Arrival in Bangkok and choosing Bangkok’78
After arriving in Bangkok on a morning flight, I was famished. While researching my trip, I kept seeing glowing reviews for Bangkok’78 from fellow travelers. Located conveniently on the 2nd floor of the Sindhorn Midtown Hotel—which also serves as the hotel’s breakfast venue—it seemed like the perfect spot to satisfy my hunger immediately upon arrival. The pricing was surprisingly reasonable for a hotel restaurant, making it a much more attractive option than heading out into the city right away.
Restaurant Atmosphere: Interior, open kitchen, and breakfast-to-all-day transition
The restaurant features a beautiful, sophisticated interior with a vibrant color palette. It operates as an open kitchen, which adds a lively energy to the space. Even at 3:00 PM, an admittedly quiet time for dining, there were other guests enjoying their meals, creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.
The Unique Experience: Meeting the Korean Executive Chef
One of the highlights of my visit was an unexpected encounter with the restaurant’s Korean executive chef. Having a native speaker on-site was a fantastic advantage; I was able to get personalized menu recommendations and detailed explanations about the ingredients and textures of the dishes. The menu itself is very accessible, featuring photos and English descriptions for every item, which makes ordering straightforward even without the chef’s guidance.
Menu Highlights: Signature dishes
I was so hungry that I ordered quite a spread, knowing that the restaurant offers takeaway options for any leftovers. The chef highly recommended the fried shrimp balls, which are made to order. They were incredibly chewy and flavorful, living up to their reputation as a signature dish. I also thoroughly enjoyed the spicy pomelo salad (som-o), which is essentially a Thai-style pomelo salad that tastes like a refreshing, citrusy version of som-tam. Other standouts included the steamed fluffy egg with seafood—which takes about 25 minutes to prepare fresh—and the rich, authentic green curry served with roti.
Practical Tips: Pricing, ordering advice, and takeaway options
If you are staying at the Sindhorn Midtown, I highly recommend dining here at least once. The value is excellent; the prices are comparable to dining outside the hotel, but the quality and variety of the traditional Thai cuisine are superior. Don’t be afraid to over-order, as the staff is happy to pack up any leftovers for you to enjoy later.
Conclusion: Why it’s a recommended spot for hotel guests
My experience at Bangkok’78 was so satisfying that I am already planning to return for lunch on my checkout day. It is a rare find that combines the convenience of a hotel location with genuinely high-quality, traditional Thai food. Whether you are looking for a quick meal or a deep dive into local flavors, this restaurant is a fantastic choice.
