Spice up the senses with treats in Sukhumvit Soi 3 & 4

Alif Laila

2/9 Sukhumvit Soi 3, 08-6835-9537, 08-7413-2933. Open daily 10am-late.

Owned by the same guys manning the renowned Indian restaurant Bawarchi in Sukhumvit Soi 11, Alif Laila a.k.a. “The Arabian Nights” specializes in Arabic and Indian food: hummus, kebabs and specialties off the tandoor, just to name a few. Its long patio area sets it apart from the other restaurants around Nana. An open space fitted with vapor fans to shield you from Bangkok’s heat—perfect for a quick bite, a beer and a smooth apple sheesha.

Gulf Beach Restaurant

3/F, 2/1 Sukhumvit Soi 3, 02-655-7778. Open daily 11:30-1:30am.

The newest kid on the block, the Gulf Beach restaurant, opened in late Feb, is one of the few in the area that specializes in a number of different cuisines: Omani, Mexican, Chinese, Indian, Thai and Arabic, all under one roof. No alcohol served on this third floor diner yet, but plans for a fully equipped bar are in the pipes.

Akbar

1/4 Sukhumvit Soi 3, Nana Nua, 02-650-3347. Open daily 10:30-midnight.

Akbar, named after the great Mughal ruler, has been serving Indian cuisine for 29 years. This three-story restaurant is perfect for those who are looking for an afternoon of cricket and some authentic north Indian food, like the tandoori mixed grill (B240, lamb and chicken kebab as well as chicken, mutton and fish tikka all on one big silver platter.) If you’re looking to dine with your hands in true Indian style, then the butter chicken (B180) accompanied with the cheese naan (B80), is a mouth-watering combination. Too lazy? Call for delivery!

Bollywood

20/11, Nana-tai, Sukhumvit Soi 4, 02-656-9982/3. Open daily 11am-midnight. www.bollywoodbangkok.com.

Decked out in patriotic white, orange and green, with a big round Tandoor oven outside, Bollywood, as the name suggests, specializes in all kinds of Indian cuisine. From the stuff you get off of the streets of Mumbai (paneer pakoda B89) to dishes fit for a king (mutton handi biryani B219), Bollywood, opened now for four years, is the only one of its kind in Nana Tai. The restaurant comfortably fits about 50 and has a mini banquet hall, perfect for a small private party. It also specializes in tiffin services and delivery within the Sukhumvit area.

Roadside Shwarma

All along Sukhumvit Soi 3 (neighboring Grace Hotel, next to Nana Square)

Don’t really care for a sit-down lunch and are simply looking for a quick taste of the Middle East? Take your pick from a selection of either lamb or chicken, grilled right before your eyes, served with yummy fries or (for the more health conscious) in a neatly rolled pita!

Greenhouse

The Landmark Hotel, 138 Sukhumvit Rd, 02-254-0404, www.landmarkbangkok.com. Open daily 24 hrs.

Located on the ground floor, Greenhouse specializes in everything from sandwiches to Chinese breakfast (pork congee, B130). Fans of “fresh” air can choose to sit along their terrace section opened everyday till midnight.

RR&B

The Landmark Hotel, 138 Sukhumvit Rd, 02-254-0404 ext. 3100,
www.landmarkbangkok.com. Open Sun-Thu, 6-11pm, Fri-Sat,
6pm-midnight.

Steaks, wine and a view of Bangkok at this 31st floor attraction could cost you a fortune but are surely worth a try. The bar located on the outside just as you walk out the elevator is opened daily from 5pm-2am.

Tsunami

JW Marriott Hotel, 4 Sukhumvit Soi 2, 02-656-7709. Open daily for lunch 11:30am-2:30pm, dinner 6-10pm.

Japanese and Teppanyaki cuisine plus a bar with cocktails and a selection of wines. A separate section called Nami, is made for you to sit around as the chef prepares your dinner in front of you.

Bully’s

Sukhumvit Rd., between soi 2 & 4 (next to JW Marriott), 02-656-4609.
Be it for breakfast or just snackies at lunch, Bully’s is great for a game of pool and a Guinness on a warm Bangkok afternoon.

Took Lae Dee

Foodland, 87 Sukhumvoi Soi 5., 02-254-2367.

If you shop at Foodland, you know Took Lae Dee (Cheap and good). Spend no more than B100 on a lunch or dinner and walk it off along the aisles of the grocery store.