Khaan, Bangkok
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In the ever-evolving food scene of Bangkok, one restaurant is redefining Thai street food in the most refined way imaginable. KHAAN, the brainchild of award-winning chef Sujira ‘Aom’ Pongmorn, offers an extraordinary 11-course tasting menu that transforms everyday dishes into elevated expressions of flavour, memory, and place.
This isn’t just dining—it’s a journey. One that meanders through bustling markets, coastal waters, rice fields, and ancient kitchens, all distilled into a carefully choreographed experience. Each course is deeply rooted in Thailand’s culinary traditions, yet dressed in the elegance of modern gastronomy. It’s a love letter to the streets of Bangkok, written in the language of fine dining.
Chef Aom’s journey started on Charoen Krung Road, in a family of professional cooks. At just six years old, she was already cooking Thai-style omelettes over charcoal. Her professional training took her from the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok to Michelin-starred kitchens like Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin, before she stepped into her own spotlight with the opening of KHAAN in September 2023. Named Young Michelin Chef Thailand in 2021, Chef Aom is passionate about elevating Thai cuisine while honouring its soul.
The 11-course tasting menu (฿3,850++) which we enjoyed with the optional six-glass wine pairing (฿2,450++) is where this vision comes to life. It begins with a whisper of the sea: Andaman tiger prawn, kissed with homemade pickled lime and served atop a tomalley cracker. A nod to Thai seafood vendors, this vibrant bite sets the tone for what’s to come—flavours familiar yet utterly transformed.
Then comes rice paddy crab with sticky rice, a dish that captures the earthy essence of the countryside. Its charred aroma, depth of umami, and texture are comforting and complex, with each element presented in refined harmony.
Next, the kitchen plays with fermentation, showcasing Sang Yod rice paired with dry-aged turnip and Thai borage—a clever reinvention of a simple rice dish into something deeply layered and nuanced. The fermentation adds an unexpected brightness, marrying ancient techniques with modern interpretation.
From the forests and waters of Surat Thani emerges a bold dish of oysters—Barron Point and local Thai—served with lacto-fermented king oyster mushrooms in a tom kha broth. This is comfort food dialled up to fine dining standards, creamy yet fresh, with complexity in every spoonful.
Continuing the voyage, a seasonal catch from local fishermen arrives bathed in a spicy Thai bisque, brightened with shrubby basil—a dish that captures the heat and herbaceousness that Thai cuisine is known for, while spotlighting sustainable sourcing and zero-waste cooking.
A standout of the evening is the roasted Khao Yai duck, nestled into a bowl of paka-um-pun rice and served with a seductive five-spice red curry. This dish is a tribute to royal Thai kitchens, with a sauce so rich and aromatic it demands a moment of silence.
For dessert, ripe seasonal mango meets the charmingly named “forget husband” sticky rice, its chewiness offset by the soft sweetness of mung beans. It’s the final chapter in this culinary narrative, one that ends on a note of nostalgia and joy.
What sets KHAAN apart—besides its food—is its ethos. Sustainability is not a buzzword here; it’s a way of life. Every ingredient is ethically sourced from local farmers and artisans, with an emphasis on organic, regenerative farming. The kitchen practices nose-to-tail and root-to-stem cooking, using fermentation, drying, and other techniques to reduce waste while unlocking flavour.
KHAAN is more than a fine dining restaurant. It’s a cultural bridge, a celebration of Thailand’s food heritage, and a platform for innovation. For those visiting Bangkok and looking to experience the full breadth of Thai cuisine—from its humble beginnings on the street to its polished presence on a fine porcelain plate—this is the place to be.
Book well in advance and opt for the wine pairing—each pour has been selected to complement the layers of spice, sweetness, and umami that define Thai cuisine. You’ll leave not only satisfied, but moved, inspired, and perhaps a little more in love with Thailand.
Location: 14 3 Soi Somkid Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Phone: 092 441 6547
