Nordic soul, Bangkok heart

At Villa Frantzén, a tasting menu in Bangkok becomes a journey worth flying for

- JANE KINGSU-CHENG

Married to a voracious eater, our meals out, be it lunch or dinner, usually involve finding restaurants that serve hearty, filling dishes. He's always been skeptical of tasting menus, thinking they prioritize presentation over satisfaction. So the idea of enjoying a tasting menu together was always just that—an idea.

But one thing my husband, John, and I definitely share is how we eat when we travel-we love discovering places through food. So when we found ourselves in Bangkok last month, I managed to secure a table for two at Villa Frantzén.

Opened in 2022 by the Swedish Frantzén Group under Chef Björn Frantzén, it offers Nordic culinary traditions infused with local influences. With three consecutive years in the Michelin Guide, plus features in 50 Best Discovery, La Liste 2024, and Thailand's Favourite Restaurants 2025, it was easy to convince my husband to say yes to this dinner appointment

Arriving at 7 p.m., the place had a different vibe from the daytime photos I'd seen online. Stepping into its outdoor space, it was hard to believe we were still in the middle of Bangkok. The lush greenery, soft amber light-ing—warm and gentle like the Northern Lights, along with the calming sound of water trickling nearby set the mood for what was in store. It invited us to slow down and pay attention to the small details that turn a meal into something truly memorable.

Stepping into the restaurant made me feel like I was entering a modern Nordic-Asian home with its Scandinavian-designed furniture, soft and plush textures in light hues, and pottery displays. The open kitchen was a sight to see, with the culinary crew working its magic with finesse.