Salsify Meets Gaggan: A One-Night Pop-Up Dinner in Bangkok

A one-night collaboration between Salsify’s Ryan Cole and Nina di Toit and chef Gaggan Anand at Ms Maria and Mr Singh.

Mar 10, 2026

Salsify X Gaggan in Bangkok

I’ve just returned from an incredible culinary trip to Bangkok, and one of the highlights was a pop-up dinner with Ryan Cole and Nina du Toit from Salsify.

Gaggan had visited Salsify last year for a series of collaborative dinners at The Roundhouse. I was lucky enough to attend one of those, so I knew I was in for a treat. Having also eaten at Salsify many times, I know how meticulous and talented these chefs are.

Flying halfway around the world with just two chefs from the team to create a once-off nine-course tasting menu must be rather daunting, but Ryan and Nina, who have been popping up internationally for a while, took it in their stride.

The event took place at Ms Maria and Mr Singh, Gaggan’s second, more casual and playful sister restaurant. The name reflects the concept. Ms Maria represents Mexican culture, and Mr Singh represents India. It is a love affair between these two cultures and cuisines, reimagined through the food and the vibrantly colourful restaurant. The menu explores the similarities between the two cuisines. Both use chillies, spices, corn, flatbreads and slow-cooked meats. Just delightful!

Nina and Ryan created a delicious nine-course tasting menu made up of beautiful small bites. They used mostly locally sourced ingredients, echoing the restaurant’s theme, while weaving in South African elements such as samp, mebos, sour fig, khaki bos and num nums.

From the opening bite of raw chokka and uni, through four more seafood courses and two meat courses, everything was precise and thoughtfully prepared.

The raw yellowtail with finger lime in a perilla leaf “taco” was incredibly fresh and the perfect way to begin the tasting journey. The meltingly tender pork jowl with sour fig and courgette flower, and the slow braised short rib with chakalaka, both had wonderful depth and complexity.

It was also Gaggan’s birthday that evening, and with visiting chefs and guests from all over the world, the atmosphere was lively and celebratory. It was a lovely night all round, and I felt very fortunate to have been there.

I sat at one of the counter seats, always my favourite place in any kitchen, watching the chefs in action and chatting with them throughout the service. That is always a highlight for me.

If you are visiting Bangkok, Mrs Maria and Mr Singh is well worth a visit if you are looking for a fun and interesting dining experience. It is located in the same building, just above Gaggan.

Details and their fabulous website can be found HERE.