Le Normandie

The cuisine was wonderful. And, the dessert! The lotus-shaped millefeuille was out of this world! Female stars , French and Japanese (amazing mix) chefs make culinary music that go way beyond expectations. Definitely for special occasions and also if wanting to taste and not just to impress, this is it. Ps - I came to lunch and it was perfect

It was once the best hotel in Thailand for so many years. I hadn’t been back for a long time, and I wasn’t sure if I had missed anything. The hotel has had a facelift, but it seems to have lost its soul. Maybe it’s because I’m from the ’70s, when going to the Mandarin Oriental was reserved for the most special occasions — when every guest was treated like the most important person in the world. The service was impeccable, and even if you visited only once a year, they remembered you. My family used to celebrate my father’s birthday at the Normandie Grill every year until he passed away. I went back this time, but it wasn’t the same. The view is still priceless, but I wish I could say the same for the food and service. The newly renovated Grill Room, with its bare tables and no tablecloths, no longer felt luxurious. Perhaps it’s more sustainable now — less detergent going into the waterways — but the French-fusion menu was bolder than I prefer. The staff was friendly, but not quite the top-notch team it once had. I will always treasure my memories of this place and accept that my time with it has passed. I hope the new generation finds joy in what it has become. For me, though, the legend has lost its charm.

We used to visit in the old era, and this was our first time back after the reopening. So, we chose the Voyage experience. The salad was offered instead of the Brie de Meaux. It was refreshing, but that was all. It contained no protein or any unique ingredients, felt far too simple for a two-Michelin-star standard, and was not equivalent in value, creativity, or overall experience to the original dish on the menu. On a positive note, the ambience and view were lovely. The service was professional, and we appreciated the complimentary cake for our special occasion.