 25 dim sum dishes, including the four most popular items: the crumbly baked bun with oozing barbecue pork (B120), the soft pan-fried radish cake (B100), the fluffy steamed egg cake (B80) and the vermicelli roll with pig's liver (B120). On top of these, do try the classic pork and shrimp shumai (B120), har gow (shrimp dumpling, B130) and glutinous rice cooked in lotus leaf (B150). Do note that tables can't be reserved in advance.

3/F, Terminal 21. Open daily 11:30am-8pm. BTS Asoke