When you hear the phrase “Thailand’s greatest hits,” you’re probably imagining old(er) Thai films or songs from our parents’ days. But at the Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok, Vignette Collection’s new Bangkok’78 restaurant, “greatest hits” refers to more than just the country’s various artistic traditions, and also highlights the long, rich, and flavorful history of Thai cuisine.

Combining the general sleek and hip decor that makes up the rest of the hotel with detailed nods to Thai history, Bangkok’78 provides guests with a fun yet authentic retro Thai experience that whisks you back to the country’s golden days.

Let’s first talk about the interior: diners will notice hand-painted art pieces reminiscent of the art scene of 1970s Bangkok hung around the venue, which pairs perfectly with the chilled ’70s music playing through the speakers.

Photo: Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok

Now for the good stuff, aka, the food. We should clarify that this isn’t just some gimmicky venue where intricate, gorgeous decor is meant to make up for mediocre plates. In fact, the food at Bangkok’78 is about the furthest you could get from ‘mediocre.’ In collaboration with Saneh Jaan, a one-Michelin star Thai restaurant, the menu pays homage to some of Thai cuisine’s classics.

Our personal favorites include their khao pad rod fai fried in the chef’s secret pink sauce, a jumbo-sized version of the street food favorite shrimp meatballs, served with plum and peanut sauces, and, a warm steaming bowl of hotpot filled with fluffy steamed egg with minced pork and seafood. And of course, boiled white rice with pandan and your choice of five classic side dishes including salted egg salad and Thai-style omelet. All these dishes are brought out in a homey yellow-and-green enamel serving set – proof that sometimes the simplest food is also the tastiest. Afterwards, dessert lovers who don’t have that big of a sweet tooth will be satisfied by the salt and heat of the santol granita, or take the tangy route and opt for the aloe vera compote with butterfly pea syrup and lime juice.

While the Thai dishes are certainly the stars of the show, there are also Western dishes for guests who want to mix things up — who says you can’t have coq au vin for your main and mango sticky rice for dessert? (Not us!)

Photo: Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok

Given the range of the menu and the chill, funky vibes, we can absolutely see this being a perfect not-too-stuffy but not-too-casual venue for your next date/friend catch-up/birthday party/any other occasion you have coming up. There are also private dining rooms that can be booked for work meetings or smaller private parties.

Bangkok’78 is located on the second floor of the Sindhorn Midtown in downtown Bangkok. You can check out more pictures of their menu on their Instagram, and make reservations via their website or by calling 02-796-8888.