Internationally acclaimed chef Paulo Airaudo is set to return to Bangkok for a two-night culinary residency at Sartoria by Paulo Airaudo, his first Southeast Asian outpost, located on the 56th floor of EA Rooftop at The Empire. Scheduled for 22-23 October 2026, the event will see Airaudo collaborate with Head Chef Bjørn Tischner to present exclusive tasting menus that draw on his Italian heritage and global culinary journey.
Airaudo, born in Argentina to Italian parents, has built a career spanning Europe and Asia, with Michelin-starred restaurants in San Sebastián, Geneva, and beyond. His approach emphasizes exceptional ingredients and innovative techniques, a philosophy that will be on full display during the Bangkok residency. Guests will have the rare opportunity to interact with Airaudo in the open kitchen, gaining insight into his creative process and the stories behind each dish.
Two tasting menus, one culinary vision
The event will feature two distinct tasting menus: the five-course “Menu Scoperta” priced at $87 (THB 3,200++) and the eight-course “L’Opera Completa” at $133 (THB 4,900++), with optional wine pairings available for both. Reservations are recommended and can be made online, given the limited seating and the chef’s international following.
Sartoria by Paulo Airaudo, which opened in 2024, is known for its ingredient-driven menus that highlight seasonal produce and creative flavour combinations. The restaurant’s design, inspired by Florence’s tailoring heritage, offers panoramic views of Bangkok’s skyline, adding to the dining experience. The venue has quickly become a fixture in the city’s luxury dining scene, attracting both local gourmands and international travellers.
This residency comes at a time when Bangkok’s culinary landscape is increasingly drawing global attention. The city has seen a surge in high-profile chef collaborations and gastronomic events, from wine dinners at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok to the recent Eurovision Asia debut driving hotel search surges. For travel professionals, such events underscore the growing importance of culinary tourism as a driver for hotel bookings and destination marketing.
Airaudo’s visit also highlights the broader trend of chef-driven experiences as a key differentiator for luxury hotels and standalone restaurants. As noted by industry observers, the ability to offer exclusive, chef-led events can significantly enhance a property’s appeal to high-end travellers. This is particularly relevant in Bangkok, where competition among luxury dining venues is intense.
For those in the travel trade, the event represents an opportunity to recommend a unique culinary experience to clients visiting Bangkok in late October. The timing coincides with the city’s cooler season, making it an attractive period for leisure travel. Additionally, the recent launch of LOT Polish Airlines’ Warsaw–Bangkok direct service and Nok Air’s Hyderabad–Bangkok nonstop are expected to boost international arrivals, potentially increasing demand for such exclusive dining events.
Chef Airaudo’s culinary philosophy is rooted in simplicity and respect for ingredients, a message he often shares during his guest appearances. “I want guests to taste the essence of each component,” he has said in past interviews. “It’s about balance and harmony, not overcomplication.” This approach is reflected in the tasting menus, which are designed to take diners on a journey through Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist.
The residency is expected to be a sell-out, given Airaudo’s reputation and the limited number of covers. Travel advisors and hotel concierges are advised to secure reservations early for their clients. The event also aligns with Bangkok’s growing status as a culinary capital in Asia, a position reinforced by recent accolades and the influx of international chef talent.
For more on Bangkok’s evolving food and travel scene, see our coverage of river-based art itineraries and the Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macao, which highlight the region’s dynamic tourism offerings.
