There is something wonderfully comforting about Northern Thai food. Perhaps it is the earthy fragrance of roasted spices, the gentle heat of green chillies or the rustic simplicity of dishes that have travelled from village kitchens to dining tables for generations. Whatever the secret, the cuisine of the former Lanna Kingdom has a character all its own.
This autumn, The Siam Tea Room at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is bringing a taste of the north to the capital with Flavors of Lanna, a six-dish menu celebrating the ingredients, traditions and time-honoured recipes of Northern Thailand.
Running from 12 October to 30 November 2026, the culinary showcase offers an opportunity to venture beyond the familiar khao soi and discover the region’s lesser-known pleasures.
Start with Larb Kua Moo (THB 390++), a fragrant take on minced pork salad. Forget the sharp, lime-laced flavours of northeastern larb. Here, pork is stir-fried with roasted dried spices and herbs, delivering a deeply savoury warmth, with fresh vegetables providing a welcome contrast.
For a little of everything, Khantoke Noi (THB 490++) takes its inspiration from the traditional northern dining tray. Expect herb-infused sausage, crispy pork rinds and fresh vegetables, accompanied by two regional favourites: smoky nam prik num, made with roasted green chillies, and nam prik ong, a rich, tomato-based minced pork dip.
More intriguing flavours emerge in Kua Phak Kood Sai Jin Som (THB 320++), where fiddlehead ferns meet fermented sour pork, tomatoes, garlic and chilli. It is a dish that captures the northern kitchen’s affinity for seasonal greens and preserved ingredients.
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Equally distinctive is Tom Som Kai Mueang (THB 360++), a spicy, sour chicken soup enriched with som poi leaves. Bright, herbal and warming, it offers a taste of the ingredients that rarely find their way onto mainstream Thai restaurant menus.
For something more substantial, Gaeng Om Jin Wua (THB 560++) brings slow-braised beef in an aromatic northern curry broth, layered with fresh herbs, spices and the distinctive fragrance of ma-khwaen pepper.
Save a little room for Khao Tom Khao Nom (THB 190++), a traditional selection of northern sweets with shredded coconut.
Taken together, these six dishes tell a story of a region where food remains closely connected to its landscape, local produce and cultural heritage. And for Bangkok diners, it is a delicious reminder that some of Thailand’s most rewarding culinary discoveries lie beyond the usual favourites.
IF YOU GO
Flavors of Lanna is served daily from 11am to 10.30pm at The Siam Tea Room, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, until 30 November 2026. Reservations: 02 059 5999 or www.thesiamtearoom.com.
