Restaurant POTONG — Restaurant in Samphanthawong Subdistrict

Just had an AMAZING and extremely memorable dinner at Potong. There were no reservations online for one person so I wrote them an email and they got back to me a couple days later with a time that worked for me! I was sooo thrilled to be able to make a reservation as I am Chinese and the whole concept of reconnecting with your roots and basing a menu on nostalgia really resonated with me.

And I was sooo glad I was able to make it, it was the best elevated Chinese food (even though progressive Thai-Chinese!) I’ve ever had!! Truly 2 star worthy, better than or on par with many multiple starred restos been to in France + Japan (my personal benchmark for "best fine dining", IMO better than anything in North America). I also like to evaluate a restaurant by its experience (like a classic milennial), and this is certainly one I will remember for years to come and has probably ruined cha siu for me haha.

So impressed with the audacity / detail / beauty of Chef Pam’s vision for her food and her family’s building. It is so incredible and amazing to be able to witness a dream fully and so effectively realized like this.

Had the 2023 "festive" menu. Service was incredibly friendly and helpful, and the food was constantly outstanding, incl.

Wagyu cha siu (a supplement, and while expensive at 1800? THB it was well worth it and has set the bar for cha siu for me moving forward!!!) reinterpretation of pad Thai duck , duck “ma po tofu” and duck brain 🧠 curry abalone chawanmushi 🥚 corn 🌽 3 ways dessert banana 🍌 4 ways appetizer reinterpretation of traditional Thai Chinese desserts welcome orange and pork bun amuse bouches 🍊 really beautiful siam catfish with gelatinous skin (never had before!) my fortune cookie 🥠 also got the kombucha pairing which is all house made!! Loved the oolong tamarind kombucha the most but there was a chrysanthemum one that was also 😘. HIGHLY recommend this - 1) because well I don't drink (although I did have the welcome champagne....) and 2) it is super unique and local!!~

Building was also an amazing experience… renovated 120 year old traditional Chinese pharmacy. Truly 5 senses experience. Really feel like this might be the pinnacle of Thai cuisine - what am I going to do for the next 2 weeks here? 😅

I read the comments beforehand about quality of produce as well as slowness. I did not notice any problems with quality of produce - I felt like everything was top notch, and comparable to restos in France where they grow their own veggies and source their own proteins...

Slowness I did not notice any issues! The food came out super promptly for me and everything was still warm when I ate it. They also let me eat and relax when I wanted to take a break. Pacing was great, but I also was perhaps the 2nd party to arrive at the resto? Only one other party of 2 was before me, and they do pace out each step. So I would recommend that if you really care about pacing to get an early reservation (mine was 5) and you can go as early as 4:30 (when I arrived).

I also personally enjoyed the interactivity, and reading all the books and materials and the videos on the app. Choosing out own chopsticks, etc.... It was an extremely well done experience in my opinion, which I believe is what they were going for. I think this might be targeted at milennials LOL :)

Also, it really resonated with me as someone who is ethnically Chinese - some of the food reminded me of food I had growing up (there was a ground duck and chive chawanmushi that tasted a bit like an unique ma po tofu which I loved!!!), and we had a lazy susan growing up, etc.... That made the experience extra special for me :)

Thank you so much and can't wait to...

Review of Potong: A Fine Dining Experience in Bangkok

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Bangkok, Potong is a fine dining restaurant that redefines Thai cuisine with a modern twist. Known for its innovative approach and elegant setting, Potong has quickly garnered acclaim from both locals and international visitors. In this review, I’ll delve into the various aspects of Potong, including its ambiance, menu offerings, service, and overall dining experience.

Ambiance

The moment you enter Potong, you are greeted by an atmosphere that exudes sophistication and warmth. The restaurant’s design beautifully marries contemporary elements with traditional Thai aesthetics. Rich wooden accents, elegant lighting, and intricate decor create an inviting space that feels both luxurious and comfortable.

The seating arrangement is thoughtfully designed to provide a sense of intimacy, making it an ideal setting for special occasions or romantic dinners. Soft music plays in the background, enhancing the overall experience without overpowering conversation.

Menu Offerings

Potong’s menu is a celebration of Thai flavors, showcasing the country’s culinary heritage through a modern lens. The restaurant focuses on seasonal ingredients, ensuring that each dish is fresh and vibrant.

Signature Dishes

One of the highlights of the menu is the tasting menu, which offers a curated selection of dishes that reflect the chef’s creativity and skill. Each course is beautifully presented, transforming traditional Thai ingredients into artful plates.

Tom Yum Soup is a standout dish, reimagined with a depth of flavor that elevates it beyond its classic form. The balance of spicy, sour, and savory notes is perfectly executed, leaving a lasting impression.

Another must-try is the Massaman Curry, which features tender meat and a harmonious blend of spices. The richness of the curry is complemented by fragrant rice, making it a comforting yet refined option.

Desserts

No meal at Potong would be complete without indulging in their exquisite desserts. The Mango Sticky Rice is a delightful reinterpretation of the classic, featuring layered textures and flavors that surprise and delight. It’s a perfect way to end the meal on a sweet note.

Service

The service at Potong is impeccable, characterized by professionalism and attentiveness. The staff is well-trained and knowledgeable, ready to provide recommendations and answer any questions about the menu. From the moment you are seated, the team ensures that you feel well taken care of, enhancing your overall dining experience.

Conclusion

In summary, Potong is a remarkable fine dining restaurant that offers an exceptional culinary journey through Thai cuisine. Its elegant ambiance, innovative menu, and top-notch service create a dining experience that is both memorable and satisfying. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to Bangkok, Potong is a must-visit destination for those seeking to indulge in the rich flavors of Thailand, all while enjoying a refined and sophisticated atmosphere. Highly recommended for food enthusiasts and anyone looking to celebrate a special...

On Monday, the 8th, at the 1900 service, I visited Potong. My sister, who works in PR, recently interviewed Chef Pam. I was captivated by the backstory and family connection, and admired how Chef Pam recreated dishes from her heart, each with its own narrative.

Before delving into the delightful food, I must address an unexpected negative experience unlike at Le du and Nusara who were impeccable in how they treated guests. Upon being seated, I was approached by the Maitre D, Sacha, in the middle of the restaurant, in front of my two guests, and informed to lower my voice as it was apparently disrupting other diners. As a Clinical Lead doctor and senior lecturer at a London university, I believe it's important to highlight this as a learning opportunity rather than assign blame.

I am of Thai descent and speak Thai fluently. I engaged with the bar staff upstairs upon arrival, expressing genuine interest in their background and showing respect for their craft. Despite having a hearing impairment, I didn't perceive myself to be overly loud in the restaurant. However, throughout the evening, there was no effort on the part of the Maitre D to engage in conversation with me, leaving me feeling disregarded. CCTV footage would reveal that while other tables were attended to attentively, mine was treated differently, which was highly unusual.

My guests rightly pointed out that such public humiliation was unwarranted, especially considering the considerable sum we paid for the dining experience just under 20000 bahts for the meal. Coming from a culture that values respect and kindness, I found the Maitre D's behavior to be indiscreet and hurtful. I would have welcomed a chance to understand what led to this altercation and perhaps engage in discussions about the food and wine, but it seemed that other patrons took precedence.

As a paying guest, I expect discretion and understanding. I acknowledge that my fluency in Thai may give the impression of louder speech, coupled with my hearing impairment, but I do not believe I was excessively loud. In a seated restaurant setting, there was no attempt made to address this misunderstanding, leaving me to feel marginalized. During the course of the evening, I got the chance to spend a lot of time talking to the Thai lady sommelier who were wonderful and kind.

The Thai wine was indeed remarkable, and the array of 18-20 dishes was a culinary marvel. As a Thai person, I appreciated Chef Pam's innovative approach to traditional Thai cuisine, which challenged the senses and included fascinating historical narratives, such as the origin of Pad Thai. The fortune cookie served as a theatrical and thoughtful conclusion to the meal, a fitting memento to take home.

Despite this unfortunate incident, I want to emphasize that the food, drinks, and ambiance were exceptional. I do hope to return to Thailand and revisit the restaurant, as I am confident that such experiences are rare anomalies.

Dr....