Sorn — Review by Mark Wiens
Bangkok, Thailand — Thai
A spectacular dining experience at Sorn, Bangkok's world-renowned three Michelin star Thai restaurant. The meal showcased exceptional technique and flavor through creative dishes like condensed river prawn bites, signature crab stick, and standout beef rib green curry that melted in the mouth.
What was great: River prawn bite with intense flavor, fried fish with Ming Areelia leaves, seven-color lobster sashimi, crab stick with mud crab roe and chili paste, crispy prawn omelet with curry sauce, melt-in-your-mouth beef rib green curry, hand-cooked rice with standing grains, flaky crispy roti
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Sorn presents an extraordinary journey through refined Thai cuisine with each course carefully orchestrated to showcase pristine ingredients and masterful technique. The meal begins with a river prawn condensed into a single bite that explodes with intense prawn flavor, immediately setting the tone for excellence. A fried fish arrives stuffed with Ming Areelia leaves and marinated in turmeric, delivering aromatic complexity. The seafood course features crab, sea snail, and the highlight of cold seven-color lobster sashimi in generous portions that showcase the restaurant's access to premium ingredients.
One of Sorn's signature dishes, the crab stick, proves why this restaurant commands three Michelin stars. Blue crab is topped with mud crab roe and plastered in chili paste, all compressed into an elegant one-biter that delivers multiple layers of flavor and texture. Cockles arrive with dried abalone shaved on top, adding umami depth. The famous Khao Yam rice salad features about a dozen different ingredients with a fermented fish sauce dressing mixed tableside, creating a dynamic and aromatic component to the meal.
The main courses demonstrate technical mastery. Rice cooked by hand over fire shows grains standing upright, indicating perfect execution. The crispy prawn omelet becomes a masterpiece when paired with curry sauce, while the melt-in-your-mouth beef rib green curry served with flaky, crispy roti becomes the undisputed highlight, so tender it can be eaten with just a spoon.
The Experience
The atmosphere and service at Sorn create a refined fine dining experience befitting its three Michelin star status. The theatrical elements, such as tableside mixing of the Khao Yam dressing and the visible technique of hand-cooking rice over fire, engage diners and showcase the artistry behind each dish. The pacing of courses allows for proper appreciation of each component.
Value & Pricing
While specific pricing is not mentioned in the transcript, the three Michelin star designation and complexity of ingredients used suggest a premium price point typical of world-class fine dining establishments.
Notable Moments
Oh, spoon. Spoon tender.
This response to the beef rib green curry captures the reviewer's amazement at the texture and tenderness of the dish.
The Verdict
Sorn represents the pinnacle of Thai fine dining, offering an unforgettable experience for those seeking exceptional cuisine. This restaurant is best suited for special occasions, adventurous diners, and those wanting to experience what three Michelin star Thai cooking delivers. Every element from the carefully sourced ingredients to the precise technique justifies the restaurant's world-class reputation.