Haoma Bangkok — Restaurant in Khlong Toei Nuea Subdistrict

My third visit to a Michelin-starred restaurant in Bangkok. I had the vegan option for all visits, each at a different restaurant (including at Haoma, which boasts a sustainablility badge by Michelin as well), along with my partner as she is vegan. I am not picky with my food choices - I will eat whatever that tastes great, and Haoma has outdone itself during our visit.

Quick review: Gastronomical, guilt-free, and a feast! Even though I am not familiar with Neo-Indian flavours, I thoroughly enjoyed it! The chef painted my "blank canvas" with flavour bombs, dish after dish after dish.

Detailed review: You are first ushered into a dark, speakeasy-esque bar, and will be offered a cool mint flavoured towel to freshen up. You will also be asked to select still or sparkling water and also select from a drinks menu. Note that these drinks are separately chargeable items. I had the 003 (pre-course) and 007 (during course) cocktails, both are to my liking.

You will then be taken on a guided tour to a garden which grows some of the herbs to be used in some of the dishes. You could also sample some of the herbs plucked fresh from the garden. I appreciate the chef's thoughfulness and his vision in creating a menu with "zero waste".

Once seated in the dining hall, you are greeted by the service crew, with a main server presenting each dish and its origins, along with a set of postcards portraying a picture that shows either a snapshot of the chef's past where the idea of the dish first came about, or of its main ingredient. The back of each postcard also lists the main ingredients and the city of origins. I was impressed that there is a vegan option for each dish (i.e., meatless substitute). This means each diner participates in the same gastronomical adventure, regardless of the choice of menu (vegan or otherwise). As a non-vegan I know how difficult, perhaps impossble, to replicate the taste of certain animal/seafood proteins (e.g., wagyu, uni, etc.).

You need to be prepared - most of the dishes are on the spice/curry theme. I like spicy food so I find them only mild spicy. It takes much, much more to knock me out. For me, the most memorable dishes were the first few and the last few. Haoma started and ended its courses well!

I get some reviews talking about communication issues (e.g., diners not understanding the description of the dishes), unnecessary tour at the garden, too spicy, etc. As an ordinary patron, I do not think I am supposed to be an expert in the dishes nor ingredients - you bascially cannot deconstruct them (unless you are a professional chef?). I appreciate the tour - its rather quick and not a daily affair. Spicy? You ought to expect some spice right? I mean you don't go to the swimming pool and expect not to get wet. Lengthy? If I want a quick meal, I would go to a fast food restaurant. A fine dining experience at a Michelin-starred meal is usually reserved for special occasions, with your loved ones. My job was basically to turn up, enjoy the meal, and appreciate the chef's and crew's collective effort. A well-deserved 5 stars!

There are not many Michelin-starred restaurants in Bangkok (or anywhere else in Asia) offering vegan options, but if the ones I had are signs of what vegan cuisine can bring to the table, I will be eagerly anticipating and trying them out with my partner as they come. Hats off to Haoma - the crew, the service, the ambience, and the gastronomical experience. It was extra special for me as it was...

Haoma Bangkok is a culinary gem that stands out not only for its outstanding food but also for its commendable dedication to sustainability. Nestled in the heart of Bangkok, this Indian restaurant offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere that immediately makes you feel at home.

From the moment you step in, you are welcomed by a warm and intimate setting. The ambiance is perfect for both romantic dinners and small gatherings with friends. The decor combines modern aesthetics with traditional touches, creating an environment that is both sophisticated and comfortable.

The highlight of Haoma is undoubtedly its food. The set menu is a gastronomic journey through India’s diverse culinary landscape, reimagined with a contemporary twist. Each dish is a masterpiece, showcasing the incredible creativity of Chef DK, the owner and visionary behind Haoma. His passion for innovative cooking is evident in every bite. The flavors are bold yet harmonious, and the presentation is nothing short of art.

A standout feature of Haoma is its commitment to sustainability. The restaurant takes great pride in sourcing all its ingredients locally, ensuring that every dish is made with the freshest produce. This not only supports local farmers but also reduces the carbon footprint, making your dining experience both delicious and environmentally friendly. It’s rare to find a Michelin-starred restaurant that places such a strong emphasis on sustainability, and Haoma excels in this regard.

The wine pairing at Haoma is another aspect that deserves special mention. The selection is meticulously curated to complement the flavors of the food, enhancing the overall dining experience. The prices are surprisingly reasonable, considering the exceptional quality and the Michelin-star status of the restaurant.

Chef DK is an excellent personality who adds a personal touch to the dining experience. His enthusiasm and creativity shine through in his dishes, and he often takes the time to interact with guests, sharing the stories and inspirations behind his creations. This level of personal engagement is rare and adds a unique dimension to the dining experience at Haoma.

In conclusion, Haoma Bangkok is a must-visit for anyone seeking an extraordinary dining experience in Bangkok. The combination of a cozy atmosphere, innovative and delicious food, excellent wine pairing, and a strong commitment to sustainability makes it a standout choice. Chef DK’s remarkable talent and warm personality further elevate the experience, making Haoma a place you’ll want to return to time and time again. Highly...

Very disappointed in my dining experience here. The food was good, with the biriyani as a standout dish and excellent interactive bread served with the lamb dish. However, there were numerous issues that I did not expect at a Michelin starred restaurant. It is very clear that the restaurant is aiming for 2 or 3 stars, but at the cost of the dining experience for people actually eating there.

I have a sensitive allergy to alcohol and so for the welcome drink I ordered Imperfection 0.00, their non alcoholic drink, while my husband ordered a rum cocktail. Maybe it was the vinegar or fermentation, but my drink tasted of alcohol and immediately set off my allergy so much I had to go to the bathroom to press damp towels on my neck. My husband also tried both our drinks and thought his lacked alcohol while mine tasted of it. Even if there was no alcohol in my drink, when I let the team know they were defensive about serving the correct drinks rather than trying to solve the issue. In my experience, fine dining should accommodate the guest and I would have preferred an offer to swap the drink rather than an awkward interaction where i was told they did it correctly. This created some tension for the rest of the experience, and I ended up ordering a new non-alcoholic drink at the dining area. They still put the drink that made me feel unwell in front of me, which showed they hadn't been paying attention -- I very obviously felt sick from this drink.

I was ready to look past this since I know I can be sensitive to intense fermentations as well, but a few other disappointments: not sure if they're understaffed or something but we were looking around for help several times during the meal they served the dessert while my husband was at the toilet, which led to a melted dessert as they waited for him to return to explain the dish. Why wouldn't they have held the dish until he returned? very unclear how to end the experience once the last dish was served. We had to flag someone down to get any attention which really took away from the entire experience. felt weird that the whole mission is sustainability but they're still using ingredients from the Himalayas, like Timur. Unfortunately the environmental angle felt more performative than authentic but this may be a misread. However, having been to other zero waste 1 star restaurants in Bangkok the contrast was noticeable.

We are very familiar with Indian food and fine dining, and also fine dining in Bangkok. Save your reservations for another spot, this one is...