Kaleido Lifestyle introduces Soma, a modern Thai social kitchen that celebrates Thailand’s rich culinary traditions with bold evolution. The restaurant, Kaleido Lifestyle’s first standalone dining venture outside its hotel portfolio, emerges as a fresh voice in Bangkok’s dining scene—blending authenticity with innovation in a vibrant, social setting.
Soma, derived from โสม (SOM), a poetic Thai reference to the moon’s celestial beauty, is a collaboration between Kaleido Lifestyle and two of Thailand’s most celebrated chefs—Chalee Kader and Weerawat “Num” Triyasenawat. With their combined expertise in modernising Thai cuisine while respecting its deep-rooted heritage, the duo have crafted an experience that transforms tradition into something daringly contemporary. Bringing their vision to life is Head Chef Pak Yamoo, whose inventive approach and meticulous technique ensure every dish is executed to perfection.
A New Take on the Samrub Dining Experience
At Soma, formality is cast aside to make room for connection and discovery. Inspired by samrub—the traditional Siamese way of sharing meals where multiple dishes are served simultaneously, always centred around rice—the restaurant encourages a communal dining experience. While rooted in this timeless tradition, Soma embraces a flexible approach, allowing diners to craft their own journey rather than adhering to a rigid sequence of courses.
Chef Pak combines traditional Thai techniques with modern innovations to bring out the best in each ingredient. The menu is an intersection of heritage and evolution, featuring ingredients selected for their excellence rather than their origin. Fresh seafood from small-scale Thai fishermen and locally-grown vegetables sit alongside premium Japanese market fish and Australian Angus beef, which lends itself beautifully to slow-cooked curries and rich stews.
SOMA – Food Group
The menu is structured to celebrate a diversity of flavours and textures, from delicate bites and vibrant salads to robust curries, sizzling stir-fries, expertly grilled meats, fresh seafood and indulgent desserts. Highlights include crispy rice noodles draped in caramelised passion fruit sauce, served atop a betel leaf for a perfect balance of crunch and tangy sweetness. Moving into heartier fare, the massaman beef shank is a true standout, where slow-braised Australian Angus beef is infused with layers of deep, aromatic spices, accompanied by roasted sweet potato and a subtle touch of rose water ajaad that introduces a floral nuance. This rich and complex curry is further elevated by a smoking process with ghee, which imparts a warm, buttery aroma that lingers with every bite.
Soma also offers reimagined classics like its tomato curry with fermented pork—a flavourful yet unexpectedly light Thai dish that balances richness with freshness. The house-made sausage, deeply savoury and robust, is complemented by the natural acidity of fresh tomatoes, cutting through the richness for a vibrant and well-rounded flavour. Served alongside pork jowl, peanuts, and ginger, this dish delivers depth and complexity while remaining refreshing and satisfying.
Vegetables take centre stage in dishes such as stir-fried chayote with snap peas and oyster mushrooms, where house-made XO sauce blends Thai chilli jam and Chinese liquor for a umami hit. Seafood lovers can indulge in grilled river prawn, accompanied by naam-prik-kapi, a robust Thai shrimp paste relish balanced by crispy fried cha-om for a fragrant herbal note.
Soma’s take on Thai cuisine is both refined and inviting, offering diners a fresh yet authentic perspective on tradition. Guided by the chef’s philosophy, each dish is crafted to be a complete experience—balanced in flavours, textures, and aromatics—allowing guests to enjoy them independently, without the need for traditional pairings. This freedom in ordering encourages diners to explore without constraints. The restaurant also reimagines Thai
curries through innovative techniques, making them lighter and more balanced without compromising their richness.
A Beverage Programme Crafted for Social Dining
Soma’s beverage programme is crafted to elevate Thai cuisine’s often-overlooked synergy with alcohol. Featuring Thai craft beers, natural wines, and traditional Sato rice wine, the selection is designed to enhance the intensity of Thai spices, the umami richness of grilled meats, and the depth of slow-cooked curries. Guests can enjoy a curated range of Thai craft beers, from the citrusy Chalawan Pale Ale to the bright and fruity Bussaba Ex-Weisse, or explore a dynamic wine list showcasing sparkling, white, and red wines from France, Italy, and Austria.
SOMA – Interior
For those seeking a more immersive Thai drinking experience, Sato, a traditional Thai rice wine, is a nod to Thailand’s rich drinking heritage.
A Dynamic Social Space
Beyond the food, Soma’s atmosphere is an ever-evolving expression of creativity. A carefully curated selection of art installations, dynamic music, and shifting aesthetics ensures the restaurant transforms throughout the evening. What begins as an intimate dinner setting transitions into a lively, buzzing space where the energy builds as the night progresses. The ethos is simple: come as you are and stay as long as you like.
Among the striking pieces, guests will find works by Ryan McGinness, known for his vibrant graphic interpretations of pop culture, and Tomoo Gokita, whose enigmatic, grayscale portraits challenge perceptions of identity and memory. The visually arresting creations of Alannah Farrell, whose deeply intimate portraits capture raw emotion, and Genieve Figgis, who reinterprets classical art with whimsical, distorted forms, add further intrigue to the space.
A Destination for the Modern Diner
Soma invites guests to step into a space where Thai tradition meets modern expression, where the boundaries of cuisine, art, and community blur into one seamless experience. Whether it is a casual gathering or an immersive culinary journey, every visit to Soma is filled with bold flavours, engaging conversations, and unforgettable moments.
For more information, visit https://www.somabangkok.com.
