The story
Saffron in Taipa, Macao, is a modern Thai restaurant at 31F, Banyan Tree, Galaxy, Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Cotai, Macau. It holds a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating for 2026 and has served diners since 2011, on the 31st floor with views across Cotai.
Executive Chef Jan Ruangnukulkit leads the kitchen. Her résumé includes a Michelin-starred restaurant that has been named one of The World's 50 Best Restaurants. A team of Thai chefs recruited from acclaimed kitchens works alongside her. The tasting menu draws on Thai spices, herbs and colors, and each plate is built to look as considered as it tastes.
The Southern Style Alaskan King Crab Curry uses tender crab meat in a homemade spicy yellow curry. The grilled version comes with pickled vegetables and calamansi lime, which adds smoke and a sharp finish. Glacier 51 Toothfish is served in a ginger and tamarind soup with Thai herbs. The Aromatic Tom Yam Tiger Prawn Soup simmers prawns in milk and lemongrass, balancing sour, spicy and fresh notes.
Floor-to-ceiling latticed wood columns, golden bird sculptures and dark stone walls frame the room, with chili-red accents. Forbes suggests smart-casual dress. Most evenings, the in-house band Kheem plays Thai classical pieces alongside international pop.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
The views of Cotai say it all: Saffron is on top of the world when it comes to its prime location, strip vistas, authenticity and execution.Conceptualized by international interior design firm Chhada Siembieda and Associates, the floor-to-ceiling latticed wood columns, golden bird sculptures, dark stone walls and chili-hued accents create an elegant atmosphere that calls for smart-casual attire.While the menu covers many Thai classics from all over the country — Phuket to Hua Hin, Bangkok to Chiang Rai — each dish has been refined with specially sourced ingredients, modern touches and photogenic plating.Most evenings, the Macau restaurant surprises guests with live music by in-house band Kheem, which plays everything from Thai classical music to international pop hits.You can’t go wrong with one of Saffron’s signature dishes, such as the perennially popularkhao soy goong munggorn. It takes Northern-style curry to the next level with fresh lobster, crispy egg noodles, aromatic kaffir lime and ample coconut cream.
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