Issaya Siamese Club

Issaya Siamese Club: Modern Thai in a Historic Bangkok Villa

Issaya Siamese Club is in Bangkok’s Sathorn neighbourhood, inside a restored Thai-colonial mansion that’s almost 100 years old. It’s run by Chef Ian Kittichai, who started his career pushing a food cart as a kid and later trained internationally before opening this place.

The name “Issaya” means the rainy season in an old Thai dialect, a reference to the tropical gardens surrounding the house. The interior was designed by Danish designer Hans Bogetoft Christensen, with bold colours and patterns mixed with the building’s original features. Downstairs is the main dining room. Upstairs is the Siamese Club, a lounge-bar space with a more relaxed feel.

The food is modern Thai: traditional flavours and techniques with contemporary presentation and some international influences. Many ingredients come from the restaurant’s own herb garden. Chef Ian was one of the first in Bangkok to push the farm-to-table approach.

What We Ordered

The menu has elevated versions of Thai classics. Signature dishes include Mussamun Gae (lamb shank massaman curry) and Yum Hua Plee (banana blossom salad). Issaya has appeared on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and is recognised by the Michelin Guide. Not cheap, but the setting and food quality justify it.

Yum Hua Plee (ยำหัวปลีสดกับยอดมะพร้าว)

Banana blossom and heart of palm salad, crispy shallots and roasted peanuts in a chilli jam dressing (290 Baht)

Hor Mok Goong Mung Korn (ห่อหมกกุ้งมังกร)

Steamed fresh lobster with lobster curry custard, fresh coconut milk and sweet basil (2,200 Baht)

Kaew Warn “Like a Soup” Goong (ซุบเขียวหวานกุ้ง)

Tableside homemade green curry paste soup with prawn, basil, kaffir lime leaves and heart of palm (420 Baht)

Kao Soy Osso Buco (ข้าวซอยออสโซ่ บูโค่)

Slow-cooked osso buco in Chiang Mai curry sauce with egg noodles and chilli oil (890 Baht)

Kanom-Krok (ขนมครกต้มข่าไก่)

Issaya’s coconut crème brûlée “pancakes” topped with Khao Yai raised minced chicken, galangal, kaffir lime leaves and chilli jam (240 Baht)

Issaya Siamese Club Photos

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