Pullman Hotels is turning up the heat on hotel bar dining, introducing a new menu-takeover by celebrated chef, best-selling author and MasterChef winner Nat Thaipun, launching from mid-February through to October across participating Pullman Hotels in Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

 Designed as a bold menu of snacks, small plates and bites, Nat brings her playful, produce-led Thai cooking into Pullman bars across the region, with a focus on vibrant flavours, thoughtful technique and dishes made to be eaten between drinks. Expect punchy, aromatic plates built for sharing – from raw, chilled seafood and fragrant curries to nostalgic Thai desserts reimagined with an Australian lens.

 Launching in Sydney at Acapulco El Vista, Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, where Nat has collaborated with award-winning hospitality innovators Maybe Sammy, on a limited-time cocktail pairing created specifically for El Vistaʼs bar setting and rhythm, from late afternoon into the evening. Think Jalapeño & Sesame with savoury heat and subtle smoke; Coconut & Finger Lime, light, saline and refreshing; Almond & Lemon, soft, citrus-led and indulgent; Hibiscus & Vanilla, floral, spiced and gently creamy; and a Thai Dirty Martini, sharp, briny and unapologetically bold.

Thaipunʼs approach to the menu is shaped by her belief in food as a cultural connector. An Australian-born Thai woman who grew up on the outskirts of Melbourne, she draws inspiration from the street food of Thailand, the home cooking of her mother and late grandmother, and a lifelong curiosity about how food carries identity, memory and place. Her cooking blends Thai flavour foundations with contemporary technique, always with an emphasis on generosity and accessibility.

The menu is a bold snapshot of Natʼs flavour world: silky crab and egg custard finished with roasted chilli oil, raw fish with bright green chilli and coconut dressing, slow-cooked lamb ribs glazed in fragrant Panang curry, northern Thai sausage with roasted green chilli relish, cold scallop sashimi with ginger and citrus,  freshly shucked oysters with coconut and native aromatics and playful desserts including mango sticky rice with coconut sorbet and a deconstructed Thai-Australian lamington.

Following the Sydney launch, the exclusive menu will extend to participating Pullman hotels around Australia, New Zealand and Asia, with menus adapted to suit each venue and its local produce.

 “For me, this menu is about sharing stories as much as sharing food,” said Nat Thaipun. “Hotel bars are social spaces, and I wanted the dishes to reflect that, food thatʼs rooted in my Thai heritage but feels relaxed, generous and easy to enjoy in the moment.”

 The menu roll out builds on Natʼs role as Pullmanʼs Food & Beverage Ambassador for Australia, New Zealand and Asia, and reflects the brandʼs focus on elevating hotel bars into destination venues, places where locals and travellers come together over great food, drinks and atmosphere.

Nat Thaipun x Acapulco El Vista launch events | Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 February | Sydney

Across the weekend, Nat Thaipun will appear in person to present an exclusive à la carte menu of snacks and smaller bites, designed to be experienced in two distinct moments.

Saturday from 4pm brings late-night energy, DJs and bold plates, while on Sunday from 12pm shifts to a brighter, daytime rhythm with the same menu enjoyed at a slower pace at Acapulco El Vista in Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour.

Cocktails are curated to compliment the menu by the Maybe Sammy team throughout the weekend.