SITTING at a large round table in Novotel Bangkok Bangna's elegant Shui Xin restaurant, you can’t help but feel special. Waiters approach like ninjas – silent, swift and precise. Traditional Chinese music tinkles in the background and soothes the senses; and a spotlight beams down into the center of the table highlighting whatever you’ve ordered. It’s a culinary show where the food is the star.

For Chinese food, Shui Xin is the real deal. Since its opening 21 years ago, you’ll find no Thai-Chinese fusion, no westernization of dishes, and no greasy imitations. What you will find is a superb selection of authentic Szechuan and Cantonese dishes prepared by Chef Somporn Sumritnork and his talented team by using only the finest ingredients.

AUTHENTIC Chinese dining experiences always have a touch of theatre about them – all dimmed lights, hushed atmospheres, and Lazy Susans, loaded with food, spinning on cue under a spotlight. Like live performances, though, not every meal is a critical success. Just as extravagant action can’t mask a weak story, elegant surroundings can’t make up for slipshod cooking. 

It’s a real treat, then, that the Conrad Bangkok’s signature Chinese restaurant, Liu, succeeds in putting on a star performance both in terms of looks and flavour, while capping the whole experience with splendid service, too.

SZECHUAN and Cantonese dishes served in true gourmet style have put White Lotus Restaurant on the map as being the place to go for top quality Chinese food in Hua Hin.        
   
Located on the rooftop of the Hilton Hua Hin, adjacent to the hotel’s popular Sky Bar, the restaurant boasts a 180 degree panoramic view across the Gulf of Thailand and surrounding mountains making White Lotus the perfect spot for a romantic tête-à-tête with a loved one, or simply a casual get together with friends.

New Hong Kong chef brings authentic dishes and oodles of creativity to this longstanding favourite at Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square

FOR pundits of traditional Chinese cuisine, Lok Wah Hin Chinese restaurant of Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square offers more than 300 time-honored selections from Shanghai, Canton and Szechuan in an atmosphere inspired by a traditional Chinese village.

Cross the Chinese arched bridge and cobblestone floor into the main dining room and your senses are immediately transported to an ancient Chinese courtyard – one that’s redolent with the aromas of Chinese cuisine. The harmony of space and light is enhanced by overhead red lanterns, bird cages, floor to ceiling windows, and lighting that comes from shrouded windows under the eaves of Chinese dwellings, where heavy timber and iron doors open into six private dining rooms.