The menu at Tapori invites revisits, suggesting that one’s initial experience is unlikely to be their last. Recently, my hubby and I were fortunate to receive an invitation to dine at this new establishment to hit Bangkok’s food scene. Located on Sukhumvit 47, Tapori continues to bring a fresh perspective to Indian cuisine, stepping away from the usual clichés and delving into the diverse culinary heritage of the country. On our recent return visit to explore the restaurant’s new menu, we were reminded why it made such a strong first impression. The restaurant’s name, Tapori, reflects its adventurous spirit, with a menu curated by Chef Rohit that takes diners on a journey across India’s lesser-explored gastronomic wonders.
“Culinary art is not just about cooking; it’s about telling a story that resonates with the soul,”
says Sharma.
India’s culinary landscape is vast and varied, shaped by centuries of history, trade, and cultural influences. Tapori celebrates this diversity by showcasing dishes from different states and territories, inviting diners to discover an India that goes beyond the typical fare found in most Indian restaurants globally, such as butter chicken, tikka masala, and naan bread. In fact, you won’t even find those highly familiar dishes on their menu.
Chef-owner Rohit Sharma brings these authentic flavors to life, ensuring that each plate reflects the rich tapestry of India’s food culture. Whether it’s a small plate for sampling or a larger dish for sharing, you’ll appreciate the incredible range of flavors this menu has to offer.
My hubby and I love Indian food and eat it regularly in Bangkok. However, Tapori serves up dishes that are rarely seen elsewhere, and even on our second visit, the new menu introduced us to flavors and regional specialties we had never encountered before. Everything felt fresh, exciting, and designed to keep diners curious from the very first bite.
From our first visit to the latest menu launch, here’s what we ate
We kicked off the meal experience with Tawa-masala kaleji ice cream, a savory starter from New Delhi and Tamil Nadu. This unique dish combines dishes from the North and South with a twist and is inspired by Delhi weddings. It features spiced chicken liver ice cream atop a crispy dosa crumble bed. If you’re a fan of pâté this dish is going to blow your mind!
Now, brace yourselves for the Dal Pakwan, the undisputed star of Sindhi brunches! A heavenly fusion of sweet, spicy, and tangy lentils, mingling with crispy flatbread, velvety yogurt, and a sprinkle of vibrant coriander. Trust me, this dish was so irresistible; we had to fight the urge to lick the plate clean! Like all of the dishes we tried, it was beautifully presented–with all the flavors and textures we could also understand why it’s so popular with guests.
If there is one dish guaranteed to turn a table of adults into giggling children, it’s Pani Puri. These delicate, hollow shells arrive looking innocent enough, but one bite later you’re dealing with a flood of spicy, tangy, herb-packed flavours. At Tapori, the crisp puris are stuffed with potato and chickpeas before the mint-infused pani works its magic. It is crunchy, refreshing, a little messy, and ridiculously fun to eat. We have had Pani Puri before, but this version reminded us exactly why it remains one of India’s most beloved street food snacks.
Kheema Ghotala from Maharashtra, a taste of Mumbai’s true tapori culture, features spicy minced lamb or beef paired with the classic ladi pav – the city’s signature bread (choice of lamb/beef). We opted for the lamb version, and man, was it a tasty choice! Kheema Ghotala is a hit among late-night partygoers in Mumbai, perfect for refueling after a night out.
Think of these as Indian empanadas with a Himalayan twist. Originating from Sikkim in India’s northeast, the Sha Play at Tapori features crisp pastry pockets stuffed with rich wagyu beef and a punchy mix of chilli and garlic. Flaky on the outside, juicy on the inside, this was comfort food at its finest and one of those dishes that disappeared from the table far too quickly.
It’s not every day you stumble upon beef on an Indian menu. Honestly this was the first time we’d even seen beef on the menu at an Indian restaurant. But there are beef eaters in India, and they do have some pretty tasty dishes. Take, for instance, Beef Ularthiyathu from Kerala—a spicy beef chili fry cooked with coconut and curry leaves, served alongside a flaky flatbread (malabari parotta). It’s so flavorful and tender that this dish calls for seconds!
Hailing from the coastal state of Karnataka, Ghee Roast Prawns is one of those dishes that doesn’t believe in subtlety. Succulent prawns are coated in a rich masala of roasted spices, tamarind, and plenty of ghee, creating a dish that is smoky, spicy, and deeply satisfying. The natural sweetness of the prawns helps balance the heat, making every bite packed with bold coastal flavours. This was the kind of dish that had us reaching for just one more prawn… and then another.
One of the lighter dishes on the menu, the San Kan Fish Fry showcases the simple, ingredient-driven cooking of Mizoram in Northeast India. Delicate sea bass is lightly fried until crisp, then paired with refreshing mint chutney and tangy green mango. Fresh, vibrant, and beautifully balanced, this is the kind of dish that proves you don’t need a mountain of spices to create something memorable.
If you like bold flavours, the Pepper Chicken Fry from Telangana deserves your attention. Free-range chicken is cooked with curry leaves and plenty of freshly crushed black pepper, creating a dish that builds warmth rather than overwhelming heat. Fragrant, earthy, and packed with flavour, this was one of those deceptively simple dishes that kept us coming back for another bite.
Chicken Belliram is comfort food with a royal pedigree. Originating from Punjab, this classic dish combines tender chicken with a rich gravy made from caramelised onions and yoghurt, creating a sauce that is silky, slightly sweet, and packed with flavour. Less fiery than some of the other dishes we tried, it delivered plenty of warmth and depth, proving that bold flavour doesn’t always have to come with a serious dose of heat.
The Ahuna Mutton from Bihar was one of the standout dishes of the meal. Traditionally slow-cooked, the mutton was tender and packed with flavour, with mustard oil and spices adding depth without overwhelming the meat. Rich, satisfying, and full of character, this was the kind of dish that had us going back for another spoonful before we had finished the first.
Now, let’s talk desserts, and guess what? Surprise! These aren’t your typical Indian restaurant treats either…
Ever heard of Lonavala’s legendary fudge? Well, Tapori brought it right to their table! Dive into the Lonavala Chocolate Fudge from Maharashtra—a delicious tart filled with old-fashioned chocolate almond fudge from Lonavala, served with a scoop of house-made vanilla ice cream. Forget lava cake…this is the sweet finish you want.
Behold the mysterious Benami Kheer from Uttar Pradesh! Can you crack the code of the secret ingredient in this legendary delight from the royal kitchens of Awadh? We’re not allowed to tell you (and we wouldn’t want to ruin the fun of guessing). But it’s a delicious slice of history served right on your plate, and you’ll surely impress them if you guess correctly!
We finished with a traditional Goan Bebinca, a layered coconut dessert served with vanilla bean ice cream. The combination of caramelised sweetness, coconut richness, and cold creamy ice cream worked beautifully together without being overly heavy. It was a simple but satisfying end to the meal, and a dessert we both thoroughly enjoyed.
Time to Wet Your Whistle!
Tapori is currently presenting a delightful selection of exquisite cocktails, each crafted with precision and creativity. Additionally, there’s exciting news on the horizon as a new bar is set to open soon right next to Tapori. Stay tuned for the grand unveiling of this adjacent bar, where you can expect more innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere to complement your experience at Tapori!
Ambiance
Tapori restaurant combines modern sophistication with traditional Indian charm to create a warm and inviting ambiance that goes beyond just food. You enter through a centuries-old wooden door from Rajasthan, and visitors are greeted by a sprawling bungalow adorned with a homage to India’s artistic legacy. The interiors blend contemporary elements with timeless Indian accents, featuring a collection of vibrant artworks celebrating India’s cultural diversity.
Notable highlights include a hand-cut mirror mosaic of a peacock and a large oil painting depicting Kerala’s backwaters, bridging contemporary and traditional design seamlessly.
The Chef
Rohit Sharma, a culinary storyteller and chef-owner with R4 Hospitality, has spearheaded numerous food projects, including Maroon Room, Freemasons Brew Works, and Joint Café. He’s deeply involved in every aspect, from concept to menu creation, showcasing India’s culinary diversity. His latest venture, Tapori, reflects his passion for traditional yet innovative Indian cuisine. After exploring recipes across India, 29 dishes were selected from a database of 300 for Tapori’s menu. We’ve enjoyed Rohit’s food immensely—it’s a delicious journey through India’s flavors. Here is a link to their full menu READ HERE.
For those who want their eyeballs to throw a party…
Check out our video of our visit to Tapori. See the venue, the food, and more!
I’m hungry. Where is it?
Tapori isn’t finished surprising you just yet! The restaurant is gearing up to introduce traditional BBQ and open fire pits, taking outdoor cooking to the next level. Make sure to stay tuned to their official Facebook page and Instagram page for all the exciting updates and announcements.
We would recommend making a reservation. Book Here
Address: Sukhumvit 47, Bangkok
I want to hear from you!
Should you decide to experience Tapori, I’d love to hear your feedback in the comment section below, or via message on either the Chow Traveller Facebook page or Chow Traveller Instagram (and feel free to like/follow these pages if you want to learn about more about the foodie gems I find). However you choose to reach out, I’d love to hear from you!
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