For years, the leafy enclave of Soi Somkid was a quiet residential secret, known mostly for the historic Nai Lert Park and the looming, ultra-luxe arrival of the Aman Hotel. But follow the glow of a warm window just past the park gates, and you’ll find KHAAN – a restaurant that is quietly “proclaiming” (as its name suggests in Thai) a new era for the city’s fine-dining scene. It is a fusion of Thai street food made with local ingredients and clean, modern, fancy presentations. LocalsInsider’s Alex has heard about this place but it was this time we explored it, and here are our photos and notes from the dining experience.
The Visionaries Behind the Roar
The magic of KHAAN comes from the partnership between the owners and their star at the helm, Chef Sujira “Aom” Pongmorn. Chef Aom is a powerhouse in the Bangkok food scene; she was the very first recipient of the Michelin Guide’s Young Chef Award in 2021.
Born into a family of cooks on Charoen Krung Road, she started cooking at age six. Her journey from the prestigious Mandarin Oriental apprenticeship to opening KHAAN as her “solo project” shows in every bite. She and the owners have created a space that isn’t just a restaurant, but a “proclamation” (the meaning of Khaan in Thai) of pride in Thai heritage.
The Scene
The interior is a study in minimalist restraint. With space for fewer than 20 guests—roughly ten well-spaced tables—the vibe is more “private salon” than “busy bistro.” Deep ruby banquettes contrast against textured, muted walls, creating a focused stage for what matters most: the story on the plate. Here, the service is refreshingly “easy.” There is no stiff formality; instead, you’re encouraged to ask about everything. The staff operates with an open-book policy, eager to discuss the provenance of a specific herb from the North or the traditional fermentation of a southern shrimp paste.
What to Order
The 11-course tasting menu is a journey across the map, but two moments truly define the experience:
- The Crocodile Tongue: This is the dish that lingers in your memory. Reimagined through a fine-dining lens, the tongue is prepared with such precision that it loses any “gamey” reputation. Instead, it arrives with a texture remarkably similar to soft, fatty bacon. Served with a vibrant pad cha sauce (a mix of fingerroot, holy basil, and green peppercorn), it is a masterclass in how “wild” ingredients can be made sophisticated.
- The Local Pour: Don’t skip the wine pairing. KHAAN spotlights the growing viticulture movement north of Bangkok, frequently featuring labels from the Khao Yai region. It’s a rare chance to see how Thai Terroir stands up against the country’s notoriously complex spice profiles.
The Grand Finale
As the meal winds down, the presentation takes a theatrical turn. The desserts and petit fours are served in exquisite wooden commode boxes. Opening each tiny drawer feels like a curated discovery—a playful nod to the “treasure” found in traditional Thai sweets, from “forget husband” sticky rice to seasonal mango variations.
KHAAN manages that rare feat in a city as saturated as Bangkok: it feels personal. It’s a high-detail, low-volume sanctuary where the ingredients do the talking, and the conversation is always worth joining.
KHAAN Thai Fine Dining Restaurant Bookings and Address:
Hours: Open daily from 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Address: 14/3 Soi Somkid, Khwaeng Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand (Located just off Ploenchit Road, adjacent to Nai Lert Park)
Phone: +66 92 441 6547
Website: khaanbkk.com
