The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon Unveils Restaurant “Ojo” Helmed by One of Mexico’s Top Chefs

Posted on July 14, 2022 in Front Page Highlights, Latest Openings

The whole city of Bangkok and beyond forms the backdrop of The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon’s new rooftop restaurant, Ojo. For the crown jewel of The Standard’s Asia flagship, the pioneering lifestyle brand decided to collaborate with one of Mexico’s most exciting chefs, Francisco “Paco” Ruano, to open a Mexican inspired restaurant unlike any in the region.

Perched on the 76^th floor at 300 meters above ground, Ojo sets out to shatter Bangkok’s preconceived notions of Mexican cuisine in a whimsical, retro glam setting. Ojo, meaning “eye” in Spanish, will overlook the city and serve new takes on Chef Paco Ruano’s signature cuisine combining his traditional and contemporary Mexican techniques with a mix of imported and locally sourced ingredients to create incredible culinary flavors.

The idea of Mexican cuisine atop the hotel came from The Standard’s Executive Chairman, Amar Lalvani, who has long believed that Mexico’s rich and deep cuisine is misunderstood and underrepresented in Asia as a whole and a belief that the local clientele would embrace the bold flavors and beauty of the cuisine if done right. Mr. Lalvani personally recruited Chef Paco with a shared vision of Ojo changing the perception of Mexican cuisine not just in Bangkok but in the whole region.

The Ojo name symbolizes the all-seeing eye of a higher power. The concept of Ojo de Dios (Eye of God) is deeply rooted in Mexico’s daily life, folklore and culture, representing humanity’s faith in divine providence and protective power.

Ojo’s design concept was envisioned by globally renown creative talent Ou Baholyodhin. In developing the design narrative for Ojo, Ou recalls a journey he took across Central America where indigenous, European, African, and Asian influences converge to create a colorful, idiosyncratic culture. Ojo’s rich, jewel-toned aesthetics takes inspiration from the continent’s precious metals and gemstones that drew prospectors in pursuit of riches to that part of the world. Also woven into the design are subtle references to the mysticism of Latin America’s ancient civilizations. The result is a glamorous environment anchored by gold hues and offset by organic, gemstone tones creating a visual representation of an architectural crown jewel.

When it comes to the cuisine itself, guests can expect a journey through techniques and flavors of Mexican cuisine never before fully experienced in Thailand or the region. Regarded as one of the most important figures of Mexico’s vibrant next generation culinary scene, Chef Paco trained under a slew of culinary heavyweights at various notable restaurants around the world. With the opening of his first restaurant, Alcalde, in 2013 (which went on to win a number of coveted awards, including Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants) he led his home city of Guadalajara into the modern culinary era.

Executing chef Paco’s vision day to day and leading the all-star culinary team is Ojo’s talented Chef de Cuisine, Alonso Luna Zarate, who has vast experience in Mexican, European and Southeast Asian cuisines. He has been instrumental in establishing a sustainable supply chain for the restaurant, working closely with Thailand’s leading agriculturalists, fisheries and other vendors to deliver on Chef Paco’s commitment to only use the most meticulously sourced ingredients in his restaurants.

Chef Paco has composed a menu that shatters all stereotypes of Mexican cuisine. His highly inventive snacks, ranging from Ojo guacamole with corn tostadas to Aguachile with fresh tiger prawns, and fresh coconut ceviche served with young coconut, fermented soy, coconut milk leche de tigre with yellow chili. More substantial options include chicken and green mole, fish Zarandeado with fried shallots, grilled lemon, and slow-cooked short rib birria — a traditional ancestral stew cooked with aromatic spices at a low heat. Mexican desserts including dark chocolate Tamal, his version of tres leches cake soaked in three kinds of milk — evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream — and his signature vanilla cream rice with cinnamon ice-cream are a revelation beyond all expectations.

With Chef Paco Ruano in charge of the culinary direction, amazing beverage program, stunning interior design by Ou, and an incredible architecture and views courtesy of King Power Mahanakhon, Ojo will stand out in the city while sitting proudly beside The Standard’s legendary Boom Boom Room in New York City and its hotspot Decimo in London as one of the world’s best rooftop venues.

Ojo is located on the 76^th floor at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner daily from 11.30 am to 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm to midnight.