Blue Elephant $$$

233 S. Sathorn Rd.
Skytrain: Surasak
02/673-9353
www.blueelephant.com [1]

HOURS: Daily 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 6:30-10:30 p.m.

COST: Entrées more than 100B

A 100-year-old colonial-style wooden house filled with palm trees, wooden ceiling fans, and shuttered windows, the building that houses this upscale Bangkok [2] standby is alone worth a visit.

And then there’s the food. Featuring both classic Thai dishes and innovative combinations, such as foie gras with tamarind sauce, the menu is creative but stays true to the flavors of Thailand.

If the choices are too overwhelming, try the generous set menu. Expensive by Thai standards at 1,300 baht, it’s a bargain for travelers.

Blue Elephant is also home to a cooking school [3], where you not only attempt to create some of their delicious dishes, but you get a chance to go to one of the city’s wet markets to select the ingredients first.

Since opening in 1980, the restaurant has expanded and now has locations in Europe and other parts of Asia, though there’s really nothing like enjoying it in the original location.