7 restaurants recommended by Le Du’s Chef Ton

Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn has elevated Thai cuisine to unprecedented heights. After his Michelin-starred flagship modern Thai restaurant Le Du in Bangkok topped this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Chef Ton was propelled to culinary stardom.

His creative style of cooking is rooted in authentic Thai flavours, and he loves seeking out modern fusion cuisine when he travels. “Visiting different restaurants allows me to see and learn new things, and to get inspired,” he says.

After a brief stint in banking, he retrained as a chef. It was a leap of faith that led him through the Culinary Institute of America to several Michelin-starred restaurants, including Eleven Madison Park, The Modern and Jean-Georges. A decade after he opened Le Du, its sister restaurant Niras landed at K11 Musea in June, bringing his distinctive take on Thai food to Hong Kong.

Here, he shares seven dining experiences that have impressed him.

1. Niras, Hong Kong

Le Du’s signature river prawn dish is served at Niras , but the rest of the menu is very different. Retaining our core culinary style and technical DNA, we’ve crafted an enticing dining experience for Hong Kong. Even if you’ve visited us in Bangkok, Niras is an exciting gastronomic adventure. We’re not just replicating Le Du; we’re creating an immersive modern Thai experience for guests across Asia.

2. Gaggan Anand, Bangkok

Gaggan Anand is one of the greatest showmen in the culinary world. Going to his restaurant is like going to a Broadway show. From the unique presentation to the daring and delicious dishes, everything is spot on. The dish I remember most vividly is “Lick It Up”, which makes diners lick the plate clean – a unique or even intimidating experience for some.

3. Potong, Bangkok

Potong is one of the hottest dining spots in Bangkok, serving progressive Thai-Chinese food you won’t find anywhere outside Thailand. The establishment is steeped in history, housed in a Chinatown building owned by generations of Chef Pichaya Soontornyanakij’s family. The signature dish, a roasted aged duck served with Thai-Chinese condiments, is possibly the best duck I’ve ever tasted.

4. Atomix, New York City

Atomix is a modern Korean gem in New York, where I ate one of the most exciting meals I’ve had. You’ll be seated at the counter and get to interact with the chefs throughout the meal. It’s a novel approach to Korean cuisine, riding on the wave of the global K-culture craze. The highlight is the amadai with seaweed sauce: the fish is fried with the scales on and the flesh is incredibly tender.

5. Mosu, Seoul

Mosu is currently the only three-Michelin-starred Korean restaurant in the world and always guarantees an unforgettable experience. The standout dish is the abalone taco. As a chef, I can’t help but appreciate the high-level technique and attention to detail on display here – it’s a masterclass in dedication and precision. It was mind-blowing to watch simple ingredients being transformed into elaborate and delicious dishes.

6. Sühring, Bangkok

Sühring is more than just a restaurant; it’s an institution of European cuisine in Thailand. Celebrating German cuisine with a seasonal menu, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant  is constantly pushing the boundaries, and its continuous innovation shines in its snacks. I particularly enjoy the tiny beer jug and the currywurst: they make Sühring so special.

7. Labyrinth, Singapore

Labyrinth , a standout for modern Singaporean cuisine, shares a special bond with us since we started around the same time. We first collaborated with them back when people hardly knew about us. Chef Han Liguang pushes his limits and is constantly innovating, and the signature chilli crab is testament to his evolution. In a city known for high-end European dining, Labyrinth embodies local spirit and culinary excellence. I never hesitate to recommend it.

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