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NO.836 I FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2024
Is it in the cards?
NO.836 I FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2024
DO Y U BELIEVE IN MAGIC? Using online fortune tellers to look for love.
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BANGKOK WEED MAP
This isn’t just any list, it’s the very best places in Bangkok to find dispensaries, cafes and lounges.
EVERY ENTRY CERTIFIED BY COCONUTS Q ua l i t y P r o d u c t s K n ow l e d g e a b l e S ta f f T o p L o c at i o n s
See the full list
Va l u e f o r M o n e y
Are you a dispensary owner who wants on the list? Reach out to us at piti@coconuts.co 2
NO.836 I FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2024
WHO’S IN CHARGE? BK EDITORIAL Managing Director Dietrich Neu Managing Editor Tyler Roney Senior Lifestyle Writer Vinita Chumsri Senior Lifestyle Writer Sarisa Pokawattana
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by the numbers
bk in brief
cover story
Thai alcohol tax and what it means
Art Director Wirankan Saiyasombut GROVE: COCONUTS BRAND STUDIO Managing Editor Andra Nasrie Associate Thai Editor Pakvipa Rimdusit Branded Content Writer Moe Thet War
new & noted
Fresh bites at Gordon Ramsay’s recently opened Bread Street
Production Manager Komkrit Klinkaeo
Publisher, Printer, and Editor Tara Rattanaphas
Peeking into the future for romance
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Senior Project Manager Sirinart Panyasricharoen Senior Account Manager Hafiz Rasid Senior Digital Account Manager Nuttajuk Kittichailuk
Head of Business Development Elizabeth Chua Senior Business Development Manager Piti Rungrojanaluck Business Development Manager Chalida Anuwattanawong
Kru Kai Kaeo statue in Ladprao taken down amid lease disagreement
12 open door
That Fat Kid Buddy’s high-end comfort food makes you feel like a kid again
13 BK MAGAZINE IS A COCONUTS MEDIA PUBLICATION. Chairman Byron Perry General Manager Vim Shanmugam Head of Operations Clarissa Cortes Advertise with us advertising@coconuts.co
review
14 Nightlife
Platform Thonglor is Bangkok’s new train-themed nightlife venue
Fried chicken can be fine dining. But should it be?
WHERE TO FIND US! COCONUTS BK LIMITED 111 Room 5A, 5th Floor We Space Building, Soi Thonglor 5 Khlong Tan Neua, Wattana Bangkok, 10110 Tel: 02-041-5755 Email: info@bkmagazine.com
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bkmagazine.com latest news and trends
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21 feature
10 must-try Southern Thai restaurants in Bangkok to check out this year
19 travel
24 hours in Taipei: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks
contest, updates, stories
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upfront
THAI ALCOHOL TAX Thailand got a New Year’s present from the government earlier this year lowering the tax on booze, but what are the actual numbers?
10% IMPORT TAX ON WINE FOR NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES AXED.
10% SALES TAX ON TRADITIONAL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES EXEMPTED FOR THOSE CONTAINING NO MORE THAN 7% ALCOHOL.
TARIFFS ON WINE CUT FROM 100% TO 5%.
YOU SAID WHAT?
THE NEW TAX LAWS ARE SET TO LAST FOR A ONE-YEAR TERM ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024.
THESE TAX CHANGES AND OTHER NIGHTLIFE ADVANCES ARE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S GOAL TO BRING IN B1.5 TRILLION IN TOURISM REVENUE.
EXCISE TAX ON VENUES LOWERED FROM 10% TO 5%.
HOT OR NOT
“Fingers crossed let it pass this round. Fingers crossed ,” — Instagram user Wei Khean Seah on the possibility of passing a new marriage equality law.
“This place was awful in hk,” —
Facebook user Johnny P. Chen on the opening of a new Gordon Ramsay restaurant at Emsphere.
“Not to be confused with Baccara, Soi Cowboy ,” —
Instagram user @bigo_michael on the opening of the trendy new Baccarat club.
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818
That ain’t fog
Entrepreneur and reality TV star Kendall Jenner launched her awardwinning tequila in Thailand, now found at Thonglor’s trendy hangs like the bauhaus-inspired Rim Shot Bar, tropical cocktail-inspired Thaipioka, and the brunch by day and bar by night Paper Plane Project.
The rains have stopped, and that means one thing: smog. Particulate matter of PM2.5 reached unsafe levels throughout Thailand, and the trend is due to continue. In the meantime, the government is prepping more than 7,000 refuse disposal units in rural areas.
Charitable molluscs
JN.1
Oyster Mania, renowned for its selection of 20+ Japanese oysters, is rallying support for the victims of the recent 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Ishikawa, Japan. The oyster aficionados will be donating B10 per fresh oyster sold to aid the relief effort led by the Japanese Red Cross.
It’s still around. Thailand’s authorities claim that the JN.1 variant of Covid has hit the Kingdom. The new variant has been causing worries around the globe, and this offshoot from the dreaded Omicron BA.2.86 and is expected to mutate further. The JN.1 strain is not known to pose any greater dangers than previous variants.
BK in brief
NO.836 I FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2024
Photo: Kru Kai Kaeo / Neil Shelley
‘Black magic’ Kru Kai Kaeo statue in Ladprao taken down amid lease disagreement A controversial giant demon statue was taken down after months of criticism over alleged promotion of devil worship, pet sacrifices, and just being outright terrifying to some. The infamous Kru Kai Kaeo statue was removed from the front of Bangkok’s The Bazaar Hotel in Huai Khwang district. The order came from the State Railway of Thailand who had asked the hotel for its removal by Saturday. The hotel’s operator, Suan Lum Night Bazaar Ratchadaphisek, was ordered to pay a hefty fine of B1.3 million for violating the Building Control Act following claims that the use of the land violated a lease agreement with the State Railway of Thailand. The spot where the four-meter statue sat alongside its nine-tailed fox figure will be renovated into an activity area for guests, according to hotel owner Pairoj Thungthong. Other statues were also removed from the area. The statue, known for its menacing glare and winged demon features, attracted so much attention from the public since it was erected in the beginning of August. It was deemed frightening by some, including a group called the “Council of Artists Promoting Buddhism” who had lobbied to have it removed, claiming it encourages people to worship demons and offer pets as sacrificial animals. There have been no reports indicating that either had happened at the site.
Kru Kai Kaeo, according to some believers, was said to be a teacher of former Khmer empire ruler Jayavarman VII. While some say he is a god of wealth, critics and scholars say they have never heard of the deity.
Thailand’s cabinet approves newly drafted marriage-equality law A newly drafted marriage-equality law was approved by the cabinet afternoon. The new bill, which will go into consideration by the parliament, will, hopefully, give LGBTQ+ couples the same rights enjoyed by heterosexual couples in an effort to allow diversity in Thailand, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Remember that civil union bill from the last government that would allow recognition same-sex civil partnerships? Yeah, this one kicks it up a notch. No more settling for the “not quite married” status quo. This time, it’s the real deal, with rings, cake, and maybe even a rooftop elopement overlooking the Chao Phraya (because why not?). The civil union bill, which failed to get the okay from parliament as it was dissolved by former Prime Minister Prayuth Chanocha ahead of the May elections, would have given the right for LGBTQ+ couples to adopt children, manage assets and inherit properties. It would not have given them the legality to marry. Only two countries in Asia (Taiwan and Nepal) are currently giving marriage equality the green light, and globally, we’re looking at less than 40 countries. So, yeah, this could be a pretty big deal for Thailand and for LGBTQ+ rights in the region.
Photo: The White Lotus / Promotional
Blackpink’s Lisa first K-pop star to reach 100 million followers Thai K-pop fans continue to celebrate big wins for Blackpink’s Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban, as she becomes the first K-pop artist to reach 100 million followers on Instagram. The Thai singer, best known as the youngest member of Blackpink, reached the milestone on Christmas. The achievement also makes the 26-year-old the first Asian female to reach that milestone, as well as the first Thai celebrity to do so. Last week, Lisa earned the distinction as the most influential K-pop artist by the Guinness World Records, which adds to an already impressive amount of records, including having the most Spotify streams with Blackpink and being the first K-pop artist to reach 1 billion streams with her solo debut single Lalisa.
‘The White Lotus’ confirms shooting locations in Thailand The Emmy award-winning satire series from HBO, The White Lotus, will be filming its third season in Bangkok, Phuket, and Koh Samui next month, and three Thai actors have joined the ensemble cast. Also, Hollywood names like Walter Goggins have been added to the cast. The plot of season three hasn’t been revealed, but White has hinted in previous statements that the themes of death, Eastern religion, and spirituality will be in the mix. If the previous seasons are anything to go by, we’ll learn about the death (or deaths) in the first few minutes. ● 5
cover story
DO Y U BELIEVE IN MAGIC? Searching for romance with fortune tellers. Pick a card, any card.
Sarisa Pokawattana Divorce rates are higher in Bangkok than anywhere else in the country, the dating apps are a cesspool, and meeting people “irl” gets harder all the time. So, is it any surprise that so many turn to online fortune tellers to see if romance is (literally) in the cards? It’s not a charity. It’s an industry. According to the Advisory Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, fortune telling and related businesses will experience 10-20% growth in the coming year, circulating B10-15 billion. But, today, this industry isn’t street corner palm readings or tarot card shufflers in tents. Customers and business owners are going to text messages, online readings, and even YouTube.
A CHANCE ENCOUNTER Pluemprim, a card reader with over 6K followers on her Facebook page Mae Mo Wink Wink, tells BK her mother introduced her to fortune telling, but she only became interested in getting a reading when she began seeing someone. “Most clients get their fortune read about love. They don’t want to break up with someone, they want someone back, or they want to be with someone.” Pluemprim says. “I tell my clients, if you don’t see the worth in yourself, they won’t see the value in you.” Nok, another online oracle, runs the YouTube channel Bird Eye View on horoscopes and pick-a-card readings bringing in around 10,000 views per video. Nok is one of many who’ve taken advantage of tech to bring romantic mysticism to the video platform. On her channel, she uses tarot and other divination cards to tell relationships futures. Simply pick a deck and fast forward to that section of the video to learn your fate. Nok’s channel deals in the modern currency of online cache, but she also does personal readings for a fee. “When I was studying for my masters degree, my love life wasn’t going great. I asked everyone in my life for advice, the phone line was really hot. But what gave me the most peace is having my fortune read. So I constantly go and eventually developed a passion for reading it myself,” says Nok, “My YouTube 6
NO.836 I FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2024
CRYSTAL BALL “They’re going to someone who they already think knows the future so their subconscious might already believe that the fortune teller knows more than they do,” says psychologist and founder of OneManCounselor.com Suwawute “Earn” Vongtangswad, adding that fortune tellers predict multiple outcomes, and a handful of them might happen. Another popular explanation is the Barnum effect named after P.T. Barnum (yes, the circus guy), a psychological experiment in which groups of people were given personality descriptions and the individuals later reported the statements applied to them. In short, broad information resonates with everyone. “I think fortune telling is such a classic tradition. It’s so ingrained in our surroundings. Even in hyper commercialized places like Siam Square, you can still see people praying at the shrines,” Earn says. “Some people only participate in these activities for fun, it becomes a topic of conversation, a way of life.” Senior fortune tellers Wichai Wilaiphetcharat and Tussanee Wasauworawong are a husband and wife duo who have been providing Chinese fortune telling based on birth dates for 20 years—long before the craze for online reading. Both cite they visited fortune tellers at tumultuous times in their lives and even used some of their savings to pay for the first few fortune telling classes. Regardless of its accuracy or legitimacy, fortune telling is accessible, leading people to choose fortune tellers over certified counselors and psychologists. More worryingly, there’s a lack of counselors in Thailand. “There aren’t a lot of counseling jobs. Fresh graduates might work for certain companies, but there are not many services open for the average person…If they’re really experienced, they might be more expensive,” Earn says. Counselors aren’t permitted to give advice to people with whom they are close or have a relationship, an area fraught with possible professional misconduct. Fortune telling has no such scruples.
NOK, AKA BIRD EYE VIEW
channel is all about love. After all, I started ‘Bird Eye View’ because I wasn’t successful with romance.”
“It was pretty good to have someone I know do such services for me,” says Dan, 24, who had his first two readings done by a friend. “At least they were not complete strangers and I felt more comfortable this way.” Fortune tellers have a knack for seeming like a friend or a sympathetic ear. Nok realized that her studies in human resources came in handy. “I learned ways to talk to people, and say things that resonated,” she says. “We are making a business based on people’s beliefs and fate but I disagree when people say that we’re tricking them,” Nok says. “It’s actually the customers who start believing before they buy into it.”
In online fortune telling, the popular “pick-a-card” method could be delivered in multiple formats—phone calls, texts, audio recordings—with different price tiers depending on the time and amount of questions asked. Some will also ask for additional information prior to a reading session like birth date, gender, and relationship status. But the simplest form of “pick-a-card” is usually found on public social media posts, packaged in aesthetically pleasing infographics and videos, in which the fortune teller has no contact whatsoever with the subject.
WICHAI WILAIPHETCHARAT AND TUSSANEE
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cover story
RED FLAGS AND GREEN FLAGS Unless the fortune teller can prove they are able to break the speed of light in order to see the future from a great distance, there aren’t many ways to confirm their predictions. Like other online businesses, however, there are basic ways to vet the vendors’ identities. Canny visitors will check reviews and comments; most online fortune tellers will have some kind of free content for customers to peruse. Finding the right fortune teller can be a little like online dating: You’re spoiled for choice, but there’s also people waiting to take advantage of the vulnerable. Users should also be wary of any fortune tellers who don’t take customer-fortune teller confidentiality seriously; some might use screenshots of private chats and
publish them as reviews. A general rule of thumb is to make sure there aren’t any “additional packages” they’re trying to sell you. In his early twenties, Wichai felt like he was down on his luck so he went to a fortune teller who asked him to pray and do some rituals. “The prices weren’t as high in those days, but it didn’t make my situation better. So I stopped going.” “I always tell my clients to be mindful and don’t believe in every prophecy wholeheartedly,” Pleumprim says. “I’m not the type to persuade someone to do extra rituals that’ll cost money. There are other methods like praying that don’t cost anything.” Nok, who has experienced identity
theft and content plagiarism, says, “I don’t deny that there are people out there pretending to be fortune tellers. But I think there are people who are genuine about it. There’s an art and knowledge to fortune telling. You take time to study these things, learn how to interpret, and meditate on these cards.” Having been to a fortune teller to discuss his love life, Earn advises against going to a fortune teller or getting your readings read too often. People can get caught up in their readings, he says, advising self reflection and presence of mind. “Who will come into our life is up to our fortune, but it’s also up to us to decide who will stay,” he says.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Do you think fortune telling is a legit practice?
22% ภึึ4 7%
32%
Have you ever asked a fortune teller about your love life?
Have you used an online fortune telling service?
What types of fortune telling services are the most popular in your circle?
39%
Methods using date and time of birth 59%
18%
ภึึ4 7%
37%
ภึึ8 2%
ภึึ5 3%
Yes 8
Do you think any of your prophecies have come true?
No
24%
Maybe
Card readings 26% Palm readings 9% Other 5%
NO.836 I FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2024
GRID
WICHAI WILAIPHETCHARAT, 70 Working for over 20 years Method: Chinese fortune telling Fortune delivered via phone Required Information: - Name - Date and time of birth - Gender Service: Ask any questions on the call Price: B1,000
TANGMO, 33 Status: Single Job: Business development manager
*LISA, 18
Status: Single Job: Student
*DAN, 24
Status: Single Job: Student
PLEUMPRIM, AKA MAE MOR WINK WINK, 29 Working for five years Method: Tarot and sixth sense Fortune delivered via: audio voice recording Information: - Nickname - Brief context of the situation and one a specific question Service: Ask one question Price: B69
NOK, AKA BIRD EYE VIEW, 31 Working for seven years Method: Card readings Fortune delivered via pick-a-card reading Information: None required Service: Pick a designated pile to view your fortune Price: free
This year and in the next few years, the person you’ll marry will enter your life. They’re most likely Thai. Your partner will be honest, reserved, and peaceful, but enthusiastic and a good worker with leadership skills. It will be better if they are older. When you get married, you’ll be in an even more stable place in your life. There’s also a chance to have children in the future. If you start a family at this age, you won’t get a divorce, and it’ll be a long lasting relationship.
This Valentine’s, someone in your past might return. You might meet someone who is unavailable or had previously started a family with someone else. The cards don’t show their appearance or financial status, but they show that you might be a little indecisive in your relationships.
This year, ask your friends to help with your love life. Be patient. Your love life might not be so sweet but there will be someone coming. You’ll have to decide to whom you’ll dedicate your energy. The person you’ll want to further the relationship with is a good person. They might be an air sign (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius). They’re a serious family person always on the go and completely different from past connections. They make you feel relaxed. You might need to come out of your comfort zone. You can’t control them. If you put in the effort, there might have a chance of taking things to the next level.
You have had a lot of luck in your career, which makes you independent. Those who approach you are players and people with low self esteem. They will take advantage of your money. So conceal your financial status. Don’t approach your crush this year because you will be disappointed. You’ll have better luck finding a long lasting union with same sex partners. In 2028, the person who comes into your life will be your match and equally self assured. They take things seriously, are well spoken, and true to their word. You’re still young so there’s a lot of changes in life, just focus on your studies, and the right person will come along.
Your crush doesn’t know that you have feelings for them. If you don’t confess, you might be heartbroken. If you move things forward, slowly gauge their reaction because right now the cards are saying that your crush isn’t aware of your feelings and if you move forward, they will still see you as a friend.
For single people who picked this pile, some of you might be exhausted by romance, some might’ve been single for a very long time, and some are in connections that can’t go forward. However, all the hardship you’ve faced will make you successful in love this year. I think you’ll have many options. People will be crushing on you on social media, friend gatherings, and partying. Some of them will be people around your age, a person you go to for advice. There might be some long distance involved. Some might start from a “friend.” Don’t listen to your intuition, look at the facts. The person you’ll choose is completely single, works hard in relationships, and can wait for you to make the decision.
You won’t find a partner this year. Throughout your twenties, you’re constantly on the go. You don’t have a lot of time for yourself or your family. So if you make a connection, it might be long distance. It might not be “the one” or you’ll be separated from each other. Once you hit 30 years old, you’ll find stability in your career and start settling down. During this period, if you want to start a family or get married, it’ll last. You won’t face divorce. Your ideal match should be someone older. You’ll probably work in the same field and meet in the workplace. Both parties will feel an instant connection. Right now, focus on yourself and don’t be too interested in the opposite sex.
From the cards, it seems like there isn’t someone serious coming this year. You seem focused on self care, career, and other responsibilities that’ll keep you busy. If you want a connection, you need to try out online opportunities. Spend some time reflecting on why you want a partner. Loneliness? A crush? Or being single for a long time but actually might not be ready to commit?
Note: This participant picked the same card as Lisa, meaning this entrant receives the same fortune as above.
Disclaimer: This table illustrates some of the fortune telling techniques and services that the three fortune tellers provide. The readings have been edited for brevity and clarity.
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food & drink new & noted
Bread Street
Den Kushi Flori
The French-Japanese cuisine hotshots at Den Kushi Flori launch winter menu Until March 2024, Den Kushi Flori is putting on their winter specials, sticking to its FrenchJapanese culinary magic and turning up the Thai and festive flair. Hailing from Shibuya, Den Kushi Flori is a collaborative fine dining project between fine dining masters Zaiyu Hasegawa of Den and Hiroyasu Kawate of Florilège – specializing in Japanese and French cuisines, respectively. After setting up at the Erawan building earlier in July, the Bangkok branch has been attracting a lot of buzz from local foodies, with its unique fusion signatures, kushi skewers, and local touches. This festive season, the omakase spot is serving a three-month winter menu that leans further into Thai influences.
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Luk Khrueng
Fresh bites at Gordon Ramsay’s recently opened Bread Street
Bo.lan is back with a renewed focus on sustainability
The Hell’s Kitchen celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has launched Bread Street at Bangkok’s newly minted Emsphere, marking Thailand as the third Asian country to welcome this franchise after Hong Kong and Singapore. These are the dishes that make or break budding talents in Ramsay’s kitchens, like the spicy tuna tartare—fresh and briny like it’s just crawled out of the sea. The Lobster moilee is another one to look out for, similar to some Thai style curries with a sweetness from the butternut squash and saltiness from the sauted spinach. But, you haven’t really been here unless you’ve tried the signature beef Wellington. Get in line as this hearty dish is only available for 50 servings per day.
Quietly popping back on the scene with a soft opening in October, Bo.lan has officially announced its reopening this month, open from Thursday to Sunday. Reports of Bo.lan’s death have been greatly exaggerated— including by BK, which wrote in 2021 that the restaurant would be closing for good. That “for good” lasted about 10 months before the celebrity chef couple launched a special dining experience. Now, their doors are officially open in December this year. Still at their spot on Sukhumvit Soi 53, chefs Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava and Dylan Jones began Bo.lan in 2009 and have since been a lauded fixture on the city’s fine dining scene. Along with plaudits the world over, Bo.lan was No.9 at the 2020 Top Tables before Covid and the closure of their permanent venue.
NO.836 I FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2024
Festilia brings cold-pressed juice straight from the fruit gardens of Sicily Beat the heat with a refreshing, Vitamin C-filled bottle of Festilia juice! Every bottle of Festilia is made with fruits sourced directly from Sicily, Italy, where they undergo a meticulous cold-press production process in order to preserve the natural tastes and nutritional benefits. No sugars, preservatives, or other additives ever enter the production line, meaning that the juice goes straight from fruit to bottle! Afterwards, the cold-pressed juices are imported to Thailand and packaged in premium glass bottles that simultaneously maintain the product’s quality and extend its freshness. Festilia is available in four delicious flavors: white grapefruit, sweet lemon mint, shogun orange, and Valencia orange. Currently, you can purchase Festilia juices through Tops, Villa Market, The Mall, Lazada, Shopee, as well as a number of restaurants, hotels, and cafés around town.
Brought to you by
Luk Khrueng puts a fusion spin on traditional boiled rice porridge in Ari
The comfort food mavericks at Luka open a new spot on Sukhumvit Soi 31
One of the last restaurants to open in late December 2023, Luk Khrueng (in Thai meaning “halfies,” as in mixed race) is giving boiled rice porridge, or congee (kao tom gui), a fancy, fusion take. With Chinese origins, boiled rice porridge, a thin porridge paired with sides like stir fried morning glory, is one of the country’s favorite comfort foods. Enter Luk Khrueng, a rooftop venue decorated with exposed wood and potted plants. Their selection of rice includes white porridge, multigrain, and steamed white rice. For your sides, this spot recommends pork jerky spicy salad with salted egg (B180) and fried cabbage with fish sauce (B120). Also check out the two-toned fried angus beef (B350) to elevate the dining experience.
Well-known brunch spot Luka has opened a new Luka Sukhumvit Soi 31, dishing out global comfort food made with local ingredients that’s fun and unfussy. Unlike the OG location, this new space is open for dinner. The venue can accommodate more than eighty people, and Luka’s specials and trademark meals are available throughout the day. Keeping with their tagline “global comfort food,” this spot offers their reimagining of traditional recipes with a fun, distinctive touch. The dinner menu has a stronger Asian influence, with lots of spice, bolder tastes, and a focus on charcoal grilling. The menu features some of the owners’ and chefs’ favorite international dishes—food that has inspired them. ● 11
food & drink open door
THAT FAT KID BUDDY’S HIGH-END COMFORT FOOD MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE A KID AGAIN Vinita Chumsri
The buzz: Soft serve, uni with choux pastry, croissant, and caviar? Need we say more. Le Cordon Bleu Paris alumni Chef Buddy (owner of Khao Pad Ka Prao, Easy Buddy BKK) is pushing the boundaries of conventional food pairings. The result is new, multifaceted, borderless flavors. The vibe: Set in a modern and minimalist mid-century house in Sathorn with round tables draped in white tablecloth, the ambiance is cozy and welcoming—like you’re heading to a friend’s place for dinner. Though the decor is simple and clean, the colorful and playful dishes speak for themselves. The food: The nine-course tasting menu, presented as a picture menu, is a clever touch that adds an extra layer of fun to the experience. The tasting menu is based on the “fat kid” concept which is inspired by Buddy’s childhood favorites and daily encounters that focus on pairing savory and sweet. To start, Buddy goes back in time. If you grew up dipping fries in ice cream, Buddy has got you covered with their bowl of milk soft serve, fries in a red package like from McDonald’s and ketchup on the side. The juxtaposition between flavors and textures of hot, crunchy, and salty fries and cold, sweet and creamy soft serve, is satisfying and moreish. Next up is the uni choux, which comes in a cute
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gimmick box with fun illustrations and graphics. Uni is often eaten with seaweed or Japanese rice, but they’ve given it a unique spin by preparing it like a cream puff dessert or uni ice cream sandwich. The one-biter is light and delicate with an umami punch. This was followed by croissants served with hazelnut ice cream and roasted hazelnuts with refreshing lemon curd. The ice cream is sprinkled with none other than oscietra caviar to elevate the dish for a smooth, creamy texture. One of the favorites of the night was the black cod charsui with crispy fried rice, a playful spin on the classic Chinese-style stir-fried sticky rice. One of the main courses was steak and mashed potato. The Wagyu ribeye beef from Australia is juicy and tender and complemented well with the velvety mashed potatoes. The dish is completed with Japanese rice stir-fried in black pepper sauce, garlic, and beef trimmings, accompanied by cheddar sauce, offering a playful nod to a deconstructed cheeseburger. Why we’d come back: It’s relatable, no-fuss food stirring up sweet, quirky, and nostalgic memories. It’s a glimpse into Buddy ’s culinary mind, where unconventional flavor pairings and rule-breaking creations leave you wanting more. With the newly launched a la carte menu, we’ll be sure to return for our favorites. ●
food & drink review
NO.836 I FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2024
BIRDIES ★★★☆☆
76/8-9, Soi Si Bamphen, Sathon, 065-045-5628. Open Mon-Tues 5-11pm; Thu-Sun 5-11pm.
Bangkok will make an elevated dish out of damn near anything. So, when the winner of My Kitchen Rules 2012 (Australians will know) opened up a fried chicken space in Phrom Phong about six months ago, it kicked off a lot of buzz. Today, Birdies is thriving— in fact they’re now open for lunch—so BK stopped by. Before we get to the star fried chooks, let’s talk about the menu. First, it has to be said this is some rare American soul food—collard greens, cornbread, chicken butter rolls. It’s not as uncommon as it used to be, but as gimmicks go, this one is fairly fresh. For the appetizers, the small smoked duck collard greens (B190) serving is not exactly smokey (or recognizably duck, for that matter) but it’s more of a palette cleanser. On the other hand, the Mac and Lots of Cheese (B380) is a hearty, gut-buster of an appetizer you might want to share. On the other side of the menu, Birdies offers “Small Plates,” which are fairly small in portion if not in price. Other than the heavily red, white, and blue apps and fried chicken, the diner who eschews the Americana won’t be left wanting as there’s a touch of Greek courtesy of Australian cafe culture. Take the Taramasalata (B420), made with ikura salmon roe rather than the more traditional masago or cod, and you’ll also find some tzatziki on the appetizer menu. Now, let’s get to the chicken. Let’s just get
this out of the way: If you told people you went somewhere and paid B420 for three fried chicken wings, they’d laugh. But this is Birdies, it’s what you signed up for. You choose between wings, tenders, and legs and then pair your choice with a flavor of naked, hot honey, and spicy. You can also get a side sauce which includes barbecue style dippings sauces and a fermented chili as well as a toum sauce. If you took the BTS down to Phrom Phong for some of the most expensive chicken in the neighborhood and got them naked, frankly, we don’t know what to do with you. We chose the wings with the spicy sauce and the tenders with the hot honey sauce. The three wings in spicy sauce—from the tip of the wing to the drumlette—didn’t come off very spicy, but the wings themself were well (and evenly) cooked. Getting the tenders, though, is probably the best advice BK can give. They’re not necessarily of any higher value than the wings or legs, but they do seem to have a bit more meat. This whiter meat with the hot honey sauce was moorish and if a little on the toosweet side. It’s fun, it’s careful, it’s pretty good—the downside is that if you don’t grab a few apps and side plates, you might leave feeling a little unfulfilled. That said, this spot is worth a visit for the neat gimmick alone, but your fetish for fried chicken will determine if you want a second. ● 13
nightlife The Vesper team have launched a brand spanking new cocktail bar in Langsuan The 4th Wall is a new neighborhood bar in Langsuan from one of the hottest bar names in Bangkok. The crew behind Vesper, a trailblazer on the city’s cocktail scene since 2014, has opened 4th Wall for a sophisticated twist to classic cocktails with finely crafted drinks and an ever-changing menu. The 4th Wall strives to break the proverbial fourth wall between performer and the audience. This new spot lives up to its name by serving classic cocktails to guests with Vesper’s unpretentious hospitality in a welcoming setting, blurring the line between bartenders and guests. British-born Group Bar Manager Tom Hearn, will manage both Vesper and 4th Wall, along with Bar Manager “Mac” Saharat Kaewkong, who was recently head bartender at Vesper and winner of Diageo World Class Thailand 2022.
Attention passengers: Platform Thonglor is Bangkok’s new train-themed nightlife venue Platform Thonglor, found in the center of Thonglor on Soi Sukhumvit 55, merges old-world charm with modern features to suit its locomotive-themed decor. Here, old-school fixtures give off retro vibes with strobe lighting along the ceilings, circular leather-upholstered sofas, and neon blue lighting. Trainthemed spots are all the rage, with the likes of Q&A in Asoke and Echelon opened earlier this year. For drinks, their cocktail menu is inspired by the 1930s with a dash of Platform 9¾ (a nod to Harry Potter), boasting eight signature cocktails (all B390) along with the classics. There’s also premium champagne, such as Armand de Brignac and Dom Perignon, as well as top-shelf liquors that are available in various sizes.
OG Kratom aims to popularize the leaf and sustainable farming
Bangkok’s hot new Baccarat nightclub puts New York style on Sukhumvit Soi 24 Bangkok’s newest nightclub, Baccarat, has opened at the Davis Hotel and is another spot for the club kids to add to their list. All of the shareholders are close friends with backgrounds in the nightlife, music, and food and beverage sectors, and one of the primary investors was responsible for designing the venue’s sexy and moody decor. With red neon lines following the ceiling, plush velvet sofas lining the room around the fireplace, and vibrant pop art murals serving as a backdrop, Baccarat is decorated in shades of green and yellow to give off old-school New York vibes. The ambiance is cozy, and the place heats up with all the candelabras, soft candlelight, blankets, and a crackling fireplace to create a classic winter in New York atmosphere. 14
From the sun-drenched fields of the Pathum Thani region, just north of Bangkok, comes OG Kratom. The brand is already a household name in a budding kratom industry in Thailand, having distributed beverages to cafés, bars, and dispensaries across the country. Its one-and-only dedicated shop in Huai Khwang district, which features its craft sodas on tap, opened in 2022, and the brand is setting its sights on taking the beverages abroad in its mission to popularize the kratom leaf. OG Kratom’s hand-picked leaves are meticulously sourced, owing to their commitment towards ethical farming, giving back to local farming communities, and fostering sustainability. ●
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NO.836 I FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2024
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FIND THE PHOTO BOOTH RETURNS WITH UNDERRATED CLASSIC COCKTAILS AND A MUSICAL TWIST Sarisa Pokawattana
The buzz: You’ve heard of Thonglor’s Find the Locker Room, and now they’ve brought back the spot in Bantadthong for a relaunch of its sister bar, Find the Photo Booth. Originally established in 2018, the drinking spot was one of many that halted their businesses due to the pandemic. The vibe: If you have trouble finding the venue, you’re meant to. Speakeasies are still all the rage. Keep your head on a swivel for a trendy looking shophouse with minty green walls and, as advertised, some photo booths to take before and after selfies. Once you’re let inside the pseudo-secret bar, you’ll be greeted with a futuristic 60s interior with curved terracotta walls. Round tables, cushy long sofas, corner and bar stools welcome all hangouts. The drinks: “We would like the customers to read the menu like a music sheet,” explains group creative and program director Rojanat “Ping” Chareonsri. The menu is tucked in a CD case, and the classic cocktails progress from A to G chords with revamped signatures on the B-side. For a nifty little cheat sheet, the musical chords beside the drinks’ names give you a sneak peek into the drink’s character. Flat is more fruity, minor is more fizzy, sharp is stronger, and seven is sour. Strum along to the easy A-Flat (B390) for your first glass, a concoction with some homemade cinnamon, apple tea syrup, and amarena cherry. The D-Sharp (B380) is a silent killer with its unassuming clear hue, but the added grapefruit, strawberry milk punch, and rum
base make for a subtle kick that pairs well with the nibbles. Back to some refreshers with an ode to the grasshopper, the G-Flat Seventh (B450) puts a little pep in your dance steps with its minty and tamarind notes, decorated with aromatic tarragon and butterfly-shaped white chocolates. Hit the crescendo with E-Seventh (B420), a play on an El Diablo mixed with some earthy beetroot to be downed with a ginger gummy garnish. The food: Reflecting the international identities of the founders, the snacks are made up of ingredients familiar across Asian cuisines. Whether you’re running solo or with a crew, the Singaporean spicy chili tofu (B190) and the spinach and cheese dip (B250) served with wonton crisps are worth a try. The concept is similar to having tortillas or crisps with dips. We recommend pairing these with more neutral tipples such as the D-Sharp and the G-Flat Seventh. Traditionally served with dim sum breakfasts, the threepiece jumbo-sized steamed shrimp siu mai with shrimp roe on top (B150) serves as an equally satisfying hangover munchies. W h y w e ’d c o m e b a c k : C o m p a r e d to Thonglor ’s Find the Locker Room, Bantadthong’s Find the Photo Booth does in fact feel like a secret hideaway (at least for now). Set in an unappreciated neighborhood, you’ll find some gems on this street pre and post drinking sesh. Its unique takes on rare classics will have you coming back for more. Who knows, maybe a sophomore album is coming up. ● 15
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Rern
10 MUST-TRY SOUTHERN THAI RESTAURANTS IN BANGKOK TO CHECK OUT THIS YEAR Southern Thai cuisine can sometimes be tricky to find in Bangkok. But the unique style distinguished by international influences and maritime status makes this a favorite of fine diners and casual foodies alike. This top 10 includes picks from BK’s Top Tables at Anantara Siam Bangkok, sponsored by UOB, supported by alcohol partners Gulp, Campari, and TAP.
Sorn
Baan Ice
Ranked No.3 in BK’s Top Tables 2023, Sorn is no stranger to high praise. Fresh off retaining their two Michelin stars earlier this month, this spot remains one of the hardest venues to book in Bangkok. Its Southern Thai cuisine is done in a way no one else can. The 20-course menu takes regional favorites to new heights without sacrificing the heat and homey feel of old-school comfort food.
The southern Thai restaurant that put chef Supaksorn “Ice” Jongsiri on the map still serves fiery, authentic recipes from the family vault—now at seven branches, no less. Think ultrasavory gaeng tai pla (fish stomach curry), gaeng luang (yellow curry with black-banded trevally) that hits you with waves of heat, and stir-fried sator (stink beans) made with produce fresh from Nakhon Si Thammarat.
56, Soi Sukhumvit 26, 099-081-1119. Mon-Fri 6-10pm, Sun 6-10pm
115, Thonglor, 064-450-9502. Open daily 11am-10pm
Khua Kling Pak Sod A mainstay in Bangkok’s southern cuisine restaurant scene, Khua Kling Pak Sod serves up traditional Southern Thai dishes from family recipes. As the name suggests, their khua kling (stir-fried spicy southern dry curry with minced pork) is the star of the show. Other classics such as khanom jean and braised pork belly, sator pad kapi goong (stir fried stinky beans, prawn and shrimp paste), and stir fried melinjo leaves are favored by regulars and visitors alike.
Sorn
16
21/32, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-259-5189. Open daily 11am-10:30pm
NO.836 I FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2024
Khua Kling Pak Sod
Phukej
Krua Khun Ein 2
Propped up in a swanky building in Chinatown, the new Southern Thai restaurant Phukej earned its moniker from an ancient spelling of the province, using a “j” instead of the “t”. Hinting at their old school specialties influenced by Chinese and Malay cuisines, the spot serves up high end street food ranging from grilled Australian wagyu skewers and Hokkaido scallops in charcoal cups to the lychee and rose flavored granita aiyu jelly.
This family-run spot has been around for over a decade. Known for their faithful recipes and fiery dishes, head straight for their freshly made Nakhon Sri Thammarat-style khanom jean (rice noodles) set topped with a choice of coconut milk red curry, fish curry, chili, and fermented fish innards. The simple glass walls and outdoor area makes for a casual dining spot for southern Thai food lovers.
730, Mangkon Rd., 081-983-6650. Open Mon 11am9pm, Thu-Sun 11am-9pm
Jaidee Shrimp Sixteen years ago, Jaidee Shrimp established their family style farm-to-table restaurant, sourcing ingredients from the fishermen of Surat Thani. Shrimp-based dishes are all the rage here; khua kling, which is typically prepared with minced pork or chicken, is swapped out for their plump shrimp. Sought after southern Thai classics like tom khlong pla krapong (sweet and sour soup with seabass) and gaeng leung pla krapong (spicy yellow curry with seabass) can be discovered here. 222, 388 Ruam Mit Phatthana Alley. Open daily 10:30am-8:30pm
Rern Secluded in Phahon Yothin, this fine dining southern restaurant is a little oasis lush with greenery and an emerald pond. Rern is Southern Thai for “home” and their seasonal cuisine reflects the diversity of the region. Its offerings range from go-to breakfast pa tongko (deep fried dough sticks) served with hot tea and special custard, lon poo (rich umami flower crab stew) inspired by Krabi’s emerald pool, and cobia choo-chee (an intense coconut milk base red curry). 151/25 Phahon Yothin 34, 09-5515-5142, open TueSun 5:30-11pm
Phukej
23 Pradit Manutham Rd., 02-578-118, Open daily 10am-9pm
Klangsuan Passed down from grandmother to grandson, this third-generation restaurant is rich with history and produce that is mainly sourced from Chumphon. Their curry paste is made in-house and the mackerel is fished from the Gulf of Thailand. Try out the miang pla kraben waan (sliced ray filling served alongside betel leaves) and the tom kati hua maprao (coconut milk soup with prawns).
Klangsuan
143 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 061-615-6576. Open Tue-Fri 11am-2pm, 6-10pm; Sat-Sun 11:30am-10pm
Phuket Town Phuket Town rests in an old wooden building, made increasingly atmospheric with Chinese interior design and mural paintings of beaches and cityscapes. A one-stop-shop for all things related to Southern Thai cuisine, especially classic Phuket dishes, this restaurant serves up kai thod kamin (fried chicken with turmeric), moo hong ( braised garlic pork belly hot pot) and khanom bee ko moi, a local dessert made up of black sticky rice, mangoes, ice cream and drenched in coconut milk.
Phuket Town
Thonglor Soi 4, 02-714-9402. Open daily 10:30am10:30pm ●
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hit list Kendall Jenner’s award winning tequila is ready to be tried at Bangkok bars In 2021, the model and reality star Kendall Jenner launched 818 Tequila, and it sold out in less than four hours—sweeping international awards including best reposado at the World Tequila Awards. Internationally shipped to the US, the UK, Canada, China, Dubai, and the Caribbean, now, Thailand is getting a taste. Initially facing backlash for appropriating Mexican culture in their ad ( just another Tuesday for the Kardashians), 818 brushed itself off from the dusty trails in which Jenner frolicked in braids and cowboy hat, complete with high quality and community-based production process. The 818 spirit is made from 100% sourced agave in Jalisco, Mexico. Working closely with local jimadores, the ingredients are handpicked, cooked in traditional brick ovens, then aged in oak barrels.
French fashion brand Ami opens its first Southeast Asia store at Emporium Joining the many global luxury names that have hit the Thai market in recent years, French fashion label Ami launched its first shop at Emporium, M Floor, last week. Ami’s debut comes courtesy of PP Group, known for distributing high profile fashion brands like Cafe Kitsune, Tory Burch, Longchamp, Off-White, and Gentle Monster. Clad in golden accents, polished marble, and softwood, the Emporium branch mirrors over 50 other Ami venues spread across the world including New York, London, and Beijing.
Bangkok has its first ever Thom Browne popup at Siam Paragon Thailand boasted a lot of new fashion brands recently with the opening of Emsphere—from Pipatchara to Vinn Patararin—but don’t count Siam Paragon out because the first floor of the mall will be hosting the first ever pop-up of Thom Browne. The chic, understated uniform-vibe style opened its pop up late last week at Siam Paragon, a retail debut for this world-renowned brand. It’s a little bit retro, a little bit minimalist, and the shop itself takes its style more from an office space than the upscale shops you’re used to seeing at Siam Paragon. If you’ve got a burning desire to kit yourself out in boxy suits and tweed, now’s your chance to do it in style. And, if you’ve got a weiner dog lover in your life, the can’t-miss item is the Hector Browne bag, modeled after the designer’s very own dachshund. This new shop will be presenting standout items from the latest spring 2024 collection. 18
Founder and creative director Alexandre Mattiussi set up Ami in 2011 to give French fashion a sense of approachability to counter the stuffy, sophisticated stereotypes. But make no mistake, the designs are still undeniably French: tricolor garb, sleek suits, and comfy knits. These items sound cliche but have proven to be timeless—and it doesn’t scream “Emily in Paris.” ●
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NO.836 I FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2024
Lungshan Temple
Mod Bar
24 HOURS IN TAIPEI: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, AND DRINKS It’s only the first week of 2024 but it’s never too early to plan for an easy trip. For Thais, it’s a visa-free, four hour flight to the nearby capital of Taiwan—or a really bad day of commuting in Bangkok. BK ate and drank our way through the Songshan-Xindian Taipei Metro line (Green Line) which covers major sightseeing spots around the metropolitan area to find some cool, easy, and fun way to explore the city.
Sarisa Pokawattana
“Rainbow Six” Road at Ximen MTR
Breakfast: Yong He Soy Milk Only a seven-minute walk from the Ximen metro station, the legendary Yong He Soy Milk features a Taiwanese breakfast classic worth getting up early for. Mild in taste and filling in portion, the signature eggs and ham (B59) stuffed in a flattened pancake is fresh off the grill and topped with some sesame seeds. A familiar staple is the deep fried dough sticks, AKA pa thong ko (B62), served hot and crispy and triple the size of what you usually come across in Thailand. For your choice of beverage, opt for some stomach warming sweet soy milk (B27) or the savory rice milk (B27) with a nutty and heavier consistency. Lunch: Mei Guan Yuan Still in the Ximen area, if you’re looking for a place to rest your legs from all the souvenir shopping, head to Mei Guan Yuan for a Taiwanese take on Japanese cuisine. Opened since 1946, this restaurant is a hot venue for celebrations and post cram school crowds. The platter of roll sushi and sushi in fried tofu set (B100) uses common ingredients found in a typical sushi: sweet egg, cucumber, and the meat floss (moo yong) adds a little something special. Ranging from B240-B660, you can also have an assortment of fresh sashimi, with a cut that is distinctively bigger than Japanese servings.
Dinner: Raohe Street Night Market Sure, Taipei has 37 Michelin star restaurants for the epicureans among us, but a trip to Taiwan wouldn’t be complete without a stroll in a night market. Situated just stations away from Ximen, Raohe Street Night Market boasts of local cuisines and Michelin recommended fare. Don’t miss the bao at Fuzhou Black Pepper Bun (B66); these crispy on the outside and soft on the inside bites are stuffed with peppery pork filling before being baked in a charcoal brick oven, giving the finished product a smoky aroma—for this, just follow your nose. Further inside the market sits Ming Pen Xia Gang, a stall with limited seatings that specializes in crispy stinky tofu (B66) and oyster omelet (B77). Drinks: Mod Bar Ready for a night cap? This hidden rendezvous is tucked away in a cozy alley. Mod Bar is a nightlife mainstay, established in 1995 and known for being a launchpad for the city’s up-and-coming bar tenders, specializing in its Japanese bartending style. Their specialty lies in the generous selection of Japanese whiskeys, classic wines, and highball concoctions. If you’re starting the drinking sesh a bit light, Xmas in the Summer (B388) is a green-tinted, sake-based cocktail served in a flute glass resembling a Christmas tree. The sweet and sour sips of this apple and cherry drink go down like magic. If you’re feeling experimental, order the Ric and Miami (B388). The mix of red wine and sake gives the drink a slight tannin vibe that’s balanced with peach-flavored liquor. ● 19
NO.836 I FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2024
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