Exploring Spanish Gastronomy in Bangkok’s Vibrant Food Scene
By Kathleen Pokrud
Photo courtesy of the Embassy of Spain
Foreword
HE Ambassador Felipe de la Morena Casado
It is a great pleasure to address the readers of Elite+ magazine.
Food is one of the most powerful ways to connect cultures. Through every shared meal, every glass of wine and every new recipe discovered, Spain and Thailand continue to deepen their friendship and mutual understanding.
Spanish gastronomy is more than just a collection of ingredients or dishes: it is an expression of our way of life.
Here in Thailand, we are proud to see how that story continues to grow. Spanish chefs, products and restaurants are finding a home in Bangkok’s culinary scene, and Thai diners are embracing the flavours of Spain with enthusiasm and curiosity. Thailand is among the top five countries in the world with a largest number of certified restaurants by Spain. This seal seeks to recognise Spanish restaurants internationally for their use of authentic ingredients in the menus offered to diners. Based on the principles of objectivity, traceability and transparency, consumers can be reassured in the knowledge that the menu at restaurants that are awarded this distinction, all comply with the same high standard.
It is my hope that this article will inspire readers to explore the many facets of Spanish gastronomy and celebrate, with us, the strong and enduring friendship between Spain and Thailand.
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Exploring Spanish Gastronomy in Bangkok’s vibrant food scene
By Kathleen Pokrud
There are fascinating culinary interests with Spanish cuisine in Bangkok’s vibrant food scene. Elite+ explored this Spanish wave more deeply by interviewing a few engaging Spanish chefs residing in Bangkok.
Chef Willy (Guillermo Trullás) of El Willy Spanish Kitchen agreed that many Spanish chefs are drawn to Bangkok. “Spanish cuisine has become popular in Bangkok quite recently compared to Italian or French that became popular much earlier.
“As Spanish cuisine becomes increasingly attractive for Thai diners, especially due to the increase of Thai visitors to Spain, there is a stronger demand for Spanish Chefs to come to Bangkok. At the same time, Thailand’s lifestyle has quite a lot of similarities with Spain, making it easy for Chefs to live and adapt to the Thai lifestyle.
“In terms of adaptation to Thai taste, the tapas-sharing-style format of dining fits naturally with the Thai way of eating. With flavours, I tend to accentuate the spiciness a bit and lower the amount of salt to align more with Thai tastes.”
In preserving Spanish traditional recipes, Chef Capper Sopa of SOPA Restaurant commented, “At SOPA Spanish Fine Dining Restaurant, we preserve traditional Spanish recipes while innovating with 100% imported Spanish ingredients. Guests enjoy the authentic Spanish experience through tasting menus, à la carte selections and premium Spanish steaks - each crafted with techniques blending Spanish, French and Thai culinary arts. SOPA also offers classes to teach authentic Spanish cuisine and offers one of the finest collections of Spanish wines. I was trained at Le Cordon Bleu Dusit, Paris and Madrid, and have worked in a 3-Michelin-star restaurant in Cantabria. My philosophy is anti-aging, inspiring refined, healthy dishes for SOPA to be the future of Spanish cuisine.”
Chef Riki of Bar Sociedad Laferia strongly agrees that Bangkok is becoming a new hub for Spanish gastronomy in Asia. “In my opinion it is the great similarity between both cultures in terms of lifestyle and food that has made Bangkok the perfect environment for the development of our gastronomy and, without a doubt, the benchmark for Spanish food in Asia and, by extension, the world.
“I believe what makes a country successful, aside from its natural beauty, is undoubtedly its people, and Thailand is certainly very inspiring and captivating in that regard, a wonderful country where a Spaniard feels at home. That, for me, is the key. Feel like home, and you will cook like home.”
Chef El Palanca of VASO Spanish Tapas Bar agreed that Spanish establishments are influencing Bangkok’s dining culture and food tourism. “Spanish people fit in everywhere. With our happy minds and vibes, I think we are unique. VASO is doing great in Bangkok, and we have friends who opening new restaurants, which push me to continue working hard. Vaso offers a special concept that will catch you from the moment you enter the restaurant with our amazing food, crazy staff, great music and open kitchen... that is what people like the most. People can see how we prepare their food. We are getting better known in Thailand and Asia, and everyone wants to 'copy' us, but that is not that easy”.
Chef Sandro Aguilera of Latirra Restaurant shared his personal journey to Bangkok and connection to the city. “I came to Bangkok drawn by its incredible energy and amazing food culture. The city instantly inspired me with its fresh ingredients and adventurousness. Bangkok has quickly become more than a workplace; it is a place where I can create, experiment and connect with people through food. Every dish I make is a small celebration of this city, its vibrant culture and the journey that brought me here.”
Elite+ concluded our interviews with Chef Kannika Kongkaew, Chef and Co-owner of Taburete Restaurant, who is a Thai-born chef specialising in Spanish cuisine. He explained how he is drawing from his own Thai heritage when preparing creative Spanish recipes. “Coming from Thailand, I carry with me a deep respect for ingredients, detail and balance, values that I found beautifully reflected in Spanish cuisine. In Spain, I learned to cook with heart and simplicity. In Thailand, I share that Mediterranean warmth through authentic dishes at my restaurant. Thai guests often discover in Spanish flavours the same joy and generosity they value in their own food culture. For me, ‘Eat Spain Drink Spain’ celebrates that shared spirit of making food serve as a bridge between our two culinary worlds.”
