Review

Belga sits atop the Sofitel Sukhumvit wrapped by an outdoor terrace affording diners an almost 360-degree city vista. Recent arrival, chef Lars Boumans has set about adding his signature touches to the menu. Begin with mussels, delivered fresh several times a week. Possibly Dutch, plump and juicy; sauce-wise select a classic marinière, piquant white wine, shallots, and parsley broth, with a touch of cream adding gentle silkiness. Alternatively, choose an adventurous option of Hoegaarden with white beer, pancetta, and cream. All are accompanied by home-made Belgian-style fries. The a la carte menu has many seafood choices, including glistening, meaty, white halibut arriving atop a bed of fennel, brussel sprouts and a sprinkling of hazelnuts, surrounded by yuzu beurre blanc, or steamed codfish bathed in mussel velouté with grapes and tarragon. For meat lovers, Australian Rangers Valley sirloin or ribeye are offered, accompanied by fries and a sauce of your choice. Green asparagus with poached egg, truffle vinaigrette, and shavings of aged Gouda makes for a stellar meat or fish partner. For dessert, traditionalists may choose the gaufres, famous Belgian waffles, however apple tart of wafer-thin pastry, served with a clever beer caramel and vanilla ice cream, is a wonderful alternative. Beverage-wise, the extensive and exclusive range of Belgian craft beers by draft or bottle go especially well with the fries.