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Season three of The White Lotus is now well underway, bringing its signature sharp, satirical wit and dark humor to a new backdrop of pristine natural beauty: Thailand.
Like Maui and Sicily before it, season three has showcased its site’s most dazzling landscapes—including its tropical beaches, lush rainforests, and towering limestone cliffs. But for James Beard Award-winning chef Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon, who hails from Thailand, the Southeast Asian country’s true beauty runs deeper than its spectacular setting.
“Thailand is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and not just the beaches and ocean cliffs, but from a food and cultural standpoint as well,” says Suntaranon. The chef helms Kalaya in Philadelphia, an ode to Southern Thai cuisine named for her mother and spotlighting dishes like lamb massaman curry and tom yum, a spicy-sour lemongrass soup crowned with giant river prawns. (Some of these recipes are featured in her cookbook, Kalaya’s Southern Thai Kitchen, and were also featured on her episode in season seven of Chef’s Table on Netflix.)
Suntaranon is happy to see Thailand take center stage, noting, “I cannot wait to watch and see where I grew up on TV.” But beyond seeing her beloved homeland in the spotlight, the chef hopes the White Lotus effect inspires travelers to experience the Land of Smiles firsthand.
Below, the chef shares her go-to stops whenever she visits home. From the sprawling maze of vendors at one of the world’s best markets to the first and only Michelin three star restaurant in Thailand, here are Suntaranon s essential places to eat, drink, and stay in Bangkok.
Wana Yook
Led by chef Chalee Kader, “one of the most humble and talented chefs” in Bangkok, Wana Yook is one of Suntaranon’s favorite meals. “Everything that he does there is well thought-out and so impressive,” she says of the tasting menu experience. His commitment to organic ingredients from local farmers forms the foundation of dishes that remain “balanced from start to finish.”
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
The luxury hotel and resort group is a well-known White Lotus mainstay (see also: Maui at Wailea, San Domenico Palace, Taormina in Sicily) and while much of season three was filmed at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River will also make an appearance. Suntaranon loves to stay here towards the end of her trip to soak up the views of the River of Kings and the restaurants, “especially the Yu Ting Yan Restaurant which has the best Chinese food.” she says. “I also love to have coffee by the river and breakfast in the room in the mornings.”
Sorn
Suntaranon recommends pulling out all the stops to land a reservation at Sorn by chef Supaksorn “Ice” Jongsiri. “It’s the pride of Southern Thai food,” she says of the first and only three-Michelin star restaurant in Thailand, “and just an unbelievable and memorable dining experience in either semi-private to private spaces spanning 22 delicious courses.”
Thong Smith Central Embassy
“My casual go-to restaurant in Bangkok is Thong Smith Central Embassy, where I go to enjoy the beef noodles and so many other things,” she says. Located in the Central Embassy mall, the restaurant specializes in Thai boat noodles—an aromatic soup made with rich, spiced broth, pork or beef, herbs, and the signature ingredient, a little pig or cow’s blood.
Phra Nakhon
At Capella Bangkok, a serene urban sanctuary on the Chao Phraya River, Phra Nakhon restaurant is a must for both the food and the view. “The flavors are spicy, bold, and authentic to Thailand,” says Suntaranon. “I love their crispy pork stir fry so much, and I love the som tum (papaya salad), which is a dish I am very picky about, but they do it right.”
Restaurant Coda
Restaurant Coda, set in minimalist space and helmed by young new chefs, is a recent addition to Suntaranon’s restaurant rotation. “The som tum is a favorite—the presentation is so modern, but it still captures the flavors of a classic papaya salad,” she says. “It’s worth a trip just for that dish.”
Cape House Langsuan Hotel
When she’s traveling alone, Suntaranon likes to stay at the family-owned Cape House Langsuan Hotel in Bangkok, part of Cape Kantary Hotels. “The rooms are spacious apartments, and it’s in such a great part of town by restaurants, shopping, and spas,” she says. The chef is also a fan of Cape Panwa, the hotel group’s beachfront property in Phuket.
BKK Social Club
For an evening out, the chef loves BKK Social Club, the Cuban-inspired bar inside Four Seasons at Chao Phraya River. As a non-drinker, she particularly loves the creative N/A cocktails, plus the good music and lively ambiance—though she recommends making a reservation. “It’s not difficult to get in if you plan in advance,” she says. “The place gets very busy, especially on weekends, so a bit of planning is needed.”
Or Tor Kor Market
One of the world’s best markets, the sprawling Or Tor Kor Market is home to nearly 10,000 vendors selling everything from prepared street food to fresh vegetables, seafood, and every fruit imaginable. “I am obsessed with that place and I can be there all day and find new places to eat,” she says. “I also love Khlong Toei Market, which is complete chaos, but so much fun.”
The St. Regis Bangkok
When she’s traveling with her husband, the chef prefers The St. Regis Bangkok, located in the heart of the city, for its personalized hospitality and elegant amenities that include fine dining and a sky-high infinity pool. “We love the incredible butler service and breakfast,” she adds.