If there is one thing anyone who knows me will tell you, it's that I am fiercely, unapologetically punctual. I absolutely despise making people wait, and I pride myself on showing up to every single event right on time. So, you can only imagine the sheer, jaw-clenching frustration when our 4:00 PM appointment at Gaa by Garima Arora was threatened by the one thing no one can control: Bangkok traffic.
We left our place at 3:00 PM, thinking a full hour would be more than enough for a relatively short distance. But BKK traffic being the absolute monster that it is, we were completely gridlocked. For a minute there, I genuinely thought we wouldn't make it, which was driving me crazy. Luckily, the travel gods smiled down on us, and we pulled up to the stunning property just in the nick of time.
This was a hosted collaboration, and as an Indian food storyteller exploring global culinary scenes, this particular experience was incredibly close to my heart. Gaa isn't just a restaurant; it's an artistic bridge between my roots and Bangkok's soul.
Wait, What is a Michelin Star? (And is Gaa Actually Michelin?)
Let's clear up a question I get asked all the time: what exactly is a Michelin Star, and why is everyone obsessed with it?
The Michelin Guide is the absolute gold standard of global fine dining. Unlike a Michelin Bib Gourmand — which recognises outstanding food at accessible prices (like what I experienced at Baan Phadthai Hyderabad) — a Michelin Star represents the pinnacle of luxury fine dining.
Much like my experience at Jhol Bangkok (another Michelin-recognised favourite of mine), Gaa operates at a world-class level. In fact, Gaa doesn't just have one star — it proudly holds Two Michelin Stars. That puts it in an elite global tier.
The Force Behind Gaa: Who is Chef Garima Arora?
Born and raised in Mumbai, Garima Arora started her career as a journalist before realising her true calling lay in the kitchen. She trained at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and went on to work alongside culinary legends like Gordon Ramsay and René Redzepi at Noma in Copenhagen.
In 2018, she made history as the first Indian woman to win a Michelin Star. She then doubled down on that legacy by securing Gaa's second Michelin Star — making her the only Indian female chef to front a two-starred establishment. Experiencing her curated tea time as an Indian influencer in Bangkok felt like a moment of genuine pride.
The Space: A 60-Year-Old Thai Sanctuary
Nestled in Bangkok's Sukhumvit area, Gaa is housed inside a breathtaking 60-year-old traditional Thai wooden house — teak framework, a steeply pitched roof, an open veranda that's clearly seen six decades of stories. The whole property is wrapped in lush greenery, so the second you step through the gate, the noise and heat of Sukhumvit just falls away. It's genuinely a little haven of calm in the middle of one of the busiest parts of the city.
Walk past that veranda and you're inside a space that's all minimalist lines and dim, flattering light — heritage architecture on the outside, quietly contemporary on the inside. The weekend afternoon tea is served exclusively in the Gaa Lounge, where the greenery outside the windows becomes part of the room itself. It's the kind of setting that makes you want to slow down before the food has even arrived.
The High Tea: Indian Chai Time With a Naughty Twist
Chef Garima takes the comforting nostalgia of Indian chai time and injects it with a thoroughly modern, mischievous energy. Every course felt like a dialogue between heritage and innovation — familiar enough to feel like home, surprising enough to keep you leaning forward.
Savouries
Namkeens & Bakery
Next came the refined comfort round — classic Namak Pare, Moong Daal Mishri and Sweet Potato Chips, followed by buttery Nankhatai, Makai Oregano Cookies and decadent Jaggery Chocolate Chip Cookies. Nostalgia, but make it elegant.
Mithai Finale
Paired with artisanal teas and a perfectly spiced Masala Chai:
- Lychee Parle-G Cheesecake — a high-end tribute to India's favourite childhood biscuit. Sounds gimmicky, tastes extraordinary.
- Dulcey Rasmalai — silky, sophisticated, perfectly balanced.
- Pistachio & Vanilla Peda — delicate, traditional, distinctly modern.
- Besan Ladoo & Hazelnut bites — the perfect, unforgettable end.
💡 Pro Tip
The classic tea and masala chai are spectacular on their own — but you can elevate the experience further by opting for their homemade non-alcoholic beverage pairing, wine pairing, or champagne pairing.
⭐⭐ Two Michelin Stars — Michelin Guide Thailand
The Verdict
Every single bite at Gaa tells a story. It proves exactly why Chef Garima Arora continues to shine so brightly in the Michelin Guide Thailand. If you are travelling to Bangkok and want to experience luxury dining that honours Indian roots while fearlessly embracing global execution, this is an absolute must-visit. It is an experience that lingers long after the very last sip of chai.
📍 Find Them
Address: 46 Sukhumvit Soi 53, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
Afternoon Tea: Weekends only
Price: THB 1,800++ per person (THB 2,800++ for two with tea/coffee)
Reservations: Book via TableCheck — essential, do not walk in
Recognition: Two Michelin Stars — Michelin Guide Thailand
Must-try: Tom Kha Pani-Puri, Paneer Krapao Samosa, Lychee Parle-G Cheesecake, Masala Chai
Would I go back? I'm already planning it.
*This was a hosted collaboration with Gaa Bangkok.