I am in a dilemma about where to begin, should I talk about Chef Chalee Kader or Wana Yook? Because one simply does not make sense without the other. His food, the space, the philosophy, everything is intertwined. And that is the magic. Chef Chalee is not just cooking, he is redefining conversations around food in Thailand. Whether it is his Isaan-inspired cuisine, his commitment to nose-to-tail (or as he says, “brain to balls”) utilisation, his focus on sustainability or the way he elevates something as humble and comforting as rice and curry, the man is driving serious change in the culinary scene.

Wana Yook itself is a story. Set inside an old restored house wrapped in lush greenery, it almost feels like stepping into a miniature Amazon forest in the heart of Bangkok. For me, when it comes to experiential dining, every detail matters, the ambiance, the energy, the emotion of the space. Wana Yook gets all of it right.

We were welcomed warmly with champagne at the bar before heading to my favourite space in any restaurant, the kitchen. From that moment on, the meal unfolded like a beautifully crafted narrative. Every course had a story, a regional memory, or an ingredient with deep cultural roots.

From the ceviche to the wagyu, the broth, the fermented eggs, the fried gourami, the softshell crabs, the Shima Aji, the crab dumpling, and of course the iconic Khao & Kaeng, the experience was layered, emotional, and filled with nuance. The table full of curries and accompaniments towards the end is such a heartfelt nod to how families in Thailand eat, abundance, comfort and warmth.

We ended on a sweet note with Kanom, but also with the lingering memories of wine pairings, sato, and food stories that stay with you long after the meal is over.

What struck me throughout was not just the deliciousness of each dish, but the intention behind it. Chef Chalee isn’t just serving food, he’s preserving traditions, reimagining classics, championing sustainability and honouring ingredients in a way that feels deeply personal yet universally meaningful.

Wana Yook is a journey through Thailand’s culinary soul, guided by a chef who is doing far more than cooking, he is storytelling, preserving and pushing boundaries, all at once.

A perfect dinner isn’t just on the plate,  it is in the laughter, the stories and the food buddies who make every bite warmer.