Maya
The buzz: Maya is perhaps Bangkok’s most elevated Indian restaurant, sitting in a striking cantilevered structure on the 29/F of the new Holiday Inn Sukhumvit 22. The latest restaurant from the Fico Corporation (which includes Fat Gutz, also coming soon to the G/F), Maya lets your feast on North Indian culinary creations by Chef Ramneek Singh Lamba in the dining room, enjoy fine cigars with a selection of single-malt whiskey at an outdoor lounge and sip creative cocktails to go with the view and tunes at the DJ bar.
The décor: Maya’s three zones are decked out in a contemporary Indian décor by SODA (whose previous work include W Hotel and the recently closed Kinki). The vibe is defined by black steel lattice work resembling Indian patterns offset by fluffy curtains. Take a spot in the proper dining area that overlooks an open kitchen or else sidle up to the marble bar that stands in the dimly-lit room with DJ decks and a stunning view.
The food: Classic Indian dishes with highlights including the murgh chandi kebab (marinated chicken with yogurt, cardamom and mace, B380) and crispy okra with cashew and mango powder (B320). As you walk in, you’re greeted by three large charcoal tandoors, so you’re well advised to order a round of the irresistible papadum or aromatic naan (B80). Other hearty options include the jhinga khada masala (king prawns with shallots, tomatoes, spring onion and spices, B800) and dal maya (black lentils with tomatoes, garlic and churned butter, B250), which goes really well with the naan. If you want something extra special, some dishes incorporate less typical ingredients like the tandoor—grilled marinated lobster with kaffir lime and yellow chili (B1,500).
The drinks: Even if you’re not there for a meal, Maya is still a good place to drop by for some drinks. The wine list (B1,400-7,500 for a bottle) might be pretty standard, but the cocktails make use of interesting ingredients like beetroot, cinnamon and cumin powder. Signatures include the vodka khatta pudina (vodka, guava juice and cumin powder, B295) and sugar-hurri-cane (sugarcane juice, vodka, tequila and mint, B295). There are also three choices of single-malt whisky (B300-B760). Ladies take note, every Wednesday (5-10pm) this month you can enjoy free-flow Prosecco along with the sounds of a live percussion band (also performing Friday).
The crowds: Quite a mix of expats and local suits, including many fans of Rang Mahal coming to see what the fuss is all about.
Indian restaurant Maya sits on a striking cantilevered structure on the 29/F of the Holiday Inn Sukhumvit 22. Owned by the Fico food and beverage empire, the venue serves delicious North Indian cooking by Chef Ramneek Singh Lamba, but also comprises a lounge complete with a DJ, elaborate bar snacks and creative cocktails.
The décor combines black steel lattice work resembling Indian patterns offset by fluffy curtains—it’s fairly modern, but also has something of an outdated carpeted hotel lobby vibe to it. The view is awesome, though, thanks to the big bay windows wrapping around the dining room.
The menu features all your classic Indian dishes, with highlights including the wonderfully fragrant murgh chandi kebab (marinated chicken with yogurt, cardamom and mace, B380) and crispy okra with cashew and mango powder (B320). As you walk in, you’re greeted by three large charcoal tandoors, churning out irresistible papadum and aromatic naan (B80) which are just perfect, with crispy charred bits and a fluffy interior. Other hearty options include the jhinga khada masala (king prawns with shallots, tomatoes, spring onion and spices, B800) and dal maya (black lentils with tomatoes, garlic and churned butter, B250), a perfect accompaniment to the naan. If you’re looking for more creativity, there are also dishes incorporating less typical ingredients like the tandoor-grilled marinated lobster with kaffir lime and yellow chili (B1,500).
Maya is also a great spot to drop by for some drinks, even if the hearty “bar snacks” look more like full-on dishes. The reasonably priced wine list (B1,400-7,500 for a bottle) might be pretty standard, but the cocktails do make use of interesting ingredients like beetroot, cinnamon and cumin powder. Signatures include the Vodka Khatta Pudina (vodka, guava juice and cumin powder, B295) and Sugar-hurri-cane (sugarcane juice, vodka, tequila and mint, B295).
Of course, Maya is inevitably compared to the gold standards—Rang Mahal and Indus—and the general consensus seems to be that the latter still come out on top. We were also disappointed at how often all the staff entirely disappeared on our last visit, a marked contrast with the almost overbearing attention in other Indian restaurants. Still, Maya’s food is truly excellent, and for such a stunning view, very well priced.
| Address: | Maya, 29/F, Holiday Inn Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit Soi 22, Bangkok, Thailand |
| Phone: | 02-683-4888 |
| Area: | Phrom Phong |
| Cuisine: | Indian |
| Price Range: | BBBB - BBBB |
| Open since: | July, 2013 |
| Opening hours: | daily 5pm-midnight |
| Parking available | |
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