Tapori — Restaurant in Khlong Tan Nuea Subdistrict

When I was based in New Delhi over a decade ago, I made it a point to try as many varieties of Indian cuisine as possible and I thought I was largely successful. From the tandoori meats of Punjab to the coastal foods of Maharashtra, I sampled them all more than a few times. Then came today's visit to Tapori and I realized there is so much more to Indian food than I could have fathomed. Tapori at its core is an amalgamation of the best local dishes from each Indian state. One sitting at lunch is an eye-opening experience through the subcontinent that exposed me to flavors and stories previously unknown to me. Tapori is the vision of Chef/Owner Rohit Sharma who is determined to showing people that Indian food is not just Indian food that most Thais know about but it is a food of many origins through literally centuries of development. Walking into Tapori in quiet Sukhumvit Soi 47 is like entering both a comfy home as well as an art gallery of Indian art. There are beautiful motifs, mosaics and a wall-size hand-painted mural of Indian life. Splashes of colors surround you. There is even a speakeasy hidden in the back. It's the kind of place where you wait in anticipation for the next dish amidst a very relaxed atmosphere. As for the food, all the dishes were delightful, with a subtle infusion of India. None was overpowering with sauces and spices, and light as compared to the mainstays of most Indian restaurants in the city. The food is intended to be a sort of home-cooked meal present in each state. Dak Pakwan is a starter of Sindhi origin. You crumble the crispy bread atop the lentil bowl to mix in then each spoonful was a burst of yogurt, chutney and dates. Kheema Ghotala from Mumbai had eggs and minced meat in curry with soft bread to go with it. My favorite dish of the day was Kerala Beef Chili Fry. Tender strips of beef covered in a mild curry with crunchy coconut bits. Eating this dish was like me on a houseboat slowly drifting on the backwaters of Kerala while enjoying this beef fry cooked by the crew. I could eat this every day with paratha or steamed rice. To top off everything there was the very tasty Benami Kheer. I had had kheer before but this kheer's secret ingredient blew me away. It is ubiquitous in every kitchen in the world but to use it in a dessert was a revelation. The story behind it was equally fascinating. In fact, every dish of Tapori by Chef Rohit comes with an Indian history lesson that was just fun to learn about. After any Indian meal for me comes a fair amount of discomfort from all the heavy lifting my stomach had to do, but with Tapori everything was airy and delicious, with flavors that mystified and excited me. A trip to and through India won't happen anytime soon for me so a leisurely culinary "journey" to the Indian states at Tapori is probably the best kind of exploration to do over...

Tapori in Bangkok is a culinary gem! Nestled in a charming villa with a cozy outdoor area, I was floored by the beautiful decor that captured the essence of India in subtle but striking ways. Each dish is a masterpiece, crafted to revisit familiar flavors in a refreshingly new way. I was pleasantly surprised by how much flavor packed into each bite of what seemed like simple Indian fare! Whether it's catching up with friends, a romantic date night, or introducing colleagues to Indian cuisine, Tapori is now my go-to spot. And their impressive wine selection only adds to the experience ;) Considering the top-notch food and ambiance, Tapori offers great bang for your buck. With an average spend of around 1000+ per person, indulging here won't break the bank. I have too many favorites to list one or two here. Instead, I encourage you to experience yourself & decide! Be prepared to leave Tapori feeling fully satisfied and already craving your next visit. It's a true feast...

Our experience at Topori Restaurant in Bangkok was nothing short of extraordinary, immersing us in the vibrant essence of India through its remarkable decor and cuisine. Stepping into the restaurant felt like walking into a living museum, with a stunning array of Indian antiques, intricate architectural details, and the warm, vivid colors of India surrounding us. Each element told a story, creating an atmosphere filled with charm and heritage. The menu, an exquisite journey across India’s 29 states, showcased the true diversity and depth of Indian culinary art. Every dish was a masterpiece of authentic flavors, evoking the rich traditions and variety of regional Indian cuisine. Topori provided not just a meal but an enchanting cultural and sensory experience that we will cherish and highly recommend to anyone seeking a genuine taste of India. The Restaurant owner & chef, Rohit Sharma is your next Gagan Anand. Cheers.

Shoba & Sameer Mehta...