Travel to Thailand: Fine dining at Ignive Bangkok! Experience the bliss of Michelin stars

Introducing Bangkok and Thailand, a Michelin-starred culinary destination.

Thailand is a tourism powerhouse in Southeast Asia. Bangkok’s bustling temples, Chiang Mai’s historic culture, and Phuket’s beautiful beaches attract travelers from around the world. With an estimated 39 million tourists expected to visit in 2023, Thailand is a country of vitality and tradition. Located on the 12th floor of The St. Regis Hotel, Bangkok, Ignite Bangkok by Andreas Kaminada, the first Michelin-starred restaurant in Thailand, will open in 2020 and will be awarded a star in 2022. The restaurant offers Swiss-style small plates and refined service. More information can be found on the official Ignite Bangkok website. For tourism information about Thailand, visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand, for more information about Bangkok, visit the official website of the Bangkok Tourism Authority, and for more information about The St. Regis Hotel, visit the official website. This dining experience was a special memory of my trip to Thailand.

Inspired Dinner: A Special Night in Bangkok

While planning a trip to Thailand with my family, we chose Ignive Bangkok for a special dinner in Bangkok. Michelin-starred Swiss chef Andreas Kaminada’s sharing concept attracted us. We booked our four-course dinner (THB 5,500++, about KRW 22,000 per person) through the official website and chose the St. Regis hotel because it’s located directly connected to Ratchadamri BTS station, making it easy to get to, and a tip is to book two weeks in advance and request a window seat to enjoy the Bangkok night view. Despite arriving in the middle of the rainy season (July), the elegant ambiance of the hotel raised our expectations, and with this choice, our dining adventure began.

Restaurant environment: A private space during the rainy season.

The restaurant was almost full as it was pouring with rain and thunder. We enjoyed a quiet family dinner. The restaurant is warmly decorated by Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola in the shape of a ‘nest’. The wood-grained furniture and soft lighting create a calming atmosphere. The small seating capacity of up to 55 guests creates a sense of intimacy. All staff are fluent in English and friendly, explaining the food with a smile.Tip: During the rainy season, check the weather and arrive early to give yourself plenty of time, take a Grab or BTS to avoid getting caught in the rain, and consider taking a taxi to the restaurant. This tranquil space is made for special family time.

Shared Cuisine: Colorful and spicy Thai food

The Ignite Dinner is a four-course meal consisting of 18 small plates. It starts with corn puffs, followed by a variety of starters (seafood and vegetables) and a shrimp dish. The flavors are unique, combining Thai spices with Swiss techniques. However, the overall flavor is spicy, which may be too much for Japanese people. A word of advice: if you don’t like spicy food, ask for “mild” in advance. If you don’t like spicy food, ask for ‘mild’ in advance and ask for a drink with more water to soften the spiciness. I learned a lot about the depth of Thai culinary culture from this dish.

Courses (paths, trails, courses of action, courses of study, courses of study, courses of study, courses of study)	Cooking examples	Features	Advice.
Snacks	Corn snacks	Light spices	Try this first
Appetizers	Seafood, vegetables	Bright and spicy colors	Request Suave.
Main	Wagyu steak	Smoky Scent	Share small amounts.
Desserts	Candy store	Macarons, chocolate.	Choose and enjoy

Maine Beef Wagyu: Smoked and Stable

The main course, Wagyu sirloin, had a nice smoky flavor and tender texture. The accompanying vegetables were fresh and well-balanced, but I’m used to eating beef, so there were no big surprises. The wagyu was carefully prepared by Chef Arne Lien with Thai and Japanese influences, and a tip is that it’s a sharing dish, so it’s best to take small portions so you don’t get bored. Pairing it with a red wine will bring out the smoky flavors and make this main course a very satisfying dish.

Drinks and service: pairing wine and beer

Order a glass of Swiss pinot noir (about 2,000 yen) and a Thai craft beer. The wine is carefully selected by sommelier Francesco Benvenuto, and its light flavor pairs well with the appetizers. The beer is refreshing and mellows the spicy dishes. The staff service is first-class, they are happy to explain the dishes, and a tip: order the drink pairing (around 5,000 baht) to get a deeper flavor experience. They also have a great selection of non-alcoholic cocktails, so the whole family can enjoy. This service made my dinner even more worthwhile.

The impact of the rainy season: thunder outside the window and silence in the tent.

Heavy rain and thunder outside the window add to the unique atmosphere of dinner. During Thailand’s rainy season (June through October), sudden downpours are common and Bangkok is at risk of flooding. The restaurant was full, so the family enjoyed leisurely conversation and food. Tip: Take a taxi (Grab, around 300 baht) or BTS during the rainy season, and always carry a folding umbrella. The atmosphere helped the family bond even more.

Overall satisfaction: The value of Michelin stars and the charm of Thailand.

Dinner at Ignive Bangkok was memorable for its Michelin-starred service and Thai-inspired cuisine. The food was spicy, but I was impressed with the wagyu beef and the warmth of the staff. I’d like to try the milder menu next time. We also got to see the temples and markets of Bangkok, which made the whole trip even more enjoyable.Tip: At around 30,000 yen per person, it’s perfect for an anniversary trip. Notes: This information is based on personal experience and may vary depending on your tastes.

Wise private summaries

Michelin-starred cuisine and serene moments fill the dining experience at Ignive Bangkok. My personal advice is to book in advance and ask for a gentle tasting during the rainy season, and to take the BTS. The spicy Thai food and familiar smiles will quietly remind you of the richness of your travels.