Is Bangkok Ready for a Taste of Shane Delia’s elevated Middle Eastern Magic?

Bangkok’s food scene is a whirlwind of global influences, from Michelin-starred French fine dining to street-side stalls serving some of the best noodles in the world. Yet, despite its wealth of options, the city’s embrace of Middle Eastern cuisine has been, for the most part, limited to the familiar: comforting plates of hummus, kebabs, and mezze that reflect traditional flavours but rarely push the boundaries. In a city where diners have come to expect not just variety but innovation, the arrival of a chef like Shane Delia, even for a pop u-up, is a game-changer.

The creative force behind Melbourne’s famed Maha restaurant (named after his Lebanese wife), Delia is renowned for his fearless approach to Middle Eastern flavours.Of Maltese heritage, Delia feels a deep-rooted connection to the Middle East, a bond he attributes to his family’s deep connection to Lebanon. His culinary style reflects this lineage, blending a deep respect for Levantine tradition with a modern, elevated twist that transforms familiar dishes into unforgettable experiences. Delia’s influence extends beyond the kitchen; as the host of the TV seriesShane Delia’s Spice Journey, he has brought the stories and flavours of the Middle East to a broader audience, exploring the food culture of Lebanon, Iran, Turkey, and beyond. With ventures that include fine dining, street-inspired eats, and even a pioneering food delivery platform, Delia has become a culinary ambassador for the region, known for his commitment to pushing Middle Eastern cuisine into new territory. Delia’s other ventures, include Maha East and Biggie Smalls, a gourmet kebab restaurant that combines traditional Middle Eastern dishes with a street food edge. Let’s not forget him spicing up the tech and food delivery space with his Providoor platform.

His recent pop-up in Bangkok at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok hinted at the possibilities, leaving a tantalizing question in its wake: could Bangkok be ready for a permanent taste of Shane Delia? Known for his bold interpretations, Delia’s six-course dinner felt like a revelation even in a city brimming with culinary innovation. From the very first bite, it was clear that Delia intended to take his guests on a journey.

He opened with a lineup of snacks that read like an anthology of his travels. The Patagonian Toothfish Shish with green chermoula and harissa honey was smoky, rich, and unexpectedly delicate – a nod to traditional Levantine skewers but elevated. Alongside it, labneh drizzled with lush olive oil and whipped hummus with za’atar offered earthy, comforting notes, setting a familiar tone for the meal ahead. The Balik Ekmek Tart distilled the essence of Istanbul’s street food scene into a single, refined bite – a great start to a night of contrasts and deep-rooted flavours. A delightful discovery was thelabneh balls shaped into black olives– delightful, playful olives and reveal their labneh interior only when you bite into them.

TheHiramasa Kingfish Crudo, dressed with charred pineapple tabbouleh and house-made harissa, showcased his deft hand with seafood. It was a masterclass in balancing brightness with spice. Then came the *Macaroon Bil Toum*, a whimsical reinterpretation of Lebanese garlic dumplings, featuring Hokkaido scallops in a pine nut burnt butter.

The main courses were sensory masterpieces. The Roasted Coral Trout arrived with a vibrant spiced Shirazi sauce and an orange reduction while the Dry-Aged Magret Duck Breast was served with candied pumpkin, moghrabieh, dates, and pistachio. The Duck Cigar Bourek with spiced duck broth added warmth and depth.

The dessert was a daring combination of Beetroot, White Chocolate, Watermelon, Rosewater, and Peppermint Crisp Milk Chocolate Ice Cream. The petit fours – Tahini & Anise Seed Biscuit and Mango & Urfa Biber Pate De Fruit – left the lingering notes of Levant on the palate.

In a city overflowing with culinary options, Delia’s pop-up was a reminder of the power of food to bridge worlds. For one week at the Siam Kempinski the flavours of the Levant found a new home in Bangkok, and they left a lasting impression.Bangkok, is ready for Shane Delia. But will he oblige?