The buzz: Overlooking the Chao Phraya River and Krung Thonburi Bridge, Chon is the signature Thai restaurant of Bangkok’s newest riverside hotel, The Siam. To match the classic views, Executive Chef Blair Mathieson, former head chef at The Chedi in Chiang Mai, promises authentic Thai recipes that utilize the finest ingredients.
The décor: Set in a beautiful Thai teak house that was brought down from Ayutthaya and painted all in black, Chon boasts an impressive array of antiques and collectables belonging to owner Krissada Sukosol Clapp (better known as actor and singer Noi Pru). Expect intriguing curios like a reclining Buddha statue and a vintage dressing table in the dining room on the mezzanine floor. Downstairs is open-air and features a cooking classroom, while the private bar upstairs carries the mysterious air of a secret society.
The food: Classic Thai with a sprinkling of dishes from different regions. And since Chef Mathieson used to live in Chiang Mai, the recommended dishes are, you guessed it, the gaeng hunglay moo (Northern curry with kurobuta pork belly, B400) and khao soi (noodles in curry with corn-fed chicken, B320). Besides the Northern fare, there are favorites like tender grilled chicken served with somtam (B420) and kurobota pork ribs with longan honey and fresh lime (B380). As for desserts, try the woon kularb (chilled rose petal pudding with kaffir lime jelly, crisp rice cake and watermelon caramel, B250). If you want to see how the dishes are prepared there is a chef’s table and also the option of taking cooking classes.
The drinks: Recommended drinks are the herbal tea (rosehip, hibiscus, chamomile and peppermint, B120). Wine by the glass ranges from B425-B625 while beers are B220-B350. Cigars are also available, with prices starting from B500.
The crowd: Mostly hotel guests so far, but we think they will soon be joined by a hi-so crowd dropping in for dinner by the river. Do note that reservations are required for outside guests. Pieng-or Mongkolkumnuankhet
Free shuttle boat from Central Pier.
