Zense Restaurant at CentralWorld

Where is it?

Zense is the perfect respite for weary shoppers and after-work diners. Based in Chidlom – Downtown Bangkok, on the 17th floor of the Zen department store in CentralWorld shopping complex just a five minute walk from the BTS, guests make their way to the 7th floor and then catch the elevator ten floors up. Zen is amongst the strip of malls that fringe the city’s prime shopping district – Siam, amidst five-star hotels and illustrates the unique fusion of old and new that the City of Angels has become so renowned for. With 400 covers, Zense occupies an outdoor and indoor space of almost equal proportions.

Décor

Ok, the four defining factors that amount to Zenses flawless interior and architectural design can be accounted for by the elements – earth, wind, air and fire. The work of the award-winning Thai architect Amata Lhupaiboon, whose other works include the serene Evason Hideaway property on Koh Samui, guests should be prepared for a visual extravaganza. Bangkok, as you may or may not know already, is classed as the world's hottest city. For this reason roof-top bars are something of a treat due to the soothing breezes up there, creating a feeling of enormous comfort.

There are lots of corners, walkways and hidden alcoves at Zense, creating sections that consist of contrasting materials and furniture. Two faux stairways mark the middle of the restaurant, adding to segregated feeling while still essentially being open plan. The spacious exterior is fringed by a cascading water feature and red flowers, allowing diners to feel, indeed as they are, a part of the sprawling vista.

Atmosphere

The clientele is made up of a mixture of professionals, couples out on a romantic evening and tourists. The dress code is smart-casual and Zense is a long way from being a snooty, upscale establishment.

Wine

An exquisite and varied wine list includes labels from across the globe. The Australian Chardonnay - Isolation Ridge, from the Frankland Estate has a viscous texture and good depth. The Merlot, Santa Ana, Mendoza, Argentina, is near enough impossible not to follow up with a second glass, while the Californian, Cabernet Sauvignon is true to form with its bell pepper and toasty oak aromas and flavors.

Food

The upscale take on the traditional al la carte meal, served under an al fresco setting, is quite simply superb. An eclectic set menu consisting of four courses touches upon flavours from around the world, each paying the perfect compliment to one another. For starters, the Scallop Ceviche with fresh chili, lime and mint dressing, paired with seared tuna seasoned with black pepper, provides much needed light refreshment. The second course consists of a creamy chicken kebab combined with a saffron risotto. The creamy texture melts perfectly and marries the flavours. Accompanied by garlic namm bread, the dish is a perfect fusion between East and West.

Service

Zense is more than equipped to provide punctual, gracious and competent service. Staff members have a good command of English and were conscious of our needs and the required actions needed to provide five-star service. I was particularly impressed by how they managed to leave just the right amount of time between courses – keeping a 13-15 minute break, enough time to build up appreciation for the following course and clear the palate. I usually like to avoid clichés, but the real clincher for the staff at Zense is the array of gleaming teeth, something that is often lost outside the ‘Land of Smiles’.