When we first arrived at Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel, a modern Japanese-styled house nestled in a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden at the heart of the hotel caught our attention. Our hosts then introduced us to Tenko Omakase Bangkok, one of the best Omakase restaurants in the Thai Capital helmed by a young but talented Chef whom we will meet at dinner that evening. We extend the invitation to our readers particularly those who cannot resist quality Japanese omakase served in an unforgettable ambience.
Tenko Omakase Bangkok – Origins Of The Name
Tenko (天狐) is known as the “heavenly fox” in Japanese folklore. Upon the attainment of a thousand years of age, it will gain its ninth tail and be transformed into a divined golden fox – Tenko. This makes the perfect analogy for Chef Goji Kobayashi who has worked hard to cultivate years of culinary and artistry experiences and skills to become Ichinin Mae, which stands for Independent Chef. Chef Goji and his assistant chefs Ken and Aod were already busy preparing for the much anticipated omakase the moment we stepped into the cosy restaurant interiors.
Tenko Omakase Bangkok – More ABout Chef Goji
Fluent in the English language, Chef Goji Kobayashi shared with us that he mastered his traditional Japanese culinary techniques in a Michelin Starred omakase-style restaurant in San Francisco. He loved Asia and wanted to share his love for Japanese fine dining in the region. Bangkok was his preferred city because he loved how cosmopolitan the city is which means he would be able to serve and interact with diners from all over the world.
He is also very particular about the freshness of his ingredients. When he was in Japan, he would make it a point to use seasonal fresh harvests from the Toyosu market in Japan. Now that he is in Bangkok, he goes out of his way to introduce fresh and in-season local and Japanese ingredients to create unique omakase experiences for his diners. That’s him fully focused on creating one of our dishes.
Tenko Omakase Bangkok – Cocktail To Kickstart The Evening
To get our appetite going for the evening, our hosts recommended a stimulating cocktail named Wasabi Sensation which comprises Kizakura sake, fresh lime juice, shoyu sauce and simple syrup. Given individuals’ differing preferences on their level of wasabi, it was placed on the side and can be added based on our personal discretion. I always loved a kick so I added most of mine. It offered a pleasant sting and woke my tastebuds for the coming dishes.
Just as we were sipping our cocktails, the first dish was served! It was a delicate Sesame Tofu garnished with ikura. It was a smooth, tender and mild start to the omakase course.
Next to be served was a young snapper that was beautifully garnished with a seasonal flower. It tasted just as exquisite as it looks.
As we dine, we got to know that all the ceramics and serving ware used were hand-picked in Japan from small artisanal potters and craftsmen which included Shunsuke Tanaka, Takuya Yokoyama and Hideto Kamiizumi. It comprises a spectacular range that included many limited editions or even exclusively hand-made pieces for Tenko.
Besides the food, another enjoyable element of omakase is watching the chefs prepare the food before your eyes. The level of dedication they put into a meal just makes each meal taste so much better.
There was never a dull moment around the counter. New dishes were served the moment we recover from the astonishment and delights that came from the previous ones.
New tools of the trade were introduced throughout which added a theatrical element to the meal.
The freshness of the ingredients consistently emerges as each dish gets presented.
For one or two of the dishes, our chefs playfully request our participation to take the food from their hands.
Otherwise, most will be served on our personal serving plates.
As we come close to the end of the meal, Chef Goji performed his signature charcoal-over-meat grilling. It takes experience and high-quality charcoal to ensure the grilling is timed properly and none of the ashes touches the meat. It was an amazing display of skills and showmanship.
Our lead in dessert came in the form of an innocent sushi roll.
The sweet finale to the evening came in a delectable set of three.
Tenko Omakase Bangkok – Reserve Your Visit
We enjoyed Chef Goji’s delicious and gorgeous premium 16-course Omakase. It was an unforgettable experience. If you are heading to Bangkok soon, remember to make a reservation in advance to avoid disappointment.
Address: 8 2 Rang Nam Alley, Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand | Opening Hours: Wednesday – Friday at 12.00 – 14.00 hrs. Saturday – Sunday at 11.00 hrs. and 12.30 hrs. Dinner Course 2 Rounds at 18.00 hrs. and 20.00 hrs | Facebook: tenkobangkok | Instagram: @tenkobangkok
