Dinner at Bia

Dinner at Bia

at Bia on 16 May 2026
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I visited the renowned restaurant "Bia" in Nogizaka, which has earned a Silver rating on Tabelog.This innovative restaurant beautifully fuses Japanese and Thai cuisine, creating a unique dining experience. Each dish showcases the delicate flavors of Japan intertwined with the aromatic, tangy, spicy, and umami notes of Thai cooking, offering a world of flavors that can only be experienced here.The owner, Bia, has a wonderful personality, and her passion and warmth for cooking are reflected in the ambiance of the restaurant. Despite being a high-end establishment with an air of sophistication, it also feels comfortable and allows for a relaxed enjoyment, which is part of its charm.The first part of the meal began with squid and white asparagus, followed by a Tom Yum crab dish featuring hairy crab, scallops, fava beans, and tomatoes, delivering an overwhelming array of aromas and flavors right from the start.One particularly memorable dish was the shark fin Op Wun Sen. The rich flavors soaked into the vermicelli, combined with the luxurious texture of the shark fin and the depth of aroma typical of Thai cuisine, made for an exceptionally well-crafted plate.The sweet shrimp and bamboo shoot Pad Thai, cream Khao Poht with cherry salmon, and Omi beef larb were also outstanding, showcasing the chef's talent for elevating high-quality Japanese ingredients through Thai culinary techniques.After a palate cleanser, we enjoyed a Tom Saep made with soft roe, bamboo shoots, and Thai herbs. The balance of acidity, spiciness, aroma, and the richness of the soft roe harmonized beautifully, heightening our anticipation for the second half of the meal.The second part featured "Samrap Ahan Thai," a refined presentation of a Thai dining experience, characteristic of Bia.The grilled black Satsuma chicken wrapped in magnolia leaves was perfectly fragrant with cumin and turmeric. The grilled urui, finished over binchotan charcoal, the green asparagus with oyster sauce, and freshly steamed jasmine rice all contributed to a high level of satisfaction, both individually and as a cohesive meal.For dessert, we had Kanom Piak Poon and freshly made ice cream. The lingering aroma of Japanese honey and jasmine flowers left a beautiful finish to the meal.Japanese and Thai cuisines may seem distant at first glance, but they are remarkably connected through commonalities in ingredients, dashi, aromas, fermentation, and acidity. Bia has brilliantly expressed this charm through her culinary sensibility, making it a fantastic restaurant.In Nogizaka, this is a must-visit establishment where one can feel the new possibilities of Thai cuisine. I will definitely return!

10 / 10