Bangkok offers countless dining choices, yet few experiences rival the legendary Sunday brunch at The Sukhothai Bangkok. With more than 120 dishes spanning international cuisines, premium seafood, live cooking stations and elegant surroundings overlooking the hotel’s iconic chedi pond, the Colonnade restaurant has long been one of the city’s most celebrated culinary traditions. For birthdays, anniversaries, or simply gathering with friends, it remains one of Bangkok’s finest ways to celebrate.
Bangkok is a city blessed with extraordinary dining. From street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, the Thai capital offers almost limitless options for celebrating a special occasion. Yet even in a city so rich in culinary experiences, a few traditions stand apart. For me, one of them will always be the Sunday brunch at The Sukhothai Bangkok.
Nearby, chefs work at live cooking stations preparing grilled meats, seafood and signature dishes to order
My connection with the hotel goes back a long way. I first arrived in Thailand in 1991 and, like many newcomers discovering Bangkok’s hospitality scene, I quickly found myself drawn to the elegant calm of The Sukhothai. In those early days, a group of us would gather almost every weekend for Sunday Jazz brunch in the hotel’s celebrated Colonnade restaurant. There were often ten or fifteen of us around the table, friends sharing stories, laughter and long afternoons that seemed to stretch effortlessly into the evening.
Back then, champagne was just USD 100 a bottle, and the atmosphere felt both indulgent and relaxed. It was a place where friendships were strengthened, and memories quietly formed over plates of exceptional food.
Returning recently after many years brought back a wave of nostalgia. Bangkok has changed dramatically in three decades, and so have our lives. The circle of friends that once filled those tables has inevitably become smaller. People move away, careers change direction, and sadly, a few are no longer with us. Such reflections make occasions like these even more meaningful. Thankfully, the live music was still a perfect accompaniment.
Perhaps that is why I believe so strongly that when we celebrate life’s milestones, we should do it properly.
Bangkok offers endless options for a celebratory meal. But when the moment truly matters, a birthday, anniversary, graduation, promotion or simply the joy of gathering loved ones together, it is worth choosing somewhere special. None of us is here forever. When we take the time to celebrate, why not choose the very best?
In my view, there is still no finer Sunday brunch in Bangkok than the one served at The Sukhothai.
Seafood lovers are particularly well rewarded. Towers of 9 varieties of freshly shucked oysters
The setting alone sets the tone. The Colonnade’s grand, high-ceilinged dining room feels serene and timeless. Natural light streams through tall windows, illuminating beautiful Thai silk wall panels, while outside, the tranquil lotus ponds and iconic chedi create an atmosphere that feels far removed from the busy city beyond the hotel gates. Gentle live music fills the room, adding to the sense that Sunday has truly arrived and that there is nowhere else you need to be.
Then there is the food.
The brunch is legendary for its sheer scale and quality. With well over 120 dishes available, it is less a meal and more a culinary journey across multiple cuisines and cooking traditions. Each station reflects the talents of the hotel’s various restaurants and kitchens, combining Thai, Italian, Asian and classic European influences into one remarkable buffet under an extraordinary Executive Chef.
Cascades of Alaskan crab and other ocean delicacies that would easily headline menus elsewhere. The freshness is unmistakable and the presentation impeccable.
Behind much of the magic in the kitchen is Chef Joachim Textor, the Colonnade’s energetic and highly visible Executive Chef. He is one of those rare culinary personalities who seem to be everywhere at once during brunch service, greeting guests, checking dishes, and ensuring the standards remain uncompromising.
Chef Joachim and his impressive culinary team were outstanding. Chef Joachim has an impressive background in leading hospitality groups, including Shangri-La and The Peninsula. During our conversation, we discovered we had crossed paths with many of the same people and places in the hospitality industry in the 1990s. There was a shared understanding of the industry’s evolution and of Bangkok’s remarkable journey as a global culinary capital.
Chef Joachim presented us with his signature Oyster Bisque, utterly delicious and a first for me – a remarkable nod to the more usual lobster original.
Cheese galore!
Foie gras is seared with theatrical flair, while pasta, Asian specialities and perfectly cooked cuts of meat emerge from the grills throughout the afternoon.
The international cheese selection is equally impressive, complemented by fine epicurean cold cuts and charcuterie that would not look out of place in a European delicatessen. Meanwhile, the dessert section is a world of its own. Delicate pastries, cakes, and sweet creations reflect the hotel’s pastry team’s craftsmanship and provide a fitting finale to the feast.
Yet the real essence of the brunch is not nostalgia. It is a celebration.
A Sunday at The Sukhothai is about gathering people together and enjoying the simple but profound pleasure of sharing exceptional food in beautiful surroundings. It is about taking the time to slow down, reconnect with friends and family and remind ourselves that life’s moments deserve to be savoured.
The brunch itself is not available every Sunday, so planning ahead is essential. The hotel usually hosts the experience on selected Sundays each month, with additional dates during festive periods. Reservations are strongly recommended as the restaurant fills quickly. During my recent visit, more than ninety guests had already booked, and the dining room had a wonderful buzz.
The price reflects the premium experience but remains good value considering the extraordinary quality and variety on offer. The standard brunch includes non-alcoholic beverages, tea, and coffee, with additional beverage packages available. One pleasant surprise is the house champagne offered at 4,500++ baht per bottle, a remarkably competitive price by Bangkok luxury hotel standards.
Ultimately, the true value of the experience lies not only in the food but in the memories created around the table.
Thirty-four years after my first Sunday brunch here, I found myself once again surrounded by friends, laughter and the unmistakable feeling that some traditions endure for a reason.
Bangkok may offer endless dining choices, but when the occasion is truly special, The Sukhothai’s legendary Sunday brunch remains one of the city’s most rewarding celebrations.
The essentials:
Priced at 3,900++ THB per person, including non-alcoholic beverages, tea, and coffee.
For the full menu and details of the premium drinks package or to make a reservation, please contact 02-344-8888 or email [email protected].
By Andrew J Wood – (c) 2026.
Read Time: 6 minutes
About the Writer.
Andrew J. Wood has lived in Thailand since 1991. He is a former Director of Skål International and a Past President of Skål International Asia, Skål International Thailand, and Skål International Bangkok.
A former hotelier with senior management experience at leading hospitality groups including Shangri-La, Minor International, Landmark and Royal Cliff, he writes regularly for international travel and hospitality publications.
His work focuses on tourism trends across Asia, sustainable tourism development, and the future of travel and hospitality in the Asia-Pacific region.
