Guru By Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.
EAT
Celebrate spring / Red Sky
Red Sky at Centara Grand at CentralWorld is offering a new seasonal menu, showcasing the delicate flavours of white asparagus and earthy morel mushrooms. For a limited time only, chef de cuisine Luca Rosso has crafted a menu that offers Poached lobster and white asparagus with prized morel mushrooms. The white asparagus velouté with foie gras-filled seared morel mushrooms is a must-try, as is the Smoked white asparagus tortelli, which is pasta pockets filled with the essence of smoked asparagus, complemented by Parmesan fondue and Parmesan foam. Celebrate spring with Pan-seared fillet turbot presented alongside a gratin of white asparagus, the sweetness of the vegetable perfectly balanced by a classic Hollandaise sauce. For meat lovers, the Veal tenderloin a la plancha is enhanced by the earthy depth of morel mushrooms, the fragrant aroma of summer truffles, and a rich Madeira sauce. Visit the hotel’s website.
Afternoon tea / Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit / Until June 29
“The Tree Of Life Afternoon Tea Series” takes a romantic turn with the unveiling of “Episode 2: The Tree of Love X Ravipa” at The Library, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, until June 29. The tea artfully combines sweet and savoury delights, along with an unbreakable infinity bracelet for him or a diamond unbreakable infinity bracelet for her, by Ravipa. The Unbreakable Infinity collection not only epitomises timeless elegance but also carries the profound message of eternal love and commitment. The menu includes Red quinoa salad and beetroot foam, Baccala with meringue, Beetroot hummus with prawn sandwich, Smoked salmon truffle caviar, Chicken slider brioche rolls, Classic English scones and cranberry scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, Strawberry eclair, Rose and raspberry chocolate mousse, Ferrero hazelnut, Madagascar vanilla cream, raspberry tart and Belgium chocolate macarons. Visit the hotel’s website.
Salmon spectacular / Ventisi
Ventisi restaurant at Centara Grand at CentralWorld has launched the "International Buffet Salmon Spectacular" every Friday. The buffet features Salmon tartare, Salmon sushi and sashimi, Citrus marinated salmon, Poached salmon salad with tomatoes and olives, Smoked salmon devilled egg and more. Also delight in Crispy salmon flake salad with spicy dressing, Spicy salmon salad with herbs, and Grilled salmon belly with thai-style sauce. For those who crave bolder flavours, the Stir-fried salmon with holy basil, chilli, and fried egg and the Salmon head curry are sure to impress. Visit the hotel’s website.
Khao chae / Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok / Until May 15
Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok has curated a refreshing set menu for diners to enjoy khao chae in the summer heat of April at Flourish restaurant and Lobby Lounge. Indulge in refreshing jasmine rice, khao ob tien (rice smoked with a scented candle) served with fragrant water and ice, culminating into flavourful mouthfuls, along with a range of delectable side dishes, including Fried bite-sized balls of shrimp paste; Deep-fried shallot stuffed with caramelised fish; Banana chili stuffed with minced pork and shrimp wrapped in fluffy egg; Pickled turnip stir-fried with palm sugar; Shredded caramelised pork or shredded caramelised beef; Green mango salad with crispy shrimp; and assorted vegetables. Available until May 15. Visit the hotel’s website.
Special menus / Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok / Until May 31
Cool off with khao chae, which is rice soaked in rose, ylang ylang and vallaris-scented water paired with traditional accompaniments such as Deep-fried butterfly pea flower-stuffed prawn, Deep-fried fish and shrimp paste balls, Watermelon sprinkled with sweet dried fish and crispy shallot and Mixed fruits in citrus syrup granita, at Bangkok ’78. Until June 30, delight in the “Ocean” menu featuring everything from Seared Cajun prawn and mango salsa salad to Seared black cod with cauliflower purée and Spinach and ricotta tortellacci with seared scallop. At Sip & Co, enjoy the “Botanical Afternoon Tea”, a four-tier, sweet and savoury taste sensation with Mini prawn and avocado sourdough, Smoked salmon tartlet, Strawberry tartlet, Mandarin mousse and more. Visit the hotel’s website.
Songkran sensations / Goji Kitchen + Bar / Until April 16
Goji Kitchen + Bar at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park celebrates Songkran with five days of special dining experiences. The “Songkran Sensations” promotion is available until April 16, with options for fun-filled family lunches, couples’ dinners, a lively Sunday brunch and more. On all five days, Goji Kitchen + Bar will invite four of Thailand’s most acclaimed street food vendors to delight diners with their creations. Lim Lao Ngow will present the finest yen tafo seafood noodles, Gonuch Moo Yang Muang Trang will bring the flavours of Trang province to Bangkok with Grilled suckling pig and Chicken satay udom sook, and Khanom Buang Sirinthip will be cooking Thai crispy pancakes to-order. Goji Kitchen + Bar’s live stations, including local specialties such as tom yum talay, som tum and spicy seafood, a spectacular selection of seafood on ice, freshly-shucked oysters, marinated salmon, sushi and sashimi, prime grilled meats (Wagyu beef, lamb rack and crispy pork belly), pan-seared scallops, salt-baked fish (salmon and sea bass), a live pasta station and much more will also be on offer. Throughout April, there will be a khao chae station. Visit the hotel’s website.
Seasonal menu / Shang Palace Chinese Restaurant / Until April 30
Executive Chinese chef Tan Kwan Aik is offering a “White Asparagus Menu” at Shang Palace Chinese Restaurant at the Shangri-La Bangkok. Enjoy Sautéed white asparagus with Yunnan ham and garlic pulp, Braised fish maw with white asparagus in white chicken broth and Pan-seared Hokkaido scallops with white asparagus and truffle for lunch or dinner until April 30. Visit the hotel’s website.
Abruzzo cuisine / Volti Tuscan Grill & Bar / Until April 30
Step into Volti Tuscan Grill & Bar and let the flavours of Abruzzo transport you to the rustic charm of central Italy. Executive Italian chef Bruno Ferrari will offer the pleasures of Homemade ring pasta or savour the slow-roasted goodness of Porchetta. End this journey on a sweet note with “Grandma’s Cake”, a classic recipe that captures the essence of this enchanting region with each bite. A five-course menu is available for dinner until April 30. Visit the hotel’s website.
Shareitage menu / Dom Pérignon x Igniv Bangkok / Until May 31
Dom Pérignon, the legendary luxury Champagne brand, is partnering with Michelin-starred Igniv Bangkok to offer the Shareitage Menu. The menu embodies Swiss culinary traditions paired with Dom Pérignon's prestigious vintage Champagnes. At the centre of the 14-course menu is the Cheese fondue made with Gruyère, Appenzeller and Vacherin. Each course is paired with three varieties of vintage Champagne like Dom Pérignon vintage 2013, followed by Dom Pérignon Rosé vintage 2009 and culminating in Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2 Vintage 2004. End with traditional Swiss desserts, such as Caramel kopflis, Homemade macarons, Fruit jellies, as well as Chocolate treats. The Shareitage Menu x Dom Pérignon Champagne pairing includes four glasses of Champagne. Visit the restaurant’s website.
Weekend buffet / The St. Regis Bangkok / Until April 30
The St. Regis Bangkok is elevating the weekend dining experience with its “Bon Appétit Epic Dinner Buffet”, featuring a selection of French culinary delights until April 30. Served every Friday and Saturday at Viu Restaurant, the all-you-can-eat dinner also offers a choice of unlimited a la carte dishes, freshly prepared and served directly to the table. The dinner blends classic French cuisine with innovative flavours, like the Duck terrine baguette, enriched with a sweet apricot glaze and tangy balsamic grapes. The Camembert spinach quiche Lorraine and Confit de canard is paired with Truffled potato Dauphinoise as is the Slow-cooked nine-hour veal cheek Bourguignon with wild mushrooms. The Sauvignon blanc wild berries ragout mille-feuille and Dark cherries crème brûlée offer a perfect end to the meal. Visit the hotel’s website.
Beach drinks / Banyan Tree
Banyan Tree Krabi’s Kredkaew Bar shakes things into gear with happy hour. This beachfront venue faces the uninhabited limestone cliffs of Phang-Nga Bay jutting from the sapphire seas of the Andaman, a perfect place to plant yourself as the last rays of the sun descend. Meanwhile, on the other southern Thai coast, at Banyan Tree Samui, the “Sundowner Happy Hour” is a “Buy One, Get One” offer at the Lobby Lounge where guests enjoy a spectacular vertiginous vista overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Connoisseurs of Thai cuisine may be interested to know of two of star attractions — Banyan Tree Samui’s Tom Yum cocktail, which is infused with galangal, chilli and kaffir lime leaves; and the rum-and-coconut cream-based Khao Niew Mamuang cocktail, a sweet creamy way to end the week at Banyan Tree Krabi. Visit the hotels’ website.
Grocerant takeover / Chef Ferran Tadeo Domènech x Vivin Grocery / Until April 30
Catalan native, chef Ferran Tadeo Domènech of Embassy Room, Park Hyatt Bangkok, will be cooking a Thai-Spanish-inspired gazpacho recipe at Vivin Grocery, featuring organic tomatoes and tom yum paste by Blue Elephant. Chef Domènech’s “Tom Yum Gazpacho” will be served until April 30 at Asok and Thong Lor branches of Vivin Grocery and alongwith the spices and tomatoes, the gazpacho will have organic fennel and pink radish, Caña de lomo, red onion, organic Mulberry vinegar and a blend of herbs. Visit the restaurant's website.
New branch / Taco Bell
Taco Bell has set up shop at Bull Market in Patong, Phuket. To celebrate the opening of the new branch, Taco Bell has launched a special promotion called “Everyday Is Taco Day" until April 21. Buy any of the three Taco Combo sets — Double taco supreme combo, Double crispy chicken tacos combo, or 2 Double decker tacos combo — to receive a free Crunchy taco. The offer is limited to one person per order per day.
TRAVEL
Neykor tour / DrukAsia / May 5-15, Oct 3-12
DrukAsia, the Bhutan travel specialist, has launched the Neykor Tour, a nine-day expedition led by Khedrupchen Rinpoche, set in the breathtaking landscapes of Bhutan. Khedrupchen Rinpoche is a revered Tibetan Buddhist master, recognised as a “tulku" (a reincarnated lama or teacher), and known for his teachings and humanitarian efforts in promoting Buddhism and spiritual well-being around the world. The tour is designed for those who seek to integrate spiritual wisdom with practical business strategies, offering a transformative experience that promises to redefine the conventional pathways to success. The first tour is scheduled to begin from May 5-15 and another tour from Oct 3-12. Visit the agency's website.
Fly with the fam / Vietjet Air / Until May 31
The family that travels together, stays together. If you're planning to fly with the fam, you may want to consider Vietjet Air's "Family Power Pack", which is available for purchase until May 31 and valid for travel from June 1 to June 1, 2027. You have plenty of time to plan a family vacay well in advance and the offer applies to the airline's domestic and Japan networks. The family pack starts from four flight passes and goes up to 24 passes for domestic travel. For Japan, there are two options for four and six passes. Visit the airline’s website.
Three nights for the price of two / The Athenee Hotel / Until Aug 29
Luxuriate in the grandeur of a themed suite at The Athenee Hotel where you can stay like royalty with 24-hour personal butler service, a complimentary chilled bottle of bubbly with fresh fruits and chocolate, access to the Royal Club Lounge and all its benefits, and B10,000 of hotel credit to be spent in the hotel restaurants, bar or spa. Four themed suites are available, starting from the Royal Pimai Suite, at 178m² with two bedrooms, to the Ratanakosin Suite at 330m² featuring a dining area with a grand mahogany dining table and seating for 10. Each suite can accommodate a maximum of four guests per night. Optional late check-out at 2pm is also included ('cause you never rush a VIP). This offer can be booked until Aug 29 and is valid for the staying period until Aug 31.
Pop-up booths / AirAsia / Until April 21
AirAsia is taking part in Songkran with the "Splashing Joy Across Thailand" concept, setting up booths in Hat Yai, Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai from April 12-16. AirAsia booths at "Hat Yai Midnight Songkran" run from April 12-13, at “Dok Khun, Siang Khaen and Khao Niew Festival” in Khon Kaen from April 13-15 and at Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center in Chiang Mai from April 12-16. At the same time, AirAsia also offers all-inclusive deals on flights to an array of domestic destinations from only B1,000. Book by April 21 for travel from April 15 to June 30.
JOIN
Art exhibition / Le Meridien x Khwai Din Dak Art House / Until April 22
The sculpture collection, “Seed", by Chiang Rai-based Ajarn Chata Maiwong will be on display at Le Meridien Chiang Rai until April 22. With ingenious craftsmanship, Ajarn Chata transforms discarded wood into captivating artworks, breathing life into them. Immerse in the vibrant atmosphere of the "Kad Mua”, a traditional Lanna market and explore a wide array of renowned products from Chiang Rai, also on show. The resort is also offering a "Sustainability Stay for Breakfast” package, which includes one-night in a Deluxe Garden View with breakfast for two persons until April 30. Visit the hotel’s website.
Wellness journeys / Quan Spa / Until April 30
Quan Spa at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is offering soothing therapies to revitalise the body, mind and soul. Until April 30, two special treatments on offer are Office syndrome massage, which is a soothing back, neck and shoulder massage followed by a hot stone and oil treatment, and an Aroma fusion massage and smoothing face mask, which comprises an invigorating massage and an indulgent facial. Visit the hotel’s website.
Laser tag / Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort
Nestled on the shores of Lamai Beach, Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort has launched an indoor laser tag venue. As the premier and sole indoor laser tag facility on Koh Samui, Outrigger’s laser tag centre promises an unparalleled experience for guests of all ages. Armed with cutting-edge technology such as infrared emitting light guns and infrared-sensitive signalling vests, players engage in thrilling battles that test their agility, strategy and marksmanship skills against the backdrop of the resort's glorious natural surroundings. Complementing the excitement of laser tag are Outrigger Koh Samui's renowned barefoot luxury amenities. From the Coral Kids’ Club to the Edgewater Family Beach Club, four pristine beachfront pools, an exhilarating water slide and spacious connecting family rooms, the resort caters to every aspect of a beachfront family vacation. Young guests can also indulge in a dynamic children's activities programme featuring engaging arts and crafts sessions, lively dance activities and a well-equipped games room with pool tables, air hockey and movies in a state of the art insulated movie room. Visit the resort's website.
Songkran fun / Explorar Hotels & Resorts / April 13-15
To mark the traditional Thai New Year, Explorar Hotels & Resorts on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan is organising fun activities from April 13-15. On April 13, Jane Kaew-Yod, Thailand’s flair bartender of the year for six consecutive years and co-founder of Suvarn Bar Samui will take over Explorar Koh Samui for an exclusive one-night event. On April 14, the resort on Samui will host the "Signature Duck Release", which is the release of 1,000 rubber ducks into the 50m olympic sized pool. There will also be water guns for a full immersion in the festivities. On the same day, a "Songkran Market Feast" will showcase a culinary extravaganza with a buffet market-style dinner, featuring live cooking stations serving Thai delights and local culture. On April 15, there will be a "Songkran Blessing" in the morning with traditional music and a water blessing ceremony to usher in blessings for the year ahead. The resort is also offering a "Discover Your Dream Island Getaway" package for a limited time. The "Stay 3, Pay 2" package is valid at Explorar Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, and is inclusive breakfast for two.
Ink art / Ardel's Third Place Gallery / April 23 to May 23
Ardel’s Third Place Gallery will host "The Stroke" exhibition, pairing two artists from Taipei, Lee Kuan Lian and Wang Kuan Ya. Their expressive Chinese ink paintings represent Eastern philosophy through contemporary art. Lian's symbiosis is the ink painting series installation with carpet on the floor. The artwork takes up the space from eye level to the ground, inviting the audience to reflect on inevitable changes in nature for sustainable living. Meanwhile, Ya's Hot Doooog Cart offers a contemporary take on calligraphy art. The required precision creates the beauty that is ordinary, uncomplicated, yet beautiful and poetic. The space of the work functions as much an essential part as the ink lines of Dachshunds, inviting the audience to think about the truth of all things that the human eye chooses to see and give importance to.
Free movies for seniors / SF Cinema / April 13-15
SF+ members are entitled to a free seat for seniors at SF cinemas nationwide but this applies to certain types of seats at World Cinema CentralWorld and Emprive Cineclub during the Songkran festival. The participating movies are Morrison, Lahn Mah (How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies), Mothers' Instinct, Exhuma, Dune: Part Two, Pee-Nak 4 and Hor Taew Tak: The Finale.
