Langham to Open Luxury Hotel at Bangkok’s Historic Customs House

Langham to Open Luxury Hotel at Bangkok’s Historic Customs House

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 8, 2024

Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) and Rabbit Holdings, an affiliate of BTS Group, are set to transform Bangkok's historic landscape with their latest venture, The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok. Scheduled to open in 2026, this new luxury hotel will be situated in the vibrant Bang Rak District, alongside the Chao Phraya River, and will serve as a symbol of both heritage and modernity.

The centerpiece of this ambitious project will be the city's historic Customs House, an iconic building erected in 1888. This neo-Palladian structure, designed by the renowned architect Joachim Grassi, will undergo meticulous restoration to reclaim its former grandeur. The building, known for its distinctive teak floors, majestic central staircase, and impressive four-story hallway, has a rich history as a gateway to Thailand and has hosted numerous significant events, including royal gatherings.

Adjacent to the restored Customs House will be a former post office, which will be repurposed to house a range of luxury amenities. Additionally, a modern structure will be built to accommodate the hotel’s 78 guest rooms. This blend of historical restoration and contemporary design aims to create a unique hospitality experience that honors the past while embracing the future.

The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok will offer a range of signature elements synonymous with The Langham brand. Guests can look forward to dining at an outpost of T’ang Court, the acclaimed three Michelin-star Cantonese restaurant from The Langham, Hong Kong. The hotel will also feature a distinctive destination bar and an outlet dedicated to serving exquisite pastries. To enhance the guest experience, The Langham's renowned Chuan Spa will provide a variety of rejuvenating treatments and wellness services.

Rabbit Holdings aims to create a world-class hospitality destination while enhancing the cultural and economic significance of the Bang Rak area. Kavin Kanjanapas, Director of Rabbit Holdings, said, "We are thrilled to appoint Langham Hospitality Group to manage the property. The company’s dedication to creating timeless luxury hotels and demonstrated success in heritage conservation makes it the ideal partner to further our vision to set a new standard for luxury hospitality in the region and honour the rich cultural heritage of Customs House and the Bang Rak District."

The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok will include an outpost of The Langham, Hong Kong's three Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, T'ang Court, a bar, a pastry outlet, and The Langham's renowned Chuan Spa. This luxury experience will honor the heritage of old Siam, blending traditional Thai elements with Western architecture.

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LHG CEO, Bob van den Oord, expressed excitement, noting, "The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok exemplifies our strategy of incorporating cultural preservation into hotel development while concurrently creating unparalleled experiences for guests and the communities in which we operate."

This project is part of LHG's commitment to heritage conservation, following other successful restorations like The Langham in Boston, Chicago, and Pasadena.


Novotel Cairo Airport Joins Hands with Egyptian Clothing Bank to Support Community

Novotel Cairo Airport Joins Hands with Egyptian Clothing Bank to Support Community

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 3, 2026

Hospitality is not just about service, it is also about giving back. Novotel Cairo Airport has partnered with the Egyptian Clothing Bank, a well-known charitable organisation that provides clothing to families in need across Egypt.

As part of this initiative, two donation boxes have been placed within the hotel premises, allowing both guests and staff to contribute clothing and directly support those who need it most. The effort offers a simple yet impactful way for the hotel community to come together and make a real difference.

Sharing his thoughts on the collaboration, Mr. Atta El Dessouky, General Manager, said, “At Novotel Cairo Airport, we believe true hospitality extends beyond our doors. Partnering with the Egyptian Clothing Bank allows us to support families in need and contribute to initiatives that have a real, positive impact on society.”

The partnership reflects the hotel’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and community care. By supporting initiatives that uplift people and strengthen society, Novotel Cairo Airport continues to extend its role beyond hospitality and into meaningful community engagement.

The hotel looks forward to participating in similar initiatives in the future and remains committed to supporting causes that create lasting, positive change.


Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary Appointed as Assistant Chef at Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant, New York

Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary Appointed as Assistant Chef at Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant, New York

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 3, 2026

Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant has announced the appointment of Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary as Assistant Chef, strengthening its culinary leadership in New York. An experienced hospitality professional, Chef Keshav brings a strong mix of creativity, operational knowledge, and team management to the restaurant’s growing kitchen team.

Known for his innovative approach and hands-on leadership style, Chef Keshav has built a reputation for creating diverse menus that reflect changing guest preferences while maintaining quality and consistency. In his current role at Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant, he has played a key role in improving customer satisfaction through high food standards, appealing presentation, and smooth kitchen operations in a fast-paced setting.

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Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary said, “It is an honor to be part of Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant in New York. My focus is to combine authentic flavors with modern culinary techniques while maintaining consistency and excellence in every dish. I look forward to contributing to the restaurant’s growth and delivering memorable dining experiences to our guests.”

Before joining Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant, Chef Keshav served as Executive Chef at Compass Group, where he was responsible for training and developing kitchen teams through structured programs, performance reviews, and leadership support. He also ensured discipline and professionalism across operations while maintaining strict compliance with health department regulations. His role included designing cost-effective menus, controlling food expenses, managing inventory, and overseeing overall kitchen and business operations.

Earlier in his career, Chef Keshav gained valuable experience with leading hospitality brands in India, including The Westin Gurgaon, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Hilton Jaipur, and Kempinski Ambience Hotel. His professional journey also includes roles at Radisson Blu Hotel Greater Noida, Sahara Aamby Valley City, The Dukes Retreat, and TGI Fridays Gurgaon.

With his strong background, leadership skills, and passion for excellence, Chef Keshav Kumar Chaudhary is set to play an important role in further enhancing Sahib & Dhaba Restaurant’s presence in New York’s competitive dining landscape.


Amber India Unveils Holi Special Menu at Indian Restaurant Week San Francisco

Amber India Unveils Holi Special Menu at Indian Restaurant Week San Francisco

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 3, 2026

Amber India has launched an exclusive Holi Special Menu as part of Indian Restaurant Week San Francisco, bringing the festive energy of Holi to the Bay Area through a refined yet joyful culinary showcase.

Curated under the leadership of Specialty Chef Ram Pratap Singh Kushwah, the limited-edition menu celebrates the festival of colors by blending traditional Indian flavours with modern techniques. The result is a dining experience that feels festive, thoughtful, and rooted in contemporary Indian gastronomy.

Inspired by the warmth and vibrancy of Holi, the menu unfolds like a celebration on the plate. The experience begins with an Amuse-Bouche featuring Tandoori Avocado Chaat, Khandvi, and Paniyaram. This opening course sets the tone with colour, texture, and a nod to India’s diverse regional kitchens.

The Appetizer Course offers guests the option to choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Vegetarian selections include Asparagus Dahi Kebab & Malabari Mushroom, known for their balanced flavours and gentle spice notes. For non-vegetarian diners, the menu features Tandoori Chimichurri Chicken Breast & Prawn Pepper Fry, combining classic tandoor elements with bold coastal influences.

The Entrée Course draws inspiration from royal Indian culinary traditions. Vegetarian diners can enjoy Royal Awadhi Paneer, where cottage cheese is served in a pumpkin-infused gravy enriched with cream, nuts, and aromatic spices. Non-vegetarian highlights include Awadhi Lamb Chops, slow-cooked in a brown onion and yogurt-based sauce, and Kashmiri Murgh Gustaba, featuring tender chicken meatballs simmered in a smooth, mildly spiced yogurt gravy. These mains are paired with Dal Amber, a curated Bread Basket, and fragrant Zaffrani Pulao, completing the experience.

Desserts bring the celebration to a graceful close with Elaneer Pudding and Mango Kulfi Tiramisu, blending familiar Indian flavours with a modern presentation.

Speaking about the special menu, Chef Ram Pratap Singh Kushwah said:

“Holi is a celebration of colors, togetherness, and joy. With this menu, we wanted every dish to reflect those emotions, vibrant ingredients, bold flavors, and a balance of tradition with creativity. Our aim is to give guests an experience that feels festive, nostalgic, and exciting all at once.”

With this Holi Special Menu, Amber India continues to strengthen its presence in the Bay Area dining scene, offering guests a festive journey that celebrates culture, colour, and Indian culinary artistry during Indian Restaurant Week San Francisco.

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