BK E-Magazine 785, May 29 2020 by BK Magazine

it's free!

Global Gathering What the Duck says virtual concerts are for keeps Be My Quarantine Searching for love in the Covid-19 era Lettuce Out Pimp My Salad goes way beyond greens Inside Scoop Find out who makes Bangkok's lushest chocolate ice cream

It’s fine. Everything’s fine.

Thonglor

NO. 785 MAY 29, 2020. www.bkmagazine.com

Thonglor

Tha Tien

Yaowarat

BANGKOK PHOTO WALKS TO DO NOW Samyan

Hua Tak he

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

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page 3

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Who's in charge?

Managing Director & Publisher Andrew Hiransomboon

upfront

Managing Editor Craig Sauers Deputy Editor Angela Symons Audience Development Specialist Pakchira Bunphol Junior Digital Content Coordinator Kawee Jarach Senior Writers Dhipkawee Sriyananda Selley, Veerabhatr Sriyananda Junior Writer Supanan Anansuviroj Contributor Megan Leon

Why online concerts are here to stay

Creative Director Bhatara Chirdchuen Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Senior Graphic Designer Assaya Dejkong Graphic Designers Anunya Chobnitas, Wirankan Saiyasombut Photographer Poonsawat Suttama

Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Manager Tipkritta Chiraporncharas Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Nattaya Bovornsettanon Junior Marketing Executive Katthaleeya Tamkittigul ASIA CITY STUDIO Managing Editor Dietrich Neu Associate Editor Sureepak Janyapat Event Projects Manager Chayanap Tongdadas Event Coordinator Thanawat Buddhichewin Project Coordinator Sirinart Panyasricharoen Junior Project Coordinator Sawanya Chantarakana Senior Developers Prawee Wiangin, Wasan Wangrach Developer Nopanun Laochunanun Branded Content Writer Chakariya Cheewatara

Thailand: Now Even More Amazing Here in Thailand, we’ve fended off the coronavirus like the transparent, hygiene-minded professionals we are, bringing the pandemic to heel with remarkable success. As our dear leaders begin in earnest to map out our post-lockdown future, they’re looking for clever ways to kick-start the economy. What better place to start than by inviting random, filthy rich strangers to travel here and ride out the Covid-19 crisis in style? Enter our latest tourism initiative: Amazing Trusted Thailand.

Junior Videographers Jaruwan Suwandee, Tham Rodjananaudomvutigul Junior Video Editor Jakphet Potisarn Chief Commercial Officer Jane Bay Product Marketing Manager Madeleine Anantasuk

06 cover

Step outside with these photogenic walks

Wondering what’s really at work underneath that marketing jargon? We got the inside scoop on the campaign, which intends to prove that not only is Thailand amazing, it is now exceedingly safe for upscale tourists as well. Here’s what we know so far. • All citizens will be required to wear surgical face masks with smiles printed on them, bringing joy to our browbeaten foreign dignitaries

SOIMILK Editor Noranartta Chaikum Senior Writers Rujiyatorn Choksiriwan, Kristiya Chaisri Junior Graphic Designer Wathinee Srithongchuai Senior Sales Associate Kornkanok Sriwaranant Sales Associate Palita Nueangnit Assistant Brand Manager Prawpraew Pairohg

• Taxi drivers nationwide will be given new uniforms: black three-piece tuxedos, white gloves included, a la those clean and professional-looking taxi drivers you find in Japan

Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Accountant Manita Bangmoung Admin Executive Yaovaluck Srisermsri

Interns Tanat Trakoonnumchokchai, Wanvisa Koedmongkhon, Supaporn Saeponkrang, Varinthorn Techarukpong

open door

taste test

Pimp My Salad

Chocolate ice cream

• Jet ski operators on Samui and Phuket must wear plastic gloves when they handle the money they’re screwing you out of and maintain a safe social distance as they verbally threaten you • Rather than being ushered into gem shops, you will be able to shop for your overpriced “authentic” jewelry online, from the comfort of a cushioned tuk tuk seat • In Nana, Soi Cowboy and Patpong, all bar workers will be required to show you their most recent health certificates, although you might not want to look too closely at them

Asia City Media Group Chief Executive Officer Greg Duncan (gduncan@asiacity.net)

• Win motosai must offer all customers cloth face masks (helmets optional)

Director Gretchen Worth (gworth@asia-city.co.th)

Where to find us!

The Asia City Media Group Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. 9/F, Sathorn Nakorn Tower 100 North Sathorn Rd., Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02-624-9696 Fax: 02-237-5656 Email: bkmagazine@asia-city.co.th

BK “Asia City Living” Magazine is edited by Andrew Hiransomboon and published 24 times a year, twice a month by Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Copyright ©2020 Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. The titles “BK Magazine,” “BK ‘Asia City Living’ Magazine” and their associated logos or devices, and the content of BK “Asia City Living” Magazine are the property of Asia City (Thailand) Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Article reprints are available for B50 each. The magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Media Group (Thailand) Ltd. Contact the Advertising Department for ad rates and specifications. All advertising must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by Comform Co.,Ltd. 212 Moo 13 Krungthepkreetha Rd., Saphansoong, Bangkok 10250

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14 delivery review

Funky Lam

• At Suvarnabhumi, you must scan a QR code before entering the country, providing full access to your bank balance, list of sexual fetishes, precise suit measurements for streamlined tailoring and more • Toilets in public parks will be cleaned with soap rather than simply hosed down with bum guns • True high-rollers will enjoy access to a VIP palanquin service, which sees officially vetted peons carrying you from luxury mall to luxury mall at a safe height above the masses

14 lifestyle

Love in the time of Covid-19

upfront

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

HOT OR NOT

HNWI

This record label says virtual concerts are here to stay INTERVIEW

Samkwan “Moy” Tonsompong is the managing director of Bangkok-based record label What the Duck. His team recently held “Whal & Dolph Online Market Concert,” the first ever live, interactive, online concert of its kind in Thailand. We caught up with him to find out how it went down. By Angela Symons

What inspired you to create this event? The whole ecosystem of the music industry has been directly affected by the Covid crisis. You have technicians, sound engineers, lighting. We were like, “How can we help them?” So, we decided to rent a studio and add a proper set up and lighting for this concert. I got one of my friends who runs a production company involved and he said, “Let’s make an online interactive performance and let’s sell the tickets!” At first, I thought, “you’re going to sell the tickets, really?” It costs a lot of money to build a studio like that, so he said, “Yes, let’s do something experimental.” Why did you choose Whal & Dolph? Not every artist can do this kind of thing—it totally depends on their fanbase. Whal & Dolph’s fans are Generation Z. Those kinds of people really connect online and they support their artists in every way they can—the tickets sold out in 10 minutes! How did the interactive element work? We used LED screens. Normally, these would be put on the back of the stage to play visuals, but this time we put them in front of the band, so they could see the audience in real time [on Zoom]. The viewers could talk to each other and we had some sections where the band would pick someone [to speak to]. We even had an application, so your phone could be a second screen with visuals. The tickets were B400, but

PRIVACY Thailand wins! Wait, what do we win, exactly? Oh, that’s right. We win the right to give up our data to the powers that be via the Thai Chana (“Thailand wins”) application whenever we enter a shopping mall. According to the terms and conditions, your personal data can be shared with any organization authorized by the Ministry of Public Health, even after the Covid-19 crisis passes.

with this we also sent viewers a concert kit with masks, boards for writing messages and lights. Were there any standout moments? One very touching moment was when the band picked out this one guy who got his acoustic guitar and played along with them. When the concert was done, I learned that a few years ago, this guy had met the band and told them he hoped he could play their music for them one day—and then it happened in this concert! What did you learn along the way? I thought the 1,000 [attendees] would be hardcore fans of the band, but apparently half of the audience had never come to a Whal & Dolph [live] concert! Maybe it is because they’re too young to come to the concert, or maybe they live outside of Bangkok. We thought, “wow, this is kind of cool!” Will you be doing more of these in future? Definitely! Even when Covid has gone away and we have a vaccine, I really believe that this kind of online interactive concert will still happen. Actual concerts and this online concert are totally different—they can’t replace each other. Next, we plan to do an online music festival with six or seven artists and 3,000 people.*

CASTRATION Not just any castration—we’re talking about chemical castration. If several government MPs get their way, sex offenders in Thailand will be subject to having their libidos artificially reduced via drugs. Whether this is ethical, practical or even likely to protect children is up for debate. But we can all agree that the root of the problem needs to be addressed.

*What the Duck’s “Top Hits Thailand” online music festival will take place on Jun 7. B499 via Ticketmelon.

LOCKDOWNS We aren’t rushing to make predictions—as if we would get ahead of ourselves, especially when it comes to booze—but according to Dr. Taweesin of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), all lockdown restrictions might be eased sooner than later. That means, yes, bars might reopen shortly after this issue goes to print, just a month after we were given the freedom to visit wet markets again.

Tanik Prasopsorn

Diane Namchai

Johnny Burrow

Winner!

Jakkii Ruenjan

BK READER PHOTO CONTEST: BANGKOK’S “NEW NORMAL” Kay Ashton

Adios, backpackers. As Thailand seeks to exit its lockdown, government officials are openly courting those with cash to burn on upscale quarantines at popular holiday destinations like Phuket and Samui. Never mind that travel is supposed to be about rich cultural exchange. This country is just for the rich—i.e., those willing to pay top dollar to have our country’s low wage earners pamper them post-Covid.

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

TWIST ING TH E S C R I PT Thai artist explores her mother tongue through “Thaipface” project Nana Tejapaibul Natvipa (Nana) Tejapaibul is a graphic designer based in New York with work published in magazines across the globe, like Postscript, Sino Magazine and Packaging of the World. Her body of work spans a range of creative disciplines, including graphic design, motion graphics, branding, collages, and, specifically regarding the Thaipface project, typography. Although currently based in New York (where she works for a creative agency and brands like Coach and Swarovski), she’s also done creative work in Bangkok and Tokyo, and recently collaborated with Mission Magazine—one of the world’s first

non-profit fashion magazines. Thaipface Project One of Nana’s flagship projects outside of her creative agency work is Thaipface, a Thai alphabet motion collective that plays with cultural and political aspects of Thailand. The project offers a way for the collective to explore varied perspectives of Thai language. Currently, it has more than 600 followers across social media, and is helping to expose international audiences to Thai script in a way few of them have likely experienced before. The project often tackles political issues that could be deemed taboo on Thai soil, like Nana’s

representation of ฃ in a curvy shape that resembles a bottle (ขวด). The shape is then pixelated, making it an obvious reference (and lampooning) of Thailand’s strange censorship of alcohol in the media. There are also fun plays on Thai slang, like animating the “ก” in the word “นก” (bird) to fly away, representing the meaning of the slang (a missed opportunity). Recently, Castle Lab, an award-winning design studio from Canada, selected the project among its “Designer of the week”.

presented by TDG (Thai Designers Group)

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cover | the cool click

SNAP OUT

OF IT

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

Still not quite ready to brave the malls with their gaggles of shoppers, disinfectant spray and QR trackers? Don’t make that your excuse to stay cooped up at home. Get out and enjoy the scorching sunshine and the fresher-than-normal air with these five picturesque photo walks. By BK Staff

Tha Tien Talad N oi

Yaowarat

THA TIEN-PHAHURAT-YAOWARAT

TALAD NOI

If you’re all about capturing the fading charms, old architecture and slow-life vibe of Bangkok’s Old Town, then look no further than the historic neighborhoods of Tha Tien, Phahurat and Yaowarat. Start your journey at colonial-style The Old Siam Plaza on Tri Phet Road near MRT Sam Yot, known for its great selection of traditional Thai desserts—try the kanom kuy chai (steamed dumplings) and kanom buang (crispy pancakes with sweet or salty stuffing)—Thai silk and, surprisingly, a whole floor dedicated to firearm shops. Then, cross the road and make your way down Soi Thip Wari, which connects to Ban Mo Road—known for its shops specializing in electronic parts and audio equipment. Keep walking until you reach Charoenkrung Road. From here, continue on until you get to the tranquil and picturesque Atsadang Road, which runs alongside Rop Krung Canal. Here, you can capture the dilapidated beauty of the area’s historic King Rama V-era Sino-Portuguese architecture. Cross the canal and about a two-minute walk away you’ll find the neoclassical Territorial Defense Command headquarters located on the corner of Sanam Chai Road. As you stroll down Soi Thai Wang, you’ll be treated to glittering views of Bangkok’s most important landmarks: The Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Once you get to Tha Tien Pier, escape the sun by cutting through Tha Tien Market and work your way towards the shophouses filled with cafes lining Maha Rat Road. Find a seat upstairs at Ha Tien Cafe and cool down with a refreshing Americano Yuzu (B110) and a slice of carrot cake (B180). If, by this time, dinner is on your mind, then hop over to Yaowarat, Chinatown’s street food mecca. As you make your way there, you’ll pass through Phahurat, or Little India, home to countless colorful textile, fabric and silk shops, as well as the golden-domed Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha temple. Finally, after about a 15-minute walk, you can end your day chowing down on mouth-watering guay jub (rice noodles in five-spice broth) at the Michelin Bib Gourmand Guay Jub Uan Pochana (in front of China Town Rama Cinema), known for its tender but chewy noodles, aromatic and peppery broth, and juicy, crispy pork belly.

Start your walk outside the Thai Fishsauce Factory (Squid Brand) close to River City on Charoenkrung Soi 24, where you can’t miss street artist Jayoto’s towering bright yellow mural, featuring colorful people and cats. Continue straight on down the narrow Wanit Soi 2 alleyway until you hit the mini roundabout outside of Holy Rosary Church. Here, you’ll find remnants of Bangkok Design Week (BKDW) in a silver dragon made out of spoons and kitchen utensils. If you’re hungry, take a right up Yotha Road to fill up on delicious nam prik dishes (from B100) at Krok, from the team behind Michelin-starred 80/20. Further down Wanit Soi 2, you’ll find Soi San Chao Rong Kueak on your left, which draws you into the heart of one of Bangkok’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods: Talad Noi. On the right side, the passageway is lined with a photo exhibition leftover from BKDW, featuring images of the historic neighborhood, while the left is covered in colorful paintings, many of which reference the area’s Thai-Chinese heritage. Walk past the frozen-in-time houses painted with whimsical murals and you’ll reach the faded Chinese Rong Kuak Shrine on the riverside. Opposite, don’t miss Mother Roaster, a photogenic coffee shop located above a car parts scrap shop and run by a hip barista in her 70s. If you’re in the mood for something stronger, follow the road around and you can grab a cold beer (once the ban is lifted) at the chilled-out riverside Baan Rim Naam. Check out the nineteenth-century Chinese courtyard house, The So Heng Tai Mansion, before continuing along the circular route onto Soi Chao Sua Son, where you’ll find a black cat painted on the wall, one of many playful works that interacts with the surrounding environment—bonus points if you can get one of the many local street cats to pose next to it. Further along, be sure to look out to your right, as the side-soi is licked with some of the area’s most impressive artwork, including a girl with a fan, a dragon and a fat white cat. At the end of the street, you’ll be drawn towards many more of the area’s iconic car parts shops, where mountains of rusty parts spill out onto the road. From there, get lost in the labyrinth of back alleys or continue walking until you reach Song Wat Road, where you’ll find plenty more cool street art, including a fading yet provocative work by Belgian artist Roa of two elephants performing acrobatics and a realistic mural of motorbike drivers waiting for their next ride.

cover | the cool click

Thonglor

Samyan

Hua Tak he

SAMYAN Besides its legendary local food, Samyan is teeming with old-school 1960s shop-houses— made all the cooler by their juxtaposition with newcomers like Samyan Mitrtown. Head to the mall’s underground floor to strike a pose in what is perhaps Bangkok’s coolest walkway, the industrial-style passageway leading to MRT Samyan Station. Then, head to exit 1, where you’ll pop up at the Thai-Chinese temple, Wat Hua Lamphong. Here, you’ll see people making merit and having their futures told by Chinese fortune sticks. Walk up towards the temple to snap its interior and the intricately designed temple roof. Then, walk towards the naturally shady Si Phraya Road, where you’ll find old shophouses turned into barbers, tailors, and neighborhood food institutions like Sawang Noodles Shop. Walk right towards Song Phra Road, where you’ll find a clan of mototaxi drivers stationed and a 7-Eleven for your water break. On this predominantly residential soi you’ll find even more vintage shophouses, some of which are colorful. Samyan, being an old Thai-Chinese neighborhood, is home to swathes of these charming two-to-three-story shophouses, where generations of families live together just like in the old days. Walk towards Soi Chom Sombun, and you’ll pop right out at Rama IV Road. On the right, you’ll find the Dubai-worthy Ideo Q Chula-Samyan condo. Cross the road to Chula Soi 42 for an energizing Coffee Beer Float (espresso, rootbeer and soft serve; B160) at Brave Roasters Samyan. For your last stop, head to ZY Walk, a commercial complex that houses an impressive cluster of Sino-Portuguese-style buildings. It is here where you’ll truly strike gold. In the courtyard upstairs, where red-and-blue walls and Chinese-style murals create endless photo opportunities, you’ll feel like you’re on the set of an old Chinese period drama. If you’re feeling pooped from all the walking, drop into I’m Park next door for an array of dining options before your ride back home.

HUA TAKHE Despite it being located deep in the ‘burbs, getting here is not as hard as you think. Just take the Airport Rail Link to Lat Krabang station, then hop on a rod songthaew (red bus) to Lat Krabang Soi 17 and you’re good to go. Before hitting the old market, make a stop at Ha Heng Tua and Tien Poh Hook Tueng for some shots of the idyllic Chinese shrines. Continue your walk to the end of soi 17 and you’ll see the bridge to the Hua Takhe Old Market; to your right, you’ll find some cool graffiti of a monkey and a crocodile. When you walk across the bridge, there will be two pathways—explore the left side first. Check out the area’s oldest school, Suksa Pattana, and the cluster of quaint mom and pop shops, then just follow the pathway to see more street art. At this point, you’ll probably be wondering “what’s with all the crocodile murals?” Here’s the boiled-down history: decades ago, this area used to be home to crocodiles, which is how it gained its name, Hua Takhe or “Crocodile Head.” Take note of the charming ramshackle wooden shophouses—they’re more resilient than you might think. Having caught on fire twice, it’s a miracle that they’re still standing. Once you’ve filled up your memory card

with photos, do a 180 and take a stroll to the other side. Starving? You can fuel up on noodles (from B40) from the riverside Guay Tiew Rong Gueng, located opposite the machine shop (rong gueng). Wrap up your trip at the down-to-earth Glin Fun with its Thai blend coffee (from B50) and good-humored owner—grab a table by the water to enjoy the scenery of the fourway canal intersection. The next thing you know, you might end up repotting their cacti like one of our writers did.

THONGLOR Sukhumvit Soi 51 has been a hotbed for indie art since WTF opened in 2010. Today, the barslash-gallery has turned the alley walls into a living installation, plastered with posters and graffiti. Plus, in the parking lot behind the WTF, Studio Lam and Zudrangma Records, you’ll find some cheeky political art that ought to elicit comments on your social feed. From here, thread your way through the graffiti-lined alleyway between Sukhumvit and Bangkok Prep as you walk back to Thonglor (Sukhumvit Soi 55). The neighborhood has changed a lot over the years, but the Mae Varee mango sticky rice stall is still there at the front of the soi, crying out for you to photograph it. Further up the road, stop by the tiny soi behind Rabbit Hole for a drink break at Black Amber; currently, the team is selling homemade ya dong cocktails (B180) to go. Refreshed and refueled, navigate the back alleys to find The Missing Burro on Thonglor Soi 7. Order some carnitas (B290) as you steal shots of its double shipping container set-up and sanctuary-like lawn, and then continue down the soi toward R.Haan. Around here, you’ll find weather-worn gates that front leafy compounds owned by Bangkok’s old money, as well as Japanese supermarkets, bars and restaurants—all symbols of the past and present of this everchanging community. Check out the parking lot by Iroha Yakiniku to find more photogenic wall art. As of Jun 1, The Commons will be open for business, so pop in for an iced latte at Roots (B120), a beer (to go… ?) from The Beer Cap or a bite to eat before working your way up Thonglor to photograph the Masjid Zhohirul Islam. At night, the mosque is bathed in green light, but even by day, Thonglor’s hub for the Muslim community is a beautiful site. Further up, capture fine examples of Bangkok’s disappearing Brutalist buildings before you end your tour at the Saen Saep Canal, where you can photograph bicyclists and runners maneuvering down the walkway, the always-packed canal boat and the waterside fresh market.

hit list | shopping

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

Say goodbye to office syndrome with these slick ergonomic chairs FURNITURE

Are you starting to feel the burn of sitting on a wooden chair in your makeshift home office? Then perhaps it’s time to splash out on some stylish yet functional furniture from Norse Republics. Renowned for its classic and contemporary designer chairs, Swiss brand Vitra should be top of your shortlist. Highlights from the high-end furniture brand include the small and agile “Rookie” chair (from B23,500) by Konstantin Grcic, whose minimal, structural design incorporates a flexible backrest; the understated “Pacific” chair (from B53,900) by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, available in multiple colors and fabrics; and the slender, height-adjustable “AM” chair (from B40,500) by Alberto Meda. For a slightly more affordable option, the all-plastic “Tip Ton” (B14,900)—another creation by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby—provides ergonomic seating thanks to its forward-tilt position, which the brand claims can help straighten the pelvis and spine, as well as improve blood flow to the abdominal and back muscles. Available at Norse Republics, Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-062-1211. Open Tue-Sun 1-7pm; or order via Line (@norse_republics).

MASK UP

4 boujee cloth masks to add to your collection

Coralist “Wild Bloom” Mask B220 Order at coralistswimwear.com

Saamu “Salmon” Mask B350 Order via Line @onesiam

Greyhound Original “Postcard” Mask B390 Order via Line @ greyhoundoriginal

LeMaska “Red Checkered” Mask B501.50 Order via Line @onesiam

FITNESS

SHOPPING

TECH

Work out like a boss in this eco-friendly Thai activewear

Bangkok CityCity Gallery has launched an online bookstore

Apple’s MacBook just got a magic touch

The activewear from local brand Shaza by Shalini is so chic, you’ll be searching for excuses to sweat out in it. Committed to only using eco-friendly materials, every piece in the brand’s two new collections is made of sustainable techno-fabric—be it Econyl nylon (made from recycled fishing nets) or Repreve nylon (made from plastic bottles). The two collections include the classy Basic Baby (B3,190/set) in dark muted colors and the fierce Young, Wild and Sassy (B2,690/set) in beige, army green and leopard prints, available in sizes XS-L. Order via Line (@shazabyshalini).

Sathorn’s Bangkok CityCity Gallery has just unveiled a new online bookstore devoted to contemporary art publications. The website, called Bookshop Library, doubles as a library and experimental space for online publishers. Expanding on the physical bookshop-slash-library that the gallery launched last year, the site also features a digital magazine, which publishes articles revolving around contemporary art. Visit bookshoplibrary.com to check out the latest issue.

What: 13-inch MacBook Pro 2020 Price: From B42,900 for 256GB to B66,900 for 1TB Why? Apple has put the kibosh on the faulty butterfly keyboard and updated to the scissor switch-based Magic Keyboard for a smoother and more stable typing experience. Think new physical Escape key, inverted T-shape arrow keys and 1mm of key travel, along with Touch Bar and Touch ID. The new set-up also features double storage for more photos, videos and files, all-day battery life and up to 80-percent faster graphics performance thanks to Intel’s latest 10-generation Core processors. Available at apple.com

Shop Talk How to spend your hardearned baht

BUY IT PHILO “WOOD & SEA” HAND SANITIZER GEL A hand sanitizer that doubles as a moisturizer? Sign us up! B120. Order via Line (@hide.selected)

BIN IT TRAVEL GUIDES Just put them to the back of the shelf… for now.

BARGAIN SIWILAI “IN MAY YOU MAY” PROMOTION Enjoy up to 15-percent off select items (Toteme, Tibi, Saturdays NYC) and free shipping by using the code “MAYSPE15” through May 31 at siwilaibkk.com

food & drink | open door

Pimp My Salad shakes up healthy eating T h e b u z z : T h e tea m b e h i n d Charoenkrung cafe Sarnie’s is back at it with this fresh, all-day dining concept that seeks to dispel any preconceived notions you may have of salads, or “healthy” food, for that matter. The vibe: Taking over the space vacated by Dexter on Sathorn Soi 8, Pimp My Salad diverges from the carefully distressed and weathered interiors of Sarnie’s, opting for a more down-to-earth look and feel designed to replicate a courtyard. Tall glass windows front an airy, brick-tiled dining space that’s suffused with natural light and punctuated with potted plants. Behind this space you’ll find the (real and proverbial) salad bar, where you can customize your meal or pick from a selection of signature salad bowls, many of which feature ingredients charred and smoked to perfection on the Argentinian-style grill you’ll spot in the back of the venue. The food: Think salads are just leaves? Think again. The dishes here are packed with fresh, largely homemade ingredients that leave you feeling satisfied. For example, see Cool Gai (B215), a bowl of coconut chicken with kaffir lime, sauteed mushrooms, tangy chickpea larb and spicy nam jim jaew mayo on brown rice, or Hula Hula Tuna (B350), a poke-style bowl of meaty tuna, pickled daikon and carrot, edamame, smashed avocado and kimchi on brown rice. You’re

rewarded for concocting your own dish, too, plant-based or otherwise. Cured, smoked and grilled salmon (B135), olives with garlic (B35), baba ganoush made from large purple eggplants grilled in-house (B45), beetroot hummus (B45), miso-braised fennel (B35), baked falafel (B55/two pieces), housesmoked thick cut bacon (B90)— there are tons of ingredients you can use to DIY whatever breakfast, lunch or dinner you’re craving. Even the desserts are fresh, like the Nut Butter Acai (B280), which features soft serve acai with cashew butter, homemade granola, flambeed banana, coconut flakes and a decadent plant-based “brownie.” The drinks: For now, the menu features coffee from Sarnie’s, from the iced coconut long black (B135) to excellent flat whites (B105 medium/B140 large), as well as smoothies (B145) and customizable juices (B135). In the future, when we’re allowed to enjoy alcohol in restaurants again, expect a range of craft beers and natural wines to pair with your signature bowl. Why we’d come back: Affordable, flavorful, cozy and convenient, Pimp My Salad changes the game when it comes to workday meals, and it’s just as great for lazy weekends. Craig Sauers

56-58 Sathorn Soi 8, 02-550-7623. Open daily 8am-8pm

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

Phuket’s Shake Shack-style burgers hit Sukhumvit

Berlin’s Doner Kebab

TABLE TALK between Asoke and Phrom Halfway

NEW AND NOTED

Get your fill of luscious khao soi in On Nut Despite launching during the restaurant closures, northern Thai restaurant Khao Soi Kitchen has already gained a following for its pocket-friendly khao soi (noodles in northern-style curry), made to the owner’s family recipe. Wooden tables and traditional Thai murals set the scene for a menu of khao soi chicken (B90), pork (B100), beef (B100), prawn (B100) or vegetable (B80), as well as kanom jeen (B90), shrimp pad Thai (B90), spicy Chiang Mai sausage (B150) and rich gaeng hung lay (northern Thai pork belly curry). 455 Sukhumvit Soi 50, 063-390-3595

Berlin-style kebabs come to Bangkok Anyone who has visited Berlin will know that they take their doner kebabs seriously—some even claim that the classic was created there—which is why we’re excited that Berlin’s Doner Kebab has landed in Bangkok. Sample the juicy rotisserie meat served in house-made flatbread in the original Australian beef and lamb doner set (B330), which comes with fries and a soft drink, or keep things lean with the falafel durum doner wrap set (B280)—for a flavor boost, add some homemade feta and tzatziki (B30 each). They also serve doner lahmacun (B300), a type of “wrap pizza.” Park 22, Sukhumvit Soi 22. Delivery available via Foodpanda and Lineman

Ditch the plastic with Taan’s new pinto lunchboxes Taan is now delivering its awesome Thai fine dining in traditional pinto (tiffin carriers). Packed with ingredients sourced from small-scale and sustainable Thai farms and suppliers, the lunch boxes (B1,850 for two people) each feature five dishes plus sides. Examples of dishes include peppery yellow curry with toasted Chumphon crab, and Royal Project organic black chicken stir-fried with umami-rich garlic, baby squid from Surat Thani and a crab reduction. The pinto sets are available every day from 11am-7:30pm, with free delivery within 15km. They must be ordered three hours in advance via 065-328-7374 or Line @taanbangkok

Phong, Phuket import Prime Burger Mensho Tokyo

(497 Sukhumvit Rd., 093-583-8700) G/F, RSU Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 31, 091-887-9492. not only bears a logo similar to beOpen Tue-Sun 11am-3pm, 5-10pm. BTS Phrom Phong loved NY-based burger chain Shake also serves busts out remarkably ThisShack, ramenitchain ramen with freshly made noodles Burgers (all andfamiliar-looking local ingredients.patties. The wagyu miso ramen (B390 for two B245 triple) A5 wagyu cuts in a pieces ofsingle/B295 wagyu/B590double/B375 for five), featuring stylized by city,laced fromwith the local classic red are miso-based broth ginger, is the kind of New York (Australian beef, cheese, umami-rich guilty pleasure that begs for a nap afterwards. onions, pickles, ketchup and mayo) Slightly less heavy is the signature tori paitan (B290), a to the Dubai chicken burger and the chashu-topped bowl of perfectly toothsome noodles, Tokyo deep-fried fish burger. Veggies bamboo shoots andhalloumi-based green onion in aAiya chicken-based broth. can opt for the Napa, while vegans are covered with the Beyond Burger (from B245). Sides range from waffle fries (B130) to chilicheese poppers (B110) and Caesar salads (B110). Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get a complimentary Kinoko Mushroom Butter or Fried Wonton valued THB 90 when spending THB 1,000 or more /sales slip (Mon-Fri) (limit 1 dish /card /table /sales slip) and get 5% discount on A5 Wagyu Donburi and Wagyu A5 Wagyu Set (Sat-Sun and Public Holiday) 01 Apr ’20 – 30 Sep ’20

food & drink | open door

Kush Cafe

Ukiyo

NEW AND NOTED TABLE TALK

Saranros saranros.com Act as a platform connecting chefs and food lovers, Saranros offers 300 menus from home kitchens such as POTs & PANs, Kanom Koi, and Chef Nui Kitchen. Highlights including yum som oh ka pi (pomelo salad with shrimp paste and Thai herbs, B200), and canele vanilla (B200/6 pieces) with aroma from dark rum. Healthy people will like khao mun gai (Thai version of Hainanese chicken with rice) made using Low GL rice and served with dipping sauce made with low calorie sugar.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 15% discount on food only when order via saranros.com, use code CITI and spending via Citi credit card 01 May ’20 – 30 Oct ’20

Fill up on cake at this Bangkok’s newest leafy Nanglinchee fine dining restaurant cafe comes from a familiar Complete with a leafy terrace, face Nanglinchee’s Kush Cafe is decorated in welcoming white, brown leather and warm-wood tones. Alongside some seriously mouthwatering treats—like Basque burnt cheesecake (B150) and indulgent banoffee pie (B135)—they also serve equally enticing savory items like the egg, bacon and cheese brioche burger (B225, including a beverage). On the drinks list, you’ll find everything from matcha lattes (B105) to the signature Bitter Sweet Dirty (layered cold milk and coffee with caramel or butterscotch syrup; B120) and mixed berry smoothies (B125). 8/11 Nanglinchee Rd., 086 -3976645. Delivery available via Lineman (@kushcafe)

After a Covid-forced hiatus, chef Dan Bark of Upstairs at Mikkeller (no. 11 in Top Tables) is ready to reveal the first of two upcoming projects. Scheduled to open Jun 15, Cadence sees Bark taking a classical approach to cooking. Details are scant for now, including prices, but expect 15-course menus of progressive American food, with dishes inspired by his upbringing that stimulate all five senses. Think Ocean—three bites featuring oysters, salmon and a piña colada sauce—and Land, a rich, mushroom-based dish with an earthy flavor profile. Fine wines, many from the US, will be paired with the food. 225 Pridi Banomyong Soi 25, 091-713-9034

Enjoy a private omakase experience in your home If you’re prone to blowing your paycheck on extravagant Japanese omakase dinners, then the newly-launched “Home-makase” service from Ukiyo is for you. Priced at B3,800 per person, the intimate chef’s table dining experience brings a small team of professional chefs and staff right to your home, where you can expect to be served a full-course contemporary omakase, featuring premium sushi and delicacies like uni (sea urchin), chutoro (fatty tuna), shima-aji (striped jack mackerel) and aori ika (bigfin reef squid), depending on the day’s selection. Available from 5-8:30pm daily; must be booked three days in advance for a minimum of six people. Book via Line (@ukiyo.bkk)

food & drink | taste test

Who churns out the best chocolate ice cream in Bangkok? Call us basic, but we’d take chocolate ice cream over all those fancy flavors any day. But when the craving calls, who makes it best? We put six well-known brands—international and local—to the test. By BK Staff

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

Guss Damn Good

Winner!

The brand: Bangkok-born, Bostoninspired craft ice cream company. Flavor: Here’s Your Damn Chocolate Ice Cream (B107) The taste: It really lives up to its name, with the most promising dark color, smooth texture, a touch of bitterness and thin shaved chocolate. You’ll never go back to those bigname brands ever again. Verdict: Damn good. 1/3-9 Sala Daeng Soi 1, 098-863-4363. Eight other branches across Bangkok. Delivery available via Line @gussdamngood, Grab, FoodPanda, Lineman and Get

Sugar Plump!

The brand: Sathorn’s cotton Runner Up! candy-colored ice cream parlor. Flavor: Holy Choc! (B65) The taste: Despite its dull appearance, this cup of ice cream does not disappoint. With its thick and dense consistency and rich French chocolate taste, it’s simply délicieux! Verdict: Forget appearances. 155/3 Sathorn Soi 7, 084-468-6667. Delivery available via Line (@sugarplump), Grab, Lineman and Get

Cold Stone Creamery The brand: Arizona-headquartered ice cream parlor chain with over 1,000 outlets worldwide. Flavor: Chocolate Devotion (B129) The taste: The chewy chunks of brownie are truly satisfying, but we’re distracted by the chocolate chips—there are so many we could make a small batch of cookies out of them. Also, the ice cream could be a bit milkier.

Verdict: Chips in. CentralWorld, 4 Rama I Rd. Five other branches across Bangkok. Delivery available via Foodpanda and Facebook Messenger

Häagen-Dazs The brand: Actually from Brooklyn, the brand name is just an homage to Denmark’s good deeds during World War II. Flavor: Belgian Chocolate (B109) The taste: It has a rich, velvety texture with a speck of shaved Belgian chocolate, then the taste of coconut oil catches us off guard. We’d say if you’re a coconut fan, go for it. Verdict: Go coconuts. Siam Paragon, 991 Rama I Rd., 063-2038280. Various other outlets across Bangkok. Delivery available via Foodpanda

Ben & Jerry’s The brand: Born in Vermont, USA, this notorious store-bought ice cream brand is no stranger to controversy and is now owned by British-Dutch conglomerate Unilever. Flavor: Chocolate Fudge Brownie (B119) The taste: Unlike Cold Stone, the brownies here are grainy, too crumbly and glue to the roof of your mouth. The ice cream is on the sugary side and tastes like Nesquik. Verdict: Lower the bar. Available at most major supermarkets

Ete The brand: Thai-bred ice cream brand, owned by none other than Thai conYikes glomerate Charoen Pokphand Group. Flavor: Chocolate Almond (B55) The taste: It contains so many chopped almonds that we can’t really taste anything else. Verdict: Look for an alternutive. Available at most major supermarkets

dining delivery reviews

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

A NEW MON-WED-FRI NEWSLETTER FROM BK MAGAZINE that gives you updates, inside info, and helpful tips for your new stay-at-home lifestyle.

Funky Lam The Taste Thonglor, 235 Thonglor Soi 11, 02-050-0469, 099-005-8435. Delivery available daily from noon-8pm via Line (@funkylamkitchen), Top Tables Kitchen or phone

Exclusive deals, breaking stories, and awesome ideas to keep you from going up the wall! https://bk.asia-city.com/bkathome

Bangkok - Phuket

READY TO TAKE OFF

พร้อมเดินทางอีกครั้ง

01/06 Tradition . Innovation

“Authentic Thai Cuisine never goes out of Fashion, It is always in Style”

OPEN DAILY 11 am - 9 pm (Last Order)

#Blueelephant BANGKOK

233 South Sathorn Rd., Bangkok 10120 (BTS SURASAK) T +66 2 673 9353-8 cooking.school@blueelephant.com @BlueelephantBANGKOK

Book Now!

www.blueelephant.com PHUKET

96 Krabi Road, Tambon Talad Neua, Phuket 83000 T +66 (076) 354 355-7 phuket@blueelephant.com @BlueelephantPhuket

Whether we like it or not, the dining scene is going to be different for a while. No clinking glasses, no jazz blasting from Bose speakers, no large gatherings around restaurant tables. To battle through this bleak moment for businesses, most mid-range and upscale restaurants have pivoted to delivery. Most have not executed that pivot like Funky Lam has, however. Funky Lam has taken the basic idea of delivery—namely, sending you their delicious sai oua (B29), braised and smoked ox tongue (B350), and papaya salad (B180)—and built something special on top of it. Forget the food for a second. Consider the music, the artwork, the not easily replicable experience of dining at your favorite restaurant: Thonglor’s temple of fiery, funky Lao cuisine packages all the accoutrements of eating out, puts a bow tie on it and sends it to you in the form of playlists, personalized messages and beautiful, sustainable containers. You even get real-time, oneon-one contact with the team when you place your order on Line. The food, of course, is delicious. New offerings like lunchtime Lao bento boxes (B300) FOOD

PACKAGING

give you the greatest hits—think juicy grilled chicken, rice noodle salad, banana leafwrapped sticky rice and umami-rich fried Mekong riverweed with spicy dips called jaew. This food keeps well, too, so you won’t end up with tepid or soggy bites. Ditto the dinner sets (B850), a made-for-two selection of organic grilled chicken, a Lao salad, your choice of soup or larb, and sticky rice. As referenced above, every order comes with a playlist, featuring the jazz, blues and funk cuts you would hear at the venue. Jump on Spotify, piece it all together and five minutes later you’ll be exposed to music you might not normally listen to at home. The packaging is made up of bamboo wicker, banana leaves and recycled paper printed with cartoon drawings of founders Sanya Souvanna Phouma and Saya Na Champassak’s heads. It’s fun and funky—everything you love about the venue put in your hands so that you can customize the experience at home. This spin on delivery feels like something new, something that will live on long after you can return to Thonglor for a group meal in Funky Lam’s buzzing dining room.

DELIVERY

VALUE

Krok 78 Yotha Rd., 098-940-3406. Delivery available from Tue-Sun, 11am-7pm via Line (@krokbkk), Lineman, and Grab

Fresh off gaining a Michelin star at 80/20, chefs Napol “Joe” Jantraget and Saki Hoshino opened this standalone restaurant back in January. Since then, punters have had to arrive early to get a taste of their nam prik-focused menu, which they serve until they sell out each day—meaning delivery is a smart option. Packaged in cardboard boxes lined with banana leaves, this Talad Noi spot scores top points for keeping plastic at bay. We open up the nam prik kapi fried rice (B150) to find a perfect mound of rice surrounded by all the trimmings of khao khluk kapi: thin ribbons of omelet, sliced red onion, chilis, peanuts, sliced pork and a wedge of lime for a zesty finish. We’re quickly distracted by the enticing fragrance of the wagyu dish (B265), with its thin slices of perfectly pink meat and deliciously dark and funky nam prik pla-ra (pickFOOD

PACKAGING

led fermented fish and chili paste), balanced out by plain white rice, sweet pickled cucumber, fresh moonflower vines and an onsen egg, cleverly delivered in its shell. Vying for pole position, the pocket-friendly naem (fermented pork) fried rice (B120) comes with a slightly smoky, burnt flavor and sprinkle of crispy dried shrimp nam prik that is simply irresistible—especially when brightened with a spritz of fresh lime juice. While you’re at it, we strongly advise that you take advantage of their “Krok at Home” delivery options, which include jars of their moreish nam prik for B80 each (60g).

DELIVERY

VALUE

To see our review policies, visit bk.asia-city.com/restaurants

feature | look don’t touch

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

gkok n a B w ating d Ho e r a nials mic. e d millen n a the p during aff St mbut aiyaso By BK S i w i Mayw y ation b

Illustr

Captain Squid, 29

Nisa, 25

Georgia, 23

Grace, 23

“Will you be my quarantine?”

“Will you stick with me during the quarantine?”

“If Covid-19 doesn’t take you out, can I?”

“F**k nudes, send me pics of your smile.”

How has dating been for you during the pandemic? Surprisingly, pretty great! I’m getting serious with a girl I’ve been dating since last month (around three weeks into quarantine). She was the one and only girl I met during the pandemic and, assuming we don’t break up any time soon, will stay that way. Has it been harder for you to find partners now that you can’t go outside? Umm, not really. Like most millennials, I was used to meeting people online (e.g., apps like Tinder) long before quarantine. In the last year or so, I’d say most people I’ve dated were from Tinder rather than someone I met at a bar, club, event, etc. Have you defied social distancing orders? Kind of, I guess. Early on, I met a girl on Tinder, and we hit it off. We video called every day and got to know each other. I went to her place and now we’re “quarantining” together. Totally worth it. Many friends questioned my decision, but people shouldn’t be too quick to judge. Do you feel you’re developing stronger emotional connections because of this? Not really. Dating has been taking place on Line, Tinder, etc., long before quarantine, so we’ve been well-prepared. The biggest thing is obviously not being able to go on dates, so I guess it’s easier to forge a deeper emotional connection rather than jumping straight into sex.

How has dating been for you during the pandemic?

Honestly, it’s been hard because you can’t go out to meet anyone. You can’t really [get to] like someone by just texting, “Hey, how are you? Where are you from?” It gets boring after a while, and you lose interest. There are phases where you’re lonely, too.

Dating has always been quite challenging. Adding a deadly pandemic to it, now it’s nearly impossible, mainly because you don’t know when and how you are going to meet up.

Tinder keeps me sane. I’m not looking for something serious right now and neither are my matches so I’m having a good time on the app.

Has it been harder for you to find partners now that you can’t go outside?

Yes, but still, there is only a slight chance (one out of 10 people) for you to find a real connection with someone on dating apps. In order for a relationship to work, you need to be connected emotionally and physically.

Yes, very. I can’t really form a connection with someone by just texting or sending voice messages. You can’t really see their demeanor when you text someone. I think you have to meet someone to really forge a connection, so it’s important for me to meet in person. Do you feel you’re developing stronger emotional connections because of this? For me, It’s like I’m forcing myself to be there with the person I’m texting, but it’s not there. After talking to each other for a while, you want to meet them, and you start to wonder, “What’s his laugh like? Is he a weirdo?” Some people are awkward as shit in real life. Will this influence the way you date postCovid? No, it won’t change. I would still rather go on a proper date and meet them in person instead of texting all the time.

Do you feel you’re developing stronger emotional connections because of this?

Have you defied social distancing orders? I’m aware of social distancing but when it comes to spending some quality time with my loved ones, I’m willing to bend the rules. Tell us some juicy stories. How’s the sex life?

Has it been harder for you to find partners now that you can’t go outside? Dating has never been difficult for hot girls like us, ka. Do you feel you’re developing stronger emotional connections because of this? Yes, in theory. But I’m having a hard time connecting with people on an emotional level, because most of my matches are not good at making conversation and it’s tiring to be the one who keeps the conversation going. Tell us some juicy stories. How’s the sex life?

I stayed with my “not boyfriend” at his mom’s place for a while. One day, I was performing fellatio on him in the living room and his mom walked in on us.

I was working in a dorm and I got teamed up with this guy. We were cleaning the room together and I got turned on by him. One thing led to another, we ended up having sex in a closet.

How are you staying connected now that you can’t really Netflix and chill?

If that person makes me feel comfortable enough, I’d send some nudes to them, or even arrange some kind of a video chat situation to do some “activities” together.

Sending nudes and sexting, of course. I’d do that via Snapchat. It’s safe in a way—you’ll get a notification when someone screenshots your photos and those photos are deleted right after being viewed.