Guest Shift: Mahaniyom of Bangkok at oMM Mixology

On 7 March 2026, Mahaniyom – one of Bangkok's most influential cocktail bars – took over the bar at oMM Mixology in Saigon. Co-founder Ronnaporn "Neung" Kanivichaporn and bartender Suphamit brought the bar's Resourceful Cocktail philosophy to Ho Tung Mau, with three drinks named after their hero ingredients: Coconut, Bee and Worm. The night was part of oMM's regular guest shift series, which brings leading bartenders from across Asia to Saigon.

Meet Mahaniyom

Mahaniyom is a cocktail bar in Bangkok co-founded by Ronnaporn "Neung" Kanivichaporn and Chennarong "Jan" Bhumichitr, the team behind the speakeasy Find the Locker Room. Its Resourceful Cocktail philosophy explores a single ingredient in many expressions – from seed to leaf, nose to tail – creating cocktails that are thoughtful, sustainable and deeply Thai. Each signature drink is named after its main ingredient.

Recognition

Within its first two years, Mahaniyom earned a place among the world's leading bars:

• No. 19, World's 50 Best Bars 2023 – a debut entry (Time Out Bangkok)

• No. 22, Asia's 50 Best Bars 2023, plus the London Essence Best New Opening Award 2023

• No. 18, Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024 (BK Magazine)

• Best New Bar, Best Cocktail Menu and Best Cocktail Bar at BK Magazine's BAD Awards 2023

Meet the bartenders

Ronnaporn "Neung" Kanivichaporn

Neung is among Thailand's leading bartenders and the creative force behind Mahaniyom. His mixology starts from the ingredient, shaping each cocktail with clear structure, refined technique and a sense of play. A former television actor and host, he brings warmth and an engaging presence to the bar.

• Bacardi Legacy Global Champion 2019 – the first Asian winner of the global final

• Diageo World Class Thailand Champion 2017

• Bartender of the Year, BK Magazine's BAD Awards 2024

Suphamit

Suphamit is a key member of Mahaniyom's bar team, known for his clean technique and instinctive feel for Thai ingredients. He focuses on precision and structure, building flavours that unfold in layers while keeping each drink approachable.

The menu: Coconut, Bee and Worm

True to Mahaniyom's style, each cocktail on the night was named after its hero ingredient. oMM kept the flavours a secret before the night, inviting guests to discover how the most unexpected ingredients could become something sophisticated – and surprisingly good.

Worm

Three worms, one drink. Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila infused with silkworm meets bourbon and a cacao liqueur infused with bamboo worm, alongside green mint liqueur, kiwi purée, honey, lemon juice and sour soy sauce – all clarified with sago worm yoghurt. The night's most daring cocktail, and the one that sparked the most conversation at the bar.

Bee

Every part of the hive in one glass: The Deacon Blended Scotch Whisky infused with beeswax, bee pollen and mead, balanced with gin, galangal mezcal, amaretto and lime, then carbonated.

Coconut

Coconut, three ways: toasted coconut infused into Bumbu The Original Rum, coconut water, and a finishing veil of coconut husk smoke. The base brings together The Deacon Blended Scotch Whisky infused with turmeric, agricole rum and a seepweed cordial.

Where Mahaniyom meets oMM

Both bars begin with the ingredient. Mahaniyom's seed-to-leaf approach mirrors oMM's own respect for ingredients: the oMM team goes directly to growers, roasters, fermenters and distillers to learn the stories behind what goes into each glass, then turns those stories into drinks. Guided by creative advisor Shuzo Nagumo, oMM uses vacuum distillation, centrifugation, sous vide and infusion to unlock local flavours while keeping their identity intact.

For one night, Bangkok and Saigon shared the same bar counter – trading techniques, ingredients and ideas, which is exactly what guest shifts are for.

The night in pictures

Scenes from Mahaniyom's guest shift at oMM Mixology, 7 March 2026.

More guest shifts at oMM

See all guest shifts and gatherings at oMM Mixology, from Shuzo Nagumo's exclusive night to Phúc Lê of Hybrid Saigon and Bar57. Upcoming dates are announced on the Events page, and tables can be booked via TableCheck. You can also revisit the original Mahaniyom guest shift announcement.