It’s hard not to smile when you open the door to a posh izakaya and they’re blasting DMX. Such was the case when Ki Izakaya finally opened on Friday on the 9th floor of the Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, a mix of luxe and lively.

In the kitchen is Chef Hiroyuki Yokoyama, serving up izakaya faves with a fine dining twist. Sure, you’ve got the chicken yakitori, A5 wagyu ribeye, and salmon yukke—but you’ve also got a little bit of adventure in the dashi liquid burrata and a chicken liver pate. 

For the sake lover, Ki Izakaya features a flight of sake ranging from Hiroshima, Aichi, and Ishikawa prefectures—all accompanied by a resident sake master who can take diners through the reasons behind the flavors. The highballs here are sugary sweet and beer is on offer for a less sophisticated (though probably longer) night.

An origami folding station, sake master, and sake cup making area greet guests on entrance, a delightfully festive greeting for one of the most luxurious hotels north of Lumpini. The decor is classy-kitschy with Japanese imagery (and memes) that add a blast of style and schmaltz, meant to capture the alleys of Osaka and Kyoto. 

This sundown izakaya is as fashionable and upscale as one would expect from Sindhorn Kempinski, but also has room in its spirit for a DJ and maybe even a little dancing if you get enough sake down you.

Sindhorn Kempinski,  80 Soi Ton Son, Lumphini, 2 095 9999

Reba, a chicken liver pate with shokupan.

Breaking the seal as the sun goes down.

Charcoal tossed Hokkaido pork.

Small bites at the bar.

Burrata, dashi with scallions, bonito flakes, and an heirloom tomato.