I met Annie for lunch at Isao, one of her favorite sushi spots in Bangkok. Isao has been around for quite a while, but the place still manages to surprise people with its playful take on Japanese cuisine. It’s technically a Japanese fusion restaurant, though the food feels more like a creative playground than a strict interpretation of any particular style.
I let Annie take charge of ordering, which turned out to be a very good decision. She picked a selection of Isao’s signature dishes including Jackie, a maki roll shaped like a caterpillar, the Sushi Sandwich, and something called the Volcano.
The Volcano ended up being my favorite. It’s a dish of small scallops fried in a rich, savory sauce that turns them into a kind of silky, concentrated scallop goodness. Annie suggested spooning it over the garlic fried rice, and once I tried it that way, there was no going back. It was ridiculously good.
I usually prefer the Asian way of eating where everyone shares a bunch of dishes. The European approach, where everyone orders their own plate, can feel a bit limiting. At Isao though, I might actually make an exception. If you order the Volcano, you may want to get one just for yourself, because that dish is almost impossible to share politely.
Sorry Annie. I definitely ate more than my share.
After lunch we headed over to the sleek EM Quartier mall for coffee at one of the cafés. And then came the unavoidable part of any proper lunch date: the selfie. The first few attempts were a disaster. My face looked about three times the size of Annie’s. In reality it’s only about twice the size, so I blamed the lighting. Annie kindly agreed, and we decided the only logical solution was to go outside the café and try again.
Tips if you visit Isao:
The easiest way to get there is by Skytrain. Get off at Phrom Phong station and walk down Sukhumvit Soi 31. After about 150 meters you’ll find Isao on your left. Look for the purple sign and the bamboo front.
Don’t leave without ordering the Volcano. With garlic fried rice it’s completely irresistible.
Japanese restaurants in Bangkok can sometimes feel a bit formal, but Isao is relaxed and casual. There’s no dress code. For dinner I might dress up a little, but for lunch it’s perfectly fine to just show up as you are.
Isao, 5 Sukhumvit 31, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
