BK Magazine 742 July13, 2018

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Sour Taste Searching for Bangkok’s best sourdough Back in ’Nam From Phu Quoc to Hanoi Fad or Fiction The diets you should be following White Heat Why Bangkok sommeliers bank on Sauvignon Blanc Pancakes forever NO. 742 JUL 13, 2018. www.bkmagazine.com

THE

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SUNDAY BRUNCH Tuck in!

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BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

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Who's in charge?

Managing Director & Publisher Andrew Hiransomboon

cover

Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Digital Director / Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Digital Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Digital Content Assistant Pakchira Bunphol Writers Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj, Dhipkawee Sriyananda Selley Junior Writer Kankanok Wichiantanon

The A-Z of brunch in Bangkok

Art Director Vatanya Bongkotkarn Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Graphic Designers Anunya Chobnitas, Wirankan Saiyasombut Photographer Poonsawat Suttama Video Designer Saranya Laowtrakul Videographer Nattapol Srisukh Junior Video Editor Pattanagorn Adirekkiat Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Managers Tipkritta Chiraporncharas, Orajira Sukkasem Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri Junior Marketing Executive Narabhutr Thaemsiri ASIA CITY STUDIO Managing Editor Dietrich Neu Associate Editor Sureepak Janyapat Senior Project Manager Chayanap Tongdadas Assistant Art Director Ratchprapha Sunthornprasat Project Coordinator Sirinart Panyasricharoen Senior Developers Passzarkorn Youthasoontorn, Wasan Wangrach Writer-Translator Tripop Leelasestaporn Junior Branded Content Writer Chakariya Cheewatara SOIMILK Editor Nathapong Suppavatee Senior Writer Rujiyatorn Choksiriwan Brand Manager Onwara Sittirug Sales Associates Prawpraew Pairohg, Kornkanok Sriwaranant Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Accountant Manita Bangmoung Admin Executive Yaovaluck Srisermsri Contributors Angela Symons, Kathy MacLeod

04 upfront

Politician on bouncing back from ban

08 hit list

Say hello to a new mega sports complex

10

Location Trader Vic’s, Anantara Riverside

calendar

Asia City Media Group

Anderson .Paak brings band to Bangkok

Chief Executive Officer Greg Duncan (gduncan@asiacity.net) Director Gretchen Worth (gworth@asia-city.co.th)

17 food

Healthy diets you can trust

What’s the TAT’s great new idea to keep the tourist dollars rolling in? a Launching designated Oasis sing-along zones along Khaosan Road. b Introducing ask-no-questions five-year visas for international plutocrats. c Creating a sort of “Chiang Rai disaster route” that cashes in on the international PR that comes from having 12 kids stuck in a cave. d Anyone guilty of World Cup gambling will be forced to cook pad Thai for Chinese tourists at Don Muang.

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a Gambling on the World Cup. b Buying beers at 4pm from the old Chinese guy next door to Sehwen who doesn’t care so much about booze laws. c Making bad memes out of that Prayuth Time cover. d Driving home from Thonglor after two bottles of Johnnie Gold.

a You have to pay an entrepreneurial win motosai B300 to take you where you want to go instead. b You have just 1-hour-and-15 minutes before it does. c The TVs on platforms will stop showing ads and automatically switch to reruns of Bupphe Sanniwat. d You get your money back… before walking your ass to the office in the rain.

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 ©2018 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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Over 9,000 people have been arrested this month for the same crime. What?

According to Keeree Kanjanapas, chairman of this city’s transportation network, what happens if your Skytrain takes longer than 30 minutes to arrive?

Where to find us!

latest news and trends

So that’s half of 2018 gone already. Poof. Just like that. And what have we so far accomplished?

Well… we learned what a croquant chou was and… erm… Oh! The new IG TV thingie, we got to grips with using that—though not before accidentally posting a story from the toilet. (Sorry about that). Anyway, here’s what else has been happening. How well have you been paying attention?

a We kept serving banh mi in fluffy brioche instead of crispy baguette. b We got a branch of Korea’s trending fried chicken specialist, Chir Chir Chicken, before they did. They still think BonChon’s cool! (cwl) c The FCCT was set to screen Mother Mushroom, a documentary about locked-up blogger Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh that’s not on the regime’s recommended viewing list. d They were visiting and it took them three hours to get the Skytrain from Siam to Phloen Chit.

Cover photo by Poonsawat Suttama

Bangkok 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

News Quiz

Bangkok angered the Vietnamese regime this month. How?

Interns Apiphusit Jirattitikul, Caria Chanyanuch, Maturin Leethavekulsomboon, Nuttha Kitsopha, Thanita Cholpitakpong, Megan Leon, Wannaporn Bangsuanluang, Valaiporn Chalermlapvoraboon

The Asia City Media Group

03

12

22

travel

drink

Vietnam’s island paradise

The buzz around Sauvignon Blanc

1 The correct answer is (c). Though it was only the second screening they managed to stop.

2 The correct answer is (a), which means the police have just another 8.991 million to catch before they find all of them.

3 The correct answer is (d), and that goes for the Jun 25-27 fiasco too— now go find that ticket.

4 The correct answer is (c). They did (b) a long time ago.

@bkmagazine

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upfront

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

04

HOT OR NOT

CACAO

Once-banned politician talks democracy and why he avoids Thai schooling

Thai cacao recently made its bow on the world stage when Lemuel Chocolate 70% Dark Thailand picked up bronze at the 2018 Academy of Chocolate Awards. Lemuel’s a Singaporean brand, but those beans actually come from Kad Kokoa farm in Chiang Mai, the same folk who’ve just opened a “bean-to-bar cafe” here in Bangkok, on Narathiwat Soi 17.

Is this the Thai Marou?

INTERVIEW

The son of former prime minister Banharn (in power from ‘95-’96), Varawut “Top” Silpa-archa, is back.

The 45-year-old father of three was banned from politics from 2008-2013 when the constitutional court disbanded the Chart Thai Party. As the junta eases its crackdown on political activities imposed since 2014, we chat to Top, who until now has been working as an investment banker and acting as chairman for Suphanburi Football Club.

“We cannot afford to be picky about political colors” THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

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I went to school in England when I was 12.

I’ve been into politics since I was a kid because of my father.

He taught me that nothing is impossible. There is always a solution.

I always knew it was temporary when I was working in banking. I always knew deep down that I would come back to politics.

The Thai education system is “to push.” It is a one-way communication system that force -feeds students.

Teachers don’t always have to be right, but in Thailand, teachers always have to be right.

I don’t send my kids to Thai schools because I want them to think outside the box.

Old people run our country...we need to include the younger generation as well.

I enjoyed freebies as a child. Everyone gave me and my dad freebies because they wanted to satisfy him, but I learned that there is no such thing as a free lunch.

Bangkok is a fun, lively city that represents chaos and a lack of discipline, but that’s what I love about it.

In Thailand I don’t feel free to be who I am.

That’s why I vacation overseas. I want to be able to wear shorts and eat ice cream while walking on the street.

I don’t think I’m a scary person though my kids say otherwise.

The last restaurant I visited was Le Normandie.

When I’m off work, I swim, run or cycle. Whatever you do, always play sports. When you’re angry, just go exercise.

I’m the dad of a national athlete [figure skater]. Sport teaches you to be a good loser and a good winner.

We cannot afford to be picky about political colors. If we are going to rebuild Thailand, we need everybody in on this. Each of us is a brick and we need all of the bricks.

The word “enough” defines rich and poor. It’s not about the amount of money.

In 10 years, Thailand will be better than today.

Sometimes, in order to go forward, you need to pause and go backward a little.

I always encourage my kids to express their feelings, thoughts, and to have new ideas. These are the things I want to see more of in the future in Thailand.

We can’t blame the military for misjudging things because they are not professional politicians.

Democratic societies allow people to freely express their thoughts and beliefs.

Young politicians should have hope. Hope is everything we need in order to move forward.

Some of the articles in the constitution make running this country almost impossible. It’s like when you have one foot on the accelerator and the other on the brake. The motor heats up and you’re going nowhere.

Thais want to see democracy again. But most of all, really, Thai people want the economy to go up.

Food is my one and only guilty pleasure.

Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj, Apiphusit Jirattitikul, Natnicha Tabsanee

WORLD CUP Come Jul 15, the real winner will not be football, but the Bangkok dining public.

No more face-painting lager louts spoiling the mood worse than one of Neymar’s temper tantrums as your favorite restaurant masquerades as a sports bar. That said, we’ll sure miss the knockout chicken-and-beer deal at Bunker.

SINGAPORE One year on from the street-food ban and Bangkok’s answer looks eerily like one of those hawker centers beloved of our southern neighbors. Saphan 55 (see page 22) pledges to move it all indoors where things are safe and clean, while also adding off-road parking for Thonglor’s shiny supercars. We’re thrilled. Now if only the BTS could make like Singapore’s MRT and, you know, work.

PLASTIC Restaurants are saying no to the straw en masse, but convenience stores can’t help placing every small item in a plastic bag. Is that what Bangkokians want? We took to the street to discover the obvious: no, of course not (watch at goo.gl/bS2593). At least you can wave goodbye to disposable coffee cups—Siam’s CoffeeCones (www. fb.com/Coffeeconesthailand) does exactly what the name says.

by Kathy MacLeod (IG: @kathy_macleod)

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cover | let’s brunch

The A-Z

Bangkok’s Best Hotel Brunches ANANTARA RIVERSIDE ANANTARA RIVERSIDE BANGKOK

of Bangkok Sunday Brunch

Where: Benihana, every Saturday from 12pm-3pm Highlights: Japanese staple dishes, including sashimi, sushi and fluffy steamed eggs.

There’s also seafood on ice and teppanyaki at your table.

The beef is succulent and the salmon is perfectly moist.

The price: B1,500; B1,900 with free flow Asahi.

257/1-3 Charoennakorn Rd., 02-476-0022

ANANTARA SIAM NEW CHAMPAGNE SUNDAY BRUNCH

Where: Parichart Court, every Sunday from 11:30am-3pm Highlights: Seafood on ice, sushi, dim sum and Chinese roasts to foie gras dishes, carved meat and live grills.

There’s no charcuterie room anymore, but still a great selection of cold cuts and cheese.

The price: B9,500 for the “Vintage Champagne” package (Taittinger Rose and Vintage Brut); B4,100 for “Regular Champagne” package (Taittinger NV Brut Reserve); B3,250 for sparkling wine and B2,999 without alcohol.

Parichart Court, 155 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-126-8866.

BTS Ratchadamri

CENTARA GRAND AT CENTRALWORLD

Trader Vic’s

A

B

It’s not a buffet (more like an all-you-caneat a la carte deal), but the Intercontinental’s Theo Mio at B1,588 per person including alcohol is an incredible deal. As for buffets, Millennium Hilton’s B2,999 food and booze price is net (includes all taxes and service), while Le Meridien’s La Dolce Vita brunch is even cheaper at B2,400.

“Fatty but flavorless” would sum up most of the brunch-service prime ribs we’ve tasted. At Siam Kempinski’s Sunday Champagne Brunch (B2,400-4,500), however they roast up a huge chunk of rump steak that results in something altogether juicier and worthy of second, third and fourth helpings.

Beef

Affordable

Siam Kempinski

C

Cheese

Theo Mio

Millennium Hilton (see “A” for “Affordable”) isn’t the only place in town to offer a cheese room. At Marriott Sukhumvit’s District Grill (B2,800-4,900 net) and Sofitel Sukhumvit’s Voila (B2,400-4,950) you also get a walk-in selection of brie, comte, tomme de savoie and other stinky treasures.

Plaza Athenee

D

Duck Eggs

Any hard-core bruncher will know that duck eggs beat chicken eggs any day.

Check out the brunch menu at D’Ark, where you can try their tasty Mornay duck eggs, with smoked duck, crispy potato galette and parmesan crisp, smothered in truffle Mornay sauce (B280).

For a Latin alternative, check out Osito’s duck eggs on a skillet with roast beef, sauerkraut, grilled tomato and avocado.

E

F

For the highest-priced brunch in town, make your way to Anantara Siam and ask for the Vintage Champagne package (see “F” for “Free-flow”)— an eye-watering B9,500.

Elsewhere, St. Regis’s B4,950 brunch with free-flow Veuve Clicquot just inches out Plaza Athenee’s B4,872 brunch (free-flow Moët) to become Bangkok’s second-most expensive Sunday feast.

For serious Champagne snobs, Anantara Siam’s Vintage Champagne Package (see “E” for “Expensive”) includes Taittinger Rose and Vintage Brut. Our top tip for the best-priced genuine Champagne package is Centara Grand, where the B3,555 buffet includes free-flow Mumm. If you’re not fussed about Champagne and will settle for sparkling, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit currently has a B999 offer on its freeflow package (B3,499 including the food). Not bad!

Expensive

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BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

Free-flow

DOMINGO FABULOSO SUNDAY BRUNCH

Where: Uno Mas, every first Sunday of the month from 11:30am-2:30pm Highlights: Spanish favorites like croquettes and the grilled suckling pig alongside the usual bounty of lobster, oysters and foie gras.They also have 36-month-cured Joselito ham, ceviche and paella.

The price: B3,555 with freeflow Mumm Champagne 54/F, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, 02-100-6255.

11:30am-2:30pm

DUSIT THANI BEYOND BOUNDARIES BRUNCH

Where: Benjarong, every SatSun from 11:30am-7pm Highlights: À la carte mains like the perfectly pan-fried lamb cutlets and outdoors’ live seafood barbecue (excellent scallops). It’s not the biggest brunch in town, but the seafood station is bountifully stocked with Canadian lobster, Alaskan king crab and oysters.The dessert room is simply vast.

The price: B2,900 for food; B3,600 with free-flow alcohol; B4,900 with Tattinger Champagne. Buy two get one free now through Jul 31.

946 Rama 4 Rd., 02-2009000

GRAND HYATT ERAWAN TABLES GRILL SUNDAY BRUNCH

Where: Tables Grill, every Sunday from 11am-3pm Highlights: Eggs Benedict

with smoked salmon, truffle and hollandaise sauce; panfried foie gras with brioche crumble; Boston lobster Thermidor; sous-vide guinea fowl thigh; and rigatoni gratin. Don’t miss the truffle risotto that’s finished in a parmesan wheel or the lobster bisque.

The price: B3,999 including free-flow Louis Roederer Champagne. B2,800, without alcohol.

494 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-254-1234. BTS Ratchadamri

HOLIDAY INN INDIAN SUNDAY BRUNCH

Where: Maya, every Sunday 11:30am-3pm Highlights: Tandoori chicken, chole bhature (spicy chickpeas with fried bread) and various kebabs, as well as unlimited coffee, tea and lassi. They also do seafood, pasta and sashimi.

The price: B942 1 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-683-4888. BTS Phrom Phong

INTERCONTINENTAL THEO MIO WEEKEND BRUNCH

Where: Theo Mio, every weekend from 11:30am-2pm Highlights: Free-flow antipasti like Caesar salad, tomato bruschetta, octopus salad and desserts like lemon tart and tiramisu.

Opt for one main dish from choices including porchetta (roasted pork belly), beef lasagne and pizza. The already-low price includes free-flow wine and alcohol.

The price: B1,588 973 Phloen Chit Rd., 02656-0444. BTS Chit Lom

BUBBLY SUNDAY BRUNCH

Where: Espresso, every Sunday from noon-3pm Highlights: Maine lobster, Pacific and Fine de Claire oysters, Australian and New Zealand mussels, Alaskan and Chilean crab, tiger, river and French prawns and langoustines, Japanese-grade sashimi, caviar, Chinese fish maw, wagyu ribs, foie gras and Australian lamb cutlets.

The price: B4,199 includes free-flow Champagne, B3,199 with sparkling wine or B1,999 for food and soft drinks.

973 Phloen Chit Rd., 02656-0444. BTS Chit Lom

BANGKOK MARRIOTT MARQUIS QUEEN’S PARK GOJI KITCHEN + BAR SUNDAY BRUNCH

Where: Goji Kitchen + Bar, every Sunday from 11:45am-2:30pm Highlights: Oysters, seafood, cheese, cold cuts, foie gras and steaks. They’ve also got Peking duck and tomahawk steak.

The price: B2,199 for food only; B2,316 with soft drinks; B2,757 with free-flow beer; B3,318 with beer and wine.

199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02059-5999. BTS Asok

* All prices are plus service and tax unless stated “net”

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the list | avenue G

I

We had a word with the head chef at J.W. (see “R” for “Reader’s Choice”), who said he gets through over 130 plates (or 8-10kg) of pan-fried foie gras every Sunday. Times that by about 20 for every five-star hotel in Bangkok offering foie gras at their Sunday buffet and you have a vegetarian’s worst nightmare.

We love Indian brunches. In fact they might just be our absolute favorite—just go easy on the naan if you want to stay awake in the afternoon. Maya at Holiday Inn costs a pocket-friendly B800-1,200 per person, Rang Mahal B990-B1,790 net and Punjab Grill B1,000-1,600 net.

Goose liver

JW Marriott

Indian

H

Hangover As boozy brunches go, the new one at Park Hyatt’s Penthouse (B1,990-2,990) takes some beating. For one, they serve a knock-out punch in the main grill room, but that’s not the main attraction.

Upstairs, they turn the bar into a games room complete with freeflow gin and tonics and a virtual-reality arcade.

Too bad it’s just once a month.

J

Jazz

With its stage complete with baby grand piano, The Living Room at Sheraton Grande makes maybe the finest live jazz joint for Sunday brunch in town (B2,5003,499). Brunch here actually spans three restaurants—though call and book a seat in The Living Room if you want to take in the live music.

Penthouse Bar

K

Kids

The five-star hotel digs and a dedicated children’s corner (complete with magician and clown) at Shangri-La make brunch at Next2 Cafe one of Bangkok’s most family-friendly options. It’ll set you back B2,300 through Sep (regular price B2,888), while kids under 12 dine half price.

M

Maine Lobster

No decent seafood tower should be without a steady supply of lobster. If feasting on imported Maine lobster is all you want and you don’t care about booze, then Intercon’s Bubbly Sunday Brunch is among the cheapest at B2,590 net (drink packages take the price to B4,199). The Sukhothai (B3,000-4,500) and Okura Prestige (B2,600-3,900) also do all-you-can-eat Maine lobster.

N

Nitro Brew

If you’re still bleary-eyed come brunch time, then a good cup of nitro brew is sure to set you straight. Aussie-inspired Kaizen Coffee Co. is a chic all-white enterprise that serves up a range of nitrogen-brewed concoctions, plus brunch favorites like bacon and eggs on ciabatta or tomatoes, avocado and feta on sourdough. If you’re not too peckish, then why not try your eggs in liquid form with nitro-specialist Eureka’s cold-brew salted egg latte (B120)?

L

Leftovers

We’ll leave this one to the dearly departed Mr. Bourdain: “Buzzword here, 'Brunch Menu'. Translation? 'Old, nasty odds and ends… a horrible, cynical way of unloading leftovers and charging three times as much as you ordinarily charge for breakfast."

O

P

If you want to gorge on oysters then you can’t beat a five-star hotel buffet. Rain Tree Cafe at The Athenee Hotel lays on an impressive array of fresh seafood, including Fines de Claire, Belon, Irish and US oysters plus a whole lot more (B2,400). For something a little more laid back, get a taste of The Big Easy at Bourbon Street Restaurant & Oyster Bar, where they serve fresh, grilled and traditional Bienville oysters (B285).

You do realize B3,990 is actually B4,668 after service charge and VAT? A couple years back, when we polled hotel managers and restaurant owners on how much of the 10-percent service charge goes to staff, we also found that only half of it does.

Oysters

Plus Plus

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BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

MARRIOTT SUKHUMVIT SUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE DISTRICT GRILL ROOM & BAR

Where: The District Grill, every Sunday from 11:30am-3pm Highlights: Steak, seafood, house-cured salmon, a room dedicated to cheese and all the other buffet favorites. You can order some of the restaurant’s signature dishes from the à la carte menu, including mushroom risotto, seared wild Hokkaido scallops, duck leg confit, crab legs, Norwegian salmon and grilled Australian lamb chops.

The price: B2,800 net; B3,700 net with free-flow alcohol; B4,900 net with Champagne.

2 Sukhumvit Soi 57, 02797-0000. BTS Thonglor

LE MERIDIEN LA DOLCE VITA BRUNCH

Where: Latest Recipe, every Sunday from noon-2:30pm Highlights: French Provencal and Mediterranean dishes, with the occasional live Asian cooking station.

The menu features à la minute show dishes like pan-fried foie gras, strawberry risotto, freshly-made Italian pizza and pasta as well as a variety of seafood, sashimi, sushi and a healthy salad corner.

The price: B1,700 net (Sun); B2,400 with free-flow alcohol. (Mon-Sat B900/person for food only) 40/5 Surawong Rd., 02-232-8888

MILLENNIUM HILTON BRUNCH ON THE RIVER

Where: Flow, every Sunday from noon-4pm Highlights: Selections from the hotel’s restaurants including seafood and foie gras from Flow international restaurant, meaty options from Prime steakhouse and dim sum from Yuan Chinese restaurant. You also get free access to the cheese room, which stores more than 40 varieties.

The price: B2,200 net; B2,999 net with free-flow alcohol 123 Charoennakorn Rd., 02-442-2000. Free shuttle boat from BTS Saphan Taksin

OKURA PRESTIGE UP & ABOVE SUNDAY BRUNCH

Where: Up & Above, every Sunday from noon-3pm Highlights: Foie gras (torchon and pan seared), wagyu beef, oysters, spider crab, sashimi, sushi, salads and charcuterie, à la minute pasta, Thai curries and finger food, real cheese, and more desserts than you’ll ever get through.

The price: B2,600; B3,300 with free-flow sparkling; B3,900 with Champagne.

57 Wireless Rd., 02-6879000. BTS Phloen Chit

PARK HYATT COME HOME TO #MYPENTHOUSESUNDAYS

Where: Penthouse Bar + Grill, every first Sun of the month noon-4pm Highlights: Smoky, flamegrilled côte de boeuf with gooey mac and cheese; freshly made beef tartare; Canadian specials like whole-roast salmon and poutine (on rotation); Fine de Claire oysters; wagyu stew cannelloni; awesome G&T bar; virtual-reality gaming.

The price: B1,990 for food; B2,990 with free-flow alcohol; B4,400 with Besserat Champagne.

Central Embassy, 88 Wireless Rd., 02-012-1234

PLAZA ATHENEE GOURMET SUNDAY BRUNCH

Where: The Rain Tree Cafe, every Sunday from noon3:30pm Highlights: Seafood on ice (including three types of oyster), caviar, Peking duck, cheese, dim sum, chocolate fondue, mango sticky rice. À la carte entrees include pan-seared foie gras, truffle scrambled egg and lobster bisque.

The price: B2,400, B3,577 for free-flow sparkling; B4,872 with free-flow Moët & Chandon.

SUPER SOCIAL SUNDAY

Where: The Reflexions, every Sunday from noon-3pm Highlights: French dishes with premium ingredients— foie gras, lobster, live oysters and lamb. There are more than 20 dishes on the à la carte menu including cheese and dessert.

The price: B3,888 per person; B6,588 with free-flow alcohol 61 Wireless Rd., 02-6508800.

PULLMAN BANGKOK GRANDE SUKHUMVIT SUNDAY BRUNCH, SUNDAY’S BEST

Where: Atelier, every Sunday from noon-3pm Highlights: Alaskan king crab, fresh French oysters, sushi and sashimi, foie gras, lamb chops, Beijing roast duck, suckling pig, paella and a variety of cheese.

The price: B1,899 including free-flow soft drinks; B2,599 with free-flow alcohol.

30 Sukhumvit Soi 21 (Asoke), 02-204-4000.

BTS Asoke

RADISSON BLU THE BIG BLU BRUNCH

Where: Twenty-Seven Bites, every Sunday noon-3.30pm Highlights: The live cooking stations serve up tender roast meats and fresh pastas, while seafood picks include Alaskan king crab and river prawns.

The price: B1,950 per person; B2,189 with free-flow sparkling.

2/F, Radisson Blu Plaza, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-3023333. BTS Asoke

* All prices are plus service and tax unless stated “net”

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cover | let’s brunch Q

R

When Marriott took over the biggest hotel in Bangkok (an astounding 1,287 rooms), they furnished it with the well-priced buffet stylings of Goji Terrace, whose Sunday brunch at B2,199 makes a delicious feast.

JW Marriott’s Sunday service walked away with the “Best Brunch” category in our Readers’ Choice Awards earlier this year. A lineup of sashimi, curries and prime rib (FYI any Brits reading: best Yorkshire puds in town), supplemented by that essential of any award-winning Bangkok brunch—the a la minute pan-fried foie gras station.

Queen’s Park

www.afteryoudessertcafe.com

T

Toast

Suckling pig

Head to Tang Jai Yoo for an oldschool Teochew take on classic suckling pig (B1,800). Endorsed by the late, great Anthony Bourdain, this dish is not for the squeamish as it comes replete with snout, eyes and ears intact. With a Lazy Susan table setup, this is the perfect spot for pigging out with a big group of friends.

It may seem like going back to brunch basics but the toast at After You Dessert Cafe is anything but simple. The super-buttery honey toast (picture a giant slab of bread several inches tall) comes topped with vanilla ice cream and a side of whipped cream, whilst there are equally decadent variations with nutella, matcha, strawberries or even cheddar cheese.

V

There’s cheap, and then there’s cheapest. Indian buffets like Maya and Rang Mahal (see “I” for Indian) represent an absolute bargain. For an international buffet, turn up to Le Meridien on a Saturday instead of Sunday and food costs B900 rather than B1,700.

While most brunches tend to happen in riverside terraces and lobby lounges, we do have some excellent recommendations for sky-high views: Okura Prestige (24th floor and with an outdoor balcony overlooking Phloen Chit), Uno Mas (55th floor and in a stunning open-air space); and St. Regis (only the 12th floor but looking straight onto the Royal Bangkok Sports Club).

Where: Next2 Cafe, every Sunday 11-3pm Highlights: Salads, cheeses, sausages, foie gras, fresh seafood, sushi and sashimi, along with barbecued pork, seared beef tenderloin, roasted lamb and beef leg.

Asian food spans curries to dim sum, while the Italian kitchen dishes out housemade pasta and pizza.

The price: B2,888 net with soft drinks; B4,766 net with free-flow alcohol.

250 Sukhumvit Rd., 02649-8888

With a crispy shell, a fluffy inside, and a surface that’s perfect for retaining syrup, waffles simply can’t be beaten as a brunch staple. Ink & Lion pairs its award-winning coffee (from B75) with fresh butter waffles (B155) for a winning brunch combo. For a savory take, Brooklyn Baker’s thick American-style buttermilk waffle is served with supercrispy chicken breast and a sunny sideup egg (B275, weekends only).

China House

X

X.O. Sauce

For a Cantonese brunch with class, head to the Mandarin Oriental, where China House (B1,000-1,500) stands apart for its dim sum feast and sultry dining space.

Z

Zero-Waste

If sashimi ranks highest on your buffet priorities, then head to Okura Prestige (B2,600-3,900, also see “V” for “Views”). With the fresh fish supplied by its on-site kaiseki restaurant, Yamazato—who in turn get it from Tsukiji—it’s some of the best in town.

SHANGRI-LA SUNDAY BRUNCH WITH A BREEZE

Where: The Living Room jazz bar, Rossini’s Italian restaurant and Basil Thai restaurant every Sunday from noon-3pm Highlights: Foie gras, traditional beef and lamb roasts, seafood like oysters, king crab, sushi and sashimi. The Indian curries and Chinese dim sum are also excellent.

The price: B2,500; B3,499 with free-flow alcohol.

Waffles

Yamazato

26/F, Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok, 19 Sukhumvit Soi 18, 02-261-7100.

SUNDAY JAZZY BRUNCH

W

Y

Where: Rang Mahal, every Sunday from 11:30am-2pm Highlights: Indian food in all its glory: curries, grilled meat, fried pastries, sweets, drinks and all with stunning views over the city. Rang Mahal also does some of the best kebabs in town. The garlic naan bread here is a sure-fire show-stopper.

The price: B990 net; B1,790 net with free-flow alcohol.

SHERATON GRANDE SUKHUMVIT

Views

Bangkok-based food-waste expert Benjamin Lephilibert, managing director of Lightblue Consulting, reckons hotels create anywhere from 25-40-percent waste from all the food they purchase. Think about that the next time you’re going up for more crab’s legs cos you can’t be bothered to get at the tricky flesh. To get on board with the zero-waste revolution, head to Haoma, whose brunch dishes are filled with ingredients from their urban farm and whose vegetable-peel cocktails take on a no-vegetable-left-behind mentality.

INDIAN SUNDAY BRUNCH

89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, 02-236-7777. BTS Saphan Taksin

U

Under B1,000

REMBRANDT

Readers’ Choice

JW Marriott

S

SIAM KEMPINSKI SUNDAY CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH

Where: Brasserie Europa, every Sun 12:30-4pm Highlights: Seafood includes three kinds of oysters and Canadian lobster; the pasta station whipping up truffle-mushroom spaghetti in a parmesan wheel; a huge lineup of pink hued desserts; a list of à la carte mains including wagyu beef medallions with foie gras.

The roast beef is some of the most succulent and juicy we’ve tasted.

The price: B2,400 for food; B3,399 with free-flow alcohol; B4,500 including Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV. 991/9 Rama I Rd., 02-1629000

SOFITEL BANGKOK SUKHUMVIT MAGNIFIQUE MOÉT & CHANDON SUNDAY BRUNCH

Haoma

08

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

Where: Voila, every Sunday from noon-3pm Highlights: Stations of appetizers, seafood on ice and a Japanese counter as well as pass-around

treats such as pan-fried French foie gras, white New Zealand snapper in black bean sauce, and braised Australian wagyu beef. The cheese room.

The price: B2,400 net; B3,950 net with wine, cocktails and Chandon; B4,950 net with Louis Roederer Champagne.

189 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-126-9999. BTS Nana

ST. REGIS VIU SUNDAY BRUNCH

Where: Viu, every Sunday from 12:30-3:30pm Highlights: Foie gras, seafood on ice and cheese as well as à la carte dishes like smoked salmon eggs benedict, grilled Boston lobster, or beef tenderloin Rossini sliders with truffle mayo. Imported meats like French free-range chicken, Italian sausages, the huge range of cheese, lobster Thermidor and a caviar station.

The price: B2,850, B3,750 with alcohol, B4,950 with Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

159 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-207-7777. BTS Ratchadamri

U SATHORN SUNDAY BRUNCH AT J’AIME

Where: J’Aime, last Sunday of the month from noon3pm Highlights: Razor clams and clams en gelée with savoy cabbage and sea urchin cream, pan-seared rock lobster with mushroom duxelles and truffled foam, slow cooked pork belly with carrot purée and roasted apples and Mille-feuille “napoleon”.

The price: B2,499 for food.

Add B999 for free-flow prosecco; add B2,999 for Louis Roederer Champagne.

105/1 Soi Ngam Duphli, Sathorn Rd., 02-119-4899

THE SUKHOTHAI COLONNADE’S SUNDAY BRUNCH

Where: Colonnade, every Sunday noon-3pm Highlights: A five-pagelong list of international buffet dishes covers Maine lobster, Japanese king crab, oysters, foie gras, foie gras terrine and steaks.

The price: B3,000 for food only; B4,500 with free-flow Champagne.

13/3 Sathorn Rd., 02-3448888. MRT Lumphini

W BANGKOK W DOES BRUNCH

Where: The Kitchen Table, every first Saturday of the month from 12:30-4:00pm Highlights: A massive lineup of cheese, cold cuts, carved meats, seafood and dessert. The fun cocktail offerings include the hotel’s take on gin and tonic, mimosa, classic margarita and Woohito.

The price: B2,500; B3,300 with free-flow alcohol.

106 Sathorn Rd., 02-3444000. BTS Chong Nonsi

* All prices are plus service and tax unless stated “net”

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7/5/18 12:27 PM

hit list | 9 new reasons to love bangkok

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

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01

Bangkok’s new mega sports complex is a fitness fanatic’s dream

GYMS

Thailand’s largest-ever sports complex, Stadium One, is not just for fitness freaks. The massive, 17,250-sq-meter space features a whopping 129 sports retail stores and a five-story “Active Box” zone, which is packed with fitness centers offering everything from weight rooms, yoga and Zumba classes to spin and boxing sessions. Highlights include CrossOver, a gym that specializes in High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT); RSM Academy Muay Thai arena; and the 2,000-sq-meter One Arena, which is set to host tournaments, equipment sales and flea markets. On top of all that, there are countless restaurants, cafes, spas and even hotels, making Stadium One feel more like a lifestyle space than a straight-up sports zone. With Bangkok undergoing a fitness boom in recent years, this new project is really taking things up a level. Chulalongkorn Soi 4, 097-0311222. Open daily 24 hours

Stadium One

NUMEROLOGY

Here’s how Bangkokians splash their salary—according to shopping search engine Priceza

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Hitlist Shopping BK742 July13_18 04_New.indd 10

STYLE

CO-WORKING

TECH

02 Off-White is opening a

03 Check out Bangkok’s

04 Finally! A tracker that

flagship Bangkok store

Off-White fans rejoice! The Italian street-wear label is coming to Bangkok this September. Not much information has been released yet, but the brand has started an official Bangkok Instagram account that just announced a store will be opening in Siam Paragon. Founded by Ghanaian-American creative designer Virgil Abloh in Milan, Italy in 2012, the high-end brand specializes in men’s and women’s clothing, with current designs ranging from graphic T-shirts, hoodies and other accessories featuring the brand’s trademarked bold stripes, as well as its name “White”. Instagram: @ off__white__bangkok

Shop Talk How to spend your hard -earned baht.

vibrant new co-working space

Say hello to JustCo, a new Singapore-born co-working space occupying two floors of AIA Sathorn Tower, with Scandi-chic furniture, exposed brick walls and edgy neon lights. “JustDesk Basic” (B990/month) gives you access to the shared workspace once a month, “JustDesk Unlimited” (B3,900/month) offers you unlimited monthly access to the shared workspace, “JustDesk Dedicated” (B6,900/month) lets you have your own desk, while “JustStudio” (B7,500/ month) offers you an exclusive studio space. 9/F, AIA Sathorn Tower, Sathorn Rd., 02-055-8606. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-6pm

BUY IT THOM BROWNE SS18 EYEWEAR COLLECTION Timeless and classy, these retro-inspired, glasses (B24,800 at shops nationwide) still keep things sleek and modern, plus they’re made from premium Japanese acetate.

goes with your business suit What: Garmin Vivomove HR Black Rose Gold Price: B7,790 Who’s it for: Style-conscious techies Why? A unisex hybrid smartwatch that blends traditional watch design with contemporary fitness tracking, you say? Sounds pretty good to us. Garmin’s latest rose gold iteration features a touchscreen with a nicely disguised display—its precision hands will automatically move away as you swipe to check your messages and monitor your wellness, including heart rate, calories and stress levels. It’s waterproof up to 50 meters, too. www.garmin.co.th

BARGAIN BIN IT LONGCHAMP LE PLIAGE BAG Everyone is toting it, including moms, aunties, grandmas, and probably your eighth grade homeroom teacher, so why should you?

RED APPLE SANDALS Birkenstocks may be a hipster wardrobe essential, but B3,000 is just too much. These Red Apple sandals look just as good— and at B180, they’re a steal.

7/6/18 9:14 PM

ADVERTORIAL

7 SHOPPING STEALS WE CAN'T

WAIT TO GET OUR HANDS ON AT THIS MASSIVE MID-YEAR SALE GET READY TO NAB YOUR FAVORITE CLOTHING, SHOES, ACCESSORIES AND GADGETS AT DROP-DEAD PRICES. REALLY, WE’RE TALKING UP TO 80% OFF HERE. Even rational and intellectual people need a moment or two during the year when they turn pure shopaholic. What better excuse to do that than one of the biggest mid-year sales of the year? Let’s face facts: 1) no one can resist a good shopping spree, and 2), you don’t want to blow through your whole savings at the same time. With our ultimate guide and your ultimate wallet, here’s a journey through all the must-have items (sold up to 80% off) at the massive Siam OMGs Mid-Year Sale until July 31.

CLOTHES Going through the mid-year season requires a new look. The easiest change anyone can make (no, not a face lift) is buying new clothes. Pomelo fans have a lot of options here, but none beat this flower-dotted kimono (normally B1,690, now B507) to add some oriental charm to your look. If you’re into streetwear, grab this Singha Life shirt (from B1,290, now B645). Both available at Siam Center.

SHOES Shoes aren’t just foot protection, they convey your character (even social status) and personal tastes, but you don’t have to burn a hole in your wallet to get chic fashion footwear. While a pair of strap sandals from Nine West will normally set you back B4,900, here you can grab them for B1,470. The same goes to these golden spike heels from Villian SF—normally B5,990, now B1,797. You can snag both of them at M/F Siam Discovery.

TOILETRIES Long days can take a lot of our you, so make sure to give your body a chance to revitalize in the morning with shower gels from Bath & Body (normally B690, now B345) and Yves Rocher (normally B249, now B124.50)—excellent daily cleansers with soothing and relaxing fragrances.

Both available at M/F Siam Center.

GADGETS The world never stops spinning, and these days technological advancement in our gadgets is what we thrive for. Music-fanatics can go for bluetooth earphones from Air by Crazybaby (normally B4,490 to B3,990). Available at 2/F Siam Discovery.

Exclusive! When spending up to B5,000, you can get a Siam Gift Card worth B1,000.

There’s also extra rewards when you buy promotional items at each of the following venues and follow the specific terms and conditions: Siam Center: Free Siam gift card Siam Discovery: Siam gift card and one-year Siam Car Park pass Siam Paragon: Siam gift card, one-year Siam Paragon Car Park pass and an IHOP voucher There's also cash back credit of up to 20 percent (terms and conditions apply) for any one using credit cards from Aeon, Bangkok Bank, Citibank, KBank, Krungsri, KTC, SCB, Thanachart and UOB.

hit list | calendar

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

12

Nightlife Live Lounge BKK, Sukhumvit Soi 13, 02-168-7335. B300 on Ticketmelon/B400 on the door.

04

This is Bangkok’s best hip-hop news since forever

SAMADHI SOUND PRESENTS: A NIGHT OF HYPNOTIC ART AND MUSIC Interactive art installations and hypnotic sounds from DJs EDiBLE, Eddy Frampton, Elaheh and DOTT. Jul 14, 9pm. Thonglor Art Space, 58/14-15 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 095-924-4555.

B420-B550 includes 1 drink.

STARLIGHT SATURDAY: ART OF TONES AND SOULD OUT French DJ and jazz musician Llorca (Art of Tones) presents classy, groovy beats to The Club at Koi, supported by Mexican star Sould Out. Jul 14, 9pm. The Club at Koi, 39 F/L Sathorn Square Building, 98 North Sathorn Rd., 02-1082000. Free.

WHAT SO NOT | BEAM Coachella headliner and former duo with record producer Flume, DJ What So Not, will take over the turntable and perform hit tracks like “Gemini”, “Jaguar” and “High You Are”. Jul 19, 9pm. Beam, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-7750. B500 on Ticketmelon.

HIP-HOP HOORAY

The California-hailing rapper Anderson .Paak and his full band The Free Nationals will take to Bangkok’s Voice Space stage on Jul 23. Following the massive success of his 2014 contemporary-funk album Venice, .Paak has also gained recognition for his collaboration with the Canadian music producer Kaytranada on “Glowed Up” and his work “Bloody Waters” from the Black Panther soundtrack, with Ab-Soul and James Blake. Tickets are B1,800 on Ticketmelon.

SUGAR CLUB PRESENTS: DJCJ FROM LOS ANGELES From EDM to hip-hop and everything in between, Los Angeles-based DJCJ is flying into Bangkok for a rocking, bass-heavy party. Jul 19, 10pm. Sugar, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 061-391-3111. B200-300 includes 1 drink.

Jul 23, 8:30pm. Voice Space, BBD Building, 197 Viphavadi Rangsit Rd., 02-650-6000.

Concerts

ATTENTION SEEKING

06 Charlie Puth says

“See You Again” to Bangkok

KEEP IT CLEAN

05 British electro trio

Clean Bandit confirm gig Known for their classical-infused pop hits like “Rather Be” and “Rockabye,” Clean Bandit will perform at Bangkok’s Impact Arena on Aug 22. Fans can expect to hear hits from their 2014 album New Eyes and 2013’s 3 EP, including singles featuring the likes of Julia Michaels, Jess Glynne, Sean Paul and Anne-Marie. An upcoming album is also reportedly in the works. Tickets are B1,900 or B2,600 on ThaiTicketMajor.

Aug 22, 8:30pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4445.

As part of his Voicenotes tour in Asia, American pop singer Charlie Puth will perform live at Impact Arena on Oct 29. Fans can expect to hear funky-pop beats like “Attention” and “How Long” from his recently released second album, Voicenotes.

Ticket presale begins Jul 6 at 10am and full sale on Jul 7 at 10am via Live Nation.

Oct 29, 7:30pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-8334445.

DIVA INCOMING

Mariah Carey is coming back to Bangkok

Calendar BK 742_Jul 13_18_new.indd 12

Fresh-faced concert promoter Teddy Time is set to bring warbling queen-bee Mariah Carey to Bangkok’s Bitec Bangna this Nov 9. The concert will form part of a wider Asia tour, with stops including Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo and Singapore. There’s no new album out—in fact, the tour’s being touted in support of Carey’s 2015 compilation album, #1 To Infinity—which bodes well for hearing all the tunes you came for: “Visions of Love,” “Emotions,” “Hero,” “Heartbreak” and so many

more. The singer’s wide five-octave vocal range, power and style made her one of the most successful artists of the 1990s, selling the most number one singles of any solo artist in history. Aside from her commercial accomplishments, Carey has also won five Grammy Awards. Carey last performed here to a sell-out crowd in 2014. Ticket information and sales are not yet announced, but be sure to keep an eye on out ThaiTicketMajor.

DAUGHTRY LIVE IN BANGKOK Formed by American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry, this rock band is making their Bangkok debut to perform hit songs like “It’s Not Over”, “Home” and “Over You”. Jul 15, 8pm.

Bangkok Convention Centre, Central Plaza Ladprao, 1693 Phahonyothin Rd., 02793-6000. B2,000/3,000 on Thaiticketmajor.

CELINE DION The Canadian pop sensation will have the crowd weeping to classics like “All By Myself,” “Because You Loved Me” and Titanic’s infamous “My Heart Will Go On.” Jul 23. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455.

B2,000 on Thaiticketmajor.

BK Pick HONNE Having made a name for themselves through hit singles like “Someone that Loves You” and “It Ain’t Wrong Loving You,” British electro-pop duo, Honne, return to play at the already sold-out Mangosteen Music Festival in Bangkok. Jul 25 & 26, 6:30pm. GMM Live House, 8/F, CentralWorld, 999/1 Rama 1 Rd., 02-1016881. Sold-out.

Theater & Dance ZENJIRO AT RAW COMEDY Multilingual Japanese comedian and actor, Yoshimoto Zenjiro, will be wielding English language in this savvy stand-up show. Jul 13, 9pm.

SWING LATINO’S COLOMBIAN SALSA CLASSES The Embassy of Colombia presents two classes of Colombian salsa for both beginners and intermediate levels.

Register by messaging @ rumpuree on Line with your name, email, phone number and class level. Beginners (3:30pm-4:30pm) / Intermediate (4:45pm-5:45pm). Jul 14, Helix Garden, EmQuartier, 693 Sukhumvit Rd. Free.

Classical TRANSFIGURED NIGHT The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra performs Schoenberg’s masterpiece Transfigured Night, along with Leos Janacek’s From the House of the Dead and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3, joined

by Taiwanese piano soloist Ting-Chia Hsu. Jul 13, 7pm & Jul 14, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University, 999 Phuttamonthon 4 Rd., Salaya, 084-965-65. B400-1500 on Thaiticketmajor.

PIANO RECITAL BY SAN JITTAKARN Thai pianist San Jittakarn will perform classic pieces from Scarlatti, Chopin, Debussy, Gershwin and Schumann.

Jul 15, 4pm. Sala Sudasiri Sobha, Ladprao Soi 41, 02-541-8662. B700.

Art KALEIDOSCOPE: THROUGH MY LENS A photography exhibition celebrating diversity among the LGBTQ community in Thailand, captured by 25 local photographers. Through Jul 22. Woof Pack Space, 1/3-9 Sala Daeng Soi 1, 089-8262299. Free.

THE SECRET NOT SECRET (COLOURFUL COLOURYO 3) Artist Yotaka Jullobol illustrates the truth behind secret sexual lives of women through painting and sculptures, using her own unique “Colouryo” style. Through Jul 31. 333 Gallery, 3/F, River City Shopping Center, Yotha Rd., 081-845-1371. Free.

ONLY FOR “THE DEAD ON DUTY?”

BY NARAPHAT SAKARTHORNSAP A series of photographs by Naraphat Sakarthonsap which reflect the discrimination and inequality within military compounds, using commemorative funeral floral arrangements to honor lives lost.

Through Aug 19. 1Projects, 672/63 Charoenkrung Soi 28, 081-699-5298. Free PERSPECTIVES: A SATI EXHIBITION This collaborative project between SATI volunteers and artists Virunan Chiddaycha, Chatchawan Jantachotibutr, Ekalak Klunsin and Nong Som seeks to examine the human psyche by questioning how we see others? how we see ourselves and how society sees us. Through Aug 26.

CASE Space Revolution, 2/F, Broccoli Revolution, 899 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-662-5002.

>>

7/6/18 9:16 PM

ADVERTORIAL

Catch of the Season

Nutrition-filled wild Alaskan Salmon now available at The Dock.

One of Bangkok’s most well-established seafood restaurants, The Dock, is unveiling three special new dishes as their Catch of the Season—all highlighting wild salmon from Alaska. Known for its firm texture, rich flavour, and high nutrition content, Alaskan salmon is arguably the best salmon money can buy.

Here’s what you can expect to enjoy at The Dock: ALASKAN SALMON & PASSION FRUIT CREAM CHEESE ON TOAST (B290) The perfect blend between salty and sweet, the marinated salmon flesh is grilled to perfection and placed on top of grilled toast with cream cheese and passion fruit for some tang and sweetness.

PESTO ALASKAN SALMON & SPAGHETTI (B390) Chow down on fresh-made, springy al dente spaghetti with a slightly salty pesto sauce, which matches perfectly with the sweet flavour and firm texture of charred aburi salmon—torched, Japanese style.

GRILLED ALASKAN SALMON TACOS WITH AVOCADO SALSA (B450) Big parties can order this tortilla set to share.

The plate comes with tender, flavourful salmon—marinated to ensure crispy texture when cooked—and creamy mayonnaise served alongside authentic homemade guacamole.

The Alaskan Salmon menu is available throughout July and August at all branches of The Dock Seafood Bar by Thammachart Seafood and at The Ocean Bar at Central Chidlom. Whole Alaskan Salmon is also available at Thammachart Seafood counters at Gourmet Market (Paragon, Emporium, Emquartier), Central Food Hall (Chidlom, Bangna) and Tops Market (Pinklao, Thonglor)

WHAT MAKES ALASKAN SALMON SO DELICIOUS? Alaskan salmon are highly sought after for their firm, meaty texture and sweet flavour. But why do they taste so good?

FOLLOW US AT

WILD AND FREE Free-swimming fish always have better muscle structure. They spend their entire lives swimming against sea currents and living off natural food sources. This is what gives wild salmon unparalleled texture and taste.

TheDockSeafood

thedockseafood

NUTRITION POWERHOUSE Putting taste aside, these wild fish are extremely nutritious. They are absolutely packed with Omega-3 fatty acids and consuming them once or twice per week can help improve health and prolong your life. www.thedockseafoodbar.com

ONLY THE BEST Alaskan Salmon are only harvested at peak times during the summer to ensure that their quality and unique texture are at their absolute best.

www.thammachartseafood.com

hit list | calendar

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

“MYTHICAL & MAGICAL LATIN AMERICA” EXHIBITION A selection of “mythical and magical” paintings by art masters Claudio Roncoli (Argentina) and Marcelo Eco (Brazil).

Through Aug 30. Galerie Adler, 373/2 Charoen Krung Soi 45, 02-106-8495. Free.

07

Snap happy: Photo Bangkok Festival is back

SAMADHI BY PATRIK BUDENZ Berlin-based photographer Patrik Budenz fuses absolute realism and transcendence in his black and white portraits of monks, taken in the forest temples of Northern Thailand.

Through Aug 31. Cinema Oasis, 4 Sukhumvit Soi 43, 02-258-7376. Free.

14

Sports SEUB RUN FOR HOME OF WILDLIFE 2018 Organized by Sankha Saen Sadi Foundation, all proceeds from this charity run will go towards education on and conservation of wildlife. Distances are 3km and 10km. Jul 15, 5am. Suan Luang, Rama 9 Rd.,(Dao Marueng Gate).

B600 on www.berving.com GIVE CHARITY RUN Run for a cause at the third edition of Give Charity Run. All proceeds will go to The Mirror Foundation based in Northern Thailand. Distances are 5km at B550 and 10km at B850. Register online at www. run-rhythm.com. Jul 15, 6am.

Lumpini Park, 192 Wireless Rd, Khwaeng Lumphini, 085494-1212.

Market

PICTURE THIS

Photo Bangkok Festival is back from Jul 5 - Sep 9. Providing a platform for photographers to exhibit their works, the festival will also bring various workshops, special events and screenings to venues across Bangkok, including the Goethe Foundation, Atta Gallery, S.A.C., Tentacles, The Jam Factory and more. The non-profit event was established in 2015 by Piyatat Hemmatat and Manit Sriwanichpoom in the hopes to inspire and encourage more people to work together within the photography community. Check out the full list of exhibitions on www.photobangkokfestival.com.

DUSADEE HUNTRAKUL - THERE ARE MORE MONSOON SONGS ELSEWHERE Thai artist Dusadee Huntrakul will exhibit a series of hyper-real drawings of Ban Chiang bracelets dated back to 3,000 years ago, plus various photographs, ceramics and a sculpture installation designed

by Naroot Pitisongswat of Flo Furniture. Through Sep 23.

100 Tonson Gallery, 100 Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Rd., 02-0105813. Free.

Film (Opened Jul 4)

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP (USA) Action. Having to balance between being both a superhero and a father, AntMan (Scott Lang) is given a new mission which leads him to fight alongside The Wasp to uncover secrets from their past.

(Opened Jul 12)

PACKING HEAT

08 Sweat, screams,

and six-packs

Courtesy of Wild Night, Australia’s Thunder From Down Under is returning to Sukhumvit nightclub, Levels, from Aug 29-Sep 1.

Having performed to over 20 million people around the world in their sell-out shows, this all-Australian crew of guys will bring you a night of unforgettable dirty dancing and fun.

Tickets are B1,000 on Ticketmelon.

Aug 29-Sep 1, 7pm. Levels, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 082-308-3246.

WHITE WASH

09 France’s secretive giant picnic

is set to return

France’s very stylish, very exclusive dining event, Le Dîner en Blanc, will return for its second Bangkok edition in December. In signature style, the secret location will not be revealed to diners until the last minute and the elegant setup will be all-white—from the tablecloths down to the dress code. Be sure to register for the wait-list on bangkok. dinerenblanc.com/register. Exact date and prices are still TBA.

UPCOMING

Party, Run, Sleep, Repeat

with international headliners like Dash Berlin, Mr. White, Sam Feldt and more. Tickets are B3,500/B5,500 on Ticketmelon.

SENSATION 2018 Earning its reputation as one of Thailand’s most extravagant electronic dance music events, this festival makes a comeback with this year’s “RISE” theme that will bring a sea of party-goers dressed all in white, along

Calendar BK 742_Jul 13_18_new.indd 14

Aug 19. Suan Luang, Rama 9 (Dao Marueng Gate), Pravet.

B400.

Jul 29. BITEC Bangna, 88 Bang Na-Trat Rd., 02-7493939.

RUN FOR MOM In light of Thailand’s Mothers’ Day, Suanluang invites you to join in on this run for your mom. Distances are 3km, 5km and 10km. Check for information and register online on facebook.com/Run4mom.

WATERZONIC 2018 The water-spraying EDM music festival is back for its fifth year in Bangkok. Be sure to look out for lineup announcements on www.wa-

terzonic.com. Pre-sale tickets are B3,200 on Eventpop.

Sep 14-15, Live Park (Rama9), Bang Kapi, Huai Khwang.

RUN FREE BANGKOK A rare opportunity to take part in a run for free, with 5km and 10km options, all in the beautiful setting of Rama 9 Park.

Sep 22, 7am. King Rama 9 Park.

BANGKOK FARMERS’ MARKET Support your local producers by shopping for natural products ranging from home and body care to arts and crafts and, of course, food. Jul 1415, 11am. Gateway Ekamai, 982/22 Sukhumvit Rd. BTS Ekkamai.

SKYSCRAPER (USA) Action/Thriller. Former FBI Hostage Rescue Team leader and U.S. war veteran Will Ford finds himself framed for the sudden destruction of China’s tallest and safest building. Will must clear his name and also rescue his family, who are trapped inside the building.

FUTURE WORLD (USA) Sci-Fi. A young prince searches a barren wasteland for a rumored cure for his dying mother.

ANIMAL WORLD (CHINA) Drama/Action. Hero Zheng Kaisi attends a mysterious gambling party in an attempt to pay off his debts. However, he finds that every little flaw can be utilized in the game.

(Opening Jul 19)

BK Pick ISLE OF DOGS (USA) Drama/Fantasy. Wes Anderson directs this animation set in

Japan about a boy’s odyssey in search of his lost dog.

MAYHEM (USA) Action/Comedy/Horror. A deadly virus spreads through an office complex causing white collar workers to act out their worst impulses.

BURNING (SOUTH KOREA) Drama/Mystery. Loosely based on the short story “Barn Burning” by Haruki Murakami, this mystery thriller set in contemporary South Korea revolves around obsessive love and the gap between rich and poor.

Special Screenings FILMMAKER IN FOCUS: KAN LUME This month’s filmmaker in focus will feature screenings of three films from Kan Lume: The Naked DJ, Hush and Liberta. Check out facebook.com/ cinemaoasis.bk for the schedule. Through Jul 21. Cinema Oasis, 4 Sukhumvit Soi 43, 02-258-7376. B100- B160.

JAM CINE CLUB This month focuses on documentaries about “Culture and Systems.” The films include Welcome to Death Row: the Rise & Fall of Death Row Records (S. Leigh Savidge, Jeff Scheftel, 2001) on Jul 18 and Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey (Sam Dunn, Scot McFadyen, 2005) on Jul 25, 8pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833.

7/6/18 9:16 PM

travel | news

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

15

HUA HIN

02 Check out Hua Hin’s

01

latest villa resort

Home-baked goods with a view on Samui

02

Since Airbnb got busted, we’re switching back to Booking.com, and it’s telling us something interesting about Hua Hin’s new Yana Villas (theyanavillas.com). While a three-day long weekend at the big fivestar hotels in the neighborhood starts from about B22,000, here it costs B15,000. From what we’re seeing, there’s no lack of amenities either. The massive infinity pool goes right up to the beach and overlooks Khao Takiab mountain, while even the most basic accommodation has a cool blend of beachy woods and sexy in-room bathtubs. When booking, opt for the Grand Opening Sale to get a beachside dinner and spa treatment thrown in on stays starting Aug 1. The price on their site right now is just B5,400/night in a 120-sq-meter suite.

03

HUA HIN, PHUKET

NEW YORK

03 Escape the city with

04 Non-stop flights

Thai resort chain Akaryn Hotel Group is launching five holistic wellness retreats this June, featuring yoga, Ayurveda, life-coaching and Thai-healing therapies (from B31,320, inclusive of accommodation and vegetarian meals). The seven-day stress and burnout prevention course (B31,320) will take place at Aleenta Phuket (www.aleenta.com/phuket) between Aug 29-Sep 2, followed later in the year by Aleenta Hua Hin (www.aleenta.com/ huahin). Each retreat takes only four to eight members. See www.aleenta.com/retreats.

Singapore Airlines is set to break the record for the world’s longest non-stop flight route this October, with the opening of its new service between Changi Airport, Singapore, and Newark Liberty International Airport, New York.

The 16,000km flight will take approximately 19 hours to complete in their “Ultra Long Range” (ULR) Airbus SE A350-900s, which are mercifully designed for greater long-haul comfort. Good news for travelers seeking to avoid the inconvenience of a long layover when traveling stateside. With more non-stop flights departing from Singapore planned to follow, keep track of their upcoming flight schedules at Singaporeair.com.

The price is B95,521 round-trip.

a beach-side burnout prevention retreat

SAMUI

Sun Lounge is the latest addition to Samui’s extravagant and long-standing Silavadee Resort (www.silavadeeresort.com). Rustling up scrumptious cakes, house-churned ice cream and freshly baked pastries, this cafe celebrates deli-style dining, with stunning views of a cliff-side pool and the vast ocean out front. The afternoon tea makes the perfect accompaniment for a lazy afternoon by the pool, with its bite-sized pastries, cakes and deli sandwiches. Not a guest at the hotel? No problem—outsiders are welcome here, too. The resort is set on the quiet Laem Nan Beach, nestled between its two more crowded neighbors: Chaweng and Lamai beaches. Rates at the hotel start at B7,875/night for the Jacuzzi Deluxe rooms.

to New York with Singapore Airlines

Hot Spots Discover Thailand's best new resorts, restaurants, shops, spas, bars and more Coming in September

Don't miss your chance to be seen in Hot Spots

Call: 02-624-9696 Email: advertising@asia-city.co.th

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travel | vietnam special

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

16

GRAND OPENING

Credit: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and Spa

Island of Plenty

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and Spa

Overview: This Bill Bensley-designed resort brings a fantastical blend of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts and Wes Anderson’s dreamy palette to Vietnam's island paradise, Phu Quoc.

Why Vietnam’s Phu Quoc should be your next island escape. By Carl Dixon

C

loser to the Cambodian shoreline than it is to Vietnam, Phu Quoc is home to azure waters, bountiful seafood and dense forests. Despite the island’s growing popularity among the wintertime migration of European tourists, there remain stretches of powdery, barely-trodden beach. Here’s why the time to visit is now.

Direct Flights are a Reality No more milling about Ho Chi Minh Airport, gorging on Popeyes chicken and wondering whether VietJet is going to postpone your connecting flight for the third time. Bangkok Airways (www.bangkokair.com) recently rolled out a direct route from Bangkok to Vietnam’s most beautiful and largest island (available Tue, Thu, Fri and Sun). For around B8,100/round trip, you can bypass all the backpacker-y pitfalls—thank us once you land feeling fresh at Phu Quoc’s gloriously laidback airport after a breezy 1-hr-45-min trip.

The Beaches are Amazing It takes a lot to beat Thailand at its own game, but Phu Quoc has much to offer. The popular vote goes to Bai Truong (Long Beach) thanks to its plethora of resorts and location right near the airport, but, frankly, you can do better. Until recently, Bai Dai, on the island’s western seaboard, was little more than sea, sand and a handful of shacks serving seafood at your beck and call, but development has started to muscle in. Turtle Island, a scuba diver’s heaven of coral reefs and tropical fish, is a mere 10 minutes’ canoe paddle away. JW Marriott’s Bai Khem (Ice Cream Beach, see box)—all powdery sands and still, clear waters—is another stunner.

The Seriously Good Seafood You can’t visit without tasting the incredibly fresh seafood on offer: boiled crab, grilled octopus, barbecued amberjack, steamed sea snails, the list goes on. Come sundown, the place to find your bounty is Phu Quoc Night Market (5pm-midnight), in Duong Dong town, where tourists (both foreign and Vietnamese) come to peruse the endless trinkets and island produce on offer. OK, you can forget notions of “authenticity,” but you’ll still encounter local fishermen touting their catches of the day. Take your pick from the shacks lining the water or, for a highly recommended change of scenery, head to Crab House (goo.gl/ShFnUx), which serves up excellent Cajun-style seafood boils in a tavern setting that’s brimming with sports memorabilia. Prices are heftier than elsewhere, but so, so worth it.

A Massive New Cable Car If there’s one thing Vietnam loves, it’s a cable car. Its latest measures almost 8km in length and connects Phu Quoc with Hon Thom (aka Pineapple Island). The project by the Sun Group (which along with rival Vingroup dictates much of the island’s development) has gone into the Guinness Book of Records for being the longest in the world. For VND 500,000 you get a 360-degree aerial view of the An Thoi archipelago, floating over lush islands, turquoise seas, coral reefs and fishing boats. The ride’s about 15 minutes each way and there’s not a ton to do at Pineapple Island, so just savor those views.

New Forms of Nightlife If it’s beach shacks serving ice-cold Bia Saigon you want, Phu Quoc has you covered. The Aussie-run Rory’s Bar (www.fb.com/RorysBarPhuQuoc) on Long Beach is the big, bustling backpackers’ favorite. For something more elevated, there’s the hilltop Chuon

Chuon Bistro & Sky Bar (chuonchuonbistro. com), which serves passion fruit mojitos and Vietnamese craft beers to go with incredible views of Duong Dong town and the ocean beyond. Come sunset, the sky serves up pink and purple hues that need no Instagram filter.

JW Marriott’s fairy-floss-pink-toned Department of Chemistry Bar (goo.gl/cXLGcK) whips out science-inspired libations that are unrivaled. Head there for the daily 5-7pm happy hours.

All the Green Stuff Phu Quoc National Park takes up over half of the island, offering a glimpse of wildlife like hornbills, long-tailed macaques and silver langurs—if you’re game enough. While the park was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2010, nature trails remain on the scarce side (and rarely signposted). Your best bet is to head for the jungle trails near Ganh Dau village at the island’s northwestern tip, which offer a taste of pristine wilderness.

It Might Soon Be Too Late Long heralded as Vietnam’s hidden gem, Phu Quoc is no longer so hidden. Designated a special economic zone, the island could soon welcome a growing number of casinos (there’s already one), “integrated resorts” and theme parks. Throw in the untold number of resorts that already restrict public access to beaches and you see why some are grumbling that the end is nigh.

Essentials

The Facilities: Pastel colors dominate a university-themed design, bearing plenty of colonial cues, old academic paraphernalia, staff in Great Gatsby get-up and accommodation broken down by university department: from “astronomy” to “zoology.”

The Food and Drink: Tempus Fugit serves up one almighty East-meetsWest breakfast spread, while Red Rum is a grill-style restaurant offering fresh seafood by the beach. The Department of Chemistry Bar serves science-inspired libations in a fairyfloss-pink-toned setting.

Rooms: No matter your “department,” the gorgeous 244 rooms and suites guarantee a few things: spacious balconies, and sea views through floor-to-high-ceiling windows. The private villas come with their own pool.

Rave: Where to start? The exuberant decor, the soft white sands of Khem Beach, the feeling that behind every corner a surprise could be laying in wait? Plus the treatments at the Alice in Wonderland-like Chanterelle spa.

Rant: The resort’s kind of in the middle of nowhere but you can always rent a motorbike or utilize their nightly shuttle buses into town.

Price: From VND8.55 million (B13,120) for a bay-view room up to VND25.3 million (B38,912) for a seafront suite. www.marriott.com/pqcjw

1 THAI BAHT = 694 VIETNAMESE DONG

Thai nationals don’t require a visa to visit Vietnam, while many other nationalities can also visit Phu Quoc visa-free for 30 days.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Three Things no Phu Quoc trip is complete without Fish Sauce Smell that? Phu Quoc’s fish sauce (nuoc nam) is considered the pride of Vietnam. Follow your nose to Phung Hung, a fish-sauce factory open to the public near Coconut Tree Prison, where barrels upon barrels of anchovies ferment for up to several decades.

Phu Quoc Guide_742_Jul 13_18_01_new.indd 16

Honey Another of the island’s buzzing exports comes in the form of 100-percent natural honey. You don’t need to make the touristy dash to Phu Quoc Bee Farm (phuquocbeefarm.com), as you can pick up their products from Duong Dong Night Market.

Peppercorn Chefs swear by the pepper cultivated in the island’s mineral-rich northern soil.

Chances are, by the end of your trip you’ll be sick of touts trying to sell it you, but still, don’t leave without picking up some black, green and red pepper to take home.

7/6/18 9:29 PM

Good Morning, Freddy Horse!

Kick start the day with a good cup of coffee at Paris Mikki, OPEN HOUSE, Level 6

Dine in to great brunch at SIWILAI Café, Level 5

Have a delightful teatime in the wild daisy field at Sretsis Parlour, Level 2

INFINITE DAY WIT H ME

Urassaya Sperbund

Yaya's favorite spot at OPEN HOUSE, Level 6

One of these cherished Central Embassy regulars is none other than Thailand’s sweetheart Urassaya "Yaya" Sperbund, whose easy-going and approachable brand of sophistication makes her the ideal Central Embassy ambassador and face of the Infinite You campaign.

It’s not uncommon to spot Yaya on one of her rare days off, flitting up and down the winding escalators and hopping between her favorite mall haunts. “I don’t usually get much time off, so when I do, I like to make the most of it by planning out everything I want to do that day,” she explains. “That’s why I’m often at Central Embassy—I can get my nails done, do a bit of shopping, pig out at EATHAI, read at OPEN HOUSE, and catch a movie at the Diplomat Screens. It’s the only stop I need to make and keeps me entertained the entire day.”

Get glammed up at Hive Salon, Level 3

Aside from the mall’s most well-known and frequented communal spaces—OPEN HOUSE, EATHAI, SIWILAI City Club—and ravedabout restaurants exclusive to Central Embassy such as Tetsu, The Meat Bar and The Cask, there are also a number of hidden gems and newly opened enterprises ready and waiting to delight all those who venture through their doors. Learn the true meaning of a close shave at T&H Club, sample delicate sweets and intriguing infusions at Sretsis Parlor, Paris Mikki and Lady Nara, or stock up on light, luxurious knits at the newly minted Missoni flagship boutique. No matter your tastes or reason to visit, and however seemingly ordinary it may start, you will soon find your day filled with enriching encounters and never-ending surprises. At Central Embassy, the possibilities are infinitely yours.

Wind down from a busy day with the perfect playlist at City Lounge, SIWILAI City Club, Level 5

Feel the vibe of Chinatown & indulge the authentic taste of local cuisine at Little Chinatown, EATHAI, Level LG

Enjoy the sunset with good company at SIWILAI City Club, Level 5

Grocery shopping for homecook meal at Talad EATHAI, Level LG

Go for organic option for today's lunch at Tetsu, Level 5

Grab wardrobe staples from SIWILAI Store, Level 5

C E N T R A L E M B A S S Y. C O M

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MAISON MARGIELA, OMEGA GUCCI

De ville Trésor 36mm quarzo, Level G

SAINT LAURENT

Poppy field print lurex maxi gown, Level G-1

Single-breasted long jacket in black gabardine, Level G

MIU MIU

Crystal and pearl flower earrings, Level G

Cotton tie blouse, Level 1

MYKITA,

Round sunglasses, Niche Nation, Level 2

MANSUR GAVRIEL

TOM FORD

Tobacco vanille eau de parfum, Level G

Saffiano mini bucket bag, SIWILAI Store, Level 5

SAINT LAURENT Ripped knee baggy jeans, Level G

BOYY

CHANEL

Deon belt suede soleil, Level 2

Lace-ups boots, Level G

HERMÈS

MAISON MARGIELA

Cape cod watch, Level G

high-waisted virgin wool trousers, Level 1

CHANEL

Gabrielle small backpack, Level G

GIVENCHY,

Le Rouge Liquide, Level G

MIU MIU,

Leather slip-on sneakers, Level 5

CHRISTIAN LOUBUTIN So kate, Level G

#INFINITE

SHOPPING Ralph Lauren Nigel plaid linen sport coat, Level 1

The path towards looking and feeling your finest is paved with infinite fashion options. Whether you’re a man of many hats or a lady who’s walked a mile in all manners of impractical—but oh so irresistible—shoes, you’re bound to find your match in our bevy of new season offerings. Put your best foot forward with these eye-catching pieces, boasting unapologetic prints, rich palettes and handcrafted touches too precious to pass up.

PATEK PHILIPPE Grand complications 5496P, Cortina Watch, Level G

OFF-WHITE

Black gorotex anorak, SIWILAI Store, Level 5

KENZO OFF-WHITE Snap back cap, SIWILAI Store, Level 5

JULIUS TART Arnel, SIWILAI Store, Level 5

'Bamboo Tiger' reversible shirt, Level 1

TOM FORD

Linen shorten trousers, Level G

THOM BROWNE

Eyeglasses, Niche Nation, Level 2

ROLEX

Day-date 40 in everose gold, Level G

HERMÈS

Tricot de soie double effet tie, Level G

PALM ANGELS,

Yellow track pants, SIWILAI Store, Level 5

HERMÈS Cityback 27 backpack, Level G

PRADA

Wrinkle-free wool trousers, Level G

BERLUTI

Andy démesure calf leather loafer, Level G

GOLDEN GOOSE

Superstar sneakers, SIWILAI Store, Level 5

Bottega Venetta

Leather Sandal's, Level G

C E N T R A L E M B A S S Y. C O M

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#INFINITEEXPERIENCES

At Central Embassy, shopping, dining and entertainment options have been deliberately designed to suit current urban lifestyles while giving rise to new experiences, ways to discover who you are and what moves you. As such, this year’s social and cultural calendar promises plenty more first-in-Bangkok exhibitions, parties and platforms for the entire family, as Central Embassy welcomes new collaborators as well as the return of a few familiar faces. Find out what the rest of 2018 has in store below (we’ve left out a few surprises—you’ll just have to come see for yourself!).

JUL

PECHAKUCHA NIGHT BANGKOK 17.07.18 PechaKucha Night comes to Bangkok, connecting creatives in a fun, informal setting where thoughts and ideas can be exchanged and evolved.

OPEN HOUSE, Level 6

HARPER’S BAZAAR ASIA NEWGEN FASHION AWARD 2018 28.08.18 Witness as the city’s budding fashion talents turn the mall into a living runway.

Central Embassy, Level G

SIWILAI CITY CLUB BAR TAKEOVER (More information coming soon)

Asia’s finest bartending talents take control of the taps, tonics, and teaspoons of SIWILAI City Club for a week of inebriating experimentation.

SIWILAI City Club, Level 5

SEP SUNDAY WAVE X PLEASURE X YETI DIS:KO 29.07.18 SIWILAI City Club hosts the glowing, laidback return of London’s Yeti Out creative music collective featuring, YETI DIS:KO and Pleasure. Book in for an evening of left-field disco, galactic waves, and uplifting house in the city’s best sunset setting.

OPEN MARKET: T-SHIRT FESTIVAL (TEE4TREE) 06 – 09.09.18 The humble T-shirt gets reworked for a good cause. Forty Central Embassy stores will collaborate with designers, independent artists and nonprofit organizations to create limited edition tees.

OPEN HOUSE, Level 6

OCT

SIWILAI City Club, Level 5

AUG

Central Embassy, Level 2 - 6

FLORAL FLAVORS

19.10.18 – 03.02.19

A flower-filled feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds, featuring blooming beverages, herbal infusions and plenty of petal-strewn surprises for the palate.

The very first Bangkok Art Biennale brings together the world’s leading artists and thinkers to showcase, create and exchange ideas under the theme of “Beyond Bliss”.

8 – 17.10.18 The Vegetarian Food Festival comes to EATHAI, little-known delicacies and nutritious dishes that wholly satisfy without the need for meat.

EATHAI, Level LG

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR! 26 – 31.10.18 Whether young or young at heart, put on your best costume and join the other boys, girls and ghouls for a week of scary good fun for the entire family.

OPEN HOUSE, Level 6

NOV

CENTRAL ANNIVERSARY 01- 05.11.18 Celebrate Central's 71st anniversary with special flower decorations and activities.

Central Embassy, All Levels

OPEN MARKET: FLOWER MARKET 01 – 05.11.18 Amble amongst fantastical fauna and flora installations, stopping to truly smell the flowers, snap precious photo ops and pick up a few fresh blooms to brighten up your home.

SIWILAI TOUR 23 – 24.11.18 VEGETARIAN DELIGHT

(More information coming soon)

Central Embassy, All Levels

OPEN HOUSE, Level 6

TASTE OF THE WORLD 07 – 13.08.18 Central Embassy will be transformed into a giant five-storey market, serving up music, activities and of course, mouth-watering eats from Bangkok’s finest, be they Masterchefs or street food heavyweights.

BANGKOK ART BIENNALE 2018

LET’S CELEBRATE 2019 30.11.18 – 13.01.19 Kick off the festive season with our grandest celebration yet, starring the biggest Santa Claus in Southeast Asia and a stunning winter wonderland scene. Be ready to ring in 2019 at SIWILAI City Club.

Central Embassy, All Levels

DEC

OPEN MARKET: CHRISTMAS MARKET (More information coming soon)

We keep the holiday spirit alive all month long with Christmas activities, games and souvenirs, surrounded by live music, food and loved ones.

OPEN HOUSE, Level 6

SIWILAI TOUR continues to champion its proud Thai roots with a gathering of unique food, music, art, performance, and clothing.

SIWILAI City Club, Level 5

EATHAI, Level LG

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#INFINITEOFFERS In addition to infinite offerings and experiences, our avid shoppers can also look forward to a slew of promotions, privileges and prizes.

Stay alert to sales, special events and seasonal freebies as seen here…

CENTRAL EMBASSY

OPEN HOUSE

7 – 13 Aug ’18

Jul - Dec ’18

TASTE OF THE WORLD

Be eligible to enjoy “Fine Dining with Friends” with our compliments, with every 500.- spent at any restaurant in Central Embassy.

Sep – Oct ’18

FALL / WINTER 2018 PROMOTION Receive a free gift

OPEN PRIVILEGE

Collect a stamp book and receive stamps when you spend at OPEN HOUSE to earn special privileges.

Receive a 1,200.- Golden Coupon Set for only 1,000.-

to be spent on food and drinks at OPEN HOUSE.

together with your fashion, accessories and beauty purchases, plus additional credit card privileges.

SIWILAI

Oct - Nov ’18

Enjoy an exclusive discount of 10% off (15% off for VIPs).

TASTE SENSATIONS

Pick up a Taste Sensations Stamp Card and collect stamps to receive special prizes, plus additional credit card privileges.

Aug / Sep ’18

SIWILAI EARLY BIRD FW18 1 – 30 Sep ’18

SIWILAI FW18

Dec ’18 – Jan ’19

Receive various SIWILAI Gift Vouchers with minimum purchases (as stipulated by store).

Receive a gift from us

EATHAI

LET’S CELEBRATE 2019 for the festive season, plus additional credit card privileges.

Dec ’18 – Jan ’19

LUXE END OF SEASON SALE

70%

Nov 18 – Jan ’19

DELIVERING THE PERFECT TREATS WITH EATHAI HAMPERS Gift your family and friends with basketfuls of Thai tastes and treats.

Enjoy up to

off

on selected items from your favorite labels plus additional credit card privileges.

Today – 31 Dec ’19

CENTRAL BANGKOK PRIVILEGE

Register for free to enjoy discounts at participating shops and restaurants at Central Embassy and receive Exclusive Privilege Rewards every 3 months.

C E N T R A L E M B A S S Y. C O M

BK AD_NEW_3.indd 7

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travel | vietnam special

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

Two Days in Hanoi

21

Eating, drinking and shopping in and around Hanoi’s colorful Old Quarter.

By Kankanok Wichiantanon DAY 1 8am: Banh Mi Hour Amid the chaos of Hanoi’s Phu Doan Street first thing in the morning, you’ll find the affordable and cozy An Bread cafe (15 Phu Doan St.). Inside it’s all brick walls, plants, dangling bulbs and vintage paintings, but we recommend taking your banh mi pate— fluffy, meaty, fresh and bursting with flavor—to eat at one of the street-side tables.

Enjoy it with a cup of egg coffee served hot on a candle burner.

10am: History Lessons Seven minutes’ walk from An Bread lies the historic Hoa Lo Prison, or “Maison Centrale” (Central House). Built by the French in the late 1890s, many a Vietnamese politician, communist and freedom fighter found themselves confined and tortured here. Exhibits of prisoners being whipped, beaten, locked in handcuffs and hung on metal hooks make for a shocking start to the day.

Noon: Fill Up Pho Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan St.) makes it into nearly every guidebook for one thing: authentic pho. Old, dusty and seemingly on the verge of collapse, this little shed shouldn’t be judged by its appearance. The permanent queue is thanks to a classic Vietnamese noodle broth with some of the best beef in town. Choose between tai nam (rare steak and flank, VND 45,000), tai (rare steak, VND 40,000) and chin (well-done steak, VND 35,000) then enjoy as the sweet broth intertwines with the soft noodles and thin-sliced beef cuts.

2pm: Book Searching Explore the world of Vietnamese literature at Hanoi’s “book street,” Pho Sach. A four-minute walk away from Hoa Lo prison, this village-like street is home to little wooden huts along a stone-brick walkway, each one selling international and local literature. Don’t worry if you’re just tagging alongside a book-loving friend—there are plenty of cafes with free Wi-Fi.

6pm: Street Shopping The Old Quarter was originally a giant marketplace laid out according to 36 guilds (silk, incense and fish to name but three). Start from Hang Dau Street (“shoe street”) then head west to Dong Xuan Street. It’s a lot like JJ Market, with a seemingly endless range of clothes, souvenirs and home decor.

8pm: Beer O’Clock Packed with both locals and tourists, the vibe on Ta Hien Street—aka Beer Street—is fun and carefree. People sit outside on tiny plastic stools, sipping bia hoi, a locally brewed draft beer. Bia hoi production is unregulated, which means it tastes different from vendor to vendor and day to day, even hour to hour—all the more reason for bar-hopping.

Maison Centrale

DAY 2 8am: Morning Ritual Opened in 2011, the expansive old three-story villa of The Hanoi Social Club (6 Hoi Vu St. www.fb.com/TheHanoiSocialClub) is a hub for the city’s hip and creative set, who are drawn in by the many couches and sun-dappled terrace (as well as the Western-style espresso and ginger crunch shortbread). The menu is filled with healthy and organic options.

10am: Art Space When Hanoi’s artists want to unwind, they go to Manzi Cafe & Bar Art Space (14 Phan Huy Ich St.), where an old French villa in a quiet part of town now hosts contemporary exhibitions from rising talents. Wooden floors and whitewashed windows are pure Indochine era, with artwork displayed lying on tables throughout the cafe.

12pm: Unique Eats Lunch at the century-old Cha Ca La Vong (14 Cha Ca St.) means taking a leap of faith.

There’s no menu and the staff speak little English, but that doesn’t matter since they only serve one dish: cha ca, or fried freshwater fish with herbs and spices. Armed with fresh basil, dill and scallions, vermicelli and various condiments, you will be preparing your own meal on a tabletop electric cooker.

Some say it isn’t worth the relatively hefty

The Nest

VND 200,000 per person but we beg to differ—cha ca remains one of those dishes you have to try at least once.

4pm: Flip the Board The Nest (4A Trang Thi St.) offers a new spin on the board-game cafe with a collection of games that are distinctly Vietnamese (definitely no UNO cards). When it’s either too hot out or raining, this cute coffee shop makes the perfect shelter with a boozy kick—skip the coffee and try the peach mojito or any other of the fruity, reasonably priced cocktails.

7pm: Cold Brews What makes Pasteur Street Brewing Bar (1 Au Trieu St.) so unique? Aside from being located in a giant treehouse, the Saigon-hailing brewery also infuses American-influenced brews with Vietnamese ingredients to create new flavors. With tree branches winding round the patio, all lit up by fairy lights, the atmosphere is magical. Try the Cyclo

Pasteur Street Brewing Bar

Imperial Chocolate Stout, which is like drinking a smooth chocolate shake intertwined with a tinge of beer.

Essentials Getting There AirAsia, Qatar Airways, Thai Airways and Vietnam Airways operate direct flights from Bangkok to Hanoi. Flights start from B4,935 with AirAsia.

Where to Stay The city’s highest hotel, Intercontinental Hanoi Landmark 72 (www. intercontinental.com), boasts floor-toceiling windows, allowing you to make the most of the amazing views. Prices start at B3,580/night and the location’s walking distance from the Hanoi Museum and main shopping area.

Currency B1 = VND 714 (Vietnamese Dong)

INTERN WITH US! (MARKETING, EDITORIAL, ART AND VIDEO DEPARTMENTS.) You must be at least 18-years-old You must send in a cover letter and resume.

Specify which department you are applying for.

Open to Thai and foreign nationals Internships are full-time, unpaid and last 3 months.

Candidates should be fluent in both Thai and English. Send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@asia-city.co.th

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food & drink | news

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

22

HOT OFF THE PASS

Notes from the Bangkok food scene

01

Displaced street-food vendors may have found their new home

OFF THE STREET

Many people will tell you Bangkok hasn’t been the same since the street-food ban. But now, some good news. Taking over a two-rai plot of land on Soi Thonglor, Saphan 55 (www.saphan55.com) looks set to rekindle the energy of Sukhumvit Soi 38 and other waning streetfood hubs, only under cover amid the hygienic surrounds of a vast warehouse space. Behind the so-called “street food shelter” is man-aboutThonglor Chris Foo, the proprietor of Brew Beer & Ciders and The Commons’ Beer Cap. “I got the idea from my colleagues, actually,” Foo said. “They complained that a lot of the affordable food around Thonglor is not up to scratch. It’s not tasty or it’s not available late at night when they knock off work. There’s less of it now, too.”

On its ground floor, Saphan 55 will bring together 28 of the city’s best street-food stalls, many of whom used to sell around the local neighborhood. The space will stay open from 10am until “very late” with parking for over 60 cars and 100 motorbikes. Prices will be “street food prices” (B40-50) and Saphan 55 will also offer delivery.

“I hate the term ‘food court’ but the aim is to create something that’s still very accessible but with much more atmosphere than a generic food court,” Foo said. “This is definitely the biggest project I’ve ever been involved in.” The second floor will house Baan Saphan, a slightly more upscale Thai restaurant overlooking the hubbub of the street-food market below. Located at the back of Sukhumvit Soi 55, opposite Game Over Lounge, Saphan 55 is scheduled to open in September. Carl Dixon

PLAN AHEAD

SUSHI MASTER

SOUTHERN COMFORT

02 Star-studded World Gourmet festival returns

03 A next-level omakase counter reinvents itself

04 Sukhumvit welcomes a new southern Thai restaurant

Anantara Siam hotel’s World Gourmet Festival is heading back to Bangkok this Sep 3-9, hosting dinners prepared by Michelin-starred chefs from restaurants around the world. This year’s mustreserve chefs include Bernard Bach, whose restaurant, Le Puits Saint-Jacques in Toulouse, France, holds two stars, and pioneering Korean chef Jeong Ho Kim from Jungsik in Seoul. Dinners start from B7,500, with B600 per ticket sold donated to HRH Princess Soamsawali AZT Fund for Pregnant Women of The Thai Red Cross Society. 155 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-126-8866. BTS Ratchadamri. www.worldgourmetfestival.asia

How do you improve on serving 20-plus course omakase courses of the freshest seasonal fish? For Toshi Onishi, head chef of the discreet and fearfully expensive (budget between B6,000-8,000) Sushi Zo, the answer is by doing less. “We’ve reduced the number of courses in order to improve the quality even further,” says Onishi, who’s now working on expanding the L.A.-born restaurant to Hong Kong and Tokyo. Your new 18-plus course set also comes in a revamped dining room complete with delicate cherry blossom motif and rustic minty hue. For the full experience, get the B2,500 sake pairing. Athenee Tower, 63 Wireless Rd., 02-168-8490

Sorn is the latest to try and remedy Bangkok’s insatiable hunger for southern Thai cuisine—and it’s not to be missed. Baan Ice owner Supaksorn Jongsiri goes back to his roots with traditional techniques from charcoal and clay pot cooking to pressing and squeezing fresh coconut juice. The menu offers five courses (B2,700) which take on the customary Thai sharing style; the yellow curry with young mangosteen and gu fish is fresh and fragrant, while the morning glory with coconut rice and baby shrimps is a must-try. Limited to just over 20 seats, reservations are advisable. 56 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 099-081-1119

YOU SAID WHAT?

The news in foodie Facebook posts

“As a Texan I cannot help but be offended. Taco Hell in no way resembles Tex-Mex.” JAY LEWIS ON THE NEWS TACO BELL IS COMING TO BANGKOK.

Hit lists food and drink_BK 742_Jul 13_18 02_New.indd 22

“The one who should also be ashamed is YOU, BK Magazine.

Don’t you remember that you are the FIRST media who claimed that Flat Iron Wagyu is an official branch of London’s Flat Iron? ... Now it’s apparently that you are trying to cover your mistakes and diverting readers’ attention.”

TONGTA JAIDEEJANG ON THE NEWS FLAT IRON WAGYU (NOW CALLED NO NAME) IS UNRELATED TO THE LONDON CHAIN.

COMMON TOUCH Didn’t believe us when we said Sala Daeng was hot?

Now there’s more proof as Thonglor hipster rendez-vous The Commons prepares for its second coming on the leafy street.

JUST THE BEGINNING Thonglor’s Prelude is doing impressive things with local flavors, which you can now try as a comfort-themed pop-up brunch. Make reservations for their next one on Jul 22. www. fb.com/preludebkk

TABLES TURNED Strange times at Andy Yang’s swanky Thai restaurant Table 38 with word American head chef Steve Ortiz has left the country and restaurant manager Adam Ivory’s jumped ship for Luka Moto before it’s even officially opened.

STAR SEASON If the 12 Michelin-starred restaurants at the World Gourmet Festival aren’t enough for you, check out So Amazing Chefs 2018 at So Sofitel. From Sep 14-23, they’ll welcome 21 guest chefs with 14 stars.

Dinners start from B2,400.

“What the hell is this? Fake expensive crap, maybe the rent will be free for vendors, I don’t think so. One of the joys of life is sitting on a cheap tin chair in the road at 2am, eating some of the best food in the world for a few baht.”

PAUL ALLEN ON SAPHAN 55 STREETFOOD COMPLEX (SEE ABOVE).

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dining reviews

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Cagette Canteen & Deli

Cagette Canteen & Deli HHHH French. 15 Yen Akat Rd., 02-249-1684. Open TueSun 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-10:30pm. F H BBB-BBBB

The crowds who pour into Soi Yenakat’s French deli-meets-bistro, Cagette, seem to prove that what middle-class Bangkok wants is rustic cliches, menus that look like magazines, oysters and charcuterie boards. The restaurant opened at the start of 2018 and sounded a whole lot like other rustic deli-bistros with magazine menus that had opened around the same time. The magazine at this one reads like a Gallic hit-list of preserved, fried, stewed, roasted and raw comfort food. Flavors are simple. Portions are big.

Start with trayfuls of plump, buttery snails (B590/12), wonderfully fresh oysters (B50100) and slippery roast vegetables drenched in garlic olive oil (B320). Mop up the remains with bread baked in-house that will cut your mouth to ribbons on its ferocious crust before earning forgiveness with its spongy, moist heart. If you’re going to play the rustic card, it pays to live up to it with properly hearty food—and Cagette’s cassoulet (B710) delivers. Honestly portioned and perfectly seasoned, the stew hides innumerable meaty goodies from chunks of porchetta to a whole confit of duck leg and two sausag-

Indus HHHH

Indian. 71 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-258-4900. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-10:30pm F H BBB

This sleek house-and-garden has delighted fans of northern Indian food since 2006 with its no-nonsense versions of some of the subcontinent’s most popular dishes: chicken tandoori, dal, butter chicken, you name it. It took a decade, and the arrival of chef Anil Kumar, for there to be any substantial changes to the formula. Nowadays Michelin aspirations manifest in a 10-course tasting menu (B1,800/person) of inspector-baiting dainty morsels and smeared sauces. We’re all for invention, but feel no shame in sticking to the beaten path of hefty curries, biryani and grilled meats. A glance around the ornate dining room (special, not stuffy or stuck-in-time like some other Indian institutions) on our last visit told us we weren’t alone. Still, chances are your meal will start with a complimentary amuse-bouche of the delicate variety—a delicious one in the case of our dense and tart gram flour cake—but you’ll find much comfort in Indus’s basics. As an appetizer, the vegetable samosas (B150/3 pieces) expertly avoid falling into the usual trap of being greasy, with a well-spiced filling of potato and green pea. The garlic naan comes

es, all tucked beneath a delicious crust. The beef tartare is just as it should be—thick, sloppy and unctuous; a mess of raw beef, onions and capers with a satisfyingly astringent kick. Have it with the pommes dauphinoise—wafer-thin, mille-feuille-like layers of garlic-rich and buttery soft potato that are served as one of a choice of complimentary sides. There’s a lot else we like here. We like the B650 house wine in big pots. We like that prices include tax and service. We like that we can’t once find the words “wagyu” or “kurobuta” on the menu. The beef is just beef. The pork is just pork. Bad stuff? We had our plates cleared halfway through a sharing starter last time we visited, leaving us to nurse oil-soaked vegetables from chopping board to mouth. The acoustics in the dining room produce a roaring clatter of conversation and indecipherable background music.

We’ve also experienced the service from one course to the next to move at a truly glacial pace. And if we’re really nitpicking, “Cagette” translated to English means “crate,” and we’re sure you’ll agree that’s a terrible name. None of this bears any relation to the food, though. Cagette isn’t successful because of the magazine menus or the wrinkly sausages dangling from the ceiling. It’s successful because the flavors are excellent, the classics are done properly and the portions feel like value. Bangkok take note.

5th edition coming this August!

Best Eats is the ultimate guide to this city’s buzzing food scene, with over 100 of our top “comfort food” picks — from ramen to dim sum, burgers to pizza, breakfast to dessert.

To reserve your spot in Best Eats 2018, contact our sales team at advertising@asia-city.co.th or 02-624-9696.

elastic and chewy (B120), the basmati rice (B180) fragrant with saffron. You’ll definitely want both sides, as the butter chicken (B390) is considerably more tomato gravy than chicken—a minor quibble given the gravy’s lip-smacking butteriness and the chicken’s smoky flavor and tender texture. Speaking of tender, the nawabi raan (seven-hour slowcooked leg of mutton, B990/1,690) is a dish utterly deserving of overused descriptors like “fall-off-the-bone” and “melt-in-your-mouth,” and pops with cardamom and cumin spices. If that’s all sounding very gut-busting, do yourself a favor and order the gin-based Cucumber Basil Martini (B300) from the short-but-sharp cocktail list to cut through the heaviness. There are occasions where Indus could be accused of playing it safe; the Hyderabadi specialty of bhagare baingan (curried baby eggplants, B320) didn’t deliver on its promise of nutty spiciness and had us longing for its smokier eggplant relation, baingan bharta. But if it’s well-executed staples rather than surprises you want, this is the place. For that reason, you can’t go past the syrupy, spongy gulab jamun (dumplings of reduced milk in cardamom and rose syrup, B140) for dessert. Throw in hyper-vigilant service staff that’ll ladle your curry and all but read your mind, as well as the chill outdoor garden, and it’s little wonder that a table at Indus is still in high demand.

Ratings P Forget it PP Only if you’re in the neighborhood PPP A pleasant dining experience PPPP Not to be missed PPPPP Flawless

B BB BBB BBBB

Price guide Under B500 B500-900 B900-1,500 B1,500 and up

BK pays for its meal and does not call ahead or sit with the chef.

Price per person, including one drink, appetizer, main course, dessert, charges and tax.

Symbols

Reservations recommended

Parking

Dress requirements Live music

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food & drink | open doors OPEN DOOR

Team Roast goes fine dining with Sathorn’s Ocken The buzz: Think Beyond, the group behind the much-loved Roast and Roots, have expanded to Sathorn with an altogether more-refined restaurant. Ocken (a portmanteau of octopus and chicken) heads in an international, fine-dining tapas direction.

The decor: Nestled right beside BTS Surasak (and a new branch of Roots coffee roaster), Ocken greets you with an alluringly teal bar, which leads into a spacious dining room with matching teal plush chairs and dark wooden tables. A counter seat lets you take in all the action of the open kitchen, as carried out to a funky soundtrack of James Brown on our visit. It’s all very dim and moody.

The food: Executive chef Johnny Liu and his team prep a globetrotting menu that’s full of Eastmeets-West tropes. The Barron Point Oysters (B300/2pcs) make a refreshing start to the meal, served with a grapefruit yuzu mignonette, shiso and piment peppers. Follow with the Mini Cubano (B220): two bite-size but punchy sandwiches filled with sliced pork, melted Swiss and gruyere cheese, pickles and mojo aioli. No less flavorful is the Ocken Salad (B420), which is perfectly balanced with creamy burrata, tart kiwi, toasted almonds, fried garlic chips and crisp Asian apple. The

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poached salmon (B650) topped with a quinoa bacon “skin” and served with a herby green vegetable stew will leave you feeling less guilty about dessert. On that front, their Sathorn Mess (B320) is an eclectic medley of warm gooey chocolate cake, green tea genoise, strawberry ice cream and fresh sorrel.

The drinks: Classics like the negroni (B360) and old fashioned (B360) sit alongside more adventurous cocktails like the Salty Pineapple (B320), which tastes more delicate than expected with its Campari, dark rum, pineapple and a hint of sea salt. They also say no to plastic bottles by purifying their own water, with free-flow still or sparkling costing B60 per person.

Why we’d come back: This is fine dining without the fuss. A prime location, well-trained staff and an adventurous menu make Ocken ripe for revisits. Megan Leon Bhiraj Tower, 31 South Sathorn Rd., 082-091-6174. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight

7/6/18 9:38 PM

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Forest Bake

NEW AND NOTED

01 New beer garden delivers stein-smashing German vibes Ekkamai has opened its doors to a new German eatery that goes big on boisterous beer garden vibes. Coming from the former manager of Bei Otto, Alexander’s German Eatery (37/3 Ekkamai Soi 12, 02-116-5750) is strewn with fairy lights and wooden tables that look straight out of an Oktoberfest celebration. Settle in for hefty fare like the Viennese-style crumbed pork escalope (B320) or Nuremberg sausage, plated up with potato mash and mustard (B320).

Needless to say, there’s plenty of beer to go around—order a stein of Hofbrau (B240).

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02 This new cafe is a dog-lover’s paradise While your dogs unwind at Dog Park 49, pop into Hungry Pack (Playscope, 8/3 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-047-9919), an American-inspired-diner busting out fall-offthe-bone-ribs (B380) alongside local comforts including boat noodles (B80), pad Thai (B140) and chicken-rice (B160). It’s all served in a retro, loft-style Brooklyn setting: red-brick walls with a mural of a pack of hungry dogs and big, black-framed windows. They even have that rarest of diner essentials, refillable coffee (B95), as well as a selection of delicious baked goods.

03 Check out this enchanting cafe from Chiang Mai Nestled down a small Sukhumvit Soi 22 backstreet, Forest Bake (224/3 Soi Masuek, 061-397-7077) has arrived in Bangkok from Chiang Mai, where its reputation rests on dream-like, enchanted forest styling and a killer cheesecake. Here, you’re greeted by a long wooden table (Kinfolk style) showcasing an array of home-baked desserts among jars of flowers. You’ll want to try that cheesecake (B185) made with whipped ricotta that’s so light and soft it begs for more than one bite.

Oh, and the babka (B220), a Jewish sweet bread that’s sweet, fragrant, chocolatey and perfect with an Americano (B90).

TABLE TALK

Lerdtip Thonglor

by Chef Gigg Nihonmura Mall, Thong Lo Soi 13, 02-712-9209.

Open daily 11am-2pm, 5pm-3am. BTS Thong Lo After opening the original Lerdtip in Ladprao, of the area’s most popular restaurants, Iron Chef Thailand winner Kamol “Gigg” Chopdeengam opened a new branch in Thonglor serving Thai food with Chinese inflections at down-toearth prices. Try the spicy pork salad—juicy grilled pork shoulder seasoned with fish sauce and fresh lime—or the super crunchy stir fried fish maw with steamed rice.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount on food only when spending THB 1,000 or more /sales slip Today – 30 Nov 18

7/6/18 9:38 PM

food & drink | taste test

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R.Haan

Spirit Jim Thompson

NEW AND NOTED TABLE TALK

Meruto Sushi G/F, Sathorn Gardens, Sathorn Rd., 092-369-7924.

Open Tue-Sun noon-8pm. MRT Silom Thai chef-owner Kirati Butdeevong spent years developing his unique approach to preparing omakase sushi, which he dubs the “ideal taste.” Here, he personally manages rotating chef’s selection menus to exclusive groups of diners each night—the warm wood counter is available for 8-12 seats. Everyone sits at the Tokyo-style sushi counter, where an expert team serves up creations made using raw ingredients imported from Japan every two days. As you would expect from an elite omakase set-up, the service here is warm and highly professional.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 5% discount on food only Today – 31 Dec 18

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04 Traditional comforts in a cozy setting

05 R.Haan celebrates Thai heritage

06 Modern Thai food in a leafy oasis

At Gong Tong (Petchaburi Soi 15, 064-879-0149) brightly colored walls and dangling ferns surround you as you fill up on Thai comfort food made from the owner’s family recipes. Homemade curry paste gives the gang liang (vegetable soup with prawns, B60) a spicy punch, while the kai look sa pai (fried boiled eggs with tamarind sauce, B40) and kaeng som cha om goong (Thai sour curry with shrimp, B60) both expertly balance the line between spicy and sour. They also serve dinner sets themed around various historical periods of Thailand, from Ayutthaya to Thonburi.

R.Haan (131 Sukhumvit Soi 53, 02-059-0433) is the new Thai finedining operation from celebrity chef Chumpol Jangprai. Choose between three set menus: Samrub Tri (B2,212), featuring charcoal-grilled chicken with chili sauce; Samrub Tho (B2,412), which offers hard-to-find dishes; and Samrub Eak (B2,612), which highlights royal Thai cuisine.

Surrounded by lush green gardens, and with interiors inspired by the man himself, Spirit Jim Thompson (16 Soi Som Khit, 02-017-7268), combines authentic recipes with slick, modern presentation. Opt for the miang kham nam tan grob (B220)—a traditional snack that bursts with cashew nuts, ginger, coconut and tamarind glaze, all wrapped up in betel leaves—or the nutty panang curry with pork ribs and ground peanuts (B430). For dessert, try the med kanoon sam yang (B320), which comes with coconut cakes, jackfruit seeds and salty coconut cream.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members: Get a complimentary set of signature mocktail “Sodchen” and surprise special dish from Chef Chumpol valued THB 1,024 when ordering Royal Thai SAMRUB THO or Royal Thai SAMRUB EAK (limit 1 set /card /table /sales slip) Today – 30 Nov 18

Exclusively for Citi credit card members: Get 15% discount Today – 31 May 19

7/6/18 9:39 PM

food & drink | taste test

Who makes Bangkok’s best...

Sourdough?

A good sourdough comes with a moist, chewy interior and a crispy, well-defined crust—not to mention a moreish tangy flavor unlike any other bread on the market. Its distinctive taste is a result of the “sourdough culture”: a fermented flour mixture containing natural yeast and bacteria along with lactic acid. We’ve tested out some of Bangkok’s top sourdough suppliers and, frankly, none have disappointed.

Nevertheless, here’s the verdict.

BK Pick!

2. Amantee The Bakery

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Sandwich Pick!

The cracked look of this loaf hints at a perfect crispy crust from the get go, while its malty aroma has our mouths watering. The ultra spongy interior is soft and moist without any large holes.

Although it has a subtle sourness, it lacks chewiness. Definitely great on its own, but even better with soft creamy butter or jam.

Verdict: Diggin’ it... not complaining.

2240/12-13 Chan Kao Rd., 02-678-1300. www.amantee.com

3. Holey Artisan Bakery

If you love sourdough, but secretly fear the sourness, this is the bread for you. It’s got a mild flavor with just a subtle tang. The crust is slightly overdone with a very chewy, elastic and moist interior—a combination that makes it a great sandwich bread for piling high with fillings.

Verdict: Take control of your toppings with this crusty bread.

245/12 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-101-1427. www.holeybread.com

4. Conkey’s Bakery

With a baguette-like texture, this bread is light, moist and fluffy yet still chewy. It gives off a mild flavor at first, with a pleasant tanginess sneaking in at the end of each bite.

Verdict: Your true daily bread.

72 Ekamai Soi 22, 083-040-5911. www.fb.com/ConkeysBakery

1. Landhaus Bakery

This is basically a spongy version of rich Danish rye-bread. Dense in both texture and flavor, this bread is made to be teared from the loaf and eaten with lashings of butter and a mug of tea.

In terms of aesthetics, it doesn’t represent your stereotypical sourdough—more of a homespun loaf your mom or grandma might make.

Verdict: Hefty hippie bread with powerful flavor.

18 Phahon Yothin Soi 5, 086-889-9210. www.fb.com/Landhausbakeryari

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5. Maison Jean Philippe

This French-country-style loaf is highly versatile with its subtle flavor, great texture and nicely defined crust. Whether you want to dip it in fondue or make sandwiches, its subtle taste won’t interfere with anything you choose to pair it with.

Verdict: An all-purpose bread. www.fb.com/MaisonJeanPhilippe

7/6/18 9:39 PM

food | diet plans

Illustrated by Thanita, Maturin

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

Chewing the Fat

The five hottest diets and how to follow them in Bangkok. By Jack Thomas

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PALEO

KETO

The paleo diet dictates that our bodies haven’t changed much in the last 10,000 years, so we should eat as our ancient ancestors did. This means consuming foods that occur naturally on Earth, such as organic non-hormone-filled meat, fish, vegetables, fruit and nuts. Foods that are off-limit are grains, dairy, soy, added sugars and anything processed.

With a host of Hollywood celebs allegedly on board, the Ketogenic Diet (“Keto” for short) is the current flavor of the month— we feel it’s important to note that celebrity endorsement does not necessarily mean it’s based on sound nutritional principles. Science alert! With this diet, the aim is to keep carbs to an absolute minimum—typically less than 50g per day. This is said to kickstart the body into a state called “ketosis,” whereby fats are broken down to become the body’s primary fuel source. Unfortunately for the everyday Bangkokian, a single pad Thai or donut equals game over.

Where? Bangkok food delivery veterans Paleo Robbie (083-002-3607, paleorobbie.com) are the unrivalled choice for getting paleo food directly to your home or office. For a unique eat-out experience, You Hunt, We Cook (Gourmet Market, Siam Paragon, 968 Rama I Rd.)—simply “hunt” (in the loosest sense of the word) in the market’s meat section and have it cooked up right in front of you! Let’s be honest, it’s probably the closest we’re going to get in this urban jungle.

Where? Nutrichef (231/3 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 093-014-3002, www.fb.com/nutrichef) has a keto-friendly meal delivery plan and Healtholicious Cafe (1/F, Visuthanee Hi-Tech Office Park, 2991/20 Lad Phrao Soi 101/3, 097-065-5482) specializes in keto diet must-haves, such as MCT oil, ghee and bulletproof coffee. Delivery also available at healtholicious.com.

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utrition is not only a confusing topic but, increasingly, a controversial one— dinner party rules now dictate that you mustn’t bring up politics, religion or the vegan diet.

While things may have been simpler when we were hunting wild game and foraging for berries, unless you’re planning on relocating from Bangkok to live with an Amazonian tribe, finding local alternatives is the only solution.

Our advice at BK is simple: discreetly try these five leading diets and find out which one works best for you. Mix, match and tweak until you find a way of eating that leaves you feeling fresh, energetic and ready to take on the world.

Once you’ve nailed this, you needn’t read another article or be involved in another dinner party debate ever again!

VEGAN

MEDITERRANEAN

RAW FOOD

Veganism has become more than a diet; increasingly, it is being followed as a way of life—a statement, even. Simply put, the vegan diet involves abstaining from any product that is in any way derived from a living creature. Obvious off-limit foods are meat, fish, eggs and dairy, but vegans must also take care to avoid things like honey and leather, too. It is important to note that vegan doesn’t necessarily mean healthy—it’s very possible to be both vegan and obese if you over-consume.

The Mediterranean diet follows the concept that if those living in this region are healthy and live longer, why not eat what they eat? This means a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, fish, spices, nuts and healthy fats, such as olive oil. This “diet” goes further than food by encouraging followers to live the Mediterranean lifestyle of eating socially and being active. We reckon we’ve got the social eating part nailed here in Bangkok but perhaps the active lifestyle element could do with a little work.

The raw food diet (aka plant-based diet) is the toughest to adhere to and is often referred to as “veganism on steroids”—or perhaps we made that up. You’re pretty much restricted to nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables and, as the name suggests, they must be raw. If you’re thinking about heating up that delicious (raw) pumpkin and carrot soup then stop right there! It must be eaten cold.

Where? Broccoli Revolution (899 Sukhuvit Soi 49, 02-662-5001, broccolirevolution.com) is our top vegan spot in Bangkok, with a range of tasty vegan dishes on offer. For vegan desserts and smoothies, seek out your nearest Veganerie (numerous locations, veganerie.co.th).

Where? Polpa (02-329-5777, polpa.co) delivers quality Mediterranean-inspired food with an Asian twist throughout Bangkok. Avra (Lotus Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-258-2877, avrabkk.com) offers a great restaurant option, with a delicate balance of healthy and not-so-healthy Mediterranean choices. As for the “being active” part, go find your local park.

Where? Raw food connoisseurs Rasayana (57 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-662-4803, rasayanatreat.com) serve up some of the city’s finest cold soups and desserts and Ariya Organic Place (1/F, Q House Lumpini, South Sathorn Rd., 02-667-7166, www.fb.com/AriyaOrganicCafe) offers another raw alternative.

*Jack Thomas is the founder and CEO of BASE, voted Asia’s Gym of the Year in the Fitness Best Awards 2018.

DON’T DO IT

TOP DIETING MISTAKES

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Thinking healthy food = unlimited eating You can still gain weight by eating healthy foods. Eating nut butter out of the jar like ice cream is not advisable.

Likewise, organic, ethically-sourced sugar farmed by a remote tribe in Peru can still give you type two diabetes.

Bottom line—eating nutritious food is important but it’s overeating that causes you to gain weight.

Cheat day massacre A cheat day should be a chance to relax a little and indulge moderately in some of the foods you enjoy. However, some see a cheat day as a non-stop, dawn-to-dusk binge, free of repercussions. Occasionally, this even turns into a cheat weekend. Bottom line—a day or two of extreme excess can disrupt a healthy week, so cheat sensibly.

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drink | wine

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Blanc Expressions L

ook on any Bangkok restaurant wine menu and chances are you’ll be confronted with two choices of white by the glass: sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. Look a little closer and you’ll probably find that the sauvignon is from New Zealand.

Although New Zealand is considered relatively new in the global wine industry—and with its limited landmass, its wine production is fairly small—the country has made a name for itself as a producer of sauvignon blanc.

“Thai people drink a lot of sauvignon blanc from New Zealand... It has been a big hit and is still a big hit among restaurant customers,” says Thanakorn Mankit, group sommelier at Foodie Collection.

With its bursts of tropical fruits and intense grassy undertones, this wine has a unique flavor that is easy to understand and to enjoy, which has wine drinkers hooked from beginners to sommeliers.

Seconding this, the beverage manager and head sommelier at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Hotel, Supapong “Noom” Mekprasart, says: “Sauvignon blanc is an aromatic grape and is one of the most common grapes found in Bangkok, along with chardonnay, pinot noir, merlot and cabernet sauvignon.”

While it may not be possible to cultivate sauvignon blanc grapes in Thailand’s sweltering humidity, New Zealand’s cool climate is perfect: “The best New Zealand sauvignon blanc you could find is from Marlborough—it’s located on the South Island, next to the Pacific Ocean and it receives the wind from the sea giving it a slightly cooler climate than the North Island,” says Noom.

Marlborough is split into two valleys: Wairau Valley, where stony soils result in a more mineral taste, and the Awatere Valley, where a cooler and drier climate leads to a longer growing season and more herbaceous flavors. Commonly, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of both valleys.

“Nelson, located on the South Island is an alternative location to grow sauvignon blanc grapes, because it also receives a lot of ocean wind for a cooler climate,” says Noom. “The cooler the climate, the higher the acid, and acid is what makes wine fresh,” he continues.

New Zealand sauvignon’s fresh and fruity taste means it can easily be paired with dishes from across the world—and Thai food is no exception: “You can pair it with Thai dishes like fried chicken with herbs, steamed fish with lime, corn som tum or fruit som tum—though nothing too sour—or even fresh spring rolls because they come with that sweet tamarind dipping sauce which goes so well with the wine,” recommends Noom.

“No grilled fish, nothing creamy, definitely no noodles because New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is light bodied, so can be overpowered when paired with such strong-flavored dishes,” says Noom. “Pad kaprao is ok, but it has to be prawn or minced chicken—and also not too spicy as the Sauvignon Blanc has a lot of acid, which can confuse your tongue when paired with spicy food,” he continues.

DRINK THIS

2017, SAUVIGNON BLANC, SILENI ESTATES, CELLAR SELECTION, HAWKE’S BAY, NEW ZEALAND

Bangkok sommeliers recommend their favorite sauvignon Blancs for around B1,000

“Sileni Estates is a premium winery in Hawke’s Bay. Due to the climate in this region, this wine has a fruity flavor and a mineral texture. The grapes were also grown on various soil types, which give the wine depth and complexity.”

- Supapong “Noom” Mekprasart, beverage manager and head sommelier at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Hotel.

B880 at www.facebook. com/bkkbev

Feature New Zealand 742_Jun 13_18_06_New.indd 17

Illustrated by Thanita Cholpitakpong

You can’t go wrong with a bottle of sauvignon. Here’s why.

By Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

2017, SAUVIGNON BLANC, GARFISH, MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND

2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC, LIGHTBAND, NELSON VALLEY, NEW ZEALAND

2015 SAUVIGNON BLANC, SALOMON & ANDREW, MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND

2016 SAUVIGNON BLANC, CHURTON, MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND

“Garfish wine has gained significant recognition on the Asian market, including Thailand, over the last couple of years. This is a typical cool region wine with its fresh flavor of passion fruit, citrus and grass—it has a true Marlborough character.”

“Nelson is cooler than Marlborough, which makes the wine fresh with acidity and gives a strong character of apple, guava and grassy morning dew.”

“This bottle was developed by Austrian winemaker Bertold Salomon in cooperation with his friend, New Zealand winemaker Christopher Andrew. The result: a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc which thrills with a delicate, fruity and nuanced character. Perfect with seafood.”

“Well, one factor is vintage…it has a young, fresh and classic NZ style. It is also biodynamic, which isn’t always a determining factor for me, but it’s a real bonus for Marlborough, where farming is very commercial.”

- Supapong “Noom” Mekprasart, beverage manager and head sommelier at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Hotel.

B1,080 at www.winedeedeegroup.com

- Thanakorn Mankit, group sommelier at Foodie Collection.

B637 at www.winedeedeegroup.com

- Nuttiya “Lily” Wisootsut, assistant director at Fabulous is Needed (Fin Wine).

- Greg Plowes, Manager/ sommelier at Bo.lan B1,100 at www.winegarage.asia

B1,200 at www.fin-wine.com

7/6/18 9:41 PM

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

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LAVENDER GARDEN AFTERNOON TEA AT THE OKURA PRESTIGE BANGKOK 1 July - 30 September 2018 Celebrate summer in full bloom with the savoury bites and sweet pleasures of the Lavender Garden Afternoon Tea at Up & Above Bar at The Okura Prestige Bangkok.

Available daily from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Prices start from Baht 1,190 with illy coffee, Saro or Mariage Frères tea For more information and reservations, please contact 02 687 9000 or email upandabove@okurabangkok.com Prices are subject to 10% service charge and 7% government tax.

Park Ventures Ecoplex, 57 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330 T. 02 687 9000 F. 02 687 9001 E. info@okurabangkok.com okurabangkok.com facebook.com/theokuraprestigebangkok

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neighborhood | Soi Polo

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

Polo Fried Chicken

Soi Polo

More Than Good Chicken Filled with local stores and street food, Soi Polo has a unique community feel, making it an ideal spot for those seeking to escape tired restaurant chains and glitzy expat bars.

By Caria Bua-on and Vicki Chalermlapvoraboon

BK ASKS

What do you love about Soi Polo?

Brooklyn Baker

Brooklyn Baker

Retreat on Vitayu

Food Soi Polo is awash with vibrant streetfood stalls, serving a mouthwatering selection of Thai delights, at prices that are just as appealing. The main attraction of the soi has to be Polo Fried Chicken (137/1-2 Soi Polo, Sanam Khli Alley)—going strong for 39 years, fuelled by its legendary crispy-skinned, juicy fried chicken (B130) and other Isaan classics. For something a little more upmarket, let the aroma of fried chicken and buttermilk waffles (B275) guide you to Brooklyn Baker (51/7 Soi Polo), nestled just inside Retreat on Vitayu.

For another crowd-pleaser, their eggs rothko (B240) serves up runny eggs

on toast coated in a blanket of melting cheddar, baby tomatoes, smoked sausages and bacon. To quench your thirst, order an iced cappuccino (B90) or a lime iced tea (B110). For a real Thai treat, the hyper-local Kanom Pia Moo (65/1 Soi Polo 4) turns out crisp, aromatic and not-too-sweet bean pastries that will only set you back B100 for a box of 10.

Transport As always, win motosais are conveniently available throughout the soi, with MRT Lumpini just minutes away by bike.

Accommodation Although you may be hard pushed to find rental opportunities on this house-filled soi, a short two-minute drive away lies Soi Sanam Khli, which plays host to the 21-year-old Polo Park condo (19/1-53 Wireless Rd., 02-255-5600), with 19 floors, 47 units, and starting prices of B50,000/ month. It may seem a little steep, but

the swimming pool, sauna, gym and kids’ playground are all amplified by the ultra-convenient location—the nearest store is two minutes away, while you could be munching on the best fried chicken in Bangkok (Polo’s) in just five minutes—dangerous? Yes. Delicious? Also, yes. Plus, Lumpini Park is just across the street, so you can walk it all off whenever you please. Alternatively, Polo Residence (20, 20/1, 20/15 Wireless Rd., 02252-6731) lies at the end of Soi Sanam Khli, where rent starts from a marginally lower B45,000/month.

With all the usual facilities, you can work off copious amounts of freshbaked goods from Brooklyn Baker in their gym, sauna, and swimming pool, or treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment from Retreat on Vitayu, just around the corner.

Neighborhood There’s no need to travel out of town to get a taste of local life when you can experience it right

on your doorstep. While graffiti decorates cement walls alongside street signs swallowed up by weeds and branches, kids play beneath the clothes lines that connect the nestling wooden houses. The cramped sub sois are packed full of local-run salons, somtam vendors and pop-up sidewalk shoe repair shops. Even if there are fewer restaurants, cafes and bars compared with other sois, the atmosphere breeds a close-knit community.

Visit While roaming Soi Polo, you’re likely to come across the RSCB Polo Club (18 Sanam Khli Alley, 02-252-6731)— the original Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBSC) since 1901. Here, you can take part in up to 20 different sports or relax in their dining room and bars.

For the less athletically inclined, a trip to Talad Pho Luang will reveal a wide array of affordable Thai food and fresh ingredients.

PAR TANGJAITRONG, OWNER OF BROOKLYN BAKER

WIMON SIRIWANICHWONG, OWNER OF KANOM PIA MOO DESSERT SHOP

PHONGSRI SAPKETSOPHAR, OWNER OF POLO FRIED CHICKEN

“Twenty-four years living on the street have taught me that the shop opposite The Polo Club entrance on Soi 4 does the best sticky rice with banana and black bean stuffing. Also try the baked bean paste in flaky pastry.”

“This soi is so convenient—close to the park for exercise and with everything within walking distance. Sure, there are not a lot of restaurants around—we actually bring our own food when working at the shop—but the area is still abuzz thanks to the polo club.”

“Soi Polo is small yet busy, filled with locals and workers. ‘Hia Buay’ noodle store across from the sports center is legendary, so’s Kanom Pia Moo—and of course our shop. I like it here because everything is so affordable.”

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BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

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