As a non-binary person, I have faced gender discrimination before. Most times it is resolved through conversation and an understanding venue. Last night at North Restaurant in Bangkok was the worst experience of discrimination I have ever had.
Both my wife and I were nicely dressed, she in a dress, me in black silk pants and a black silk shirt. We were both wearing the same shoes, nice black strappy sandals. Upon entering the restaurant, I was asked if I wanted to change my shoes. I didnât understand and thought they wanted us to take off our street shoes (as sometimes they do in restaurants in big Asian cities). But no, sadly. They wanted me to change into a gross pair of loaner athletic Crocs type shoes because men are not allowed to wear âbeach sandalsâ. They told us my wife was fine because she is female while I, wearing the same shoes, needed to change. We explained that I was non-binary and confirmed that the manager knew what that meant. He kept saying, âgive me five minutes to think about what to do about this.â
His solution, was to sit us as far away from the dining room as possible (next to a guy wearing jeans - fashion jail). We expressed that this was discriminatory and unnecessary but he was adamant that my attire was inappropriate for the restaurant (and just to emphasize, I was wearing the same shoes as my wife -also with my toenails painted).
Dinner at North Restaurant is outrageously expensive for Bangkok but no food is worth being treated like this. It hurts. They have a Michelin star for their food but the way they treated me was low rate.
If you are queer or want to stand for the rights of queer people, avoid North Restaurant in Bangkok....
   Read moreNORTH: A Lanna Feast in the Heart of Bangkok ðĨĨðŋ
After the grandeur of 3-star Sorn and the theatrical 2-star R-Haan, it was time to head northâboth in name and in flavor. Conveniently tucked in Sukhumvit, NORTH is set in a charming green-painted house, an oasis in the middle of Bangkokâs traffic hum. Step inside, and suddenly, the city melts away.
First surprise? The mocktails. Easily the best weâve had in a long timeâThai-inspired, refreshingly unique, and perfectly paired with each chapter of the meal.
The journey began with âFlavors of Lannaââthree amuse bouche that felt like postcards from Northern Thailand: jackfruit, banana blossom, and finger lime caviar, each one playful and bright. Then came an Ancient Larb Muang that packed just the right kick, roasted duck with deep earthy notes, and perfectly cooked Phayao prawns.
The main eventâKhan-Tok Nanâwas pure Northern hospitality: a table filled with small, vibrant dishes and dips, each bursting with flavor and tradition. And just when we thought weâd reached the summit, along rolled the âHorse Carriageââa whimsical dessert parade of rice cracker, sticky rice, sorbet, mango, and a few dainty petit fours to end on a sweet note.
Of the three Michelin stops this trip, NORTH may have won my heart in flavor alone. Maybe itâs the magic of a first visitâwhen the path is unknown, and every turn delights. Add to that a relaxed, spacious dining room, gracious service, and the warmth of good companyâĶ and youâve got a Northern-style night to remember. ðūâĻ
#NorthBangkok #MichelinStarDining...
   Read moreI recently visited North restaurant in Bangkok's Khao San area and I must say, I was more than impressed with my dining experience. The restaurant is located in a bustling and vibrant part of the city and offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere for patrons.
The food at North restaurant is truly exceptional. I tried their signature Green Curry and it was hands down the best I've ever had. The flavors were rich and authentic, and the portion size was very generous. The menu offers a wide variety of traditional Thai dishes, each of them expertly prepared and bursting with flavor.
The service at North restaurant is also worth mentioning. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure that my dining experience was nothing short of perfect. They were also very knowledgeable about the menu and offered great recommendations.
The ambiance of the restaurant is charming and comfortable, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring the city. The decor is understated yet elegant, and it truly adds to the overall dining experience.
In addition, the prices at North restaurant are very reasonable for the quality of food and service offered. Overall, I had a fantastic dining experience at North restaurant and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for authentic Thai cuisine in the bustling Khao San area. I will definitely be returning on my next...
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