With blissful al fresco dining, the upscale Thai restaurant is the perfect place to have your ‘Lady and the Tramp’ moment by the river

Nestled inside the gorgeous Capella Bangkok Hotel on Charoenkrung, Phra Nakhon restaurant serves authentic Thai cuisine in a contemporary setting on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Upon arrival, a warm hostess will lead you to your personal romantic corner. For us, we chose to dine al fresco as the sun was setting and the weather was just right. The pleasant combination of modern skyscrapers and windy rivers were hopeful signs of a good evening to follow.  

The romantic view from Phra Nakhon’s al fresco seating (Photo courtesy of Piyush Rautara)

The menu at Phra Nakhon has been curated by chef Kannika Jitsangwirn, who previously worked for Aman resorts in Indonesia, Turkey, and Bhutan, as well as The Datai in Langkawi and Como Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Her signature dishes are a collection of traditional Thai recipes, procuring ingredients from passionate local farmers and fishermen.

Diners can choose between a Sam Rub or Chiva (vegan) tasting menus, or a la carte options. We selected a few special dishes from Phra Nakhon’s a la carte menu that included fresh seafood, pork, and fresh organic produce. The meal began with the sumptuous Yum Hua Plee Gai, poached shredded free-range chicken and banana blossom salad topped with dried shrimps, Phra Nakhon chili paste, hard-boiled egg, and spicy coconut dressing. It was followed by authentic Tom Yum Goong Ayutthaya Nam Sao Kao, hot and sour soup of jasmine rice stock with river prawn, homemade chili paste, and oyster mushrooms.

‘Gaeng Kua Pu Bai Cha Kram’ and ‘Moo Grob Phad Phrik Glua’ in view (Photo courtesy of Piyush Rautara)

Beautiful ceramic bowls containing freshly steamed rice arrived to be paired with two savoury dishes: Moo Grob Phad Phrik Glua, wok-fried roast kurobuta pork belly with hot chili and herbs, and Gaeng Kua Pu Bai Cha Kram, a southern coconut curry highlighting tender pieces of crab meat, turmeric, and more aromatic herbs.

Just when we thought we had reached the meal’s climax, the gorgeous and delicious Pla Ob Tra Krai Rattanakosin arrived. The juicy traditional dish of baked sea bass served with herbs and spicy dressing was such a delight of both textures and flavours. 

The night wouldn’t be complete without a sweet treat at the end of all of it. Chef Kannika presented us with a classic: Khao Niaw Mamueng I Tim Gati, which of course is mango sticky rice with coconut ice cream, sprinkled with roasted mung bean.

The spectacular views, quality seafood, and the opportunity to arrive by boat make Phra Nakhon an experience that ticks all the boxes for a perfect celebration. 

Phra Nakhon
Capella Bangkok, 300 2 Charoenkrung Road
Open daily 6am-11pm
capellahotels.com, 02-098-3817