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OJO BANGKOK - AN EXTRAORDINARY PINK GOLDEN PEARL FROM MEXICO
Ojo Bangkok, which is part of The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon, is located on the 76th floor of the Mahanakhon Tower. Never have we eaten more delicious Mexican food than at Ojo Bangkok. We owe this to Mexican Chef Francisco Paco Ruano and his professional kitchen staff. The high-quality service, special ambiance and especially the quirky space-age-retro-glam decor, all give a dinner at Ojo Bangkok that extra experience where good, becomes excellent.
In the end, it’s all about the blissful food where fresh and unusual ingredients combined with different techniques and preparation methods play the leading role. The dishes are not only very tasty, but also very attractive, a feast for the eyes. Perhaps that is why the restaurant is called Ojo, since ojo means eye in Spanish.
Below we describe what we ate during our particularly enjoyable visit to Ojo Bangkok. We start with the starters.
DID YOU KNOW?
Since the end of November 2022, it has been possible to reserve a table for the Ojo terrace on the 76th floor. We say do it!
A trio of cold appetizers
We began our Mexican culinary journey with a masterful trilogy of appetizers. The first dish, a tomato salad, was an edible work of art of different varieties of tomato from Chiang Mai embellished with flowers like those of the zucchini and crocus. The fermented chili mayonnaise completed the dish and was perfectly spicy!
The second cold appetizer brought us acidity. We were served a portion of raw tuna with tiny tufts of kalamata olive emulsion and wafer-thin radish and onion. Fresh, light and yummmm!
Third, the heavenly Ojo Guacamole with juicy crab meat and topped with crispy salmon eggs. A great combination thanks in part to the addition of shrimp oil and the rich garnish of fresh herbs like dill and cilantro. With the included tostadas, we literally dug in!
PS
A personal note to Chef Francisco. Where can we order a few gallons of this Ojo Guacamole? You got us hooked! Please add a few liters of that roasted salsa as well, hombre, it’s so addictively delicious!
A duo of warm appetizers
As if three appetizers were not enough, two more hot appetizers followed after. The pre party was well underway at Ojo, and it promised to be a true feast. We had already seen this one pass by on Instagram, a serving of roasted bone marrow. The toasted rice powder gave the top a sublime crispy coating. Scrape the bone marrow out of the u-shaped bone to spread it on your soft warm tortillas. A dot of that super tasty roasted salsa on top and repeat!
Our favorite appetizer was the portion of adorable roasted baby corn that was buried under a giant mountain of grated pecorino cheese. The jalapeno mayonnaise and crumbled macadamia nuts completed this dish in perfection.
Image: Thailand Magazine
Pescados e Carnitos
For the main course, we ordered one meat and one fish dish. “Uno Carnitas e uno Pescado por favor” I tried my best in Spanish, the Thai lady looked at me smiling and replied giggling “si senor”. Meanwhile, we had received our ordered wine. Me a white wine to accompany the fish (a glass of Koehler Ruprecht Kabinett Tröcken) and the love of my life, a well-filled glass of red wine.
Image: Thailand Magazine
Image: Thailand Magazine
Image: Thailand Magazine
After the wine shortly followed my grilled fish with avocado, cucumber, chili and cilantro. For Ilonka the Birria, a huge short rib (contradiction anyone?) that was slow cooked in a Jalisto Adobo. The adobo is a thickened thick sauce with chili powder, sugar, garlic, herbs, vinegar and some secret spices. As a side dish, a bowl of sticky rice and fresh tortillas were served.
I must confess that I was a bit jealous of the huge piece of slow cooked beef shoved in front of Ilonka’s nose. Luckily for me, she regularly asked if I wanted another bite, si cara senorita!
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¡Dulce a la dulzura!
In the Netherlands, our home country, there is the saying “he who is sweet, gets good”, we have been very sweet indeed. Time and time again we had emptied our plates (not surprising with such special and tasty dishes). Therefore, as a reward, we were given two desserts.
The Arroz Con Leche is made with creamy vanilla rice pudding topped with cinnamon ice cream, white chocolate, sugared brûlée and soy milk shavings. Very nice, but the Guava Tres Leches was the outright winner for us! With every bite of this sponge cake, the flavors of elderflower, guava and raspberries gushed into our mouths, how delicious!
Image: Thailand Magazine
Image: Thailand Magazine
Cocktails at Ojo
To celebrate our first evening in Bangkok as a married couple, we ordered a cocktail at the end. Ilonka loves the Piña Colada “it gives such a nice vacation feeling” I hear her say, therefore she decided to go for the “This Isnʼt Piña Colada”. I ordered the Negroni, perhaps because I am a bit influenced by Campari Thailand after all. In fact, during our stay at Villa Chi on Koh Samui, we received two boxes of drinks from Campari Thailand as a wedding gift for our wedding. Gracias @ Campari Thailandia!
Image: Thailand Magazine
In conclusion, Ojo delivers high quality in many ways!
Aside from the fact that the dishes at Ojo Restaurant are simply grandiose, a visit to Ojo is an experience that stands on its own. The particular over the top retro look where pink and rose gold predominate is not something you come across very often, at least not us.
The view that Ojo offers at just under 300 meters, through its giant windows, is breathtaking. We were lucky enough to sit next to a window and look out on the meandering Chao Phraya River with its banks including the upscale shopping paradise ICONSIAM and the ufo-shaped Three Sixty Sky Bar next door.
PLEASE NOTE
Because of the well-functioning air conditioning a visit to Ojo Bangkok can feel rather chilly. A minor downside that quickly became a plus thanks to the super service. After we pointed out that we were a little cold, we were immediately given a large scarf that kept us warm for the rest of the evening.
From Thailand Magazine, Ojo gets the unique rose gold trophy for Bangkok’s best, most special and highest Mexican restaurant!
General information
Ojo is open daily from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm for lunch and for dinner you can go there from 5:30 pm until late. Meaning, “until when the DJ stops spinning-late”. Be aware, it’s wise to reserve a table at Ojo in advance. For reservations and information, email stbkk@standardhotels.com or call +66 (0) 2 085 8888.
Ojo maintains a smart casual dress code. So don’t come casually with your flip-flops or in shorts, but dress neatly and appropriately. Check out the menu, wine and beverage list. On top of the communicated prices, there is a 7% VAT and 10% service charge.
Website: https://www.standardhotels.com/bangkok/features/ojo-bkk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ojobangkok
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ojobangkok/
Also read our in-depth review of The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon of which Ojo Bangkok is part of. Or the article about Mahanakhon itself, where The Standard and Ojo is located.
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