Restaurant POTONG

I spent a considerable amount of time researching Bangkok’s fine-dining landscape, consulting multiple sources and a broad cross-section of reviews. While this restaurant’s Michelin star is well deserved, it was not the deciding factor in my selection. What ultimately drew me here was a clear sense of individuality: a distinct culinary vision, a chef with a unique point of view, and a presentation style that promised something genuinely different. That combination is exactly what I seek when choosing a destination restaurant. Given its popularity—particularly during peak and holiday seasons—we made our reservation several months in advance, and it proved to be a prudent decision. The restaurant books quickly, and securing a table on short notice would be challenging. Our reservation was reconfirmed the day prior, and I was especially appreciative of the careful attention paid to my daughter’s tree nut and sesame allergies. That level of pre-arrival diligence immediately set a positive tone. We arrived on time and were warmly greeted, then escorted to the rooftop for a pair of opening bites accompanied by a welcome glass of champagne—a thoughtful and elegant introduction to the evening. From there, we were guided via a cozy elevator to our table. Seating was cozy yet comfortable, and the dining room itself was calm and refined, allowing the experience to unfold without distraction. Service throughout the meal was professional, timely, and well informed. Each course arrived with precision, and the staff demonstrated strong command of both the narrative and technical details behind the dishes. The pacing was excellent, and the overall execution reflected a high level of training and coordination. I felt the wine pairing was appropriate for the cuisine and was very distinct, and memorable. If there was a single, albeit minor, shortcoming, it involved water service. On a few occasions, empty glasses remained unfilled longer than expected. In a setting of this caliber, attentiveness to such details matters. If staffing constraints are a factor, simply leaving the bottle at the table would resolve the issue. We ultimately finished the meal with empty glasses while unfinished water bottles remained on the service stand. It is a small point, but one that stands out precisely because everything else was executed so well. That aside, the experience was outstanding. The cuisine was distinctive, the atmosphere composed, and the service—nearly flawless. This is a restaurant that delivers not just an excellent meal, but a thoughtfully curated culinary experience, and it earns its place among Bangkok’s most compelling dining destinations.

If you are looking for a truly special dining experience in Bangkok, POTONG is it. We were already excited to visit, knowing Chef Pam was awarded Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2024 and The World’s Best Female Chef in 2025, but nothing prepared us for how deeply personal the experience would feel. The location itself is stunning—a restored 120-year-old pharmacy in Chinatown—but it became so much more meaningful after reading Chef Pam’s heart-warming "letter to her grandparents" that every guest receives. It transforms the building from a mere venue into a living piece of family history that you’re invited to be part of. We opted for the pairing, which was a spectacular journey through Chef Pam’s memories and emotions. Her philosophy focuses on five elements—salt, acid, spice, texture, and the Maillard reaction—and the result is a masterclass in flavour science. It is impossible to name a single favorite, but the medley broth, the incredibly delicate scallop, and the 14-day aged duck (which lived up to every bit of the hype!) were absolute standouts. Oh, wait .. the Pad Thai! Unreal! The journey didn't end with the final course, either. After the meal, we headed up to the fourth and fifth floors to the Opium Bar. It’s a total cocktail haven with a moody, speakeasy vibe that perfectly caps off the night.

Had an incredible meal here as a treat to myself for my birthday. I did the vegetarian option and I love that they had this option available because some fine dining restaurants with tasting menus do not. Also did the wine pairing. Every bite and sip I had was delicious - I think this was the best meal of my life. I especially loved the “main” / largest course with the vegetable curry (I think it was a Panang style? Not totally sure) and the coconut milk soup. They also brought me something special at the end because I had mentioned it was my birthday. The service was excellent. The story behind the building is also really special. At the end I got a short tour of the building and a complimentary cocktail at the rooftop bar. It’s not cheap but totally worth it in my opinion.