Thailand’s INNSiDE Hotel Hailed for “Offering Spain on a Plate”

Sky-high LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, which crowns INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, has been awarded the prestigious “Restaurants From Spain” certification for its efforts to promote authentic Spanish gastronomy.

The Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX), an agency of the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade behind “Restaurants from Spain”, said the certification was designed to establish quality standards and criteria for consumers who look for not only quality Spanish cuisine but authentic quality Spanish cuisine.

ICEX recognises and supports restaurants around the globe focused on authentic cuisine and produce from Spain, and in turn Spanish culture, guaranteeing a level of quality of these establishments. The certification is awarded following a stringent selection process by a joint committee composed of official institutions and sectoral associations strongly linked to gastronomy, such as the Royal Academy of Gastronomy, the Ministry of Agriculture, FACYRE, the Regulatory Council for Sherry Wines, ANFACO, INTERPORC, the Spanish Wine Federation, the REPSOL Guide and the Ministry of Tourism of Castilla La Mancha.

Commanding the hotel’s two upper-most floors, the 33^rd and 34^th levels, with panoramic views of the Bangkok skyline, LUZ has quickly gained a reputation as “the place to be” since its September 15, 2023 debut. LUZ offers authentic Spanish tapas, wines, beer on tap, cocktails, signature sangrias, spirits, mocktails, spirits and more. In a spectacle unlike any other in Bangkok, diners on the 33^rd floor peer into the bottom of the hotel’s 34^th floor infinity pool.

Crafted by INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s Spanish Chef de Cuisine, Madrid-born Juan Ignacio García Racionero, who has honed his craft in some of Spain’s top kitchens, the menu takes diners on a culinary crusade through Spain, with a dynamic variety of local Thai ingredients in the mix too.

‘Gilda de Pulpo’ grilled octopus, olives, pickled paprika and olive oil, ‘Sardine Ahumada Con Lima’ smoked sardine with lime and avocado cream, ‘Gambas Al Ajillo’ sauteed prawns with chilli, garlic and olive oil, and ‘Ensalada De Salmorejo Burrata’ burrata with cold tomato creamy soup, anchovy and avocado are among ‘LUZ Tapas’ highlights.

Dishes already proving popular in the ‘Chef’s Tapas Selection’ include ‘LUZ Salmon’ Norwegian salmon with mango-passionfruit dressing and ‘Tuna Taki Taki Rumba’ Akani tuna with citrus dressing. ‘LUZ Signature’ delights include ‘Carrilleras de Cerdo Iberico’ braised Iberian pork cheek with carrots and cumin puree, ‘Pulpo a la Parrilla’ grilled octopus with paprika mashed potatoes and mango, and ‘Entrecot de ‘Ribeye’’ 300g Australian ribeye steak with layered potatoes and salsa de carne.

“We may be halfway across the world from Spain here in Bangkok yet we are honoured to be recognised as an authentic world ambassador of Spanish cuisine and for offering Spain on a plate,” Racionero said. “I am inspired to bring authentic Spanish flavours to the forefront and celebrate my native Spain’s rich culinary heritage, all the while applying a novel twist to enhance the new menu’s appeal to the local palate.”

“One of my favourite dishes is our ‘Pulpo a la Parrilla’. The addition of mango, chilli and smoked paprika purée creates a contrast of sweet, salty, and spicy flavours, offering a fresh take on the traditional Spanish recipe. Mango and chilli cater to the local palate and add unique flavours to the classic ingredients; all while staying true to the dish’s Spanish roots.”

Before joining INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, the Madrid-born chef worked at one Michelin-starred Saddle as well as Diverxo, recognized in the top three ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ in 2023, and acclaimed restaurants El Jardin De La Marquina and Montellen.

INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit is the newest member of an eclectic collection of urban and beach INNSiDE hotels — in 14 different countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas — designed for those with curious minds who have a fluid lifestyle when it comes to work and leisure.

For further information and to make a reservation, visit https://linktr.ee/luzbangkok_tapasbar, https://www.tablecheck.com/en/innside-by-melia-bkk-luz-bangkok-tapas-bar/reserve/ or call +66 2 340 5499.

About INNSiDE by Meliá

INNSiDE is a collection of unique urban and beach hotels designed for those with curious minds and fluid lives. Always true to their destination, they give guests the freedom to connect or disconnect among an independent community of like-minded travellers.

INNSiDE provides guests with all the everyday essentials and extra-special details to make their stay all the more unique. From in-room comforts to the inspiring Big Idea Space, Open Living Lounges, and fitness studios, we allow guests to feel more-than-at-home.

Sustainability is also packed into all the little details: every room is equipped with paper and plastic-free collateral and complimentary organic cosmetics. INNSiDE celebrates the culture of each of its locations with an events calendar, handy city guides for guests, and by spotlighting a local artist’s work across the hotel walls and onto merchandise and staff uniforms.

There are currently 38 INNSiDE by Meliá properties worldwide, with the brand continuing to expand its global footprint. All properties are located in the best lifestyle neighbourhood travel destinations. Some of them are Spain (Madrid, Mallorca, Ibiza, Fuerteventura, Zaragoza), United Kingdom (Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester), United States (New York, Lima), Germany (Berlin, Bremen, Frankfurt, Munich, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Aachen, Leipzig, Hamburg) Czech Republic (Prague), France (Paris), Italy (Milano), China (Zhengzhou), Indonesia (Yogyakarta), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) and Netherlands (Amsterdam).