Thien Duong

The Dusit Thani Bangkok is one of the oldest and most luxurious hotels in the city. The style and attention to detail that is paid to the hotel itself is mirrored in Thien Duong. The name Thien Duong translates directly as 'paradise' and you will not feel far from it as the hotel enjoys a fabulous location next to historical Lumpini Park.

Once inside, on the mezzanine floor, a cosy atmosphere is created with large bay windows complimented by a stylish interior that looks out onto a refreshing mixture of green plants in the garden area. The dining area achieves an intimate feel as it is by no means large, seating 80 guests at capacity.

The menu offers a perfect alternative to explore a more unusual Asian cuisine aside from Thai. Diners have the choice to drop in for an early lunch or a late dinner as set menus are available at both services. The set menu features six courses - an ideal way to feast on as many flavours as possible.

The appetisers alone offer some delightful dishes to kick start the meal, such as traditional Vietnamese sausage wrapped in banana leaves served with a chilli sauce. Another tasty creation is turmeric flavoured crispy crêpes filled with minced pork and bean sprouts.

Interesting and inventive dishes are a theme throughout the entire menu with pan-fried foie gras with tamarind sauce and deep-fried whole flounder fish with toasted peanut served with lemon grass sauce the pick of the mains. Delicate, well presented desserts are on hand to round things off in style.

You would normally struggle to find Vietnamese cuisine in Bangkok cooked and presented to such a high standard, but 'paradise' delivers everything that makes Vietnamese cuisine so special with aplomb.