As Thailand celebrates its annual Tesagan Gin Je, or Vegetarian Festival from October 21 to 29, Centara Hotels & Resorts embraces the spirit of purity and compassion through food. At the center of this celebration is Suan Bua at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, which redefines plant-based cuisine with a message rooted in Thai wisdom: every food is medicine.

For over four decades, Suan Bua has served authentic Thai flavors, and now under Chef Pairin “Nim” Hahingsa, the restaurant blends heritage recipes with modern nutritional insights. Following the “Food as Medicine” principle, Suan Bua reinterprets traditional dishes using rare Thai herbs, GI-certified ingredients, and chemical-free produce, proving that food can be healthy and indulgent.

According to Chef Nim: “Thai cuisine is more than nourishment: it’s heritage and healing. Each ingredient carries a purpose. We carefully select herbs and regional produce not only for taste but for their therapeutic benefits. At Suan Bua, good food truly is the best medicine”.

An Uplifting Collaboration

In partnership with Mahidol University’s Sireeruckhachati Nature Learning Park, Suan Bua incorporates rare medicinal herbs and indigenous plants into its vegan menu to promote wellness. Dishes are made fresh, avoiding MSG and refined sugars, while using natural sweeteners like stevia.

The Vegetarian Festival menu exemplifies tradition, taste, and therapeutic value, with memorable dishes including:

• Tofu Herbal Spring Rolls with Japanese mint and holy basil.
• Kaeng Liang Nop Gao, a vegetable soup with nine seasonal vegetables.
• Thai Green Curry with Organic Vegetables, made with organic ingredients.
• Stevia Pandan Pearls in Ratchaburi Coconut Milk, offering a naturally sweet dessert.

Suan Bua’s dedication to using Thailand’s geographical indication-certified produce supports local farmers and sustainable agriculture, connecting diners to their land. This relaunch signifies Centara’s journey towards conscious gastronomy, highlighting health and heritage. As demand for plant-based dining increases, Centara’s menus evolve to preserve and innovate Thai culinary traditions.