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About This Place

Welcome to the vibrant world of Restaurant POTONG, an exceptional dining experience nestled in the heart of Bangkok's Chinatown, specifically at 422 Vanich 1 Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand. This highly acclaimed establishment is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of heritage, creativity, and culinary artistry, deftly bridging the flavors of Thai and Chinese traditions under the expert guidance of Chef Pam, who has garnered recognition as one of the world’s top culinary talents.

Since its debut, POTONG has rapidly ascended the ranks of the culinary elite, even claiming the No. 13 spot on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025 and earning a Michelin star. What truly sets POTONG apart is its commitment to storytelling through food, where each dish unfolds a rich narrative rooted in cultural history. Guests are treated to a thoughtfully curated tasting menu that emphasizes creativity while honoring the culinary legacy of the region.

The ambience at POTONG resonates with the echoes of its storied past. Set within a beautifully restored Sino-Portuguese building that once served as a pharmacy, the restaurant offers a unique architectural setting that enhances the dining experience. Diners are enveloped in an intimate and elegant space, full of character, which makes every meal feel like a special occasion. The staff, known for their warm yet professional service, enhances the experience with personalized touches that invite diners into the narrative of the dining establishment.

Among the gastronomic highlights is the innovative vegetarian set menu, a culinary journey that promises a delightful balance of texture and flavor. Customers have expressed admiration for dishes like the deconstructed Pad Thai and the intricately prepared BBQ pork, both of which pay homage to traditional recipes while showcasing Chef Pam’s modern flair. The emphasis on five elements and five senses ensures a multifaceted experience, where each bite reveals layers of intricacies that challenge and excite the palate.

What captures the essence of POTONG is its ability to resonate with both local and international diners. Each dish is a carefully thought-out marriage of familiar tastes and bold innovations, aimed at pleasing diverse palates. It's not just about eating; it’s about savoring a rich tapestry of culinary heritage designed to leave a lasting impression.

As you indulge in each carefully crafted dish, from the moment you step foot inside this renowned establishment to your final sip at the rooftop Opium Bar, you embark on a unique culinary adventure that is both enriching and memorable. Restaurant POTONG stands as a testament to the beauty of Thai-Chinese cuisine, a world-class destination where every meal is an exploration of history, culture, and exquisite flavors.

If you’re in Bangkok and seek a dining experience that transcends the ordinary, look no further than Restaurant POTONG—a true gem in the culinary landscape of Thailand.

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Guest Reviews (684)

⭐ Restaurant Potong Just learned they’ve curated a vegetarian set menu — and wow, what a journey it promises to be. The food here is bold, inventive, and deeply rooted in Thai‑Chinese traditions. Each course feels like a chapter in a story. Potong sits tucked in Bangkok’s Chinatown in a beautifully restored old Chinese‑Thai building, giving you walls that whisper history as you dine. The ambience is intimate, elegant, and full of character. Their tasting menu is built around 5 elements & 5 senses — every dish plays a balance of texture, flavor, and surprise. Even if vegetarian is a request, they take it seriously. If you’re in Bangkok and want a dining experience where every bite matters — Potong’s vegetarian set menu is a brilliant pick. #PotongBangkok #ChinatownGastronomy #VegSetMenu #ProgressiveThaiChinese #BangkokFineDining Excellent service team Thanjs Dennise

Potong is one of the most talked-about rsstaurants in the world right this moment. Highly recommend to visit and experience it - not just because it’s hyped, but because it can hold its own by delivery good food, representing heritage and armed with an excellent story to back the food and restaurant up. Superb characterization. Debut at No. 13 on the list of World’s 50 Best restaurants in 2025, Michelin starred, and Chef Pam being recognized as World’s Best Female Chef - Potong is the IT dining mecca and a global culinary destination representing Thailand and Asia so well! The great success of Potong, apart from Chef Pam’s culinary prowess, has got to be the deeply personal story that is skeletal to the whole essence of Potong. Transforming her 120 year old Sino-Portuguese pharmacy building into a dining enclave where innovation runs deep with heritage and history is just magical. I couldnt land an evening dinner timing despite trying online months ahead. Turns out was a blessing in disguise when i settled for a 4:30 pm dinner timing. Which i will highly recommend. Why? Then you can see the area segue from day to night. It’s a vibe. Every dish has a lovely Thai-Asian progressive slant so it is relatable to Thai and Asian diners, and yet interesting or intriguing to foreigners. The bottom line is, the execution of each dish exhibits great culinary techniques and is flavorful. Service is adequate, warm without being too intrusive, and assigned crew is knowledgeable and polished. Particularly impressive that at some point in dinner, you get to choose your own pair of chopsticks - which was a very effective way of leaving a personalized experience. Definitely a world class dining experience which is suitable to sate foodies as well as to celebrate milestone occasions. Chef Pam busying around in the restaurant and chatting with her diners lends a nice personal touch as well.

Back for my anniversary celebration and was still amazed by the history and legacy of the place. The food was a combination of Chinese roots and creativity of the chef. Personally liked the history and the recreation of Pad Thai the most. This dish coveys the complete messages of the cuisine of this unique restaurant.

POTONG, Chef Pam’s restaurant is surprisingly easy to book — just send them a LINE message. Back then, we only booked about 2–3 weeks in advance. It’s a tasting menu experience, several thousand baht per person, but the gimmick is pretty cool: the space is an old house where Chef Pam’s grandparents moved from China, and it used to be a drugstore in Yaowarat. When we arrived, the staff let us wait while giving us a history of the building — which was actually quite fascinating — before taking us up to the rooftop Opium Bar for a welcome drink. We also ordered a cocktail with a quirky twist: the bartender “drew blood” into a cup (don’t worry, it was alcohol, not actual blood) as if we were taking an oath. The menu blends Thai and Chinese flavors, reflecting the neighborhood’s heritage. My favorites? The deconstructed Pad Thai and the BBQ pork. Was it worth the price? Personally, I wasn’t blown away. I also felt the whole concept revolved heavily around Chef Pam herself — even down to a little comic book about her life. I get that she’s the star, but it was a bit much for me.

A unique experience. Overall enjoyable but a little mechanical in delivery. It would have been better if the messaging came from the heart with a bit more personal touch. But throughout the dinner, the explanations and steps seemed more rehearsed than sincere.Situated in the middle of Chinatown, the restaurant is charming and the entrance inviting. But the entry welcome is a little like waiting to see a Dr at a medical surgery; professional but it lacked the warmth. It is interesting to note that the Tiger features heavily in the storyline of the restaurant & we were told of the Tiger Room on the 3rd level where 5 tigers are supposedly painted on the walls - only to find that 5 leopards were painted instead! The food was good, beautifully executed with tastes that were familiar yet presented in a different way. Kudos to Chef Pam for her creativeness yet not straying too far from her Thai Chinese roots. We learnt the menu is changed only once a year - enough time for the culinary team to experiment and come up with thoughtful menus! We enjoyed dinner but at over Bht 10K a head (with drinks), it is pricey. Professionally executed but lacking the wow factor or surprise or the simple heartfelt gestures that elevate a good experience to a great one. We left satiated but not over the moon.

# 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 occasion in style.

There are meals, and then there are Potong moments — you know the kind that linger long after, tugging at memory. Chef Pam (Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij) has turned her family’s century-old, Sino-Portuguese, herbal medicine shop in Yaowarat into just that kind of place: a living bridge between past and future, between the intimate and the spectacular. Chef Pam—Asia’s Best Female Chef 2025—transforms her family’s century-old Sino-Portuguese building in Yaowarat into something rare: a Michelin star, five-floor story of heritage and imagination. Our journey began at the Sino Bar on the ground floor, with its nostalgic wooden ceiling, before settling into a tasting menu (curated just for us by Chef Pam on a special request) on the second floor. Chef Pam graciously curated a full vegetarian experience for two, and every course was both inventive and deeply rooted in her Thai-Chinese philosophy. From delicate seasonal vegetables prepared with surprising textures to brilliant substitutions for the signature 14-day Aged Duck & Blackened Chicken with Chinese Herbs, each plate was thoughtful, balanced, and distinctly hers. We chose the sommelier selection for our pairings, beginning with a bottle of Dom Pérignon, and over the next two-plus hours, the meal unfolded like chapters in a book. Highlights? The artistry of the five-element philosophy—salt, acidity, spice, texture, and the Maillard effect—woven into dishes that honored tradition while gently pushing it forward. Our evening ended high—literally—first at the Opium Bar on the fourth floor, with its surreal escape of cocktails, and finally on the rooftop, gazing over the rare, quiet views of Chinatown. A special note: don’t leave without sipping Chef Pam’s house-made kāng pǔ chá (kombucha), crafted in her dedicated fermentation room—it’s a signature memory in itself. Can’t wait to see you again Chef! You are incredible.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Truly Unforgettable Dining Experience at POTONG – Bangkok’s Hidden Culinary Gem! Dining at POTONG was one of the absolute highlights of our trip to Bangkok. From the moment we stepped into the beautifully restored heritage building, we knew something special awaited us. We were first brought to the rooftop bar, where we enjoyed a stunning sunset view paired with a refreshing welcome drink, the perfect way to begin the evening. After that, we slowly made our way down through the different floors, each level offering its own unique ambiance and story. From the bar to the chef’s table and the dining room, every space felt thoughtfully curated, blending tradition with modern design and energy. The tasting menu was a spectacular journey through flavors, textures, and Thai-Chinese heritage. Each dish was a piece of art creative, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Chef Pam’s passion and storytelling were felt in every course. Service was flawless, warm, knowledgeable, and attentive without being overwhelming. The team walked us through every dish with care and enthusiasm. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience in Bangkok that’s immersive, culturally rich, and incredibly delicious, POTONG is an absolute must. An unforgettable evening from start to finish!

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