Thai cuisine guru David Thompson’s historic recipes revived with obscure regional ingreds really are da bomb. Snag an alfresco table by the pool if you can, and opt for perfectly balanced creations like duck curry with banana peppers, or grilled river prawns coated in Chiang Mai-style chilli relish. And we know you’re familiar with the signature Siamese dessert… so how about perfume syrup-poached santal and steamed coconut candies? N-aaaah-m yum. Metropolitan by Como / 27 South Sathorn Rd / +66 2 625 3388 / lunch Mon-Fri, dinner daily / book ahead / comohotels.com

Culinary couple Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava and Dylan Jones give heritage, slow food dishes a contempo kick courtesy of monthly set menus and veggies grown right on-site at their dark and dapper villa. Stick around post-sups for craft cocktails on the water lily-lined terrace, or pop into the new farm shop to nab some house-made pastes, oils and seasonings for your next at-home curry cook up. 24 Soi Sukhumvit 53 / +66 2 260 2961 / lunch Sat-Sun, dinner Tue-Sun / book ahead / bolan.co.th

Nary a basic vindaloo or plain old chicken tikka masala in sight – this is Indian of the mod and molecular variety. The ever-changing tasting series might feature freshly shucked oysters with kokum nectar and mustard ice-cream, or chai sorbet distilled with saffron and cardamom. Sate the spice hit with sub-continent-inspired sips and great breads, all served up in a charming colonial setting. Nosy Nancys should request the table overlooking the kitchen when booking. Hot seat! 68/1 Soi Langsuan (opposite Soi 3) / +66 2 652 1700 / dinner daily / book ahead / eatatgaggan.com

An exquisite plate of banana blossom and palm heart salad on the verandah overlooking the verdant grounds at Ian Kittichai’s flagship resto is a Bangkok must-do. As is a well-made Mai Thai in the antique adorned upstairs bar, of course. Or for something a little more whimsi-cool try the celeb chef’s perfectly pink, larrier-than-a-ladyboy townhouse, Namsaah Bottling Trust, for comforting fusion fare, inventive libations and live DJ tunes. Issaya Siamese Club / 4 Soi Sri Aksorn / Chua Ploeng Rd / +66 2 6729 0401 / lunch & dinner daily / book ahead / issaya.com Namsaah Bottling Trust / 401 Silom Soi 7 / Silom Rd / +66 2 636 6622 / dinner daily / namsaah.com

Casj n’ cosy, shingle-walled Thonglor shophouse serving up the sort of authentic, oft-overlooked recipes that you usually wouldn’t find outside the kitchen of an Isaan khun ya. Shimmy into one of the sunny yellow booth seats for yumsome, honest offerings like Choo Chi Pla Nue Aon (chunks of fish deep-fried and dry-sautéed with sweet curry) or the nam prik khai pu (crab meat in chilli). Mmm! 160/11 Soi Sukhumvit 55 / +66 2 714 7508 / lunch & dinner daily / supannigaeatingroom.com

Once an ice factory, now this cool enclave nested along the Chao Phraya’s boho left bank is one of the city’s most desirable, design-led dining destis. Beneath the Bodhi trees you’ll find stellar warehouse resto The Never Ending Summer for high society Siam sups, plus the natty Knack Market which, once a month, transforms the lush lawn into a flavour fest of global gourmet goodies and local crafts. Wham bam Jam! 41/1-5 Charoennakorn Rd / Klongsan / +66 2 8610950 / 10am-8pm daily / The Never Ending Summer / +66 2 861 0953 / 11am-11pm / The Knack Market / 4-9pm last Sat-Sun of every month

This rustic order-by-pointing-at-pictures food stall may be a bit dingy, but hey, the Royal family are said to be regulars. We can only assume His Excellency opts for the fish ball curry. Or, if you’re after some authentic street food sans the curbside setting and laminex tables, try the sticky tamarind ribs at woody wonder Soul Food Mahanakorn. Their signature Thai ‘tails are none too shabby either. Krua Apsorn / Samsen Rd / near Soi 9 / +66 2 241 8528 / 10.30am-7.30pm Mon-Sat / kruaapsorn.com Soul Food Mahanakorn / 56/10 Sukhumvit Soi 55 / +66 2 714 7708 / dinner daily / soulfoodmahanakorn.com

Call ahead to secure the air-conditioned glass gazebo in the gorgeous garden of this bright, white, weekends-only tearoom. On the menu: a long list of imported teas served piping hot or laden with ice, paired with a diet-destroying selection of daily-made fluffy cakes, buttery scones and quiches. If you’re lucky the resident kitty might even call past for your crumbs. Perfectly pleasant. 20 Sukhumvit Soi 51 / turn at the white arch on the right 20m after you enter the soi / +66 2 6625 8570 / 10am-6pm Fri-Sun / no cards / agalico.co.th

Ashley Sutton’s sultry 1930s Shanghai speakeasy-cum-cabaret (hidden in a cavernous bank vault behind a noodle shop) has become a staple of the Silom scene thanks to its masterful mixes and sinfully sumptuous decor – think playful parasols, cushy tufted Chesterfields and a casino-inspired counter. Rather go Dickensian than deco? Then steam over to the design don’s eponymous brass cog-covered saloon, A.R. Sutton & Co Engineers Siam, for top-shelf scotch and spirits brewed in a micro-distillery masquerading as a Wellsian time machine. Maggie Choo’s / 320 Silom Rd / +66 91 772 2144 / 6pm-2am Tue-Sun A.R. Sutton & Co Engineers Siam / Park Lane Ekkamai / Sukhumvit Soi 63 / 6pm-midnight daily

Can’t tell a tom yum from a som tum? Zip over to a morning class at this renowned restaurant-cum-cooking school. Your Thai culinary crash course begins with a trip to the Bangrak market to pick out the day’s freshest produce, then it’s back to the kitchen to shuck, steam and stir-fry four classic, divinely delectable dishes. Best of all, once you’re finished you get to eat your efforts. Group and private lessons available. Chop chop! 233 Thanon Sathon Tai / +66 2 673 9353 / morning & afternoon classes daily / blueelephant.com

These experts in all things edible and exploratory can take you on guided gads through the big sites or the back streets. Bob along to authentic floating markets, take a tasty saunter through Chinatown, or go beyond the tourist trails to sample the city’s best pad thai on a late-night tuk tuk tour. Mouthwatering multi-day trips to Chiang Mai and spicy-ricey Central Thailand are also available. Private or small group tours. Call +66 95 943 9222 / bangkokfoodtours.com