When it comes to progressive Indian cuisine, few chefs have made a global impact like Gaggan Anand. His self-named restaurant in Bangkok has been the talk of the culinary world for years, known for its bold flavors, playful presentation, and avant-garde techniques. After hearing countless stories of his boundary-pushing take on Indian food, I knew I had to experience it for myself.
Arriving at Gaggan Anand’s Playground of Flavors
Located in a stylish, hidden-away spot in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area, Gaggan Anand’s restaurant is far from your traditional fine dining establishment. The moment I stepped inside, I could tell that this was not going to be an ordinary meal. The space was lively, filled with diners eager to embark on a culinary adventure. The open kitchen setup made it feel more like an interactive theater than a restaurant—chefs moving with precision, flames bursting from woks, and an infectious energy flowing through the room.
Unlike typical restaurants with printed menus, here, guests are presented with a menu of emojis—each symbol representing a dish. It was clear from the start that this was going to be a dining experience unlike any other.
The Tasting Menu – A Journey Through India’s Spices and Flavors
First Bite: Yogurt Explosion
The meal began with what is now one of Gaggan’s signature dishes—the Yogurt Explosion. It looked like a delicate white sphere, served on a spoon, but the moment I placed it in my mouth, it burst open with a cool, tangy explosion of spiced yogurt. It was like a one-bite chaat, capturing the essence of Indian street food in the most unexpected way.
Second Bite: Edible Charcoal
Next came a piece of what looked like charcoal, but when I took a bite, it revealed a soft, smoky paneer filling wrapped in a crisp black shell. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the creamy inside was stunning. The flavors were reminiscent of traditional tandoori dishes, yet completely reimagined.
The Unexpected Samosa
A dish simply represented by a 🔺 emoji arrived next, and I assumed it would be a samosa. But instead of the usual crispy pastry, I was presented with a deconstructed version—a light, flaky puff filled with spiced potato mousse and tamarind chutney foam. The flavors were unmistakably Indian, but the textures and technique felt straight out of a futuristic kitchen.
Seafood with a Bang of Masala
One of the most surprising courses was a tandoori-style prawn, but instead of being served whole, it was infused into a delicate seafood foam with masala butter. The dish had a rich, smoky depth with the unmistakable heat of Indian spices, yet it melted in my mouth like a cloud.
The Curry That Wasn’t a Curry
One of the highlights of the night was a dish that tasted exactly like an Indian curry but had no actual liquid curry at all. Instead, it was a series of tiny bites—one with crispy spiced chickpeas, another with tomato-infused paneer, and a third with a rich coconut saffron sauce. Each component was designed to deliver a different layer of flavor, and together, they recreated the complexity of a curry without a single drop of sauce.
A Sweet and Surprising Finale
For dessert, Gaggan stayed true to his playful spirit. A dish shaped like a banana emoji 🍌 arrived at the table, but instead of fruit, it was filled with saffron-infused white chocolate and pistachio cream. The flavors were reminiscent of kulfi, an Indian frozen dessert, but the presentation made it all the more delightful.
Is Gaggan Anand’s Restaurant Worth It?
Absolutely. This isn’t just a meal—it’s a journey through Indian flavors, reimagined with creativity and precision. Gaggan doesn’t just serve food; he tells a story, challenges traditions, and redefines what Indian cuisine can be.
✔ A Bold Reinvention of Indian Food – The dishes stay true
to their roots while embracing modernist techniques.
✔ An
Interactive Dining Experience – Every dish is a surprise,
keeping you engaged from start to finish.
✔ Flawless
Execution – The balance of flavors, spices, and textures is
masterful.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Gaggan Anand has created something truly special, and if you ever find yourself in Bangkok, this is an experience you simply can’t miss.