Thien Duong

Happy birthday Khun Yai

It was my mother-in-law's birthday yesterday - happy birthday Khun Mae Nongyao!

Every year, we celebrate at one of her favourite restaurants, the Thien Duong Vietnamese restaurant in Bangkok's landmark Dusit Thani Hotel.

Last night, as usual, beautifully cooked and presented food was enjoyed by the very young, young, middle-aged and senior members of my Bangkok family.

All the dishes were super tasty and personal favourites included Bahn Cuon (rice flour crepes) and the grilled lemongrass chicken and spare ribs - the ribs were the real deal, full of meat and flavour. For an upmarket Vietnamese dining experience in BKK, Thien Duong is pretty hard to beat.

Besides the delicious food, I like wandering around the Dusit because she's an elegant beauty with character and history (past and present). Around this time last year, the hotel was riddled with more than a few bullets during the protests in the capital.

It's also a popular venue for weddings and corporate events. If you enjoy cheap thrills - with a smart suit and a nice smile - you could possibly gatecrash a party or two.

One of my favourite Dusit attractions is a wall of photos featuring famous guests over the years including snaps of Ronnie Reagan and Maggie Thatcher (no they weren't staying together), Dionne Warwick, the Pet Shop Boys, various Miss Worlds and Universes, Andy Roddick and many other A, B, C and D-listers.