HALFWAY NEW CAFE AND ROASTERY GOES ALL THE WAY WITH FUSION DELIGHTS
LIME BY US FAMILIAR INGREDIENTS AND UNCHARTED COMBOS FROM BANKOK’S COCKTAIL PIONEERS
REVIEW: BUTTERBEAR YOU KNOW ABOUT THE VIRAL MASCOT HYPE, BUT IS THE FOOD ANY GOOD?
2475
BK SPEAKS WITH THE MINDS BEHIND MOST CONTROVERSIAL
WHO’S IN CHARGE?
BK EDITORIAL
Managing Editor Tyler Roney
Senior Lifestyle Writer Sarisa Pokawattana
Art Director Wirankan Saiyasombut
Production Manager Komkrit Klinkaeo
SOIMILK EDITORIAL
Managing Editor Porpor Leelasestaporn
GROVE: COCONUTS BRAND STUDIO
Associate Thai Editor Pakvipa Rimdusit
Junior Creator Poom Petsophonsakul
Head of Digital Nuttajuk Kittichailuk
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Piti Rungrojanaluck
Senior Business Development Manager
Chalida Anuwattanawong
Junior Business Development Officer
Panchita Santaveesuk
Finance & Operations Manager Manita Satra
Managing Director Dietrich Neu
Publisher, Printer, and Editor Tara Rattanaphas
04 by the numbers So long, Srettha: A look at the ousted PM 05 bk in brief Imagine Dragons will play in Bangkok this November
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10 new & noted Long John Silver’s docks its first Thai branch in Megabangna get in the loop bkmagazine.com latest news and trends @bkmagazine contest, updates, stories facebook.com/ bkmagazine
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12 open door Bangkok’s Korean fried chicken king Changwon expands to the CBD
16 nightlife Beer Pradith serves up 24 taps of Thai craft beer from 4 regions
06 cover story Concerts you need for the rest of 2024
13 review What’s behind the viral Butterbear gimmick? on the bar Lime by Us is the tiki little sister from the Bar Us crew
18 last word ‘Before 2475’ crew discuss history and controversy of a new Bangkok play
BY THE NUMBERS
In less than a year, the Constitutional Court found an excuse to axe the PM. Go figure. To be fair, he wasn’t Thailand’s first pick. Then again, the Court didn’t like Thailand’s first pick either. Polls showed that Srettha’s approval rating near the end of his term wasn’t exactly booming. Still, so long, and thanks for—well, nothing really comes to mind.
The Prime Ministership was ripped from Srettha because the Court said he lacked honesty and integrity as cited under Section 160 of the Charter.
The Constitutional Court banned the election-winning Move Forward Party, now the People’s Party, on August 7. They could not field a candidate for PM.
Srettha Thavisin became Prime Minister of Thailand on August 22, 2023, and he was forced to step down on August 14, 2024. Meaning he served for just 357 days.
The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) found that Srettha’s approval rating sat at 12.85% in June of this year
The nine judges ruled 5-4 to dismiss Srettha from office.
So long, Srettha
The excuse to dismiss Srettha rested on a member of his cabinet, Pichit Chuenban, who had previously served six months in prison in 2008 Pichit resigned in May after serving for just three weeks
YOU SAID WHAT?
“This guys a legend! Whoever picked this photo from BK Magazine should be fired as it doesn’t do justice at all!”
— Facebook user Dave Zeus on an article about Bill Bensley’s new Phuket restaurant.
“Beloved’? I’ve never met anyone who likes them! ”
— Instagram user @thekeywitness on an article about Imagine Dragons playing in Bangkok in November.
“Ohhhh fabulous!!!! I can now get mediocre overcooked seafood for an expensive price!!!! Yay!!!”
— Facebook user Mark Dickson on the opening of the first Long John Silver’s in Bangkok.
In a blow to the live music scene in Bangkok, the beloved Speakerbox in Thonglor closed its doors on August 24, ending with a final party celebrating five wonderful syears. But, fear not, the crew is looking for a new space—perhaps one very close to the old venue. upfront
HOT OR NOT
People’s Party
The Constitutional Court banned the progressive Move Forward Party. Down but not out, the MFP was reborn on Friday last week with the People’s Party and took in more than 20 million baht in donations and registered nearly 40,000 members. They’ll be a force to be reckoned with— until they’re banned again for winning.
Bad Apples
Warner Music Thailand took a swipe at the Constitutional Court with a cartoon depicting the nine judges as “rotten apples” to promote Thai artist Charli XCX following the dissolution of the election-winning Move Forward Party days earlier. They were forced to remove the post and apologize.
Good Chit
Nothing can stop the craft beer Chitbeer brand. In May, they opened a new space on Pridi Banomyong 14, and now they’re boasting their very first venue in Silom across from Shenanigans. One of the pioneers in Bangkok brewing, it’s come a long way from Chit Beer in Koh Kret.
So long, Speakerbox
Maho Rasop announces French band Air as first headliner for November festival
Gojira may have slayed at the Opening Ceremony in Paris, but the soothing tones of Air, consisting of Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel, out of Versailles will be headlining Maho Rasop in Bangkok this November.
This is the first headliner for the mega festival slated for November 23-24, known for their melodic, funky tunes. You’ll also know this band from director Sophia Coppala’s movies like their “Virgin Suicides” hit in 2000, “Playground Love”, and on the soundtracks for “Lost in Translation” and “Marie Antoinette”.
This showing at Maho Rasop will be part of the group’s 25th-anniversary tour, dubbed “Moon Safari”, featuring tracks from the eponymous album.
The rest of the lineup for this year’s Maho Rasop has yet to be announced. Last year’s outing included the likes of Idles, Interpol, and Atarashii Gakko. Phase one tickets are on sale now starting at B4,490 for a two-day pass, available online.
Imagine Dragons will play in Bangkok this November
For their “Loom World Tour” this year, the beloved pop rock music group Imagine Dragons will be playing Bangkok this November.
Queen Sirikit National Convention Center will host the band on Nov 23, only the band’s fifth world tour and their fourth appearance in Thailand.
Consisting of Dan Reynolds, Wayne Sermon, and Ben McKee, the band has been topping charts for more than a decade, starting with their big hit “It’s Time” in 2012. More recent listeners (and gamers) might know them from their “Children of the Sky” release last year for the video game Starfield. Their pop rock style defies definition, with a little bit of electropop, indie rock, and alternative sounds.
To celebrate their most recent album launch, Peopleofsmallworld and Universal Music Thailand held a launch and listening party in June for the newest album from Imagine Dragons at Corner House in Bangkok.
The Asia part of their tour will go from Kuala Lumpur before stopping in Bangkok before heading on to Singapore, Taipei and Tokyo.
The K-Beauty brand repped by Blackpink’s Jennie gets a Thai popup at Central Chidlom
Established in 1995, Hera’s MO has always been about “Seoul Beauty”—clear skin, subtle yet intriguing makeup that’s suitable for Asian skin tone. After Jennie Kim from Blackpink became the ambassador in 2019, the brand reached new heights with Gen Z and millennial shoppers. Now, Thai fans can get dibs at the Central Chidlom pop-up opening today.
No more pre-ordering and waiting around for shipments. Their popular black cushion foundation comes with a satin finish that’s semi matte and light on the skin. Though Hera doesn’t carry a full range of skin tones, the current collection can be suitable for yellow and pink undertones.
The sensual lip liner has a velvety effect but still maintains a natural fee, and their pointed applicator stick makes for a high level of precision.
Hera has also officially launched a Thai online shop via Lazada. Visit their website for more information. ●
Imagine Dragons Hera
Air
BK Staff
The final months of 2024 are jampacked with live music events. In fact, two of the biggest events of the year—Rolling Loud and Maho Rasop—are happening at the same time. BK has curated a fulsome list of all the concerts and festivals you need to know about for the rest of the year.
September
CONAN GRAY - SEP 3
OLIVIA RODRIGO - SEP 16
Bangkok gets a big taste of Gen Z’s crush on Conan Grey, hitting the capital with his “Found Heaven On Tour”. With the cool 80s pop genre elements and distinctive voice, the album received rave reviews from the likes of Billboard, RollingStone, UPROXX, and Vogue.
eaJ - SEP 6
You might know him as a former member of Day 6, the pop-rock band under JYP Entertainment, who has now been solo since 2022, gaining notoriety for the single “Car Crash.”
K-DRAMA SOUNDTRACK IN CONCERT - 7-8 SEP
If you’re a die-hard fan of K-dramas, this one’s for you. Lido Connect present “K-Drama Soundtrack in Concert”, which will bring you heartwarming memories from popular K-drama series such as “Full House”, “Princess Hours”, “Descendants of the Sun”, “Crash Landing on You”, “Itaewon Class”, “Queen of Tears”, and more.
As part of her sophomore album “Guts” world tour, the “Driver’s License” teen pop rock sensation Olivia Rodrigo is finally pulling up at Bangkok on Sep 16, 2024. With chart-topping hits that range from heart-wrenching ballads like “Vampire” to teenage angst-addled bops like “Get Him Back!,” Rodrigo turned her overnight pandemic success into a breakout career.
NILE RODGERS AND CHIC - SEP 17
This is the first Thailand outing for Nile Rodgers and Chic, bringing those special funky moves to UOB Live. Nile Rodgers is a legendary musician with Grammy wins for producing catchy tracks like “We Are Family” for Sister Sledge, “I'm Coming Out” for Diana Ross, “‘Let's Dance” for David Bowie, “Like A Virgin” for Madonna, and more for over half a century of music.
AESPA - SEP 28-29
Aespa, a K-pop four-piece girl group, is heading to Bangkok this September. Known for their futuristic “avatars,” which connect users in a virtual environment, Aespa garnered widespread fame for their tracks and music videos for “Black Mamba” and “Next Level.” Their music blends pop, electronica, and hip-hop. You know you're in for a jaw-dropping show with plenty of altered reality.
October
LANY - OCT 6
LANY, the “ILYSB” and “Mean It” hit makers, will be returning to Impact Challenger Hall, Muang Thong Thani, on October 6, 2024. Since its debut in 2014, LANY’s vocalist and guitarist Paul Jason Klein and drummer Jake Clifford Goss have performed in Thailand five times, missing only a couple of years due to Covid. At this rate, the band’s acronym for Los Angeles and New York should add BKK.
TECHMISSION / TRANSMISSION / HARDMISSION - OCT 11-13
This event kicks off three separate days of festival going for you EDM heads out here. The party starts off at Bitec Bangna for acts like Nakadia, Space 92, and Trym at Techmission, and the next day slows down with Transmission for a trance-filled fest. And, finally, the big guns: Hardmission—the second ever of its kind Hardstyle lineup.
BIG TIME RUSH - OCT 19
Before One Direction, there was Big Time Rush, an American pop music boy band that disbanded in 2014. They reunited in 2020 with the acoustic song “Worldwide” and continue to make music with their boyband harmonies to this day—a little touch of nostalgia for the Millennials.
(G)I-DLE WORLD TOUR - OCT 19
The K-pop sensation (G)I-DLE lands in Bangkok for a one-night show this October. This sensational girl group has been turning out hits since 2018, and the band will be hitting Taipei before their debut Bangkok show.
JORJA SMITH - OCT 27
Jorja Smith will come to Bangkok from the UK for the “Falling or Flying” concert at Voice Space. It’ll be the BRITs Critics Choice Award winner’s first time to perform for fans in Thailand.
November
TATE MCRAE - NOV 2
Tate Mcrae will take her “Think Later World Tour 2024” tour to Bangkok in November, promising an even bigger show this time. Tate’s second studio album debuted at No.4 on Billboard’s album chart and boasts more than 2.1 billion—that’s billion with a “B”— global streams.
BAE VIBES - NOV 9
Bae Vibes will be back featuring musicians and DJs from Japan. This time, Bae Vibes presents Skaai, a new wave hip hop act from the Land of the Rising Sun, and the whole event represents a cross pollination of Japanese and Thai music.
MATT MALTESE - NOV 10
The emotional crooner Matt Maltese will be stirring hearts at MCC Hall this November. These rom-com-type songs are for the listener who likes to have their heart strings pulled.
ROLLING LOUD - NOV 22-24
Joining the likes of Asap Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, Ski Mask the Slump God and Tyla for Thailand’s 2024 Rolling Loud, the Atlanta-raised rapper Playboi Carti will be making an appearance as the headliner. This year, Rolling Loud repeats its venue in Legend Siam Pattaya and will span from November 22-24. Last year was the Miami festival’s first in Thailand, featuring the likes of Cardi B, Travis Scott, and Fat Joe.
IMAGINE DRAGONS - NOV 23
For their "Loom World Tour" this year, the beloved pop rock music group Imagine Dragons will be playing Bangkok this November. Queen Sirikit National Convention Center will host the band on Nov 23, only the band’s fifth world tour and their fourth appearance in Thailand.
MAHO RASOP - NOV 23-24
Join Bangkok’s party elites at Maho Rasop, a two-dayer international music festival. They’ve already started teasing us about the lineup. And with an outstanding line-up of varied genres, up-and-coming local and international artists, and a Boiler Room last year that left fans excited for another year, we know it’s only going to get better. It's also among the greatest spots to hang out and dance with pals.
PORTER ROBINSON - NOV 24
The pop, electronic star Porter Robinson comes to Bangkok from No Cal for a one-night-show. The creative tunes include hits like "Sad Machine," "Shelter," and "Something Comforting."
DUA LIPA - NOV 27
Maybe you know her from “Argylle” or as Mermaid Barbie, maybe you know her from hits like "Don't Start Now" and "Levitating"—whatever the reason, Dua Lipa will be hitting Bangkok as part of her “Radical Optimism” tour. This will be the British-Albanian star’s first concert in Bangkok and she’ll be playing at Impact Arena.
December
STRAY KIDS - DEC 14
Get ready for a full performance from the eight members of Stray Kids, a K-Pop boy band that you can’t underestimate. Their song “Maniac” has reached up to 50 million views in just two weeks of release.
WONDERFRUIT - DEC 12-16
Only recently announcing their festival dates, Wonderfruit is, of course, returning for 2024. The festival debuted in 2014 and remains a must-attend event for music, festival, and art enthusiasts all over Southeast Asia. The four-day festival “The Burning Man of Asia,” features underground music from world-renowned DJs, up-and-coming artists, and local Thai bands.
808 FESTIVAL - TBA
Don't miss out on the 808 Festival, which is packed with electronic hits. Following performances by Marshmello, David Guetta, Timmy Trumpet, and others at last year's event, it is expected to return bigger and better than ever in 2024. Prepare for amazing laser displays and massive stage sets.
NEON COUNTDOWN - DEC 30-31
Yes, we’re already talking about New Year 2025. Last year's lineup included Sebastian Ingrosso, Axwell, DJ Snack, and Hardwell, so we know this year's list will include top heavyweights ready to send off 2024 in style. But in the meantime, get psyched for the fireworks displays and art installations.
TOP 5 LOCAL LIVE MUSIC BARS
Sure, there are big concerts, but for people who properly love live music, there’s no replacement for the sweaty, wild time you can have in a Bangkok live music bar. No, we don’t mean some pub with a warbling local singer belting out “Country Roads”—we mean bands that are really, properly, making music. The city’s music scene is pumping from punk to EDM, and these are the top spots to check out live music.
THE EVERYTHING: JAM
Now that the nosey neighbors are gone, things are better than ever at Jam. Tunes downstairs (and upstairs, on occasion), with a fun little middle area to chill out away from the bands. Punk, techno, metal, experimental, even occasional karaoke—it’s all on at this under-the-overpass dive. This isn’t just where Bangkok bands play. It’s where Bangkok bands are born. This (mostly) standing room only, cozy bar covered in band stickers is the spirit of live music in Bangkok—long may it reign.
FOR THE SUKHUMVIT FACTOR: STUDIO LAM
A little dive, a little music bar—Studio Lam is an institution for the formerly wild spirit of Sukhumvit. It even featured in this year’s “Sue Perkins: Lost in Thailand”. Between Thonglor and Phrom Phong, this bar could easily just be considered a live music venue in its own right, but it’s also a fun little oasis from the glitz of the modern Sukhumvit where you
can pop in for a few beverages. It’s more divey on the outside than in, and you never know what acts you’ll find here.
TO BE COOL: DECOMMUNE
Is it underground or is it mainstream? Who knows. If you’re giving out points for “cool” for live music venues, DeCommune takes the cake. This venue brings in both DJs and live acts to create what is probably the most stylish live music space in town—always a party, never off-key.
INDIE FOREVER: NOISE HOUSE LAT
PHRAO
Experimental acts, old favorites, upand-comers—Noise House is another spot that’s giving live music acts in Bangkok a chance to make a mark. Like Jam, it’s not just about the venue. This is a place where Bangkok’s music scene lives. The single-room live music venue opened its doors at the end of August and offers everything from repairs on music gear to underground tunes. If you’re looking for cheap covers and pop tunes, go elsewhere.
HI-SO HI-FIDELITY: CRIMSON ROOM
It’s Langsuan so you know it’s chic, stylish, and a little bit high end. You come to this bar for the music you know and high-end drinks from the team behind Rabbit Hole. This venue skews bright, moody, and art deco. On the stage you’ll find low tempo melodies and foot-tapping tunes that set the tone of the night but don’t overpower conversation. ●
Long John Silver’s docks its first Thai branch in Megabangna
The American fast food seafood chain, Long John Silver’s has finally arrived on Bangkok’s shores. Named for the pirate in “Treasure Island” and a mainstay in American fast food with more than 500 locations, and they’re serving up de la mer classics and fried chicken. Since this might be uncharted territory for a lot of Thai fans, we recommend a safe bet like the fish combo set (B189) which is Long John Silver’s version of crispy fish and chips. Their Bucket Shrimp (B179) is coated with a special signature seasoning while the Chicken and Shrimp combo (B179) adds fried chicken alongside some waffle fries. It’s not going to be winning any dining awards anytime soon, but the oily fast food is a great source of nostalgia and a big hit with the kids.
Sathorn’s Halfway brunch and roastery goes all the way with new fusion delights
Bangkok is never short of brunch spots, but the true gems are still a bit of a dig. Halfway is a meeting point between Asian-Aussie fusion cuisine and cool drinks. Led by the team behind modern European brunch spot Pepe and the specialists from Unfinished Coffee Roaster, we’ve got an airy and casual brunch spot hidden behind a bright orange scaffolding—it’s all part of the charm. Starting with the most familiar flavors for early birds, Halfway presents us with a bowl of dry-aged duck Congee (B300). The bitesize sliced duck is dry aged and boiled with the rice, so you still get a faint whiff of meat with some pepper and pickled veggies to offset the richness. The dish also includes a creamy egg yolk for you to dip with their patongko.
Haab is bringing Songkhla-style egg pastries to Bantadthong
With an authentic recipe from Songkhla, Haab, the Covid project and temporary pop up store selling Thai egg pastries (kanom kai), has finally set up their first flagship store in Bantadthong. Since the neighborhood is known for its grab-and-go bites, Haab is reintroducing this traditional gem to a modern crowd—loading the Thai dessert with butter while they’re at it. Apologies to the health conscious crowd because these goodies claim to use a “heart attack amount of butter”, rendering the bite into a crispy shell and soft but buttery texture on the inside. As a plus, they only use charcoal grills to keep the temp and aroma in check. Haab also launched a brand new crepe roll, kanom dok don, which is quite a rare find in Bangkok, served with salted shaved coconut filling.
Long John Silver
Halfway
Haab
Waldorf Astoria’s Front Room launches new tasting menu inspired by 4 regions of Thailand
Starting this August, fans of the Waldorf Astoria’s Thai cuisine at Front Room will get to experience their first tasting menu, reinterpreting the distinctive flavors of four Thai regions. The kitchen is helmed by chef de cuisine Akkawin Pitrachart and sous chef Athiti Moungthong. Together, they’ve cooked up a menu neatly dividing 11 platings into four chapters. Hotel restaurants have a reputation for toning down the spice, but Front Room doesn’t hold back. Chapter 1: The Geography is all about introducing a diverse pool of flavors in four amuse bouche dishes, representing the north, south, central, and northeastern cuisine. The second chapter combines eastern ingredients with western culinary techniques.
The Allium Bangkok’s latest menu shuns fine-dining tropes in favor of modern, accessible French food French food in Bangkok has long leaned a bit too-heavily on the ultra fancy side of the fine dining world—in large part to the heavy fine-dining influence of the cuisine on the global stage.
The latest menu offering from The Allium Bangkok, one of the longest standing French restaurants in the city, aims to tone that down a bit with a new menu that big on local ingredients and French techniques, but keeps things accessible.
Chef Remi Verrier, who boasts a French-Sri Lankan background and worked under Alain Ducasse in Paris, puts local sourcing to task with the likes of wagyu from Korat and duck eggs from Klong Phai Farm. The venue also boasts a sleek chef’s table (a proper one close to the open kitchen) and a 200-strong wine list covering all manner of varietals and regions.
3/F, The Athenee Hotel, 61 Wireless Rd., 02-650-8800. Open Tue-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-10pm ●
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LA DOTTA
10/15 Convent Rd., Silom, 02-2365558. Open daily 11am-2:30pm, and 5-10pm
The power couple Choti and Debby Leenutaphong, who are behind some of the city’s most well-known restaurants and bars (Vesper, 80/20, and The 4th Wall) are also the masterminds this fiercely authentic but approachable pasta specialist — one of the most recognizable such venues in the city thanks to its prominent aquamarine exterior. The venue’s “smart lunch” promotion, which offers up to three courses for B420, is one of the best bang-for-your-baht lunch specials going right now. House made is the name of the game here, including everything from eggless hand rolled pici pasta to rich and creamy (without cream!) carbonara sauces. If you want to be schooled in the ways of pasta and sauce making yourself, chef-partner Francesco Deiana hosts regular classes that range from basic skills to advanced colors and fillings. Just like any good old Italian spot, their sauces and pastas can be bought raw to cook at home.
Exclusively for UOB and TMRW Credit Cards Get complimentary Bomboloni (2 pcs.) and non-alcoholic beverage valued THB 540++ when spending THB 1,000 or more /sales slip (limit 1 set /card /table /sales slip) (excluding special event and other promotions) 1 Aug ’24 – 31 Jul ’25
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Front Room
The Allium Bangkok
Petchaburi in 2015, its Korean-Mexican fusion food and Thai craft beer were an instant hit. Owner Taeyoung “Ted” Ahn became something of an anchor for regulars, too. While the concept worked, Ahn realized it could be a flash in the pan. A few years ago, he pivoted to a more approachable focus: chimaek, the holy matrimony of fried chicken and beer so popular in South Korea. Now, Ahn has his sights set on building a chimaek empire. For his new Changwon branch in Sathorn, he’s teamed up with Mash founder Kiattisak “Sam” Watsuksanti and restaurateur Boram Kim.
The vibe: Changwon occupies a corner spot behind the AIA Tower, its coal-black and canary-yellow insignia glowing like a beacon for the salaried workers inside one of the CBD’s shiniest skyscrapers. The space used to house a Japanese restaurant. On the ground level, you wouldn’t know it. You enter by the
BANGKOK’S KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN KING CHANGWON EXPANDS TO THE CBD
A whole new reason to meet you in St. Louis.
Craig Sauers
bar and a quiet dining area off to the right framed by tall glass windows. In the back, low tables sit under warm lights—the perfect place for casual drinks. On the second level, there are a few small tables primed for groups, and in the corner, a mural of Ahn, dressed up like Colonel Sanders, holding a bucket of Changwon chicken. There are no frills but plenty of post-work buzz and a welcome jolt of energy coursing through the place.
The food: There are plenty of excellent bar snacks and fusion bites—think juicy mandu (dumplings; B180 for eight), homemade kimchi (B20), and pickled raw squid seasoned with gochujang (B80)—but you definitely want the chicken. You can get it for one, two, or four, and in every classic cut or style you prefer: wings, thighs, and even boneless options (from B180 for six wings to B520 for a party set for four). The original recipe and soy garlic flavors are downright addictive. If you’re more
sadistic, try the angry chicken, a spicy hit guaranteed to make your eyes well up.
The drinks: As Ahn will tell you—perhaps half-seriously—chimaek is basically South Korea’s national dish. It follows that beer is the preferred choice here. There are 10 different kinds on tap, ranging from local craft (Mahanakhon’s 5.5% guava hazy pale ale; B200/350ml) to foreign-made imports (Danish brand Gamma’s 9.3% Encrypted Dimensions double IPA; B300/350ml).
Why we’d come back: Chimaek is the definition of soul food, and Changwon nails it. Factor in the restaurant’s convenient location near the BTS, the affordable prices, and the lively vibe, and this bears the hallmark of a Sathorn institution, just like the original has become for Asoke. ●
It’s mooncake madness across all Marriott properties this mid-Autumn festival
Marriott Bonvoy, the hotel loyalty program associated with some of the country’s most prestigious hotels—The St. Regis, The Athenee, JW Marriott, W Bangkok, and Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park to name a few—is gearing up for the upcoming mid-Autumn festival with a full line up of mooncakes across many of its core properties across Bangkok and Thailand at large.
Each participating hotel makes their own mooncakes in their own style—so there is a lot to choose from here for mooncake fans—with prices ranging from B818 to B1,699 per box.
To see the full list of participating restaurants, and snag some tasty mooncakes yourself, check out the official website here.
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BUTTERBEAR
In 2024, “Nong Noey” or Butterbear from the titular pastry shop (backed by industry legend Thanawan “Boom” Vongcharoenrat from the likes of Coffee Beans by Dao and Skinnylicious) has breathed new life into the character craze. Everyone knows Butterbear, but what about the actual food?
Catapulting to stardom after Butterbear’s dancing clips went viral, the mascot has garnered a music career, fashion deals, and celeb meet-and-greets. But, before you take time to queue up for her pastry, know which edible merch to buy and avoid.
First tip: hit up the Emsphere shop on the weekdays so you don’t have to push and shove the legions of fans waiting to see Butterbear. Even on a Wednesday evening, BK still had to queue up for 15-20 minutes and some dishes had already sold out.
As you approach, you’ll find a line of preserved treats like tin cookies, prepackaged palmiers, brownies, stickers, prints, and shirts. Once upon a time, this space was all about pre-packaged treats, but now there are freshly made selections.
Some of their drinks, for example, still come in a can but we went straight for their sugary Thai milk tea slushie (B149).
Despite the queue, the first few sips are refreshing but sickeningly sweet—and hardly worth the price. This drink sneaks in a squeeze of fresh cream in the middle and some buttery cookie crumble along with jelly-like crystal pearls.
Butterbear is known for donuts and bagels, so we opted for a classic garlic butter bagel (B95) to test out their savory style. This is not your usual New York-style bagel; it’s fluff. The dough itself is slightly sweet (obviously) and well buttered, but the filling is almost non-existent and unevenly spread. It’s definitely more butter bagel than garlic bagel.
For their juicy butter bun line up, we selected the crunchy cocoa (B120) dip. The pillowy buns glisten with a generous layer of rich salted butter and the spread is reminiscent of Ovomaltine.
As for the pre-packaged bite, we recommend the red velvet cream cheese brownie (B95). With its moosey consistency, it’s still quite rich but the tiny bulbs of cranberry break up the intensity.
Finally, we tried the butterfly palmier (B95) in lemon, chocolate, and strawberry. Out of the three, the lemon comes out on top with a zestiness that balances out the buttery pastry. The chocolate and strawberry are similar to the flavors you’d find on Pocky sticks.
Butterbear stayed true to its name when it comes to dessert—heavy on the butter. Sure, it’s a kitschy viral gimmick, but maybe Nong Noey’s not just a pretty face after all. ●
TABLE TALK
TERROIR EXPRESSION
1/F Acmen Complex, Ekkamai Rd., 061-326-5150, Open Tues-Sun 5:30pm-1am
The French bistro vibes are strong at Terroir Expression is a French bistro and wine bar on the ground floor of Terroir Bkk, a fine dining French restaurant. It’s part of a larger multi-floor dining concept that offers Burgundy-style comfort food on top of the fine-dining fare it was first known for. This basement-vibes venue has opulent, timber-detailed furnishing, picture frames all over the walls, leather seats, and a ground-floor wine bar, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance. Diners are also welcome to take a tour of their cellar, which offers an impressive selection of new and old-world wines. Chill at the bar and sip wine or tuck into a full French feast—accompanied by live music on Fridays and Saturdays. The menu here is unpretentious and honest, not shying away from dishes like escargot and wagyu tartare while being bold enough to tackle classic dishes that leave little room for error.
Exclusively for UOB and TMRW Credit Cards
Get 10% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverage when spending THB 2,000 or more /sales slip
(excluding VAT, service charge and delivery) 1 Jun ’24 – 31 Mar ’25
GF, Emsphere, Sukhumvit Rd., Open daily 10am-9pm.
Banthat Thong’s Beer Pradith serves up 24 taps of Thai
craft beer from 4 regions
The hype on Banthat Thong isn’t slowing down. Amid the old school street food and trendy cafes that have popped up in recent years, Beer Pradith has become the hot neighborhood’s latest offering, serving up 24 taps of Thai craft beer sourced from all over the Kingdom.
This joint places an emphasis on comfort so you can kick back and hang with friends without the stuffiness of high end breweries. Every Thursday-Saturday, the craft bar brings in a rotation of live music and DJs to keep things fresh.
Location-inspired sip Banthat Thong Golden Ale is a great way to start the night. A collaboration with Saha Prachachuen Brewery, Samyan Triple IPA is a 9% glass that still manages to keep the body light with strong berry notes.
Thai bar grub and fusion a la carte is on offer, from Thai stir fried seafood instant noodles to tacos.
Stella’s new cocktail menu at Capella Bangkok charts the history of Old Siam
It’s been common in recent years for chefs to dust off ancient cookbooks for food inspiration, and now the folks at Capella Bangkok are putting their best cocktail minds to the task at Stella, the hotel’s cocktail salon sitting on the edge of the Chao Phraya River. The new menu, “The Journey of Old Siam,” takes drinkers through different epochs of Thailand’s past. Many of them are a hat tip to the local area, like the cocktail “1861”, which celebrates the year Charoenkrung Road finished construction, kicking off a wave of modernization through Bangkok. Others, like “Silver Screen” pay homage to icons like the Sala Chalermthai Royal Theater— noteworthy for the Phra Nakhon district. Our favorite (pictured above) is “Robot B” which mimics the look of the world-famous Robot Building on Sathorn Road. Check out Stella’s Instagram for more details, where they narrate the stories of each drink through fun videos.
Stella, Capella Bangkok, 300/2 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-098-3888. Open daily 6pm-midnight
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New ‘Mex-Tex’ restaurant and tap house Rodeo opens on Sukhumvit Soi 20
Brought to you by the healthy minds behind GetFresh, Bangkok’s healthy eating suppliers, the decidedly comfortfood-focused Rodeo held their grand opening.
Found in the old Smoking Pug space at Mille Malle, the tap house features two floors and a long wooden bar on both sides. The design is what you’d expect from a bar called Rodeo, with sombrero wearing vaqueros drawing on you as you walk in, Wild West-themed touches, and, of course, cowboy hats. But it’s not rustic—the design is sleek and high end for a cowboy bar.
With about a half a dozen beers on tap, this is a beer spot featuring cocktails with a “Southern accent”, that will be featuring regular live music and DJs, so stay posted on events.
On the menu, led by Belfast’s Chef Sam, you’ll find a special focus on what they call “Mex-Tex” food, with the focus obviously being on the Mexican flavors. ●
The buzz: Bar Us, christened as Best Cocktail Bar at the BAD Awards 2024 and the new entry No.21 in the latest Asia’s 50 Best Bars, recently opened a sister project in the same building. While Bar Us makes savory concoctions in a multi-course (starters, mains, and dessert) menu, Lime by Us promises a fruitier and more approachable line up that’ll impress.
The vibe: The venue shares the same sophisticated DNA with its lauded predecessor. It’s all long dark wood counters wrapping around an open bar—setting itself apart with the minimalistic potted plants, tiki-style paintings, and rows of shelves that show off a collection of the eponymous fermented lime. The dim lighting also gives the drinks a mysterious air when you take a photo.
The drinks: Honoring ingredients typically found in our local and neighboring tropical countries, the produce pulls from fruits and veggies that can easily be sourced in every season, so customers can be sure that their favs will remain all year round. The menu is divided into classic cocktails with an unusual fruity twist and some more experimental signatures. We started off with a favorite amongst Thais and tourists; the Jackfruit
LIME BY US IS THE TIKI LITTLE SISTER FROM THE AWARD -WINNING BAR US
Familiar ingredients and uncharted combos.
Sarisa Pokawattana
Pina Colada (B450) takes your usual sweet and sour beachside drink to the next level. In order to achieve an uncompromising rich texture, Lime by Us pre-freezes cubes of pineapple coconut cream so you can be sure that none of the solution is watered down when blended with rum and pickled lime. The jackfruit itself adds a thick sweetness reminiscent of bananas. It’s served with a square of salted seaweed which you can dunk in the drink to complete the umami profile. Another tiki cocktail essential is the Jungle Bird (B470). This Malaysia-originated drink is given the Lime by Us treatment: pouring CO2 for some fizz and distilled hops which makes the cocktail similar to a glass of beer. When Campari is used in drinks, you’d assume that the spice-filled lemon skin flavor comes with the territory. But keeping with the easy-to-down theme, the bitterness isn’t too prevalent. The ruby tinted hue is caused by clarified fresh tomatoes.
Why we’d come back: If you want to have some easy-to-down tipple before moving onto the big leagues, then this is a great place to familiarize yourself with the Bar Us game. There are still so many combos here to shake up impressions of local fruits and classic cocktails. ●
BILL BENSLEY OPENS A NEW RESTAURANT AND BAR IN PHUKET
Bill Bensley is the mind behind some of Asia’s biggest, flashiest hotels—from the mountains of Mustang to the hills of Bali and Bangkok riverside art deco ultraluxe resorts. Now, the renaissance man has opened Coolies Club in Phuket Town.
Found in a traditional Sino-Portuguese shophouse, the colorful new space reflects the island’s history as a tin mine in Soi Romanee, a vibrant tourist haven that was once a red light district.
The wallet behind the project is Krystal Prakaikaew NaRanong, the owner of the design-forward The Slate in Phuket, also designed by Bill Bensley. Krystal’s own grandfather came to Phuket from China in the early 20th century to work in Phuket’s mines.
The building at Coolies Club was built by Chinese workers in 1883 and features Chinese touches throughout. Bill Bensley created a chic, sleek opium den with antique furnishings—and anyone who’s been to Bill’s Bangkok home knows this man can shop.
The downstairs area is for themed signature cocktails and upstairs features “opium den dining” with two private bedrooms. The space says the restaurant will cook using an open fire and will be complemented by fine wines and artisan spirits.
Guests of the Slate will have the Coolies Club as part of their stay but the venue is open to all. ●
Sarisa Pokawattana
The starchitect and designer delves into the tin history of Thailand’s largest island.
7 SENTIMENTAL GIFTS FROM THAI BRANDS FOR MOMS
Mother’s Day has come and gone, but that’s no reason to forget the one who made you. BK has gathered a list of thoughtful gifts to up your filial piety points.
Pacharee
From the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker to Peggy Gou, Pacharee’s chain has got a chokehold on all the girls and boys. Rising in popularity after their Pearl Floret Cluster Ring was sported by the one and only Carrie Bradshaw in “Sex and The City” Spin Off, “And Just Like That…”, Pacharee’s accessories will slip right into fans of the show’s everyday statement jewelry collection. Their alphabet necklace also adds a cute personal touch to the gifting experience.
Panpuri
1000 Malai
Everyone and their mother has probably received one of these garlands on auspicious occasions. The craftsmanship for the wreaths are usually overlooked and thrown away as soon as the flowers show signs of wilting. If your mom is a stickler for tradition, the wreaths from 1000 Malai are here to impress. With sleek and modern designs, these garlands are a combination of traditional weaving techniques, intriguing textiles, and eye-catching bead work—ensuring that they’re more than a token of affection and something your mom can repurpose.
Even working moms need a little treat once in a while. You might not be there for a little shoulder rub but you can be part of her unwinding routine with a little self care box set. Touted for their relaxing essential oils and cream, Panpuri’s latest Everlasting Bloom Set comes just in time for Mother’s Day. The box also comes with a scarf fashioned into a garland and incorporates jasmine scented products—the flower of Mother’s Day—to signal the special occasion.
Pern Baan
For those of us living with our parents, it can be difficult to introduce our own furniture into the household. As the cross cultural byproduct of their Thai and New York team, Pern Baan offers artisanal lighting and home decor that’s likely to bridge the interior design taste between generations. It’s a sneaky way to get that piece of decor into your home or
give your mom a new piece of furniture that she won’t let anyone go near in the first six months you acquire it.
Vacilando Bookshop
Vacilando Bookshop offers a range of art and photo books. Whether your mom is on the hunt for creative inspo or a chic coffee table spread to go with her morning coffee post, their selection has got you covered. Apart from Vacilando’s online stock list and a physical store all the way in Pom Prap, some of their books are also being sold at the Thonglor multi-store Loft Eyes. So you can also take your mom out on a shopping spree.
Noun BKK
If you get sensory overload from looking at the large fonts and bright screen whenever your mom comes to you with a tech issue, then this mother’s day might be prime time to get a new pair of specs. Noun BKK allows you to pick out unique and fashionable glasses, from prescription frames to incognito sunnies to match on your next family vacation.
Flat Case
It’s a hard pill to swallow but sometimes the favorite child isn’t you. Instead, the one who gets all the pampering and the gourmet dinners is your house pet. Flat Case is doing customizable phone cases which you can personalize with color, initials, and various pet iconography. Items that kitties and doggo mamas out there will certainly appreciate. ●
THE TEAM BEHIND THE PEOPLE’S PARTY-INSPIRED PLAY ‘BEFORE 2475’ DISCUSSES HISTORY
AND CONTROVERSY
Aorta is a multidisciplinary creative focusing on the female perspective. Their past work—”Cloud Cuckoo Country” and “Saddest Princess on Planet No.4”—held a mirror up to society’s contemporary wounds and made the rounds at international festivals.
“Before 2475”, which will be showing in early August at GalileOasis, takes viewers back to a hopeful period in history before the 1932 Siamese Revolution and into the bustling nascent streets of Paris frequented by the likes of Ernest Hemmingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Here, seven young Siamese men, who would later become known as the People’s Party, joined in this foreign land to begin an unlikely friendship that changed their country forever.
BK sat down with Aorta team—writer and director Aim-ei “Aim” Polpitak, producer Tamonwan “Tan” Ratanapongumpai, and producer slash music director Pimburabha “Gam” Thamawuit—on bringing these historical figures to the stage.
What initially sparked the inspiration for this play?
Aim: We’ve been wanting to tell this story for awhile. I’m interested in history, and our previous work also explored historical issues that ties into the human experience. The play is about people in their mid 20s. It’s that age where you have so much fire in you, and you are doing things with such conviction and sincerity. Right now, the three of us are around the same age and we might not get to change the country, but we get to do a play that discusses and imagines their state of mind during that pivotal time.
Why explore this story through historical fiction?
Aim: When we were growing up, we all agreed that we only saw stories like Suriyothai and Naresuan, which are good stories! It’s entertaining. But I thought it’d be even better to have stories from different perspectives— step outside the premises of the palace or prohibited areas and explore stories about regular folks. I think you can see the effects of those historical events more clearly.
Since the characters are based on real people, how much creative liberty did you take with the characterization?
Aim: There are some historical documents but there aren’t a lot of them. When these guys were 24 to 26, when we were that age, we wouldn’t really think that we’d grow up to be the prime minister, and I think they were just living in the moment. So we lift these events that people know happened like the student rally in the summer or when field marshal Phibun moved his room to be next to Pridi’s. I also talked to Ajarn Kasidit Ananthanathorn and the Pridi Banomyong Institute to piece the story together and fill in the blanks along the way. When you become a historical figure or a statesman, you’re painted in either black or white. It flattens them. We only know these characters through books. But here, we want to tell audiences that they were once like you guys. They have a sense of humor. They are scared, endearing, and have flaws and strengths within themselves. They were once a teen, a child that isn’t exactly sure about what they want to do, and they aren’t sure whether what they think can actually be achieved.
Setting plays an important role in your previous work. Can you talk a little bit about the set in “Before 2475”?
Aim: We will time travel the audience back to Paris in 1925-1927. It’s what we like to call the
Sarisa Pokawattana
crazy years. Paris became a city where artistic endeavors and freedom could prosper. I think it’s an enchanting period filled with hope and beauty. Being somewhere far from home helps solidify your identity, it drives you to connect with people who share the same values even more. When we travel, we bring our hometown with us and the differences in these countries become more apparent. When Paris was still chaotic and in its developing stages, their identities were likewise still developing.
Your previous work revolves around female characters. Is it more challenging to write an all-male cast?
Gam: We didn’t think we were limited to stories about women. These seven male characters are worth discussing. The more we study them and their humanity, we realize that they can represent something beyond a group of men who had the opportunity to study abroad and came back to change the country. And it’s, of course, written by Aim so it’s still grounded in the female perspective. But I think it’ll resonate with a lot of people regardless of gender.
Aim: Yeah, our mission isn’t just about female characters. We think that female creatives can
produce work that’s masculine or about men. When it comes down to it, it’s a story about seven people who are experiencing life in seven ways. Personally, the challenging part was writing their political views in relation to their friendships. I think dialogue is difficult, but it’s my favorite thing to write because people fall in love through conversations and our perspective about each other changes through these discussions. We avoid building characters from stereotypes. We also insert actual quotes that they were known to say in the future. It’s like a historical Easter egg. You can see the formation of who they came to be.
In “Cloud Cuckoo Country” you described the characters’ relationship to Thai politics as a toxic one. Do you think the characters in “Before 2475” share that sentiment?
Gam: I think in “Before 2475” the characters didn’t think that politics was out of their grasp. It was still a seed that they could do whatever they wanted with. It’s like the beginning of a relationship. You want this person to be better and you think you can change them.
Tan: I think it’s like when you’re having a crush on someone.
Aim: Yeah, “Cloud Cuckoo Country” is so realistic and borders pessimistic, but this one is hopeful. It’s like when you love someone and you think this could work. This story also doesn’t show when reality hits. They have no idea that the fight is just getting started and that they are the seeds of the system we see today.
Is music going to be an important part of this play?
Gam: It isn’t a musical, so we don’t have a score. We use ambient music to contextualize and immerse the audience. But I think what’s interesting is the use of individual instruments spread throughout the story. When there’s a pivotal moment or when the characters come together, the instruments will culminate into an ensemble. It becomes a complete piece.
Can audiences follow the story if they aren’t familiar with this period of history?
Aim: Yes, they are discussing politics but their friendship is such a charming part of the story. When I read their journals, they talk about these two years abroad with such fondness. It’s a burgeoning and crucial moment in their lives. I think there’s definitely something for everyone regardless of the reason you came to watch. We have a tasting menu that’ll surprise you and caters to different palates. ●
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