"CHILLI FEST," BANGKOK'S SPICIEST EXTRAVAGANZA, RETURNS TO KIMPTON MAA-LAI BANGKOK

"Chilli Fest" returns for the third year to Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok on Saturday, 5 April 2025, featuring even more fiery eats from Bangkok's leading restaurants and MICHELIN-calibre chefs, sizzling entertainment, a scorching chilli-eating competition and much more. Fourteen restaurants and chefs will be serving up deliciously spicy dishes, including creations from Chef Ton Thitid Tassanakajohn of ZAABNIRAN, Chef Thav Phouthavong of 80/20, and Chef Vicky Cheng of K by Vicky Cheng, among other hot culinary talents.

Chilli Fest Feasting

This year, Chilli Fest showcases fiery cuisines from Myanmar, India, New Orleans, South Korea, Spain, the Middle East, China, Sri Lanka and, of course, Thailand. Delectable plates will be served within a lush, green bustling marketplace setting, with prices starting at just THB 80.

Featured chefs, award-winning restaurants and temperature-raising dishes include:

• ZAABNIRAN: Chef "Ton" Thitid Tassanakajohn, the mastermind behind the one-MICHELIN-starred Le Du and Nusara, #6 on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list, returns for the third year with his incredibly flavourful Tom Yum Noodles that feature a unique blend of three Thai chillis -- Kariang, Jinda and Bird's Eye.
• 80/20: This one-MICHELIN-starred restaurant, named for the ratio of exquisite local ingredients (80) to the chef's creative inspiration (20), was a recipient of Time Magazine's 100 World's Greatest Places 2019. Head Chef Thav Phouthavong presents his deliciously spicy, Burmese-inspired Red Curry and Pig Cheeks & Trotter Larb Nuggets.
• K BY VICKY CHENG: Chef Vicky Cheng, the acclaimed Hong Kong chef, will be showcasing dishes from his first overseas restaurant in Bangkok, including flavour-packed Mala Chicken Noodle and Sichuan Chilli Pork.
• JHOL: World-class chef, international restaurateur, culinary consultant and author, Chef Hari Nayak, brings coastal Indian flavours to Chilli Fest with Piri Piri Mushroom, BFC (Berhampur Fried Chicken) with Jhol hot sauce and Tangra Chilli Crab.
• DELIA: Chef duo Gabi & Diego serves up two dishes steeped in culinary wisdom and traditions passed down from their beloved "Abuelitas" grandmothers. Guests can look forward to their piquant Scallop Aguachile and finger-licking good Taco de Pastor Con Queso.
• RANGOON TEA HOUSE BANGKOK: Chef Honey Rae Zenang delights diners with her passion for elevating Burmese cuisine on the world stage. Chilli-festers can sample her zingy Burmese creations such as Spicy Tea Leaf Salad, Four Fish Mohinga and Rakhine Rice Salad.
• MITSOS: Chef Dimitrios Moudios shares vibrant Mediterranean flavours with fresh, high-quality seafood and seasonal ingredients. His offerings include Spicy Vodka Rigatoni and Roti with lamb belly, fermented chilli, and crispy kombu. Chef Dimitrios honed his craft at the three-MICHELIN-starred Atelier in Munich, Germany, and other two and three-starred restaurants in Denmark, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
• PHED PHED: A true local favourite and one of Bangkok's most famous restaurants, PHED PHED has earned a cult following for its bold, authentic flavours. Living up to its name—which means "spicy spicy" in Thai, the restaurant will be serving up double the punch with two beloved Thai salads: Fruit Som Tum with Sesame Chips from Sakon Nakhon and the classic Som Tum with grilled pork neck and grilled sticky rice, along with their new creation, Gaeng Om Moo with Sausage.
• SABABA: Sababa brings a fresh twist to Bangkok's dining scene, combining Mediterranean flavours with the relaxed, social dining style of a Japanese Izakaya. Led by Chef Maxim Baile, this upscale eatery will be serving mouth-watering Cashew Hummus with spicy chermoula and crackers, as well as Potato Salad with Crab-Stuffed Chili and Chili Pickles.
• TINA'S: Tina's celebrates the rich heritage of New Orleans cuisine with bold Creole and Cajun flavours that embody the city's diverse culinary traditions. Chef David Cleland will serve Jalape?o Buttermilk Biscuits, Bloody Mary Seafood Gazpacho, and Hot and Spicy Dark Chocolate Mousse.
• SABIO: Sabio first burst onto the scene in 2011 as Singapore's premier Spanish tapas restaurant with a dynamic, whimsical venue that creates an unforgettable dining experience. Chef Olivier Bendel transports his talent to Bangkok with famous fiery Spanish dishes like Padron Peppers, Spiced Gambas Pil Pil and Chorizo Manteca Pinchos.
• MINISTRY OF CRAB BANGKOK: Acclaimed Chef Dharshan Munidasa celebrates Sri Lanka's most sought-after and delectable Mud Crabs at the fest with indulgent dishes including the Thai fusion Kaprao Crab and Garlic Chilli Crab.
• ANJU: Executive Chef Shim Young Dae from ANJU Korean Rooftop Bar, Bangkok's first and highest, returns with signature Fishcake Skewers with fiery spicy sauce and Korean Fried Chicken with Chilli Peppers.
• BAR.YARD: Executive Chef Lamberto Valdez Lara celebrates backyard barbeque flavours with Applewood charcoal-smoked Crispy Oysters Taco, Crispy Pork Porchetta bowl served on creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and smashed avocado Lobster Flautas.

Get ready to sip, savour, and spice things up. Chilli Fest 2025 isn't just about the heat—it's about the perfect drinks to match! Our fantastic beverage partners are bringing their A-game with refreshing craft beers like Crispy Boy Lager and Wila Weizen from Beervana, while Peddlers Gin and Aperol shake up some seriously cool cocktails. Crack open an ice-cold Corona, sip on hearty Guinness, or add a touch of elegance with Maison Perrier and Drappier Champagne. Need something bold? Giffard's artisanal liqueurs, Patron Tequila by Bacardi, and the rich Thai flavours of Mae Kong will keep the party going.

Chilli-Eating Competition

Chilli Fest's face-melting, tongue-tingling, bring-on-the-tears chilli eating competition proves who can handle the heat. Brave souls will munch their way through increasingly scorching peppers, reaching a blistering 2,200,000 Scoville heat units. The last one standing wins THB 10,000. Second and third place aren't left out in the cold - they'll snag a one-night stay and a THB 4,000 dining credit at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok. The contest is free and open to anyone who has the guts to enter! More details will be shared on Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok Facebook.

Chilli Market and Hot Entertainment

Guests will have the chance to shop Chilli Fest-exclusive That Daeng Sauce and Firepower Hot Sauces and California Ink Bangkok will brand guests with chilli tattoos for them to proclaim their chilli love. Vibes will be sizzling throughout the fest with fire shows and entertainment by DJs and live bands.

Chilli Fest takes place on Saturday, 5 April 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Urban Oasis. Entry is THB 300 including one complimentary drink. Early bird tickets are at THB 200 only, limited availability. Tickets may be purchased via Megatix.

A portion of Chilli Fest proceeds will be donated to Scholars of Sustenance Thailand (SOS Thailand), a food rescue foundation dedicated to reducing food waste and fighting hunger. It collects surplus food from participating hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and manufacturers, then redistribute it to underserved communities, charities, and those in need.

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