The Dusit Thani Hotel might not be reopening yet, but the brand is already bringing part of the property back to life. The group has recently relaunched its Dusit Gourmet cafe—which was founded in the Dusit Thani Bangkok over 50 years ago—in some sleek new digs.

Designed like the small, simple kitchen and dining room you wish you had, Dusit Gourmet faces Saladaeng Road from the Baan Dusit Thani development, drawing in passersby with baked goods, quality beverages and a small menu of international and Asian-inspired bites. Once you're in, though, you might be tempted to step back out into the garden, where you'll have to jostle for space to snap that shot of your fresh-baked chocolate bun.

Among the all-day-dining dishes on the menu, the bright, tangy soba noodle and kimchi bowl (B270) stands out. If you're staying on the healthy beat, try the Rice Korean Bowl (B270), which is loaded with broccoli, avocado, chicken breasts and mango. Dusit Gourmet also serves an afternoon tea set (B390) every day. That means a tray full of scones, homemade pastries and the slightly more unusual addition of bruschetta to go along with premium organic teas from the Monsoon Tea Company in northern Thailand. 

While food is the highlight during office hours, craft beers, organic wines and Asian-inspired cocktails take center stage come evening, when the venue transforms into a cozy bar. Socialize indoors or head outdoors to the Garden Bar, where you can sink into oversized loungers in a tropical poolside setting with a cold Whale Pale Ale (B360) in hand.

Hidden away on the edge of the business district, the cafe welcomes a steady flow of guests as evening rolls in and office towers shut down. But it's a pleasant place to be any time of day. Although its original home is no more, the reincarnated Dusit Gourmet is a breath of fresh air, and it shows the Dusit group has a few tricks up its sleeve. Kawee Jarach