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There are 3 star meals that are just excellent renditions of food, and some that are experimental theaters as much as they are food. To take two examples from

There are 3 star meals that are just excellent renditions of food, and some that are experimental theaters as much as they are food. To take two examples from my own eating experience on either end of the spectrum: - Alinea, in Chicago → the experience is full of surprises, artful experiences, etc. The desert is lowered from the ceiling and involves what is essentially violently making a Jackson Pollock on the table - Forum, in Hong Kong → on the other hand, there is nothing special or creative about Forum, which executes Cantonese cuisine traditionally and perfects its execution of traditional dining in the 50 years since it's been open Most of the time, the restaurants are somewhere in the middle, but closer to the Forum end than the Alinea end. Probably the most innovative and interesting one I've tried is Gaggan, which has since closed but had 2 stars and a ranking as Asia's #1 restaurant, doing a 25-course experimental take on Indian cuisine in Bangkok.

Mikeb85 5y ago
> Probably the most innovative and interesting one I've tried is Gaggan, which has since closed but had 2 stars and a ranking as Asia's #1 restaurant, doing a 25-course experimental take on Indian cuisine in Bangkok. Gaggan Anand opened another restaurant called "Gaggan Anand". Smaller, more experimental and without his old business partners. https://gaggananand.com/ https://gaggananand.com/
- kenneth 5y ago
  Yes, I've been. It closed due to Covid restrictions is my understanding. Believe that he's left Bangkok altogether.
  - Mikeb85 5y ago
    He's doing a pop-up in Singapore currently, it's reopening in a month or two.
gommm 5y ago
Perfect description of Forum, it's not creative, certainly not innovative but it really nails the execution to a level that few restaurants can. I find that it really depends on my mood, sometimes I crave a restaurant that's more innovative, more of an artful experience (if you get a chance I recommend Pujol in Mexico (caveat for Pujol, the omakase is amazing, the tasting menu is merely decent and not worth the price) and Fu He Hui in Shanghai), sometimes I just want an Abalone perfectly well cooked and seasoned like in Forum.

Mikeb85 5y ago

> Probably the most innovative and interesting one I've tried is Gaggan, which has since closed but had 2 stars and a ranking as Asia's #1 restaurant, doing a 25-course experimental take on Indian cuisine in Bangkok. Gaggan Anand opened another restaurant called "Gaggan Anand". Smaller, more experimental and without his old business partners. https://gaggananand.com/ https://gaggananand.com/

kenneth 5y ago
Yes, I've been. It closed due to Covid restrictions is my understanding. Believe that he's left Bangkok altogether.
- Mikeb85 5y ago
  He's doing a pop-up in Singapore currently, it's reopening in a month or two.

gommm 5y ago

Perfect description of Forum, it's not creative, certainly not innovative but it really nails the execution to a level that few restaurants can. I find that it really depends on my mood, sometimes I crave a restaurant that's more innovative, more of an artful experience (if you get a chance I recommend Pujol in Mexico (caveat for Pujol, the omakase is amazing, the tasting menu is merely decent and not worth the price) and Fu He Hui in Shanghai), sometimes I just want an Abalone perfectly well cooked and seasoned like in Forum.