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Le Du

Bangkok

Seasonal Thai dining that has conquered the continent

On the Pass

Thitid "Ton" Tassanakajohn

What makes it special? Le Du worked its way up the ranking of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants since 2017, arriving at the No.1 spot in 2023. The brainchild of chef-owner Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn, the restaurant showcases refined modern Thai cuisine based on the country’s extraordinary agricultural heritage and centuries-old culinary techniques – and its unique style of food has impressed critics and diners from across the continent.

What’s in a name? While it may sound French, Le Du comes from a Thai word that means 'season', reflecting the restaurant’s focus philosophy to work alongside the country’s shifting produce.

Chef’s CV: Developing a passion for cooking after growing up on his mother’s and grandmother’s delicious home meals, Chef Ton completed an economics degree in Thailand before studying at the Culinary Institute of America. While in New York, he worked at top spots including the former World’s Best Restaurant, Eleven Madison Park. He is also qualified as a sommelier, which has helped influence the renowned wine list at Le Du.

On the menu: Choose from the four or six-course tasting menus, which showcase seasonal dishes such as crab with mushroom and homemade sriracha, or three different kinds of seaweed and algae with prawns and fish sauce sorbet. The ever-present signature khao kluk kapi of river prawn with brown rice risotto laced with shrimp paste will always deliver.

If you like this, you’ll love: Nusara, No.6 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, the chef’s traditional Thai dining concept created in homage to his grandmother. A further venture, Mayrai Padthai and Wine Bar, located right below Nusara, is solely focused on wines and homemade pad Thai inspired by family recipes.

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