Trend-chasers who are constantly on the lookout for new eating out opportunities with friends will be heading for Sindhorn Kempinski’s newest culinary outlet, Ki. For the uninitiated, an izakaya is the Japanese version of a pub or tapas bar where people stop by after work to grab a drink, a few bites and, most likely, a long animated chat with friends. 

In true izakaya spirit, Ki features bar seating as the focus of the restaurant, which is located on the ninth floor of the hotel that offers a panoramic view of Bangkok’s city lights as well as the lush green tree canopy of the nearby Lumpini Park and Soi Ton Son. There is a long communal table perfect for making new friends, as well as cosy corner tables that provide a semblance of privacy, while allowing for some casual table-hopping.

To accompany the sake as well as the selection of craft and draught beers, chef Hiroyuki Yokoyama has developed an extensive menu of tapas-style fare, ranging from small appetisers to heartier grilled and fried favourites, as well as must-try specials like Hokkaido Soy Milk Hot Pot with wagyu beef and blue swimmer crab.

Among the chef’s selections for the soft opening period are Eihire Aburi—charcoal grilled stingray fin with shichimi togarashi mayonnaise—a delicious Japanese equivalent to the Thai dried sweet giant catfish. The Burrata with heirloom tomatoes was a twist on the Italian favourite but seasoned with dashi liquid, scallions and bonito flakes. One of the signature dishes is the Wasabi Shake, a confit of salmon with wasabi, ikura, and shiso. Also delicious was Reba—chicken Liver Pate with a thin slice of shokupan toast—and the Salmon Yukke, a salmon tartare with spicy Korean gochujang sauce, sesame oil, and organic egg yolk. Beef lovers will be most happy with the Wagyu Negi Shio, an A5 wagyu rib eye with Japanese leek sauce.

As dusk settles and the house lights dim, the music takes on a louder and distinctly more rock flavour, and the mood and conversation become more animated. This is the “Ki”, or “mood” kicking in.