Modern Thai cuisine from celebrity chef Ian Kittichai at his magnificent Bangkok flagship restaurant.
November 27th, 2013
Established in late 2011, Issaya Siamese Club is the embodiment of a lifetime’s journey of cooking by globally renowned Thai chef- Ian Kittichai. The acclaimed restaurant, widely ranked among the upper echelon of Bangkok’s many notable dining establishments, showcases the distinctive modern Thai cuisine of chef Kittichai- reflecting his transition from a childhood assisting with his mother’s street food cart to the glamour of opening much-lauded Thai restaurants in global cities ranging from New York, Barcelona and Mumbai. In a collaboration with Bangkok-based Parisian music entrepreneur Frederic Meyer, Kittichai opened Issaya Siamese Club as his flagship Thai restaurant, fittingly in the same Sathorn neighbourhood where he had spent his early childhood helping push a food cart.
Housed within a splendidly restored 1920’s Thai-colonial style two story residence in a small back street of Bangkok’s Sathorn district- set in an expansive plot comprising lawns and verdant tropical gardens- a tranquil oasis within a bustling urban neighbourhood. The dual concept venue features the Issaya restaurant and dining room on the ground level, with the Siamese Club- an elegant interpretation of a classic, exclusive members club- occupying the upper floor rooms of the converted residence. During the Bangkok “dry” season (November to March) the lawns are transformed into an casual outdoor lounge with colourful bean bags, and dining tables. The boldly idiosyncratic interiors are the work of Chiang Mai- based Danish designer Hans Bogetoft Christensen – a masterful blending of contemporary and traditional Thai decor and fabrics.
Issaya cuisine
While firmly anchored in classic Thai cooking techniques and ingredients, the cuisine at Issaya reflects the diverse culinary influences absorbed by chef Kittichai in his peripetatic global cooking experiences. His modern Thai cuisine features accomplished reworks of classic dishes, deploying contemporary cooking and presentation techniques to create consummate renditions of superbly flavoursome and tantalising dishes. In addition to the impressive assemblage of dishes of the a la carte menu, the Tasting Menu at Issaya– is probably the best option for experiencing the full repertoire of Kittichai’s culinary dexterity. Other menus showcase Home Grown & Organic Vegetables, and the Market Menu represents the best seasonal produce available in local markets.
Stand out signature dishes that exemplify Kittichai’s cuisine include Yum Hua Plee– Banana Blossom and Heart of Palm Salad, Crispy Shallots and Roasted Peanuts in a Chili Jam Dressing; Kradook Moo Aob Sauce– Spice Rubbed Pork Baby Back Ribs Glazed with Issaya House-blended Chili Paste; Hor Mok Goong Mung Korn– Steamed Whole Fresh Maine Lobster, Lobster Curry Custard, Fresh Coconut Milk and Sweet Basil; and the dessert dish- Kanom Koh– Thai-Style Sticky Rice Flour Mochi Filled with Black Coconut Ice Cream, Roasted Cashew Nut, ice cream and Fresh Coconut.
The beverages at Issaya Siamese Club include a concise selection of classic and Thai-inflected signature cocktails- Thai Cosmopolitan– a Thai twist on the traditional Cosmopolitan with Grey Goose Orange Vodka, rosella juice, and a splash of green tea; Issaya Mojito– Bacardi superior rum spiked with the scent of kaffir lime leaves, mint, and lemongrass; and Ginger Basil Kicker– Cazadores Tequila with the kick of ginger and herbaceous basil. A well-stocked wine cellar offers wines from premier and boutique global wine labels- carefully curated to offer harmonious pairings with the often bold flavours of Thai cuisine.
Issaya Siamese Club opens daily for both lunch and dinner. Dinner reservations are strongly recommended as most evenings are fully booked. Issaya Siamese Club is also available for private and corporate events, weddings etc.
Other notable Bangkok restaurants founded by chef Ian Kiitichai include the uber-popular Hyde & Seek Gastro Bar; and Smith– an acclaimed “nose-to-tail” concept restaurant.
Issaya restaurant- indoor & outdoor dining spaces
The gorgeously realised main dining room of Issaya- extending across the front of the ground floor of the restored residence- and open on all sides to the lush greenery of the tropical gardens.
Open-air terrace dining- set amid the tropical garden setting.
The open-air terrace dining area overlooks the kitchen’s herb garden at the rear of the property.
Entrance to Issaya dining room- with the bar counter faced with colorful patterned ceramic tiles.
Front section of the main dining room- the terracotta floor tiling contrasts pleasingly with the vibrant blue walls and antique timber dining tables and chairs.
Elegant table settings in the main dining room.
Boldly striped sofas form a luxurious dining setting within the bay window alcove at the front of the old residence.
A kaleidoscope of colours distinguishes soft furnishings of the sofa setting adjacent to the entrance of the Issaya dining room.
Issaya Siamese Club Lounge on upper floor
The main lounge room on the upper level- furnished with an eclectic assemblage of retro decor pieces- exudes a sense of relaxed sophistication.
Anteroom off the main lounge can be utilised for private bookings.
A handsome private dining room spans one side of the upper floor, including an adjacent lounge space at the rear.
The Siamese Club bar is set within a vivid pink walled room that opens into the private dining room.
Selections from Issaya Siamese Club kitchen & bar
YUM HUA PLEE- Banana Blossom and Heart of Palm Salad, Crispy Shallots and Roasted Peanuts in A Chili Jam Dressing ( Signature dish)
MIENG TUNA- Chopped Fresh Tuna Tartare, Ginger, Peanut and Young Tamarind Leaves in a Palm Sugar-fish Sauce Dressing
MUSSAMUN GAE- slow cooked Lamb Shank in Massaman Curry (Signature dish)
ISSAYA MOJITO- Bacardi superior rum spiked with the scent of kaffir lime leaves, mint, and lemongrass.
Issaya Siamese Club- Thai restaurant & lounge in Bangkok
Address: 4 Soi Sri Aksorn, Chuea Phloeng Rd, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Reservations: +66.672 9040
Website: www.issaya.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/issaya
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday Lunch 11:30 am ~ 2:30 pm Dinner 6:00 pm ~ 10:30 pm
