This was published 9 years ago
Where to eat in Bangkok, Thailand: Chef Gaggan Anand
Gaggan Anand Credit: Yasin Wetchwittha
Gaggan Anand of Gaggan, Bangkok
Born in Kolkata and trained by Spanish genius Ferran Adria, Gaggan Anand's eponymous modern Indian restaurant in Bangkok is ranked third among Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, and seventeenth on the World's 50 Best list. Gaggan will present a workshop on March 9 at the 2015 Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Summit in Singapore. See theworlds50best.com, eatatgaggan.com.
WHERE'S YOUR FAVOURITE TABLE IN BANGKOK?
Ginza Sushi Ichi, a fantastic Japanese restaurant. I really enjoy Japanese food, and here I can get my favourite sushi made from seafood that's been freshly flown in direct from Tsukiji. It's like eating in Japan. See sushichi.com.
YOUR BIGGEST LOCAL FOOD FIND OF THE PAST YEAR?
The Eathai food court with a street food concept in the Central Embassy Mall. The food is offered from stalls and carts so it has elements of the culture and camaraderie of street food stalls, but in an upscale setting. See centralembassy.com.
IS BANGKOK'S BEST-KEPT FOOD SECRET?
Those old ladies with big smiles selling som-tam (green papaya salad) on the streets. It's humble street food, but personally I think no one can compete with them on taste.
FAVOURITE INDULGENCE IN BANGKOK?
For great cocktails, I love Smalls bar in the Sathorn district. For food and wine, I love this restaurant called Eat Me. To me it's a soul food restaurant. After wrapping up for the day at my restaurant Gaggan, I can relax with my favourite Thai chili and basil pasta and a glass of wine. It helps that they're open until late at night. See facebook.com/smallsbkk; eatmerestaurant.com.
WHAT'S HOT IN THE AREA RIGHT NOW?
It's "hot" but maybe a little overused – I see lots of "industrial chic" design themes in cafés, bars and gastropubs.
BEST TIME TO VISIT AND WHY, FOOD-WISE?
Thailand is a 365-day country – we don't have seasons so it's always warm and all the food is good all year round. But personally I love the "winters" here. It's just pleasant and not too hot.
PLACE TO GO ON A DAY OFF?
Check out the local floating markets. Avoid the "tourist trap" ones and track down the authentic ones that are really worth seeing. Look for the Bang Nam Pheung floating markets, or as the locals call it, the talad nam bang nam phueng, if that helps.
WHAT SHOULD A VISITOR AVOID, FOOD-WISE IN BANGKOK?
A tom yum kung pizza. As a concept it can be enticing, especially for people who love tom yum and pizza – but together, it's a total disaster. If you don't trust me, try it for yourself … but you will remember my advice.
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