Isaan chain Cafe Chilli has added a new, chic offshoot to its repertoire. With its colorful patterned tile floor, bright turquoise metal fretwork bar, retro furnishings and rattan flourishes, the venue racks up extra-edgy credentials.

Combining Thai street food faves with an elegant cocktail bar, the chain’s usual northeastern fare is treated to some added wow factor—take the grilled chicken for example, which is sent out the kitchen with a shot of rum; as you're about to dig in, the waiter pours over the shot and lights the bird on fire, sending up wisps of smoke to awaken your appetite (B300).

Old favorites come with imported, premium substitutes like the larb with New Zealand mussels (B250) and spicy Australian beef salad (B360).

Cool your palate with an exotic Bang-Fai cocktail (B400), a mix of Mekhong rum, Cointreau, Thai anchovy, egg whites, basil, mint and pepper, or the simpler Mak Moung Warn (B290) that sees rum mixed with mango, honey and peppermint.