Bangkok, Thailand, January 5, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The elevated LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, which crowns the INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, has been awarded the prestigious “Restaurants From Spain” certification for its efforts to promote authentic Spanish gastronomy.

The Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX), an agency under the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade, which is behind “Restaurants from Spain”, stated that the certification serves to establish quality standards and criteria for consumers who are looking not only for high-quality Spanish cuisine, but for authentic Spanish cuisine.

ICEX recognizes and supports restaurants worldwide that focus on authentic Spanish cuisine and products, and thus on Spanish culture, by guaranteeing a high level of quality. Certification is awarded after a rigorous selection process by a joint committee comprised of official institutions and industry associations closely linked to gastronomy, including the Royal Academy of Gastronomy, the Ministry of Agriculture, FACYRE, the Sherry Wine Regulatory Council, ANFACO, INTERPORC, the Spanish Wine Federation, the REPSOL Guide, and the Ministry of Tourism of Castile-La Mancha.

Spanning the hotel's top two floors (the 33rd and 34th) and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Bangkok skyline, LUZ has quickly established itself as a trendy hotspot since its opening on September 15, 2023. LUZ serves authentic Spanish tapas, wines, draft beer, cocktails, house-made sangrias, spirits, non-alcoholic cocktails, and much more. A unique Bangkok experience: guests on the 33rd floor can enjoy views of the infinity pool on the hotel's 34th floor.

The menu was created by Juan Ignacio García Racionero, the Spanish chef of INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, a native of Madrid who honed his skills in some of Spain's finest kitchens. It takes guests on a culinary journey through Spain, incorporating a dynamic array of local Thai ingredients.

Highlights of “LUZ Tapas” include grilled octopus “Gilda de Pulpo” with olives, pickled peppers and olive oil, smoked sardines “Sardine Ahumada Con Lima” with lime and avocado cream, fried prawns “Gambas Al Ajillo” with chili, garlic and olive oil, and burrata with cold tomato cream soup, anchovies and avocado “Ensalada De Salmorejo Burrata”.

Among the already popular dishes in the "Chef's Tapas Selection" are "LUZ Salmon," Norwegian salmon with mango and passion fruit dressing, and "Tuna Taki Taki Rumba," Akani tuna with citrus dressing. "LUZ Signature" specialties include "Carrilleras de Cerdo Ibérico," braised Iberian pork cheek with carrot and cumin purée; "Pulpo a la Parrilla," grilled octopus with bell pepper and potato purée and mango; and "Entrecôt de Ribeye," a 300g Australian ribeye steak with potato gratin and salsa de carne.

“Even though we are on the other side of the world from Spain here in Bangkok, we are honored to be recognized worldwide as authentic ambassadors of Spanish cuisine and to bring Spain to the plate,” said Racionero. “I want to highlight authentic Spanish flavors and celebrate the rich culinary heritage of my homeland, Spain, while also adding a new, innovative touch to make the new menu more appealing to local palates.”

"One of my favorite dishes is our 'Pulpo a la Parrilla'. The addition of mango, chili, and smoked paprika puree creates a contrast of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, giving the traditional Spanish recipe a fresh twist. Mango and chili appeal to local tastes and give the classic ingredients a unique flavor; while the dish remains true to its Spanish roots."

Prior to joining INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, the Madrid-born chef worked at the Michelin-starred restaurant Saddle, as well as at Diverxo, which was ranked among the three best restaurants in the “World’s 50 Best Restaurants” in 2023, and at the renowned restaurants El Jardin De La Marquina and Montellen.

INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit is the newest member of a diverse collection of INNSiDE city and beach hotels – in 14 different countries across Asia, Europe and America – designed for people with a curious mind and a flexible lifestyle in terms of work and leisure.

About Meliá Hotels International

Meliá Hotels International was founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and operates over 400 hotels in more than 40 countries, either already open or in the process of opening. Its portfolio comprises nine brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá, and Affiliated by Meliá. The company is one of the world's leading leisure hotel chains and has successfully established itself in the growing market of leisure-oriented city hotels thanks to its long-standing experience in this sector. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led to Meliá being recognized as the most sustainable European hotel company worldwide (S&P Global's 2024 Sustainability Yearbook Member) and as a Top Employer 2024 in Spain, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy, Germany, France, and Vietnam.

INNSiDE is a collection of unique city and beach hotels designed for curious people with a flexible lifestyle. Always true to their destination, they offer their guests the freedom to connect in an independent community of like-minded travelers or simply to unwind.

INNSiDE offers guests all the amenities of daily life and special touches to make their stay a unique experience. From the comfort of the rooms to the inspiring Big Idea Space and open-plan living lounges, right down to the fitness centers – we ensure our guests feel right at home.

Sustainability is reflected in even the smallest details: Every room is equipped with paper- and plastic-free packaging and complimentary organic toiletries. INNSiDE celebrates the culture of each location with an events calendar, handy city guides for guests, and by showcasing the work of local artists on hotel walls, merchandise, and staff uniforms.

There are currently 38 INNSiDE by Meliá hotels worldwide, and the brand is continuously expanding. All hotels are located in prime lifestyle districts in popular travel destinations. These include Spain (Madrid, Mallorca, Ibiza, Fuerteventura, Zaragoza), the UK (Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester), the USA (New York, Lima), Germany (Berlin, Bremen, Frankfurt, Munich, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Aachen, Leipzig, Hamburg), the Czech Republic (Prague), France (Paris), Italy (Milan), China (Zhengzhou), Indonesia (Yogyakarta), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), and the Netherlands (Amsterdam).