RESTAURANT: Chunky

This trendy cafe-slash burger institution serves up creative burgers and brunch dishes made by former members of Thailand’s national culinary team. Go full-on comfort with the all-American Chunky beef burger (B295), made with Australian beef patty and a house-made mayo-based “secret” sauce. Meanwhile, brunch dishes (served till 4pm) also play with the burger concept, like the croque madame-derived “holy cheese burger” (B295) and Benedict burger (B260).

110/1 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 087-508-2312. Open Tue-Sun 11am-10pm
 

RESTAURANT: Siam Tea Room

At this Thai restaurant inspired by a Western deli, expect to find classic Thai cuisine dishes with nostalgic flavors, like the yum som chun (spicy salad, B180) which combines the tanginess of pomelo, green mango and som sa (Thai bitter orange) with braised pork belly and fried fish. Desserts get some Western twists courtesy of pastry chef Alfred Markel (who also takes care of the bakery section), like the delectable toasted brioche with pandan custard and young coconut meat (B180).

Marriott Marquis, Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-059-5999. Open daily 7:30am-11pm

RESTAURANT: Hunter Poke

This restaurant specializes in poke, a Hawaiian raw fish salad, which is a big deal in New York and the US West Coast right now. Poke bowls see raw fish salad perched atop Japanese rice, kind of like a sushi rice bowl. Here, they offer their own signature options to suit Thai tastes, like “Bangkok Dangerous” (barramundi, cucumber, guava, Asian pear, fried whitebait, fried shallots and Thai seafood sauce, from B119) and “The Classic” (salmon, mango, pomelo, avocado, fried shallots, spicy mayo and house-special shoyu, from B159). You can also build your own bowl.

B1/F, Interchange, Sukhumvit Rd., 092-691-3901. Open Mon-Fri 11am-7pm; Sat 11:30am-3pm

RESTAURANT: Slanted Taco

This Mexican restaurant owned by Jorge Bernal (previously of Sabroso and the former incarnation of Tacos & Salso) is all about comforting fare in a casual setting. On the menu, expect to find classics like guacamole and chips (B200), burritos (from B210) and quesadillas (from B200). Big timers can also tackle “El Diablo," a 1.5kg wet burrito, stuffed with all the aforementioned fillings, plus Mexican rice, beans and a spicy hot sauce. Yours for B999. 

16 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-258-0546. Open Mon-Fri 4pm-1am; Sat-Sun 2pm-1am

RESTAURANT: City Skyline

If you’re looking for a real, no-frills, hearty American diner, this is the place to go. All about American comfort food, expect to find breakfast dishes like six-inch pancake stacks (B116) served from as early as 7am, while lunch and dinner come as hearty, carb-heavy picks like ribs (B355 for a quarter rack) and mac ‘n’ cheese (B395). It’s all set in a casual space accompanied by strangely refreshing country music, perfect for both a morning meal or late-night munchies.  

36/9 Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-664-4300. Mon-Fri 7am-8pm; Sat-Sun 7am-2pm

PARK: Suan Pa Benjakitti

This 61-rai park in the heart of the city comes as an extension of the popular, picturesque Benjakitti Park, featuring clusters of trees organized in blocks to create small forests, with a smooth concrete path providing space for runners and bikers. While it opened some six months ago, many people are still unaware of it—meaning now’s the best time to visit if you want a peaceful, quiet jog in the middle of the city. 

Ratchadapisek Rd. (next to Queen Sirikit National Convention). Open daily 5am-9pm

BAR: Sky on 20

Sitting 26 floors above the city, this open-air rooftop bar offers laidback garden views and views of both Sirikit Lake and Benjasiri park. The prices, however, are not as sky-high, with cocktails starting from a friendly B250. They come courtesy of Portuguese bar manager Joao Dos Santos, who previously worked as head bartender at the Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa by Anantara in Abu Dhabi.  Try the apple and vanilla margarita (B300), which features a lemon juice twist to help cut through the sweetness.

26/F, Novotel Bangkok Hotel, 19/9 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-009-4999. Open daily 5pm-2am

RESTAURANT: Kisso

After a complete makeover, this Japanese restaurant now boasts a sushi featuring hard-to-source fish sourced directly from a Tokyo supplier. Expect a fairly classic menu, despite the requisite twists and signature dishes. They’ve also just introduced an unlimited a la carte Sunday lunch priced at B2,100 per head which gives you unlimited picks from the set menu.

8/F, Westin Grand, 259 Sukhumvit Soi 19, 02-207-8000. Open daily noon-2:30pm, 6-10:30pm

CONDOMINIUM: THE ESSE at SINGHA COMPLEX

This brand new mixed-used development combines a luxury condominium, office and mall all into one compound to create a new living experience. Just minutes away from MRT Petchaburi station, it's ideal location means the convenience and lifestyle trends of Asoke are just steps away. Presales take place this Mar 4-5. Fully furnished starts at B8.6 million. Register to receive special privileges at http://www.singhaestate.co.th/singhacomplex/condo or call 1221 for more information. 

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