LE DU KAAN, Bangkok: Dining Experience
After visiting Le Du Kaan in Bangkok, it’s clear why the venue was named one of Thailand’s best-designed restaurants of 2024. Located on the 56th floor of The Empire in Sathorn, Le Du Kaan is one of the city’s highest rooftop restaurants, with incredible skyline views and a modern Thai menu led by a team with Michelin-level experience.
The restaurant is a concept from the team behind Le Du, one of Bangkok’s most awarded restaurants. Le Du Kaan carries the same ingredient-focused philosophy, but presents it through a more relaxed à la carte format. The name Le Du Kaan is derived from the Thai word for “season” - and that seasonal focus shapes both the menu and ingredient sourcing. Dishes are developed using produce and seafood from independent farms and fishing communities across Thailand, with selections changing throughout the year.
The kitchen is led by Chef Chatchawan “Bank” Varahajeerakul, who also heads Le Du Group’s Phuket-based restaurant, Samut. His background in structured kitchens is visible in the detail of each dish from balanced flavors to clean plating and consistent execution.
Le Du Kaan’s rooftop is framed by a custom-designed canopy built from curved interwoven metal rods. It’s designed to retain airflow and visibility while giving the space structure and scale. Seating is tiered to ensure skyline views from most tables, and the layout includes open-air dining zones, bar seating, and a lounge section.
Design elements include polished gold accents, geometric tiling, large circular stepping stones, and a shallow water feature that reflects the surrounding architecture. The space is created perfectly with an elegant and refined appearance while also functional and good Feng Shui flow.
We were served a selection of dishes from the chef’s recommended menu, built around signature à la carte options. The presentation and service were well-paced, and the food itself was flavour-driven and composed. Highlights included:
SALAD PLA KEM: Romaine with Thai salted fish emulsion, crispy fish, pickled shallots, and sunflower seeds
SOMTUM PUUNIM :Papaya salad with soft-shell crab, Chiang Mai tomatoes, tomato reduction, pickled chilli, dried shrimp, and cashews
KOR MOO YANG :Grilled pork neck with pickled vegetables and tamarind dipping sauce
PHAD MEE NAM YAA PUU:Stir-fried yellow noodles with crab curry, blue crab meat, and crab roe - this was the standout dish of the night
KHAO PAD GOONG : Prawn fried rice with clean seasoning and balanced texture
MA PRAW: Roasted coconut ice cream, corn custard, glutinous rice ball, sweet potato tuile, and salted coconut sauce
Something my friends and I always enjoy is discovering specialty cocktails with original flavour combinations. I tend to prefer tart or citrus-based drinks, with herbal notes and minimal sweetness, and occasionally a creamy element like coconut or rice milk, especially in warm or tropical settings.
Naturally, I ordered the LDK Tropical -made with strawberries, Nisa Sato, and coconut, topped with toasted coconut flakes. It’s a smooth reinterpretation of a Rossini and matched the setting perfectly.
We also tried:
Mekhong Rhapsody: Mekhong rum, Thai basil, dill, ginger beer
Wort & Whimsy: Thai rum, jackfruit, wort
Chaophaya Sunset: Thai rum, pineapple, tamarind, elderflower, grapefruit tonic
Harvest Harmony: Chalong Bay rum, mango, apple cordial, fermented rice foam, sesame crisp
Jasmine Breeze: Siam Lanna gin, jasmine, botanical foam art
Overall, it was an incredible experience that I’d recommend to anyone visiting Bangkok. The dining, service, city views, and design were all exceptional. I’m already looking forward to returning.
Le Du Kaan Rooftop
56th Floor, The Empire, Bangkok
Instagram: @ledukaan
Reservations: Recommended
Dress code: Smart casual
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