The Essence of Paris
By LIFESTYLE+TRAVEL
Café Claire Unveils a Fresh Take on Parisian Bistro Dining in Bangkok.
Led by Executive Chef Remi Verrier, whose experience includes 3-Michelin-star kitchens, the new dishes celebrate classic French techniques paired with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The result is a modern French dining experience in the heart of Bangkok.
Signature highlights include Grenouilles Croustillantes (frog legs with garlic and parsley), Œuf Meurette (poached egg in red wine with lardons and mash), and Bone Marrow Café Claire Style, featuring 48-hour brisket and garlic bread. Other bistro classics range from the Grilled Bavette Steak to the indulgent Soupe VGE with foie gras and truffle.
Vegetarian and vegan options are thoughtfully crafted, such as Gnocchi à la Romaine with pea purée and parmesan chips, and Beetroot Risotto with roasted pistachios. Cheese and charcuterie boards add to the French café experience.
For dessert, enjoy the show-stopping Baked Alaska, light Vacherin with Strawberries, or rich Profiteroles with hot chocolate sauce.
This marks Café Claire’s first major revamp in over a decade, inviting guests to rediscover French bistro dining in a setting of relaxed elegance.
Reservations: Tel. 0 2125 9080
www.oriental-residence.com/bangkok/dine/cafe-claire
By Lifestyle+Travel
Khao Chae Round-Up 2026: Where to beat the heat this summer
When the hot season in Thailand ceases to be a mere conversation starter and becomes a daily survival challenge, the people’s collective palate shifts toward its most sophisticated, traditional cooling mechanism: Khao Chae. Originally a humble New Year’s tradition brought to Thailand by the Mon people, the dish was famously adopted and “upscaled” by the royal palace during the reign of King Rama V, transforming it into an elaborate display of culinary masterpieces. This summertime treat manages to be both incredibly light and remarkably complex. Every grain of rice is parboiled, polished by hand, and soaked in the floral-infused water, and every classic condiment is a balance of salt, sugar, and smoke, meticulously prepared with time-honoured techniques. How to Eat Khao Chae To truly appreciate Khao Chae, there is a specific, almost meditative etiquette to the meal that ensures the delicate floral water stays pristine. Start by taking a small bite-sized piece of a side dish, follow it with a spoonful of the chilled rice and a sip of the scented water, and then finish with a piece of fresh vegetable, such as a slice of fingerroot, cucumber, or green mango. This ritual ensures that each flavour remains distinct and the fragrant rice water is untainted by grease. With the ritual mastered, explore our curated selection of this year’s finest offerings, where Bangkok and Chiang Mai’s top chefs prove that while the weather may be relentless, the tradition of keeping cool is an art form in itself. Khum Hom, Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok Experience Chef Ian Kittichai’s interpretation of the quintessential Thai summer delicacy that has graced family tables for generations. The Khao Chae experience Khum Hom is a masterclass in culinary precision and diligence—premium jasmine rice is parboiled, polished, and bathed in chilled, candle-scented water, served with 10 savoury-sweet, meticulously hand-crafted side dishes, including Look Kapi(Deep-fried caramelised shrimp paste), Prik Yuak Yud Sai (green peppers filled with minced pork and shrimp), Pla Yee-Son Wan (sweetened shredder sun-dried ray fish), and Khai Deng Kem Tod (fried salted egg yolk). The meal concludes on a bright final note: seasonal fruits and kaffir lime suspended in a light, scented syrup—a refreshing palate cleanser that acts as an immediate sensory pick-me-up against the midday heat. Pricing and Packages: Dine-in: 990++ baht per person (All Accor+ Explorer enjoying 10% off) Takeaway Set: 1,790++ baht per 2 persons and served in a woven basket with a 10% discount for online orders and self-pickup Period: 15 March – 30 April (Lunchtime only) T: +66 (0) 2 666 3311 | W:www.khumhomrestaurant.com Bodhi Terrace, Anantara Chiangmai Resort As the northern heat settles over the Mae Ping River, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort unveils its seasonal remedy: a curated collection of summer treats that celebrate the intersection of royal tradition and seasonal contemporary flair—the cooling ritual of Khao Chae and the fleeting, sweet-and-tart vibrancy of the Mayongchid (Marian Plum). What sets the Anantara rendition apart is the precision of its accompaniments. Each bite offers a calibrated balance of textures and flavours, while the Mayongchid is undoubtedly the golden star. The
By LIFESTYLE+TRAVEL
Sky-High Spirits: The Standard’s Boldest Season
Forget silent nights. The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon subverts tradition with a high-altitude festive lineup. Ditch the ordinary for a high-altitude festive takeover. Featuring quirky markets, Michelin-starred hairy crab, and Thailand’s highest countdown, this subverted, sky-high celebration redefines holiday glamour with unrelenting attitude. The Creative Kick-off The festivities ignite at The Parlor with Objects of Desire (Dec 19–21). This isn't your average market; it’s a curated playground of creative merch, fashion finds, and holiday drama. Expect live DJs, DIY workshops—think custom scrunchies and live drawing—and a pet-friendly policy that ensures no one is left behind. When the retail therapy peaks, head to Double Standard for comfort food and festive sips. A Culinary Odyssey The hotel’s dining icons are pulling out all the stops. Mott 32 brings back its cult-favorite Hairy Crab menu, while Tease offers a "Hypnotically Cool" afternoon tea (THB 1,100++). On Christmas Day, The Standard Grill serves a lush semi-buffet featuring roasted suckling pig (THB 1,800++), and Ojo delivers Mexican-inspired singular creations like King Crab Veracruzana against the city’s best backdrop. The Ultimate Countdown New Year’s Eve peaks at Sky Beach and Ojo for Thailand’s highest party. As 2025 fades, disco-house maestro Dicky Trisco and underground icon Seelie take over the decks 78 floors up. Whether you opt for a five-course dinner at the Grill or the all-in "Stay for Midnight" package (from THB 34,000++), you’ll be toasted by free-flow champagne and front-row views of Bangkok’s explosive firework display. The morning after? Recover at The Standard Grill with a "Morning After Brunch" designed to cure any festive hangover. For more information LINE Official Account @thestandardbangkok Tel: +66 (0) 2085 8888
By LIFESTYLE+TRAVEL
Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok Presents the Enchanting Festive Programme to Grace the Season
Dining out transforms a simple home meal into a true event, creating lasting memories. Everyone gets to enjoy gourmet menus, elegant settings, and an atmosphere filled with smiles and joy. Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok welcomes guests to an extraordinary festive season! The Enchanting Programme brings families together for treasured holiday dining and memorable experiences, making it the perfect place to celebrate the end of 2025. Magical Christmas Celebrations The festivities begin with a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony & Festive Buffet on December 3, 2025. Join us in the lobby for the lighting, followed by a dinner buffet at Nourish (6:30 pm – 9:00 pm) with carol performances. Price: THB 2,400++ per adult / THB 1,500++ per child. Christmas Eve (December 24, 2025) • Nourish: Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner (6:00 pm – 10:00 pm) features an expansive international spread. Indulge in fresh seafood on ice (Alaskan King Crab, oysters), a foie gras terrine station, and a carving station with Christmas porchetta and turkey. Enjoy live music and signature Mövenpick desserts. (Price: THB 2,600++ per adult / THB 1,500++ per child.) • Khum Hom: Thai-Inspired Christmas Eve Dinner (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm) presents an elegant six-course regional Thai set menu by Chef Ian Kittichai. Price: THB 2,600++ per person (food only). • Bittersweet: Festive Bubbles & Beats (6:00 pm – 11:00 pm) offers a celebration lounge with free-flow sparkling wine and live entertainment. Price: THB 1,600++ per person. Christmas Day (December 25, 2025) • Nourish: Christmas Day Brunch Buffet (12:00 pm – 3:00 pm) offers a spectacular spread, including Hokkaido scallop, a sashimi selection, a dedicated Raclette Cheese station, and festive roasts like Beef Wellington and Grilled Lamb Rack. Price: THB 2,800++ per adult / THB 1,500++ per child. • Khum Hom: Continues the celebration with its exceptional six-course Thai set menu for lunch (12:00 pm – 3:00 pm) and dinner (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm). Price: THB 2,400++ per person (food only). New Year's Eve Spectacular (December 31, 2025) • Nourish: New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet (6:00 pm – 10:30 pm) features a premium collection including rock lobster, Alaskan King Crab, a sushi/sashimi bar, and festive roasts. Price: THB 3,000++ per adult / THB 1,500++ per child. • Khum Hom: Offers an exquisite seven-course refined regional Thai culinary journey (6:00 pm – 10:30 pm). Price: THB 3,000++ per person (food only). • Bliss Pool Bar: - New Year's Eve Dinner (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm): Five-course surf & turf set dinner. THB 2,500++ per person (food only). - Countdown Party (9:00 pm – 1:00 am): Energetic DJ beats and your favorite drinks under the stars. Starting the New Year Right (January 1, 2026) • Nourish: New Year's Day Extended Breakfast Buffet (6:00 am – 12:00 pm). Start the year with a leisurely long breakfast. Price: THB 900++ per adult / THB 500++ per child. Early Bird Offer: Secure an exclusive 15% privilege when booking with full, non-refundable advance payment by December 15. (ALL Accor+ Explorer members receive 30% off.) For reservations and further information Tel: +66 (0) 2666 3333 Website: www.movenpickbdmsbangkok.com