Bo.lan

Bo.lan was opened in 2009 by two chefs, Duangporn Songvisava and Dylan Jones, whose nicknames, Bo and Lan, give the restaurant its name. Both trained in Thai cooking in London before returning to Bangkok with a mission to cook Thai food the traditional way, based on old recipes and memorial cookbooks, and with a strong focus on sustainability. The restaurant moved to its present house on Sukhumvit Soi 53 some years ago and holds one star in the Michelin Guide Thailand 2026.

The founding principle is simple and strict: the kitchen uses only ingredients and seasonings produced within Thailand. That means no imported wine vinegars, olive oil or foreign cheeses; instead the team works with Thai farmers, fishermen and small producers, makes its own curry pastes, and ferments and preserves in-house. Meals are served as set menus, or samrub, in which several dishes arrive together and are shared at the table, much as they would be in a Thai home. A typical meal combines a curry, a relish with vegetables, a soup, a salad and a stir-fry, balancing hot, sour, salty and sweet flavours. Drinks include Thai wines, spirits and inventive non-alcoholic options.

Lunch is served from Friday to Sunday and dinner from Thursday to Monday, so the restaurant is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; check the exact times on the official website, as they have changed recently. Book online through TableCheck or by phone, and tell the team about allergies, dietary restrictions or health conditions when you book, as the set-menu format makes last-minute changes difficult.

Bo.lan suits diners who want to understand traditional Thai food in depth, and its relaxed, homely setting suits couples, friends and small groups. Spice levels are true to the recipes, so mention your tolerance. Allow around two and a half to three hours for dinner. Prices are in the upper range, but generally lower than those at the city's most famous tasting-menu restaurants.

The restaurant is at 24 Soi Sukhumvit 53 in Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, close to Thong Lo BTS station, which is about ten minutes' walk away. The cafés and bars of Thong Lo and Ekkamai are close by, and Gaggan on Soi 31 is a short taxi ride.