Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok's Chilli Fest heats up for second serving
The sophomore edition is set to be fire.
If power over spice is power over all, there’s no better place to prove your worth than Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok’s Chilli Fest.
The culinary festival of all that’s fuego is back for a fiery second helping on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Get ready to embark on a scorching adventure filled with mouthwatering dishes from Bangkok's hottest restaurants, Michelin-starred chefs, and even a five-course dinner showcase of a legendary chef.
This year's Chilli Fest is set to be even spicier than before, boasting a global selection of fiery flavors that will tantalize taste buds. Take a trip around the world in one afternoon with delectable dishes from Myanmar, India, China, South Korea, Pakistan, Mexico, Malaysia, Spain, and of course, Thailand.
Spice Seekers’ Delight
At Chilli Fest, one will be able to stroll through a vibrant marketplace overflowing with steaming plates, each one packed with an explosion of flavors. Talented chefs from Bangkok's most esteemed restaurants will be serving up their signature creations, starting at just B120.
Vegetarian and vegan chili-heads won't be left out! The festival caters to all dietary preferences with a variety of plant-based options that pack just as much punch.
Here's just a taste of the fiery talent you can expect at Chilli Fest:
Thep Nakorn: Chef "Ton" Thitid Tassanakajohn, the mastermind behind Le Du, the reigning champ of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, returns with his legendary Thai boat noodles and mouth-watering krapow.
Saneh Jaan: This Michelin-starred gem brings the heat with spicy stir-fried noodles, shrimp with coconut milk and Thai Jinda chilli paste, and pork with lime and Prik Ki Nu Suan.
Inddee: Indulge in modern Indian delights crafted by Chef Sachin Poojary, whose Bhut Jolokia momo and kanthari chili paniyaram with pork and butternut squash sound simply irresistible.
Avant: Chef Haikal Johari, formerly of the one-Michelin-star Alma in Singapore, takes diners on a journey of Asian-infused European cuisine with his grilled koshihikari with mentaiko and coconut, and pineapple gazpacho with mint and gochuchang.
Urban Refugee Kitchen by Na Projects: Spice up your good deeds at Chilli Fest. Urban Refugee Kitchen by Na Projects is serving up heart-warming Pakistani flavors alongside their fight for a worthy cause. Savor homemade veggie samosas, fragrant biryani rice with eggplant or beef masala, and decadent gulab jamun, all prepared by refugee families. Every delicious bite supports their journey to secure housing, food, and necessities in Bangkok.
CANES: An innovative plant-based project where science meets culinary fire, CANES joins the Chilli Fest with a cruelty-free punch. Led by Chef "Son" Siripong Kosol, CANES serves up a taste of the future with their fiery vegan boat noodles with roasted Hua Rua chilli served with Northern-style Kariang chili paste on vegan crackling.
For those seeking an even more intimate fiery adventure, Stock.Room at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok ignites the festival with a limited-seat, five-course degustation menu by the legendary Chef Pongtawat “Ian” Kittichai Chalermkittichai from 6:30-8:30pm.
Chef Ian is no stranger to heat. The reigning Iron Chef Thailand and co-host of the sizzling new Hell's Kitchen Thailand, he's a master of transforming flavors into an inferno. This exclusive dinner offers a front-row seat to his culinary genius, as Chef Ian will craft a menu inspired by his diverse restaurant concepts around the world.
This limited intimate experience is priced at B2,999++ per person and includes entry to the main Chilli Fest, allowing attendees to continue their fiery adventure after this exclusive encounter. Those who are feeling extra adventurous can elevate their experience with a premium beverage pairing for B1,199++ per person.
Beyond the Plate
Chilli Fest isn't just about the food, it's about celebrating the fiery spirit of chilies. Witness the scorching heat come alive with a thrilling fire show. Feeling brave? Put your spice tolerance to the test in the infamous chili-eating competition. Can you handle the hottest peppers on the planet? Step up and battle it out for glory (and a grand prize!). The competition is free to enter, so gather your courage and prepare for a fiery showdown. Those interested will need to register, and contestants will be shortlisted.
While you're indulging in the culinary delights, you can take a moment to explore the Chilli Fest Market. Here, you'll find a treasure trove of locally-produced chili products from That Daeng Sauce, Firepower Hot Sauces and more. Stock up on your favorite fiery condiments or discover new favorites.
For the fashion-forward spice lovers, Akkara Bangkok offers exclusive Chilli Fest merchandise, including t-shirts, tote bags, and hats. And for those who want to wear their love for chilies literally, California Ink Bangkok returns, offering complimentary chili tattoos.
There’s also a higher purpose to the festival — that of giving back. A portion of the proceeds from Chilli Fest will be donated to the Sati Foundation, a local non-profit organization dedicated to improving healthcare and education for underprivileged children and youth.
Gather your fellow spice enthusiasts and prepare to be blown away by the fiery flavors, electrifying entertainment, and the spirit of community at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok. The Chilli Fest takes place on April 27 from 2-9pm at Urban Oasis. The walk-in entry fee is B250, inclusive of a complimentary drink. Alternatively, you can grab an early bird deal at B200 here.
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