Fiestas, not siestas, are on the menu at Carmina, a buzzing restaurant that is evidently eager to be the beating heart of Latin American cuisine in Bangkok.

Nothing about Carmina is bland—even its name evokes Amelia Earhart's daring spirit and Indiana Jones's insatiable wanderlust. The restaurant is a testament to the founders' passion for exploration and the universal language of food, learned from the sizzling markets of Argentina to the Andean heights of Peru.

Inside is a sun-drenched eatery bustling with laughter and friendly chatter. In the air wafts the aroma of fragrant spices like aji amarillo, mingling with the warmth of charcoal-grilled meats.

Carmina's menu is a vibrant fiesta for the senses. Highlights include the tangy Ceviche de Ají Amarillo, where seabass bathes in a citrusy marinade infused with a vibrant heat, accompanied by smooth sweet potato puree, crispy sweet potato chips and homemade corn tortillas. It's decidedly a textural and flavor explosion. A refreshing variation to ceviche is the Tiradito de Aji Amarillo with tuna or sea bass, while vegetarians can find delight in the Ceviche de Mango and Ceviche de Hongos (mushrooms).

The Pollo A La Brasa is a taste of Peruvian tradition. Imagine succulent chicken, cooked to perfection in a wood charcoal rotisserie, arriving with a refreshingly vibrant salsa criolla and the iconic salsa huancaína and salsa ocopa.

The Lomo Asado, a premium Australian striploin, boasts beautiful marbling and is bathed in the herbaceous embrace of chimichurri sauce. The accompanying pumpkin compote adds a touch of sweetness.

Don't miss the Suspiro de Limeña con Maracuyá, a traditional dessert from Peru. The base silky milk is reduced with passion fruit pulp. It is topped with a classic Italian meringue prepared with port wine and decorated with cinnamon powder. Meet melt-on-your-tongue silkiness with a sophisticated flavor that preserves the true natural flavor of the dessert. 

Meanwhile, the Flan de Azafrán hits the highest of sweet notes, comprising a saffron-infused flan infused with cardamom. The accompanying dulce de leche and butter crumble add a refreshing counterpoint, making for an unforgettable finale.

Yet Carmina has to be a shared experience in order to be fully savored. Thankfully, the restaurant is as welcoming as its food and ambiance are vibrant. The restaurant, located at 66/4 Sukhumvit Soi 20, is open daily from 5pm to midnight. Check out their website for more information and to book a table.