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Hotel Motel The best new vacay spots in Thailand Posh Papaya Who makes the best mall som tam? 3’S Company Thonglor’s globe-spanning 3SAN aims high Double Digits Sathorn 10 and 12 are still red-hot
All the trimmings NO. 777 DECEMBER 20, 2019. www.bkmagazine.com
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page 3 Who's in charge?
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Managing Director & Publisher Andrew Hiransomboon Managing Editor Craig Sauers Deputy Editor Angela Symons Senior Digital Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Digital Content Coordinator Pakchira Bunphol Junior Digital Content Coordinator Kawee Jarach Senior Writer Dhipkawee Sriyananda Selley Junior Writer Waris Teachatripoom Contributor Megan Leon
upfront
Combatting Bangkok’s waste culture
Creative Director Bhatara Chirdchuen Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Senior Graphic Designer Assaya Dejkong Graphic Designers Anunya Chobnitas, Wirankan Saiyasombut Photographer Poonsawat Suttama
Business Development Director Jane Bay Senior Business Development Manager Madeleine Anantasuk
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Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Manager Tipkritta Chiraporncharas Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Nattaya Bovornsettanon Sales Associate Parinda Dermsripoom
cover
The 50 best dishes of 2019
Junior Marketing Executive Katthaleeya Tamkittigul ASIA CITY STUDIO Managing Editor Dietrich Neu Associate Editor Sureepak Janyapat Event Projects Manager Chayanap Tongdadas Event Coordinator Thanawat Buddhichewin Project Coordinator Sirinart Panyasricharoen Junior Project Coordinator Sawanya Chantarakana Senior Developers Prawee Wiangin, Wasan Wangrach Developer Nopanun Laochunanun Branded Content Writer Chakariya Cheewatara
22 open door
3. What did Pichayapa “Namsai” Natha of mega girl group BNK48 rock on her T-shirt during a rehearsal?
The Allium
a b c d
Chief Executive Officer Greg Duncan (gduncan@asiacity.net) Director Gretchen Worth (gworth@asia-city.co.th)
The Asia City Media Group Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. 9/F, Sathorn Nakorn Tower 100 North Sathorn Rd., Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02-624-9696 Fax: 02-237-5656 Email: bkmagazine@asia-city.co.th
a Conducting a “West Side Story”-like Jets vs. Sharks dance-off in Thonglor b Leading a political rally against the Phalang Pracharath Party c Turning Udomsuk into a de facto war zone by staging a daytime brawl involving guns, knives and steel bars, resulting in two deaths, two injuries and several arrests d Laughing at jokes from the ‘90s that are questionable at best today
a B10,000 b B100,000 c B1 million d B1.6 billion
Asia City Media Group
Where to find us!
It’s been an action-packed year here in the Land of Smiles. How closely were you paying attention to the news in 2019? Test your knowledge with our far-reaching quiz.
2. How much money is Udon-based fraudster Wantanee “Mae Manee” Tippaveth accused of scamming people out of via an online Ponzi scheme?
SOIMILK Editor Nathapong Suppavatee Senior Writer Rujiyatorn Choksiriwan Writer Sarin Songkriengkrai Junior Graphic Designer Wathinee Srithongchuai Senior Sales Associate Kornkanok Sriwaranant Sales Associate Palita Nueangnit Assistant Brand Manager Prawpraew Pairohg
Interns Vongsathon Karnchanapandh, Pearapong U-hun, Supaporn Saeponkrang, Wanvisa Koedmongkhon
Pop quiz—2019 edition! 1. What were two groups of win motosai guilty of doing last June?
Junior Videographers Jaruwan Suwandee, Tham Rodjananaudomvutigul Junior Video Editor Jakphet Potisarn
Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Accountant Manita Bangmoung Admin Executive Yaovaluck Srisermsri
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BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019
A large and utterly incontrovertible swastika A silk-screened photo of one of the Tham Luang boys A Voice TV logo A pixelated image of a bomboloni donut
4. What did officials put up for UNESCO World Heritage status?
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review
travel
3SAN
Thailand’s top hotel openings this year
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 ©2019 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
a b c d
ICONSIAM, the Icon of Eternal Prosperity Thai massage Boat noodles The entire country and all its traditions
5. Who won the 2019 general election, the country’s first poll in five long years? a b c d
The Phalang Pracharath Party The Future Forward Party The Democrat Party No one
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26 neighborhood
Sathorn 10 and 12
Answer key 1. c 2. d—homegirl swindled roughly 5,000 people out of a whole lot of money 3. aaaaand that’s what happens when you don’t teach WWII history, although the group did sort of make up for Namsai’s epic faux pas by sending one of her bandmates to Auschwitz in November 4. b, but there's no happy ending to this story—as of this writing, it still hasn't
received this long coveted lisiting see what’s happening
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5. d, of course
12/13/19 7:53 PM
upfront
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BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019
HOT OR NOT
WORKING CLASS
Finally some good news for all those with fake gold in your teeth and real rips in your jeans. Our magnanimous overlords have just hiked the minimum wage a generous B5-6 per day, bringing it up to B331 in Bangkok. Don’t go spending that B5 all in one place. And we mean that literally, because B5 buys you absolutely nothing in this city—not even a bus ticket.
Zero Factory tackles Bangkok’s waste problem with communal creativity
SKIPPING CLASS While the Greta Thunberg’s of the world are bunking off against climate change, Thailand is skipping class for B25 cinema tickets. Offered in celebration of Major Cineplex’s 25th anniversary at the end of last month, the discount saw a wave of students busted by cops awaiting them at the theaters. Take that as a life lesson, kids.
INTERVIEW
Normal Supattharachai is the brains behind Zero Factory (fb.com/ zerofactoryproject), a new zero-waste project that aims to champion a sustainable future for Thailand. Over the past three months, he’s hosted a series of popup exhibitions featuring eco-friendly lifestyle shops, discussions and clothes swaps in the hope of changing the day-to-day lifestyles of Bangkokians.
“Bangkok used to be a sustainable city.” NEW YEAR, SAME OLD YOU
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How did you get into the zero waste movement?
someone to rise up and push sustainability issues more seriously.
I’ve been living a zero waste lifestyle for almost three years. When one of my clients reached out about running an event with me, I raised the idea of Zero Factory. It's an experimental, creative project through which we try to raise awareness of environmental issues and zero waste. The first event was a pop-up exhibition that took place at Bangna, where we shared knowledge and invited partners such as Kinto [reusable tumblers], Refill Station [Thailand’s first bulk store], Moreloop [who gather surplus fabric from factories for reuse] and IBagU [bags made from discarded materials] to join.
Are people buying into your message?
What steps can we take to become a more sustainable city? If we want to become more sustainable, it’s not about moving forward, but rather looking back at who we are and where we came from. Bangkok used to be a sustainable city—we used to carry food in pinto [tiffin] and kratib [sticky rice baskets]—but somehow both Western and Eastern influence made us lose sight of ourselves. Being sustainable by those standards isn’t necessarily suitable for us. We have to selfreflect and accept who we are first, and then we can develop our own form of sustainable living. What does the future look like for us? Regardless of how much everything changes, Bangkok will remain the same. This is because our lifestyles have become rooted in the things we have. For example, with the food we eat, like curries, sometimes plastic bags are unavoidable. But we’re creating choices. Now we just need
Our aim is to make more and more people really understand zero waste and explain to them that it’s not difficult to live this way, and that the choices we make now will affect our lives in the future. We don’t do this just for PR. It’s our way of life. But our customers seem encouraged to do good things together. Tell us about your new facility. Our new location is a co-studio at Pak Khlong Talat. The new space is going to be community-focused, using activities to connect and educate people. Our three main partners—Refill Station, Moreloop and Kinto—remain the same. Apart from running the zero waste project, the space will also house my own studio, a ceramic studio and a small coffee shop on Saturdays. Can you share a few tips for reducing waste at home? Zero waste is not recycling—it’s about using less and using wisely. I’m trying to reduce the use of plastic in my daily life, for example, by carrying my own tumbler so there's no need to buy bottled water during the day; it’s also easier whenever I want to get some coffee. I also stopped using plastic straws and say no to plastic bags because I carry my own tote bag. How urgent is our climate crisis?
TAIWAN In the annual Expat City Ranking released by InterNations this month, Taipei retained its crown as the world’s most expat-friendly city. Meanwhile, Bangkok plummeted from fifth down to 20th place due to poor environmental quality and political stability scores. Let's not get jealous now and, say, dump a bunch of arbitrary travel restrictions on Taiwanese tourists.
SPEED LIMITS Deaths resulting from road accidents remain obscenely high, but thankfully the transport ministry has come up with a practical solution to the problem: raising those speed limits from 90kph to 120kph on the highways. Even better, anyone driving too slowly is going to get pinched, too. Keep those pedals to the metal or be prepared to pony up, people.
Extremely urgent! You can see the winter getting shorter and shorter every year. This is just one observation from everyday life that makes me aware of the crisis. Pakchira Bunphol
by Jakkii (FB: @Amateur Artist Mode - by Jakkii)
12/13/19 7:57 PM
ADVERTORIAL
THESE 6 RESTAURANTS ARE PERFECT FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS ON DIFFERENT BUDGETS
IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW BIG YOUR CHRISTMAS BONUS IS, HERE’S HOW TO BLOW IT ON FOOD.
3-4/F, Ari One, Ari Soi 1, 02-048-322. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-midnight
best spots in town to combine great live music and awesome food. Promotional Set (B1,490): A thick cut of grilled rib eye steak in a red wine sauce, and a bottle of Montes Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere or Montes Limited Selection Pinot Noir. Promotion Period: Dec 19–Feb 20 Major Cineplex Ratchayothin, Ratchayothin Rd., 081-839-4079. Open daily 5pm–1am.
Zuma Founded by Chef Rainer Becker, Zuma Restaurant puts stylish and fun twists on the contemporary izakaya style of dining, using authentic Japanese flavours, including a style-bending range of drinks to complement the cuisine. Promotional Set: A selection of Moriawase (the Japanese word for sushi or sashimi platters) starting from B980. Want to make things a bit more romantic? Top off your order with a glass of Montes Alpha Chardonnay (a very reasonable B500). Promotion Period: Dec 19-Feb 20 G/F, St. Regis Hotel, 159 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-252-4707. Open daily 11:30-2:30pm; 6pm-11:15pm
Oak Wine & Grill This is where you should go when craving thick cuts of quality beef, like Australia tenderloin, rib eye, and tomahawk, along with good wine. Promotional Set (B1,590): Italian risotto served with Australian tenderloin chunks and a bottle of Montes Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere. Promotion Period: Dec 19–Feb 20 99 Charoen Rat Rd., 080-394-4493. Open daily 11am-midnight Other Branch: Oak Wine Valley, 451 Soi Sukhumvit 50, 091-765-0008, Open Sun-Wed 11am – 11pm, Thu-Sat 11am – midnight
Duo Cucina
Frank Mansion With two floors of masculine and slightly mysterious dark brown, metal and wood, this venue offers adventurous pub grub, cocktails, and wine culture. Its signature Pasta Kak Kak (B340) features fettuccine and beef stewed with red wine, topped with crispy deep-fried beef. Promotional Set (B1,390): Pasta Kak Kak and a bottle of Montes Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere for B1,390. Promotion Period: Dec 19–Feb 20
Situated at Yodpiman Riverwalk pier, Duo Cucina presents Italian dishes in the style of Savona (a province in the Northern region of Liguria), a selection of various wines, and scenic view of Chao Praya River.
Sala Ayutthaya
Promotional Set (B1,900): Four-hour braised lamb shank in a red wine sauce and a bottle of Montes Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere.
Under the chill and slow-life vibe, Sala Ayutthaya hotel offers a bar that shirks the glitz of old city across the river in favor of a chic and cozy attic feel.
Promotion Period: Dec 19–Feb 20
Promotional Set (B1,840): Succulent freshwater prawns served with papaya salad and three sauces (tamarind, spicy chilli and lime, and Northeastern smoked chilli) accompanied by a glass of Montes Alpha Chardonnay.
2/F, Yodpiman Riverwalk, 174/1 Atsadang Rd., 090-929-7416. Open Mon-Thu 11:30am -10pm; Fri-Sun 11:30am-11pm Other Branch: Muangthong Thani, 50/529 Soi B8 Bond St, 089-954-7461, Open Mon-Sun 10am –10pm
Why Here Bar & Bistro With a lineup of famous Thai artists hosting concerts every month, this bistro is one of the
Promotion Period: Dec 19–Feb 20 Sala Ayutthaya hotel, 9/2-9/5 U-Thong Rd., Pratuchai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, 035-242588.
cover | 2019’s most delicious dishes
Things to Eat before You Die
Forget ball drops and resolutions. With 2019 coming to an end, we’re counting down the year’s most delicious dishes. From the grittiest street stall to the most star-studded restaurant, in totally random order, we‘re giving you a ‘grammable taste of the best that Bangkok has to offer right now. By BK Staff
Beef entrails in spicy soup at 100 Mahaseth (B240) Am I really going to eat this? Oh god, what is that thing floating in the broth? These are sound, rational questions to grapple with when trying intestine soup, but move past them, because this herby, soothing dish at 100 Mahaseth is so good you’ll feel silly for being squeamish. 100 Mahaset Rd., 02-235-0023. Open MonFri 5-11pm; Sat-Sun 11am-11pm
Spicy wagyu tartare “Laab” at Eat Me (B890) This is definitely not your typical beef tartare. Made with high quality minced wagyu, chili, red onion and coriander and served with crispy bread, this dish bursts with so many flavors. 1/6 Phiphat Soi 2, Convent Rd., 02-2380931. Open daily 3pm-1am
Baby back pork ribs at The Smokin’ Pug (B595 for half rack; B895 for full rack) This smokin’ delicious rack of ribs is hands down the best you’ll find in Bangkok. Smoked for hours using hickory wood imported from the US and coated with their signature Kansas City-style sauce, these fall-off-the bone BBQ ribs—served with onion strings, coleslaw, beans and cornbread—will leave you licking your fingers clean. 105 Lang Suan Rd., 083-029-7598. Open Tue-Sat 5-10pm
Fried chicken at Polo Fried Chicken (B130 half; B260 full) Served with a generous topping of fried garlic, the signature dish at this cathedral to crispy fried chicken has drawn crowds for five decades, long before it was awarded Bib
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Gourmand on Thailand’s Michelin Guide. The chicken is fragrant, crispy on the outside, yet juicy and tender on the inside—everything you want fried chicken to be. 137/1-3 Soi Polo, Wireless Rd., 02-655-8489. Open daily 7am-9pm
Phed Mark
Beef pad kaprao at Phed Mark (B155) Using white and red Thai basil leaves along with five different types of chilies fried with high quality Thai minced beef, Youtube vlogger Mark Weins makes pad kaprao that will probably have you bursting into tears. From the spiciness or joy of eating it? You decide. 928 Sukhumvit Rd., 083-893-8989. Open Mon-Sat 11am-5pm
Eat Me
Stir-fried beef on rice with onsen egg at DAG BKK (B280) The secret to this standout dish is in the signature sauce, the recipe for which chef-owner Chalermpon “Van” Rohitratana changes every month—from sweet fish sauce to spicy southern sauce made from fish guts (trust us, it tastes better than it sounds). Warehouse 30, Charoenkrung Soi 30, 087363-2629. Open Tue-Sun 3-9pm
Spaghetti alla Lenzi at Lenzi Tuscan Kitchen (B560) This is authentic Italian spaghetti through and through, leveled up with garlic, pork belly, tiger prawns and a slice of blood pudding ham from chef Lenzi’s family farm in Italy. Bravo! Ruamrudee Soi 2, Wireless Rd., 02-001-0116. Open daily 6-10:45pm
Zander cooked over cedar wood at Suhring (part of 14 course menu; B4,800/person)
The Smokin’ Pug
You’re forgiven if you think the lightly smoked German pike perch cooked over cedar wood, topped with a layer of egg white, is the best thing happening here. In reality, it’s the foamy Riesling sauce made with chicken broth, sour cream and the German wine that makes this dish alone worth two Michelin stars.
Big Su Beef Noodles
10 Yen Akat Soi 3, 02-287-1799. Open MonFri 5:30-9pm; Sat-Sun 11:30am-12:30pm, 5:30-9pm
Beef stew at Big Su Beef Noodles (B70) A favorite of former Thai prime minister Suchinda “Big Su” Kraprayoon, this legendary noodle joint has been serving their signature beef stew, or kao lao, for over 60 years. The soup is rich in flavor, and the braised beef is so tender it literally melts in your mouth.
Suhring
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BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019
Gaggan Anand
Pizza Mazzie
umami-packed with dollops of salty seaweed gel, while celeriac puree provides an earthy element to round it all out. 68 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 098-883-1022
Pork cheek cannelloni with foie gras sauce and Parmesan cream at Appia (B590)
Dag Bkk
Add a little chili vinegar and eat it on its own, or have it with rice—either way, this one is a winner. 1232 Nakhon Chaisri Rd., 02-241-4192. Open daily 7am-5pm
Raw Phuket lobster chilled at 2°C at Sorn (part of five-course menu; B2,700/person) This creamy bite-sized piece of rainbow Phuket lobster, kept at a temperature of 2°C, might be Bangkok’s bite of the century so far. Topped with a dollop of seafood sauce, it will give any piece of expensive sushi a run for its money. 56 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 099-081-1119. Open Tue-Fri 6-11pm; Sat-Sun 12-2pm, 6-11pm
Muttton biryani at Muslim Restaurant (B150) This historic restaurant has been serving up delicious dishes for over 70 years. But if you want a real treat, go on a Friday when they serve up their special mutton biryani. The tender hunks of meat mixed with spiced rice will make all your troubles temporarily go away. 1354/1356 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-234-1876. Open daily 6:30am-5:30pm
Stir-fried lump crab meat with long beans and yellow chili at Khua Kling Pak Sod (B580) It isn’t new, but this simple-yet-perfect dish keeps us coming back for more. Giant pieces of lump crab meat stir fried with sen mee, long bean and yellow chili make for the perfect lunch. 98/1 Sukhumvit Soi 53, 02-185-3977. Open daily 11-2:30pm, 5:30-9:30pm
Stir-fried crab roe with Himalayan salt at Supanniga Eating Room (B590) Crab roe isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but Supanniga will challenge that notion with their creative stir fry, which leaves the roe crispy, spicy and savory—the perfect companion to a plate of steaming white rice. 10-12 Charoenkrung Soi 38, 02-006-9744. Open daily 11:30am-10:30pm
Dry-aged amberjack with seaweed jelly and celeriac mousse at Gaggan Anand (part of 25-course menu; B8,000/person) Too many dishes at Gaggan will leave you in awe and get you thinking, but this one incredible bite of amberjack tops them all. It’s
This new addition to the Appia menu has already entered our list of favorites. The cannelloni comes stuffed with decadent pork cheek, slathered in equally decadent foie gras sauce and sharp Parmesan cream, before being topped with shavings of Umbrian black truffle. 20/4 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 092-646-7403. Open Mon 6-10:30pm; Wed-Sat 6-10:30pm; Sun 11:30am-2:20pm, 6-10:30pm
Crab and rosella salad at Samrub for Thai (part of tasting menu; B3,200-B4,500) Chef Prin Polsuk is back in action, bringing his expert knowledge of Thai yum (tangy salads) to his latest project, Samrub for Thai. If this gorgeous salad of chunky crab meat, rosella petals, fresh herbs and crispy shallots, all tossed in sweet, sour and spicy dressing, is any indication, then this restaurant should be firmly on your radar in 2020.
18, 02-261-7050. Open daily 5pm-midnight; Sun 11am-2:30pm
Roasted carrot and ricotta salad at Pizzeria Mazzie (B330) A simple dish, sure, but this appetizer nevertheless takes you on a ride, from its earthy hazelnuts and carrots glistening with apple cider vinaigrette to its rich, salty finish from a generous dollop of ricotta cheese. Park Lane Ekkamai, 23 Sukhumvit Soi 63, 02-060-8822. Open Tue-Sat 5:30-10:30pm; Sun 5:30-10pm
Yogurt espuma and corn ice cream with corn bouillon at The Peak, The St. Regis Bangkok (part of six-course menu; B3,200/person) One bite of this high-class hors d’œuvre inspired by chef Andreas Caminada—acclaimed chef-owner of three-Michelin-starred Schloss Schauenstein—is enough to make you think you’re dining in a cozy little restaurant in the Swiss Alps. The corn ice cream is delightfully light and fresh, while the warm corn bouillon brings a soothing element to the party. G/F, The St. Regis Bangkok, 159 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-207-7777
100 Mahaseth, 100 Mahaset Rd. Open WedThu 7-11pm; Fri-Sat 7pm-midnight; Sun midday-5pm, 7pm-midnight
Murgh makhanwala at Rang Mahal (B490) The rich layers of complex spices and lingering strains of heat in Rang Mahal’s butter chicken are something else. There are curry leaves, there’s a proper punch of chili, there’s onion (so much caramelized onion), there’s a chord of coriander seed that leaps out and says, “This is how things should be done.” 26/F, Rembrandt Hotel, 26 Sukhumvit Soi
The Peak, The St. Regis Bangkok
»
DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR A 25-course meal plus wine at Gaggan Anand will set you back a cool B12,000 before VAT and service. But how does that compare to other star-powered restaurants across the world?
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The French Laundry Yountville, California USD 325 (B9,800) Wine starts at B1,000/ glass.
The Inspiration Table at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay London, UK GBP1,000 for four people (B10,000/person) excluding drinks.
Noma Copenhagen, Denmark DKK2,500 (B11,260), plus B6,000 for wine.
Restaurant Guy Savoy Paris, France EUR478 (B16,000) including drinks
Ultraviolet Shanghai, China RMB4,000 (B17,200) including drinks.
Masa New York, New York USD595 (B18,000) excluding beverages and tax.
12/19/19 11:38 AM
cover | 2019’s most delicious dishes Dry egg noodles with wagyu (Nam Tok Wagyu) at Thong Smith (B329) Thong Smith raised the bar for mall boat noodle soups. The menu is large and all of it is delicious, but we recommend going for the Nam Tok Wagyu that bursts with tender sliced Australian wagyu, round beef meatballs, braised shank and tendon. Aroi mak. 5/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5794. Open daily 10am-10pm
Padrino Sandwich at Roast (B360) Roast recently changed its menu, beefing it up with some soul-stirring dishes. One such dish: the Padrino sandwich—heaps of meaty goodness like Mortadella, prosciutto, salami, provolone cheese and creamy slaw, all contained within their homemade baguette. 3/F, The Commons, 335 Thonglor Soi 17, 02185-2865. Open Mon-Thu 9am-10pm; Fri-Sat 8am-10pm; Sun 8am-9pm
Flavors of Coconut at 80/20 (part of the monsoon seasonal menu; B3,000/person) 80/20 might still be basking in the glow of their very much deserved Michelin star, but they’re still rolling out new stuff, like this clever dessert from pastry chef Saki Hoshino, which uses all parts of the coconut—from the shell to the juice, cream and meat—to create a texturally interesting and extremely tropical finishing touch to the restaurant’s latest seasonal menu.
Mahasan Burnt & Bowl
Wagyu katsu sandwich at Sushi Masato (B1,500 for six pieces) Japan’s wagyu sando is like manna from the heavens, and Sushi Masato, gracefully, delivers a pretty divine bite in its own right. The downright butter-like wagyu—served rare—is lightly breaded in panko, fried until crisp, placed between perfectly toasted slices of white bread and topped with freshly grated wasabi. 3/22 Sukhumvit 31 Soi 1 (Sawasdee), 02040-0015. Open Tue-Sun 5:30-10pm
1052-1054 Charoenkrung Soi 26, 02-6391135. Open Tue-Sun 6-11pm
Rice noodle soup (guay jub nam sai) at Guay Jub Ake Pai Lin (from B50)
Stir-fried pork with shrimp paste (moo kapi) at Thong Lee (B90)
Aromatic and peppery, the broth is clearly the star of this dish. We also can’t get over the melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, as well as the satisfyingly crunchy pork skin.
This little shop-house hidden down Sukhumvit Soi 20 caters mostly to workers nearby or people in the know, serving old-school Thai dishes at great prices. We always go back for the savory, spicy moo kapi. 64/3 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-258-1983. Open daily 9am-7:30pm
Fried chicken sandwich at Clucking Donut (B220) The people behind Malai chocolate took a hard pivot this year when they started churning out delicious fried chicken. Here, they brine their bird and douse in a secret recipe that contains over 30 different spices. We love it at the “bare naked” level, but if you’re feeling frisky, try the “shittin’ fire”—it even comes with a warning label. 11/33 Petchaburi Soi 47, 064-871-9002. Open Tue-Sun 11:45am-7pm
Thai beef noodle stew (kuay teow nuea) at Wattana Panich (starting at B80) This Ekkamai institution gets a lot of hype, but rightfully so. The restaurant has been using the same pot for years and they keep adding stock as they go without ever washing it. Imagine a flavor upon flavor explosion full of melt-in-your-mouth beef. 336-338 Sukhumvit Soi 63, 02-391-7264. Open daily 10am-7:30pm
OcMuffin at Ocken (B260) Everyone loves a good breakfast sandwich, and Ocken does a killer one. A clear riff on the McMuffin, this brekkie bite shines with its homemade sausage patty, oozing cheese and the perfectly folded chive omelet. Not for sharing. 1/F, Bhiraj Tower, 31 South Sathorn Rd., 082-091-6174. Open Mon-Fri 6pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 10:30am-2pm, 6pm-midnight
396 Sridan Soi 8, Srinakarin Rd., 087-4293999. Open daily 5-10pm
Sous-vide grilled ox tongue at Mahasan Burnt & Bowl (B270) Forget all those tough, chewy ox tongue dishes you’ve suffered through before. Mahasan’s ox tongue is sous-vide to perfection, resulting in a tender texture that complements the to-die-for sauce and raw egg. 23/1 Soi Chan, 086-960-5858. Open daily 4-10pm
Homemade potato gnocchi at The Penthouse Bar + Grill (part of three-course menu from BKRW 2019; B1,000/person) The texture of the gnocchi really stands out here. It’s perfectly soft and delicate, which goes well with the slightly salty flavor of the cheese that’s sprinkled on top. 34-36/F, Park Hyatt, 88 Wireless Rd., 02011-7480. Open daily 12-2:30pm, 6pm-midnight
Khao man gai at Khao Man Gai Nai Noi (from B45) This low-key stall on Convent Road has office workers patiently queuing up every lunch for its succulent sliced chicken served with wonderfully flavorful rice cooked in chicken broth. The chili-infused soy bean sauce and delightfully comforting pickled lettuce soup are the cherry on top. Convent Rd., 081-403-3527. Open Tue-Sun 9am-1pm, 5-10pm
Khachapuri at Argo (B250) Tear off a piece of the crust from this canoe-shaped leavened bread, dip it in the mixture of homemade Sulguni cheese and egg yolk resting in the middle of it, and be
Clucking Donut
AdHoc
reminded of why the bread-and-salty cheese combination almost always works. 4/26 Sukhumvit Soi 8, 02-120-4223. Open Tue-Sun 4-11pm
Sea urchin at Baltic Blunos (B2,900/person six courses; B3,400/ person eight courses) Has anyone ever eaten uni without salivating? This rendition of the rich creamed sea urchin with white chocolate, pickled samphire, sapane consommé and bergamot bubbles by the wonderfully eccentric British celebrity chef Martin Blunos takes it to the next level. 129/9 Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-117-1255. Open Tue-Sun 6-10pm
Grilled chicken at Som Tam Jay So (B19 for wings/B65 for breasts and thighs) We always go back to this street food gem for the grilled chicken—the beautiful, golden brown skin is perfectly crispy, while the meat inside remains juicy and tender. Dip a piece of the chicken into their homemade sauce and eat it with sticky rice and a zesty som tam, and you have one hell of a meal. Phipat Soi 2, 085-999-4225. Open Mon-Sat 11am-6pm
Thai wagyu tartare sandwich at Olta (B150) Succulent local beef tartare is sandwiched between buttery brioche, accompanied on the plate by a spot of salted egg yolk for extra punch. This absolute peach of a bar snack is priced so favorably you’d be a fool not to go back for seconds (or thirds). 101/11 Suanphlu Rd., 094-656-2159. Open Mon-Fri 5pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 11:30am2pm, 5pm-midnight
Wattana Panich
Vegan tantanmen at Mensho Tokyo (B350) Who needs meat? Made with Japanese soy cream, coconut milk and a wealth of nuts, beans and local Thai vegetables, the vegan tantanmen at this all-star ramen chain is without a doubt the most flavorful vegan ramen Bangkok’s ever seen. G/F, RSU Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 31, 091-8879492. Open Tue-Sun 11am-10pm
Sirloin steak at Arno’s Butcher and Eatery (B850) The half-kilo of well-aged sirloin served here makes pretty much every other sirloin steak we’ve had in Bangkok laughable by comparison. The meat is juicy, fatty, iron-rich and treated with a Frenchman’s interpretation of the word “rare.” 2090/2 Narathiwas Soi 20, 02-678-8340. Open daily 10:30am-9pm
Miang kham ice cream at AdHoc (part of ten-course tasting menu; B2,900/person) A savory dessert done right. It’s basically miang kham served in the form of ice cream made with caramelized coconut, tamarind, betel leaves, bird’s eye chili, galangal and— plot twist—fresh shrimp instead of dried. We love how you can taste the miang kham flavor until the last bite. 36/22 Phrom Si Soi 1, 065-143-1111. Open daily 6pm-midnight. Reservation only.
»
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12/19/19 11:38 AM
ADVERTORIAL
SPREAD SOME GOOD HOLIDAY WILL WITH FUROSHIKI WRAPPING AND ARTISAN GIFT HAMPERS AT EMPORIUM DEPARTMENT STORE CREATIVITY WITHOUT NEEDING TO BE CREATIVE
The tidal wave of Christmas and New Year’s deals continues as Emporium Department Store launches The Present Holiday Pop-In Shop on its ground floor from Today-Jan 5. What is it? The event is a takeover on the bottom level dedicated to festive experiences (IG and TikTok time), eco-conscious gift wrapping, curated hampers, pop-up shops and cafes, and some fun weekend workshops. Only one out of 10 people enjoy wrapping presents—and only one out of 10 of those people are any good at it. Sure, we made those numbers up, but you know it’s true. The Emporium’s signature wrapping service gives you a bunch of options to look like you are in the 0.01-percent of gift-wrappers without the legwork normally required, and they have a bunch of options to fit your personal style, so you’re loved ones might not actually know it wasn’t you. (Yes they will.) There is a slick scotch-tape free technique for a really clean look. One of our favorites is the Furoshiki option—a Japanese style that uses fabric to wrap goods. Want something nice and green? Emporium has collaborated with local paper artists Pimm Chongcharoen from paper craft design studio Teaspoon Studio and Anchalee Sripaisal
A.K.A. Curious Pig—a wrapping specialist who is famous for the use of recycled materials—to create the unique patterns for both wrapping paper and fabrics. The gift hampers you’ll get are also unique, designed by famous Thai brand Trimode Studio and PDM Brand, which specializes in modern-looking made from recycle plastic. If one solid gift doesn’t send enough good vibes, Emporium has a bunch of Artisan Hampers with curated products for different personality types. They all have funky names, too; “The More You Grow” (for plant lovers), “Get Promoted! Starter Pack” (work-related products), “Just Brew It” (coffee enthusiasts), “Love Me, Love the Earth” (eco-friendly goods), “Stronger Than Yesteday” (fitness buffs), and “Be Right Back” (self-care products). Other than the pre-set hampers, you can also customize your own at The Present Holiday Pop-In Shop. For single gifts, there are a bunch of exclusives from newly launched Thai brands that are worth talking about. Opt for modern furnishings from the likes of Thingg and Galloeur, urban gardening products from Shed, organic everything from Organic Supply, hearty green tea from famous Japanese brand Matchanoyu, handcrafted fashion accessories from Thai brands Pava and Nuttiyar, and many more limited edition gifts also enjoy adding a little something special with on-site personalization services. There will also be a neat pop-up cafe from Sukhumvit-based eatery Unbirthday Cafe which will be serving a special holiday menu that includes festive cakes and comforting hot chocolate cups topped with snowman-shaped marshmallows. Lastly, weekends will see a handful of festive workshops hosted Fri-Sun by local specialists and brands, Including a Christmas Gingerbread workshop by Unbirthday Café, Bath Bomb and Organic soap-making by Bangkok Bubble Bar, under glazed ceramic painting by Trampoline Studio as well as a Fabric stamp workshop from Fabcafe.
Scan to explore The Present Holiday Pop-in Shop
cover | 2019’s most delicious dishes
BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019
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TOP NEW TABLES
available on site—including fish he raises in his backyard garden, as well as crispy kombucha scoby. 231/3 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-038-5821. Tue-Sun 5-10:30pm; Sat-Sun 10am-1:30pm, 5-10:30pm
Oak-smoked quail eggs at Shun by Yanagiya (part of 17-course tasting menu; B4,800/person) The partner branch of two-Michelin-starred, invitation-only Yanagiya blurs the line between fine dining and down-to-earth yakitori. At its best—like these three creamy, Japanese oak-smoked and mentsuyu-cured quail eggs— the result is magical. 3/F, Donki, Thonglor Soi 10, 097-854-2222. Tue-Sun 6-11pm
Stax cheeseburger (B109)
Baltic Blunos
Burgers at this Daniel Thaiger offshoot recall sliders, with perfectly seared beef sandwiched between lightly toasted square buns and topped with grilled onions, dill pickles, mustard, ketchup and cheese. Picture White Castle but without the gastrointestinal pain and shame inherent in a crave case at the American chain. Saphan 55, 759 Sukhumvit Soi 55, 087-0877060. Mon-Sat 11am-10pm
Organic burnt coconut sugar ice cream with pork floss at Gaa (part of tasting menu; B3,200/person)
Soho Pizza
Klangsuan
Bak kut teh at Old Street Bak Kut Teh (B156 for small; B208 for large) Piping hot and packed full of peppery goodness, the clear broth here is as comforting as it gets. Protein comes not only in the form of pork ribs, but also chicken, fish and even frog. The signature dry bak kut teh (B182/B234), served in a clay pot, is also a must-try. G/F, MBK Center, 444 Phaya Thai Rd., 02-0460556. Open daily 10am-10pm
BBQ Chiang Mai figs at Quince (B360) Breaking away from Quince’s meaty mains, this wonderfully refreshing salad sees addictively juicy barbecued Chiang Mai figs served on a bed of stracciatella—the light and creamy interior of burrata cheese. A touch of honey adds a subtle sweet note, while crunchy nut brittle gives it some texture and fresh mint creates a hit of flavor. Siri House, 14/2 Soi Somkid, 094-868-2639. Open daily 6pm-midnight
Truffle risotto at Sensi (B980) Served with creamy egg yolk on top and sprinkled with a generous amount of truffle, this creamy plate of comfort is the very definition of food porn—it’s decadent, satisfying on a primal level and likely to leave you feeling as if you need to shower after eating it. Narathiwat Ratchanakarin 17 Yaek 5, 02-1171618. Open Mon-Sat 4:30-11pm
Mom's Soup Memories (squid noodles in chicken broth) at Front Room (part of ten-course menu; B3,200/person)
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This star dish was inspired by chef Rungthiwa’s mom’s three signature Thai soups: cucumber, chicken and squid. The squid is finely sliced into long noodle-like strips—soft and not even remotely chewy—and served in a flavor bomb of a broth. Fond memories indeed. Waldorf Astoria Bangkok (L/F) 151 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-846-8888. Open Mon-Sat 5:3010pm
Cheese pizza at Soho Pizza (B120/slice, B600/18-inch) Made with 48-hour naturally fermented dough, these large, hand-tossed pies come with a thin and crisp crust, yet are soft and pliable enough to be folded in half—the quintessential marker of a NYC slice. What we love about the cheese: stabs of sharp caciocavallo and the oh-so-satisfying salty tang of Parmigiano breaking up a generous bed of gooey mozzarella. 26/3 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-821-5113. Open daily 11:30-4am
Stir-fried sataw beans with shrimp at Klangsuan (B180) The highlight of this dish is not just the sharp tang of good sataw but also the coarse texture of a serious nam prik kapi (fermented shrimp paste)—so pungent, so balanced. The taste is authentic and it’s easy to eat, even if you’re a sataw rookie.
Take a soft serve-like ice cream, amplified with coffee and chocolate notes, and top it off with sweet-and-salty pork floss for a little textural contrast, and you have the perfect end to a meal at one of Bangkok’s best restaurants. 68/3 Soi Langsuan, 091-419-2424. Mon 5-8:30pm; Wed-Sun 5-8:30pm
Pork belly with sataw at Taan (part of the nine-course tasting menu; B2,100/person) Taan advertises a “hyper-local” tasting menu. What that means is the food here spans Thailand, homing in on different regional cuisines. This dish, featuring crispy grilled pork belly in a chili-infused curry with stir-fried stink beans, is a shining example of that approach done right. 25/F, Siam @ Siam Design Hotel, 865 Rama 1 Rd., 065-328-7374. Open Tue-Sat 5-11pm
Blueberry Balloon at Ici (B235) Fast-rising pastry chef Arisara “Paper” Chongphanitkul opened one of 2019’s most interesting venues in Ici, a dessert-focused restaurant that doles out sweet treats unlike anything Bangkok’s seen before. That includes this light yet luscious blend of soft cheesecake, blueberry gelee, lemon cream, biscuit joconde and buttery crumble base. 24 Sukhumvit Soi 27, 02-007-3113. Tue-Sun 9am-5pm
143 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 061-615-6576. Open Tue-Fri 11am-2pm, 6-10pm; Sat-Sun 11:30am-10pm
Haoma in a Bite (part of 13-course tasting menu; B2,990/person) Chef Deepanker Khosla, or DK for short, is revolutionizing fine dining by drastically reducing his carbon footprint and cranking out delicious, deeply personal food. For proof, consider this dish, which only uses ingredients
ICI
After all the movement in the culinary scene in 2018—Sorn, Saawaan, 80/20’s pivot to upscale— this year may have started with a relative whimper, but things are suddenly heating up in the dining scene. These are the Top Tablescaliber restaurants you need to keep on your radar in 2020. Baltic Blunos British celebrity chef Martin Blunos alone is worth the price of admission, but you’re in for much more at this Latvian-leaning restaurant. Fermentation and pickling transform hard-to-find ingredients, and you’ll rarely get the same thing twice. Clara Six years after opening Sensi, chef Christian Martena and partner Clara Del Corso-Martena returned with a pop-up called Waiting for Clara. The wait is over, and Clara, a modern Italian venture, now occupies the Bauhaus-inspired space that used to be the Villa Yenakart exhibition hall. Don Asado A proper Argentinian grill—parilla and all—in Yen Akat? It sounds like a gimmick, yet it’s anything but. The produce is all premium, but that’s nothing unusual. What sets this place apart is its devotion to asado a la cruz, an unhurried approach to cooking that yields tender, smoky and juicy meat. Gaggan Anand The most outspoken chef in Asia made waves when he shut down his eponymous Gaggan only to open another eponymous restaurant a few months later. Here, you can expect boundary-pushing 25-course menus that require an endurance athlete’s focus, with the same glorious sideshow as the original. Mia Whimsy rules at Mia, a project run by rising culinary power couple Top Russell and Michelle Goh and overseen by the London-based chef Julien Imbert. That means William Morris wallpaper, pastels and tropical plants, as well as culinary principles fueled by experimentation (think foie gras donuts). Blue by Alain Ducasse Alain Ducasse’s first venue in Thailand is predestined for awards. Blue features a Bangkok-exclusive menu and a design by Jouin Manku, the same agency behind all three of Ducasse’s three-Michelin-starred venues. It’s everything you expect from a man like Ducasse, yet pleasantly devoid of stuffiness.
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hit list | 16 reasons to love bangkok
BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019
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Four new BTS stations open on the Sukhumvit Line TRANSPORT
After the opening of BTS Ha Yaek Lat Phrao in August—the current terminal station at the northern end of the BTS Skytrain’s Sukhumvit Line—four more new stations opened for free test rides on Dec 4, continuing the roll out of a 19km northern extension that has been under construction since 2015. As reported by Khaosod English, Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang announced that fare collection for the new stations will be postponed as a “new year’s gift” for Bangkokians, not only saving cost on transportation for citizens but also reducing traffic around the area. The new stations include Phahon Yothin 24, Ratchayothin, Sena Nikhom and Kasetsart University. Free test rides will be conducted through Jan 2, after which fares will be collected. The extension will eventually cover 16 stations, including Ha Yaek Lat Phrao, Phahonyothin 24, Ratchayothin, Sena Nikhom and Kasetsart University, while the rest of the extension from Royal Forest Department to Khu Khot will not be open until Dec 2020.
FEELING FESTIVE
Christmas and New Year deals you don’t want to miss FabLab “3 Wishes Sale-A-Bration” Get up to 70 percent off on dresses, shoes and accessories. Now through Dec 31; at 1/F, Siam Center
Calm Spa “Festive Promotion” B3,000 (from B4,355) for a 30-minute full body scrub, followed by a 60-minute full body massage and a 30-minute organic facial massage. Now through Dec 31; Calm Spa, Soi Ari 4 (Nua), 02-057-9454
Labrador “Share Your Love 2020” Get 20 percent off plus free wrapping when purchasing items up to B500. Now through Jan 6; at Labrador, 3/F, Central Embassy
IconSiam “The Greatest Celebration” Get one free movie ticket (worth B260) to Icon Cineconic when shopping up to B3,000 at Siam Takashimaya and other participating stores. Now through Jan 12
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HOME DECOR
FASHION
TECH
02 Shop your favorite
03 Say hello to Mykita’s first
Bangkok flagship store
04 These Beats
headphones pack a punch
Calling all Hay fans—your favorite Scandinavian brand has launched its latest pop-up space filled with stylish goodies just in time for the holidays. Take your pick from their popular tote bag collection, available in a number of different styles, including the multi-check shopping bag and the printed canvas in black and white variations. If you’re eyeing something to spice up your home and workspace, check out their home decor, stationery, kitchenware and other design items, ranging from coffee mugs to colorful notebooks. 3/F, BeTrend, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.
German eyewear label Mykita has finally opened its first Bangkok flagship store, and it’s one of the most exciting openings we’ve seen this year. Lo c ate d i n t h e n ew l y d e b u te d h i g h - e n d community mall Velaa Sindhorn Village, the long-awaited flagship features a high-tech urban jungle vibe marked by pale green palettes and metal accents. Head here to get your hands on beautiful designer collab pieces from Martine Rose and Bernhard Willhelm to Maison Martin Margiela. They also offer a state-of-the-art optical service from an in-house optometrist. Velaa Sindhorn Village, 87 Langsuan Rd., 084-659-9824
What: Beats Solo Pro Price: B10,500 Why? Gone are the glossy—and somewhat tacky— plastics of the earlier Beats. The Solo Pros come with a robust yet clean matte body and sleek exposed aluminum. The headphones offer two listening modes: active noise cancellation to block everything out and transparency for when you need to hear ambient noise. Another nice perk: the Solo Pros automatically turn on and off via folding, a handy mechanism for conserving battery life. Available at apple.com/th
Scandi-chic items at Hay’s pop-up store
Shop Talk How to spend your hardearned baht.
BUY IT KAMNUENG BAGS Ditch the plastic bags for these stylish upcycled cement totes (B320). fb.com/kamnuengstorebags
BIN IT CARGO SHORTS They’re bulky, they’re unflattering and they make you look 10 years older.
BARGAIN CLUB21 END OF SEASON SALE Get up to 30 percent off killer designer pieces, from Alexander Wang and Issey Miyake to Comme des Garcons and Paul Smith; now through Jan 31. G-M/F, Siam Discovery.
12/13/19 8:10 PM
food & drink
BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019
13
ADVERTORIAL
FEAST OF A DEAL
Beautiful Creations
Restaurants with creative menus and cocktails Bunker
How: Here, chef Tim Butler offer delightful flavors by blending native American dishes and European cuisine, then puts Asian twists on top. 118/2 Sathorn Soi 12, 092-563-9991
Get a complimentary dessert valued THB 350 when spending THB 1,000 or more /sales slip (limit 1 dish /card /table / sales slip) 01 Sep ’19 - 31 Aug ’20
PRU
100 Mahaseth
How: 100 Mahaseth take all the parts of animals you wouldn’t normally dream of eating and turn them into the highest-caliber fine dining cuisine that will inspire your spirit for adventurous dining. 100 Mahaseth Rd., 02-235-0023.
Get a complimentary dish from selection valued up to THB 360 when spending THB 500 or more /sales slip (limit 1 dish / card /table /sales slip) 01 Mar ’19 - 29 Feb ’20
How: PRU serves up creative dishes made using fresh produce from local fishermen and organic farm. Even the butter is made in-house. Trisara Resort, 60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Rd., Phuket, 076-310-100.
Get a complimentary drink when ordering 7 courses menu (limit /drink / card /table /sales slip) 15 Jan ’19 - 31 Jan ’20
Upstairs at Mikkeller
How: Upstairs is known for its menu containing progressive American cuisine with Nordic and Danish elements. Topped off with even better hospitality.
Namsaah Bottling Trust
How: Namsaah whips up a large menu of creative cocktails. Expect ingredients like salted caramel, watermelon and tangerine juice, plus classic western cocktails with Oriental twists. 401 Silom Soi 7, 02-636-6622.
Get a complimentary Kaffir Lime Pie valued THB 280 when spending THB 2,000 or more /sales slip (Limit 1 dish / card /table /sales slip)
Bunker
PRU
01 Feb ’19 - 31 Jan ’20
2/F, 26 Ekkamai Soi 10, Lane 2 (Phra Khanong), 91-713-9034.
Get a complimentary last bite dessert valued THB 300 when spending via Citi credit card 01 Mar ’19 - 31 Dec ’20
Namsaah
100 Mahaseth
Upstairs at Mikeller
Brought to you by Citi
SPARKLING NEW YEAR CELEBRATION AT THE OKURA PRESTIGE BANGKOK 31 December 2019 Celebrate the New Year with family and friends at The Okura Prestige Bangkok and enjoy gourmet international cuisine, live entertainment and breathtaking views of Bangkok. Up & Above welcomes 2020 with “A Night of Ginza” New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet, while Yamazato offers authentic Japanese Gozen lunch, Kaiseki dinner and Teppanyaki menus. Over at MICHELIN starred restaurant Elements we are serving an indulgent 6-course set dinner of signature French cuisine with Japanese influences. Contact 02 687 9000 for more details or email: fbreservations@okurabangkok.com
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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Ducasse is Here An Inside Look at One of the Exciting Restaurant Openings of the Year
All About Blue
One of The Most Influential Chefs in History
He is the first chef in history to own three restaurants with three Michelin stars in three different cities (New York, Alain Ducasse is a man that really Paris and London). He has also apneeds no introduction in foodie cirpeared as a special guest on the US cles. The legendary French chef held and Italian versions of Masterchef. In a whopping 21 Michelin stars across 2011, he was behind the multi-course his international empire in 2012, the gala dinner for the royal wedding of most of any living chef on the planet. Prince Albert of Monaco, which was His legendary flagship venue in Lonattended by a who’s-who of 500 A-listdon, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, ers. holds three Michelin stars and has for the past decade.
Brought to you by Blue by Alain Ducasse
It’s hard to understate how much Ducasse has influenced the international dining scene. He is the elite of the elite, and restaurants that bear his name are among the finest in the world. This means his entrance into the Thai market is no small bit of news, and the whole foodie scene has been buzzing since news of his arrival broke in November of this year. Although he announced a chocolate shop in Bangkok earlier this year, the recent opening of Blue by Alain Ducasse at ICONSIAM is arguably the biggest culinary news of the year.
Blue by Alain Ducasse will be Ducasse’s first proper restaurant in Bangkok, and will stick to his traditional French finedining roots, but is very much meant to be a unique experience to Bangkok that doesn’t copy-and-paste concepts from his other venues. “‘Blue by Alain Ducasse’ is unique to this city and with its own particular identity,” he said. “It has a contemporary French menu that I personally conceived, using carefully selected ingredients, and to be enjoyed in a magnificent setting with inspiring views over the Chao Phraya River that, together, deliver an unforgettable experience.”
That menu will evolve with the seasons as premium produce becomes available. Right now, the menu sports a bevy of French classics augmented with ingredients from across the globe, such as Hokkaido’s sea scallops served with Thai herbs salad in a black truffle vinaigrette dressing. There’s also another starter made with blue crab, tomato water gelée, and gold caviar that uses three different types of tomato, has a gelée that is cooked for 12 hours, and is crowned with exquisite gold caviar. Main dishes include grilled plumb lobster dipped in homardine sauce, with refreshing notes from apple juice and crunchy savoy cabbage.
The venue doesn’t pay lip service to the Ducasse brand either. It’s very much meant to remain at the cutting edge of the international food scene. If you want proof, just look at who Ducasse has pegged to helm the kitchen, Wilfrid Hocquet—a chef with 20 years experience in many of Ducasse’s Michelin-star restaurants, such as Le Louis XV by Alain Ducasse. He’s also brought in one of his key maî·tre de to manage the service, Alex Cufley—the man behind the success of Macau’s Alain Ducasse at Morpheus. 1/F, ICONSIAM (ICONLUXE zone) 02-005-9412. Main dining area: Open daily 12pm-2pm; 6.30pm-10pm, Lounge: Open daily 11am-10pm.
hit list | calendar
BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019
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05
Your guide to ringing in the New Year in Bangkok
DANCE DANCE DANCE
White Party One of Bangkok’s biggest gay parties runs for a calf-burning five days, ending in a Dec 31 bash. Dec 27-28, Dec 30-Jan 1, 8pmmidnight. GMM Live House, 8/F Central World, 02-101-6881. Dec 29, 4-11pm. Seen Sky Bar, Avani Riverside Hotel, 02-431-9120. B2,500-4,000 at whitepartybangkok.com.
Neon Countdown II Meta Music Festival This two-day EDM fest—featuring acts like Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Armin van Buuren, Krunk and Goldfish and Blink—culminates in the New Year’s countdown. Dec 30-31. Oasis Arena, Show DC, B3,500 for two-day tickets at Ticketmelon.
New Year’s Eve: The Club at Koi A funky New Year’s party, featuring performances by DJ Uno, Natsha, Knatz, Miss D, Weezii and MC Matt. Dec 31. The Club at Koi, Sathorn Square, 9pm-3am, 02108-2005.
Space Time x Whiteline Three floors of live bands and DJs dish up funk, disco, house, jungle, bass and hip-hop grooves, delivering an underground New Year’s party for the ages. Dec 31, 9pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8, 087-061-1117. Free.
Insanity Nightclub NYE Count down to the New Year with nonstop entertainment from live acts like DJ Funk D, 2elements, Renato S and more, plus dance and aerial performances from Cirque Du Soleil. Dec 31, 9pm. Insanity Nightclub, 234 Sukhumvit Soi 12, 082-731-8885. B800 women/1,000 men (includes one drink). FIREWORK EXTRAVAGANZAS
and free-flow drinks on the rooftop. That means a great view of the fireworks and presumably cool breezes for the countdown. Dec 31, 9pm-late. Aire Bar at Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit. Starts at B2,020 and goes up to B32,000 for exclusive packages.
White Party with Fireworks by the River E n j oy g l o b e - s p a n n i n g cu i s i n e a n d unrivaled views of the fireworks over the Chao Phraya at this long-standing riverside hotel. Dec 31, Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers. B8,500+. royalorchidsheraton.com.
Gaysorn White Countdown Ratchaprasong’s bougie-cool mall promises live music, food and good booze into the New Year. Early bird tickets cost B2,000. At the door, they’re B2,500. Dec 31, Gaysorn Urban Resort, 02-253-3999.
Amazing Thailand Countdown The pyrotechnic display of the year spans a 1,400-meter stretch of riverside at seven different locations, where you can catch beautiful eco-friendly firework from Japan. Dec 31, IconSiam, iconsiam.com.
Countdown Party x Mahanakhon SkyBar Ring in the New Year with live entertainment plus spectacular views of the city's fireworks at the Mahanakhon Bangkok SkyBar. Come early for a seven-course New Year’s Eve dinner, starting at B15,000+/ person, and B24,000+/person for the dinner and countdown party. Mahanakhon SkyWalk, 74, 75, 78/F, King Power Mahanakhon, 02-677-8721 ext. 4045. CRUISIN’
Let’s Glow Under the Stars
Sabai Cruise Countdown
Aire Bar at Hyatt Place is hosting a New Year’s Eve bash with unlimited canapes
Count down on the Chao Phraya with live music and delicious food (B2,900/person).
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Dec 31-Jan 2, 9pm. sabaicruise.com.
CONCERT
NIGHTLIFE
MAX ASIA TOUR LIVE IN BANGKOK On Jan 16, the rising pop star performs at Lido Connect. Tickets from B1,300 via Livenation and ThaiTicketMajor outlets.
GAY NIGHT PRECHRISTMAS PARTY On Dec 22, celebrate an early Christmas with a cheeky “Ho Ho Ho” theme plus a drag show at Maggie Choo’s (B500; includes two drinks). 088-665-9986.
UP ON THE ROOF
Glow in the Jungle Octave serves up free-flow drinks for this jungle-themed New Year’s bash. Dec 31, 7pm-2am. Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar, 02-797-0000. B8,500 for the 45th floor and B13,500 for both 48th and 49th floor.
Mustache Takeover The Mustache crew takes over the rooftop of the Amaranta hotel. Tickets cost between B500-1,500 and include access to the official Mustache after party at the club up the road. Dec 31, 5-11pm. Amaranta Hotel. megatix.in.th.
Neon Rooftop Countdown Spread across two floors and three zones, this rooftop party features an impressive 15 DJs, a saxophonist and dancers. Dec 31, Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, 02-059-5555. Starts at B2,800.
Sky on 20 Tropic New Year Party Cap 2019 in style with free-flow wine, beer and more 26 floors above Asoke (B3,000). Dec 31, 5pm-late. Sky On 20, 26/F, Novotel Bangkok Hotel, 02-009-4999.
Party in the Clouds Ring in the New Year with a countdown on top of The Westin Grande Sukhumvit. Entertainment comes from the likes of Kade, Groove DJ and Kori Mafi and more. Dec 31, 9pm-2am. The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, 02-207-8000. From B5,000 up to B25,000. START EARLY
Ring in x The Commons
LIVE MUSIC TINY MOVING PARTS The American emo band brings its nostalgic sounds to De Commune at Liberty Plaza on Feb 12, 2020. Early tickets at B700 and regular for B900 via Eventbrite.
FESTIVAL
LAMACHE X SAFE ROOM Beats from the French electronic music producer and DJ along with Thai favorites Pati Mala & Jakkawan. Dec 27, Safe Room, Silom 8, 087061-1117. 10pm-3:30am. B300 (includes one drink)
BEER GARDENS
MAYA MUSIC FESTIVAL The two-day festival promises four stages of rock, indie, EDM and trap music, as well as a pool and after party. Jan 31-Feb 1, Maya Space, Pattaya. General camping tickets (4 pax.) are priced at B32,000, while VIP camping costs B72,000. MayaMusic Festival.com.
FUNGJAI MEGAHIT 2019 The Thai music streaming platform brings over 20 local bands behind the year’s hit songs, including Polycat, Taitosmith and more. Dec 21. Show DC, 99/6-9. From B888 via Ticketmelon.
CENTARA BEER GARDEN Centara Grand is hosting an open-air beer fest in its 26thfloor lotus garden until Jan 26. F/26, 5pm-midnight, Lotus Garden, Centara Grand at CentralWorld. Free entrance
WISHBEER GARDEN Until Jan 6, craft beer bar-slash-distributor Wishbeer transforms Gaysorn Village into a wintry, craftfocused beer garden. Cocoon Dropoff, Gaysorn Village, 999 Phloenchit Rd.
Party from the afternoon onwards with live DJ sets and bands, food vendors and plenty of drinks. Dec 31, 1pm-late. The Commons, 335 Thonglor Soi 17. Free.
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BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019
Stay Tuned! Coming out March 2020
Plus: More Pages More Listings More Activities More Fun! FOR BOOKINGS, please call 02-624-9696 (Sales dept) or email advertising@asia-city.co.th
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travel | hit the suite spot
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BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019
Vacay Mode These are Thailand’s best hotel openings this year. By Waris Teachatripoom Bangkok Rosewood Bangkok ng
ko k
In March, Hong Kong-hailing Rosewood strengthened its foothold in Thailand with a property in Phloen Chit. The hotel boasts 159 swanky suites, ranging from 42-to-291 sq meters and decked out in cream, blue and gold, as well as a 26th-floor Sky Pool Studio with its own private terrace and outdoor plunge pool. After dark, head up to Lennon’s to sip on Asian-inspired cocktails while you browse the bars 6,000-strong vinyl collection.
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1041/38 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-080-0088. rosewoodhotels.com/en/bangkok
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New in The arrival of this ultra-luxury hotel brand along the Chao Phraya in early 2020 will 2020 continue the reinvention of Bangkok’s riverside. All 101 suites in the low-rise development come with sweeping river views, as well as Thai textiles and accents. The hotel’s F&B is equally exciting, from Côte Capella, a Mediterranean-leaning restaurant from lauded Italian-Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco, whose threeMichelin-starred restaurant Mirazur in Menton, France, currently stands at no. 1 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list; to Stella, a cocktail and dessert bar overlooking the river.
Koh Yao Noi is now home to 9Hornbills, a sumptuous glamping retreat with giant safari tent villas. The villas are absolutely massive (108 sq-meters), and include four-post beds, open air rain showers, clawfoot bathtubs and minibars, as well as private gardens and swimming pools. The facilities are highlighted by a private beach, with kayaking and paddle boards for the active-minded. Yoga, meditation classes, snorkeling, diving and cliff climbing are also available. 37/3 Moo 2, Koh Yao Noi, Phang Nga, 084-645-8963. 9hornbills.com
300/2 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-658-7888. capellahotels.com/en/capella-bangkok
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300/1 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-032-0888. fourseasons.com/bangkok
Samui
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Avani Samui At the very end of 2018, Avani Samui unveiled an upscale escape in Samui’s Phang Ka Bay area. Sleek, light gray interiors with vibrant splashes of blue feature in both the pool villas (68-to-227 sq-meters) and the 42-sq-meter deluxe rooms with private balconies. To make the most of your stay, upgrade to one of the beachfront villas. Other facilities include a beachside restaurant, a cafe and a cocktail truck next to the pool. 53/5 Moo 4, Phang Ka, 077-485-299. avanihotels.com/en/samui
Lub D Though best known for its hostel on Chaweng beach, Lub D expanded into hotels this year. While the social vibe remains, the deluxe rooms offer greater privacy. Decked out in jazzy, tropical themes, all rooms come with balconies, swing chairs and outside tables. The hotel also features a swim-up pool bar with a floating DJ booth, a gaming area, cabanas, and a beachfront bar and restaurant. 159/88 Moo 2 Chaweng Beach, 077-230-326. lubd.com/samui
Phuket TwinPalms MontAzure 9
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r Ho
nb
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Phang Nga 9Hornbills
New in Opening right beside Capella in early 2020 2020, Four Seasons promises 299 rooms, alongside modern Italian restaurant Riva del Fiume; a French brasserie and oyster bar; a high-end Cantonese restaurant; and BKK Social Club, a bar led by the hotel’s high-flying beverage manager and mixologist, Philip Bischoff—former bar manager of Singapore’s esteemed Manhattan—which is set to offer Latin American and pre-prohibition era concoctions.
Li t
100/210, Kamala, Kathu District, 076-689-900. montazure.com/site
Capella Bangkok
Four Seasons Hotel
S
ly on family-friendly Kamala Beach, a five-minute drive from the original Twinpalms Resort on Surin Beach. Offering just 46 rooms, accommodation ranges in size from a 70-sq-meter suite to a 300-sq-meter two-bedroom penthouse with a private pool and uninterrupted sea view. Designed by Martin Palleros, of Singapore’s Tierra Design, the hotel fully embraces its setting that combines beach and mountainside with palm trees and running streams found throughout. Two pools, a traditional southern Thai restaurant and a beach lounge complete the list of facilities.
Le Meridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa The peaceful shores north of Phuket just got another major player with the opening of Le Meridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa. Located along Bang Sak beach, the 269-room hotel features 10 types of rooms-including private pool villas and suites—all with their own spacious balconies (from B3,400/night). The rooms are centered on three impressive lagoon pools that overlook the Andaman Sea. Adding to the laid-back but luxurious holiday vibe are a slew of casual restaurants, including an open-air beachside grill, a tropical beach bar called Coconut Joe’s, a poolside bar and L’Uccello Pizzeria, which slings wood-fired pizzas and unique antipasti at dinnertime 31 Moo 7 Bangmoung, Khao Lak, Phang Nga, 076429-000. www.marriott.com/
Chiang Mai Little Shelter This small, boutique hotel is distinguished by its Lanna architecture, rooftop deck and its stunning views of the Ping River. The 14 rooms are painted in four different shades— black, white, green and brick orange—and feature minimalist furnishings and dazzling mirror tiled walls. Facilities include a modern cafe, a restaurant specializing in northern Thai fusion, a cocktail and wine bar, and a compact riverside pool. 208/25 Lampoon Rd., 081-611-9797. fb.com/littleshelterhotel
Raya Heritage This contemporary wood-and-stone venue set along the Ping River reinterprets classic Lanna design. The curated furniture pieces are all handmade by local craftsmen, while terracotta tiles, vintage hardwood structures and handwoven textiles evoke regional traditions. The 33room resort also bakes social causes into its ethos, giving back to the local community through scholarships, and working with local weavers, potters, woodcarvers and artisans to bring designs to life. 157 Moo 6, Tambon Donkaew, 02-301-1861. rayaheritage.com
This latest mixed resort and residence project from the upscale Thai Twinpalms Hotels & Resorts group is set direct-
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travel | news
BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019
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KOH SAMUI
07Chef David Thompson is heading south
06
Err has popped up in Phuket with craft beer in tow
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Celebrated Australian chef David Thompson —best known for founding Nahm in Bangkok—has joined hands with Cape and Kantary Hotels to set up Long dtai. Located at Cape Fahn Hotel, a stunning property that takes over a private island just northeast of Samui, The southern Thai restaurant will spotlight fresh seafood and local ingredients—expect specialities like southern-style grilled mussels; southern curry with minced pork and green peppercorns; and shrimp paste and prawns in betel leaves— all served on a deck with views overlooking the sea. Cape Fahn, 24/269 Moo 5, T.Bo-Phut, Koh Samui
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CHIANG MAI
THAILAND
08 Chiang Mai is gearing 09 This pass grants
up for a week of crafts
ISLAND LIFE
Bo.lan and Err’s chefs Dylan Jones and Bo Songvisava have teamed up with Full Moon Brewworks to open Err Chalawan, all-new Thai-style izakaya on Phuket. Here, the menu spans grilled finger foods like the spicy “Sober Skewers” (moo ping; B130) and Isaan sausage made with gaba rice (B280); local additions like southern yellow curry with seafood (B495) and fresh Phuket spring rolls (B95); and unusual sidekicks like red curry fritters (B180) and a salad of deep-fried organic eggs (B150). Craft beers on tap feature a smattering of experimental brews and guest additions from outside Full Moon. 32 Thepkrasatree Rd., Phuket, 076-680-110
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The annual Chiang Mai Crafts Week returns for its fifth edition this Feb 6-9, 2020, and it promises to be bigger and craftier than ever. Held at Promenade Chiang Mai from 9am8pm each day, the festival offers a sprawling collection of handicrafts and textiles for sale, as well as small group workshops led by local creators and tons of street food, snacks and drinks. Here’s a novel one for you: there will even be air con to keep you cool while you peruse the aisles this year.
access to museums across the country
This December, Museum Siam kick-started a drive to promote educational and heritage tourism with the Thailand Museum Pass. For B299, the one-year pass grants access to 63 museums nationwide, just over half of which are outside Bangkok, including Art in Paradise and MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum in Chiang Mai, Doi Tung Royal Villa and Mae Fa Luang garden in Chiang Rai, the Peranakan Phuket Museum, Hat Yai’s Magic Museum and many more. The pass is available to both Thais and foreigners, and get this: the price is the same across the board. museumthailand.com/en/museumpass
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food & drink | open doors
10 The Allium excels in French fine dining The buzz: Helmed by Dutch national Roxanne Lange—one of Marriott International’s youngest chefs de cuisine—this modern European opening replaces The Reflexions as part of The Athenee Hotel’s recent revamp. The vibe: High ceilings, vibrant red and white panel walls and marble flooring combine for a more stereotypically Chinese than European feel, with a business-like air. Individual tables run along the soft gray banquette at the center, flanked by a long bar at one side and a glass wall on the other looking out to a balcony herb garden. Towards the far end, the open kitchen is preceded by a flowing, natural wood table capable of seating 12 guests. The food: Savalberg-trained chef Roxanne artfully prepares French haute cuisine in set menus. These range from plant-based options (from B1,800 for six courses) and the seven-course Le Petit (B2,480) to the 10-course Memoirs of Home (B3,280), in which three sizable amuse bouche and a palate cleanser bring the total up to 14. Bursting with piquant flavor, chef Roxanne’s colorful Chiang Mai tomato salad features elements of gazpacho and sun-dried tomatoes, inspired by her mother’s soup,
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while memories of childhood crab fishing are evoked in an island of creamy Thai mudcrab atop crunchy cucumber spaghetti and broth. Well balanced flavors and texture combinations are a theme, from rich and creamy French Moulard duck liver countered with sweet apple and crunchy nut crumble, and turbot in beurre blanc sauce with salty chorizo cubes and beetroot crisps, to mellow dashi sauce poured over an expertly cooked Hokkaido scallop with pumpkin puree. Calamansi with white chocolate mousse, mini meringue bites and Madagascan vanilla ice cream makes for a tart and refreshing endnote. The drinks: The extensive wine list, separated by country and region, charts a number of reasonably priced natural, organic and sustainable bottles. Try the 2017 Pinot Grigio, Alois Lageder “Porer” from Alto Adige, Italy (B430/2,100), followed by the fruity, juicy 2017 Pinot Noir, Clos Henri “Petit Clos” from Marlborough, New Zealand (B430/2,200). Why we’d come back: Combining complex textures, balanced flavors and quality produce, each and every dish is a hit. This is one of the most consistent menus we’ve come across. Angela Symons
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BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019
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L'Oliva
TABLE TALK
NEW AND NOTED
11 Take a trip to Italy without leaving Thonglor
12 The Commons regains its Mexican flair
13 Get your hands dirty at Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Crab
Dreaming of a trip to Italy? Then head to L’Oliva (4 Sukhumvit Soi 36, 094-858-9868). Co-owned by a passionate Abruzzo native, this rustic standalone restaurant houses a comfy, lunch-friendly lounge area, a date-perfect white table-clothed dining room and a stunning glasshouse surrounded by a lush green garden ideal for private dining. The specialty is Neapolitan pizza (Mortadella Pistachio, B440), but there’s plenty more to get excited about. From Antipasto Italiano (B550) to Abruzzo-style beefand-pork lasagne (B420) and classic tiramisu (B230), the menu is packed with heartwarming dishes inspired by the owner’s family recipes, alongside wine from his home province like the red Tenuta Ulisse Montepulcinano d’Abruzzo 2014 (B1,800).
Following Barrio Bonito’s sudden closure, the Commons-dwelling restaurant has been reborn as La Cocina (335 The Commons, Thonglor Soi 17, 02-006-3225), bringing a refined look featuring light woods, Japanese linens and rattan lamps, and a healthy new menu. Try the Guerrero (B140): house-made corn and sweet potato tortillas loaded with grilled cheese, grilled cactus, kale, avocado, salsa verde and pickled veggies or the traditional ceviche (B280) with a bowl of creamy guacamole (B300). Wash it down with a refreshing aguas frescas like the Pina-Cilantro (B100), a pineappleand coriander-infused water, or a natural wine (B300/glass).
Ranked no. 35 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Crab now has a Bangkok branch (1 Soi Sukhumvit 31, 098-598-6554). Fronted by a giant yellow crab, the brightly lit, colonial-style restaurant features tables decked out with bibs, crab crackers and finger bowls. Meaty Sri Lankan crabs range from the half-kilo (B1,100) to the 2kg Crabzilla (B8,150), while a choice of sauces stars black pepper and buttery garlic and chili. For something lighter, order the avocado crab salad (B390) with wasabi mayo or creamy crab liver pate (B390), or go rogue with the hefty 250g Huge Prawn (B620).
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BAD BQ Siam Square Soi 9, 098-405-7577. Open daily 11am-9pm. BTS Siam Along with its bright orange walls, neon sign, and bian lian Chinese masks on the wall, BAD BQ presents a range of grilled skewers that lean heavily on cumin and chili flavors for a taste of the food you’ll find in northern China's Yanbian. Order the Mixed Award, a sharing platter with 17 skewers and five types of vegetable that you can cook to perfection on an automatically-rotating table-top grill.
Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get a complimentary Kimchi Soup valued THB 100 when spending THB 600 or more /sales slip or get a complimentary BAD-B-CUBE valued THB 350 when spending THB 900 or more /sales slip (limit 1 dish /card /table /sales slip) 01 Oct ’19 – 31 Mar ’20
12/13/19 8:49 PM
AdHoc Bkk
Fruit Bar - The Social Club
NEW AND NOTED TABLE TALK
Bonsai G/F The Millenia Tower, Langsuan Rd., 082-924-4014. Open daily 11am-midnight. BTS Rajdamri. Named after the famous Japanese art form of stylizing minitrees to look like their full-sized counterparts, Bonsai is a jackof-all trades in the Japanese food game—offering omakase menus made with seasonal produce from Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market, teppanyaki and premium a la carte creations. Make sure you try the Natsu sashimi set which includes chutoro (medium fatty tuna), akami (red meat tuna), ikura (salmon roe), hotate (scallop), madai seabeam, spot prawns.
Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 15% discount on food only 01 Dec ’19 – 31 Dec ’20
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14 Private dining in Bangkok just got more interesting
15 Curb your sweet tooth at this health-conscious cafe
16 Ari’s avocado cafe gets a nighttime alter ego
Bangkok’s latest private dining experience, AdHoc Bkk (36/22 Soi Phrom Si 1, 065-143-1111), takes just one booking per night (min. five people/ max. 12 people). Head chef Supasit “Tap” Kokpol presides over delicate, contemporary Asian-inspired tasting menus (B3,400/person for 10 courses, plus B1,600 for wine pairing) that change with the seasons. Currently, you’ll find bluefin tuna larb with pickled carrots; miang kham ice cream; and free range Dombes duck with blackberries, red Chinese plum and a crisp red cabbage cake. With its elegant Nordic design, the intimate setting features an open kitchen and a soon-to-open bar on the second and third floors.
If your New Year's resolution involves cutting down your astronomical sugar intake, then the “guilt-free” desserts at Atomic Pills (1/F, Ratchakru Medical Center, 71 Phahonyothin Soi 5, 092-448-8269) might help you stick to it. Led by a trio of doctors, the health-focused cafe comes with maddeningly yellow brick walls and a line-up of purportedly nutritional goodies, like the Banana and Grain (B150), a banana bread that incorporates canola oil, sunflower, flax and chia seeds, almonds and almond milk, and the fruit- and acai-filled Atomic Bowl (B240). Pair your treat with a coffee (from B90) made with fat-free milk or an organic honey yogurt smoothie (B150).
You may be familiar with Ari’s avocado-focussed Oh! Vacoda, but if you pass by at night, you’ll barely recognize it. Its new alter ego, Fruit Bar - The Social Club (1 Ari Samphan Soi 4, 080-569-7892), transforms the peachy space on Friday and Saturday evenings with blue and pink neon lights, plus a line-up of fruity umeshu (plum wine) and avocado-based cocktails. Cozy up in the secret, rainbow-curtained seating area towards the back with a signature Oh! Ume cocktail (B300)—a heady mix of avocado seed tea-infused white rum, Campari and homemade umeshu—or the Pina Vacoda (B260), featuring organic avocado ice cream, rum, brandy, pineapple and coconut cream.
12/13/19 8:49 PM
food & drink | taste test
Which mall-dwelling chain makes the best… som tam Thai? Bangkok’s sweet, approachable version of Isaan’s sour and spicy papaya salad can be found at practically every Thai restaurant across the city, as well as hundreds of street-side stalls. For when the craving hits while you’re shopping, we’ve tested six popular chains to see who makes it best in the sanitary confines of Bangkok’s malls. By BK Staff
BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019
Ros’niyom
Winner! The place: Owned by Iberry of ice cream fame, this Thai “street food” and noodle specialist can be found at 15 malls across Bangkok. The taste: With a strong smell, a deep color and a whole load of chilis, this one looks promising—and it delivers. It balances sour and spicy elements with a sweetness that’s not overpowering, along with thick, crunchy shreds of papaya and addictively chewy dried shrimp. Verdict: Hot stuff. Price: B79 Various locations. Try G/F, Siam Paragon, 991 Rama I Rd., 0-2610-7616
Bangkok Bold Kitchen
Runner Up!
The place: What started in 2015 as a reservations-only Old Town shop-house run by a trio of Bangkok chefs now has three branches in malls across the city. The taste: Lacking vibrancy and looking a little mushy, we didn’t have high hopes for this contender. However, its addictively zingy, spicy and not-too-sweet taste won us over. The high-quality shell-less shrimp are an added bonus. Verdict: Bold move. Price: B120 Various locations. Try Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 091-424-4292
Zaap Classic
The place: With a handful of locations scattered across Bangkok, this Isaan specialist focuses on the tastes of Khon Kaen. The taste: This is an inoffensive, typical som tam Thai. The papaya is thick and crunchy, the shrimp are large and chewy and the tomatoes are thankfully not pounded into pulp. The taste; however, is a little too sweet and flat. Verdict: Average Joe. Price: B65 Various locations. Try B/F, EmQuartier, 695 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-261-0239
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Zaab Eli
The place: This vibrant Isaan specialist offers an extensive menu that takes the occasional foray into fusion food. The taste: This one offers nice crunchy shreds but a lack of depth. Though it smells limey, it’s far too sweet with only a slight hint of sourness and hardly any spicy kick—perhaps making it a good intro for the uninitiated. Verdict: Gimme more fyah. Price: B75 Silom Complex, 191 Silom, 02-231-3173
Som Tam Nua
The place: Siam Square’s som tam specialist often welcomes long queues and was even hailed “Bangkok’s best som tam restaurant” by CNN Travel way back in 2010. The taste: It looks like a peachy mess with its diluted, pale color. It smells incredibly limey and tastes like artificial lime juice. The papaya lacks crunch, the taste is too sweet and lacks saltiness. Verdict: Not so peachy. Price: B75 392/14 Siam Square Soi 5, 02-251-4880
Tummour
The place: With over 100 Yikes! branches and counting across Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia, this Isaan chain has been at it since 1989. The taste: Though the deep color appears just right, the way-too-thin shreds of papaya send alarm bells ringing. The taste, too, is disappointing—much too salty, very sweet and completely lacking a sour kick. Verdict: Thin chance. Price: B60 2/F, The Seasons Phahonyothin Soi 1, 02-111-2048
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dining reviews
BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019
Bangkok’s Most Trusted Independent Food Guide is celebrating its
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3SAN HHH 78/5, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-005-4085. Open Tue-Sun 9am-10pm
It will be our most feature-rich guide yet, highlighting the elite restaurants and trending cuisines that are shaping Bangkok’s dining scene. For the first time ever, Top Tables will include restaurants from across Thailand, not just Bangkok.
You should be part of it! 100 top restaurants chosen by an independent panel
Awards for the chefs and owners who are shaping the scene
Distributed to 400 high-traffic venues in Bangkok
Hidden down a dark side-soi, 3SAN is marked by a grungy jade green neon sign, barely discernible on its small shop front. Inside, the slim, white venue is split between a striking open kitchen-slash-bar and more cafe-like wooden tables and chairs. On our visit, a sleepy Sunday evening, the lights are dimmed and a playlist of laidback electropop creates a hip vibe. Adding Japanese influence into the restaurant’s intriguing mix of American, Chinese and Thai cuisine, the tuna tartare piques our attention with its unusual combination of almond milk, red grape “snow” and crispy puffed rice (B300)—a unique blend of temperatures and textures that’s brought back to earth by the Gatorade-like flavor of the grape ice. Though undeniably tasty, the juicy duck bao (B99) leaves us wondering whether we’d be better served with real-deal Chinese duck pancakes rather than their fusion counterpart. Their take on the ultimate Chinese comfort food, dan dan noodles (B250), on the other hand, is a straight-up hit, with noodles cooked to springy, al dente perfection and the traditional pork replaced with rich minced duck, sprinkled with crunchy peanuts. Less satisfying are the thin slices of wagyu flank steak on rice (B490), topped with a discordantly cold morsel of “crispy” (read: charred and soft) foie gras that feels superfluous—simply there for the sake of rolling two fashionable ingrePrice guide Under B500 B500-1,000 B1,000-2,000 B2,000-3,000 BBBBB Over B3,000
dients into one. With its sprinkles of edible flowers, it is, at least, Instagrammable. Thankfully, the dish gets a much-needed flavor boost from pleasingly chewy slices of dried garlic and a side of spicy nam jim jaew. Icey vanilla semifreddo (B170) stands as the lone dessert, hitting all the bases with its chewy, brownie-like base and picture-perfect coating of astringent matcha sauce. Put lightly, the drinks could use some work. Though we can’t speak for the coffee, the singular red wine on offer—Rockbrook Californian Cabernet Sauvignon (B240/1,400)— was served uncomfortably warm in a hot glass to match. Perhaps the day-to-night stretch causes such lapses, and we can’t help but feel that a tighter focus could help them close the gaps, though we’re interested to check out the value breakfast sets (B180) next time. All-in-all, welcoming staff, beautiful plating, some bold and well-executed flavors and a hip aesthetic combine for one promising spot—not to mention that the prices won’t make your eyes water. With a little work, this could easily become a Bangkok go-to. Order: Duck Bao (B99) Duck dan dan noodles (B250) Vanilla semifreddo (B170)
Ratings H Forget it HH Only if you’re in the neighborhood HHH A pleasant dining experience HHHH Not to be missed HHHHH Flawless
B BB BBB BBBB
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.
FOOD DRINKS SETTING SERVICE VALUE
bk.asia-city.com/ restaurants
ore! m d n i F Still searching for that perfect holiday present? To book your ad in this showpiece dining guide, contact our sales team
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PLEASE CALL 02-624-9696 EMAIL ADVERTISING@ASIA-CITY.CO.TH
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BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019
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Have your booths and banners
Be a part of our one of a kind atmosphere
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neighborhood | sathorn 10 and 12
BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019
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Not Just Another Cup
Lady Brett Tavern
Bunker
Power Couple Bangkok’s central business district is packed with after-work haunts— nowhere more so than the u-shaped bend of Sathorn sois 10 and 12, which is home to one of Bangkok’s best clusters of bars and restaurants. By Waris Teachatripoom
Marcel
Coffee & Breakfast Start your day with smoked salmon eggs Benedict on a sourdough muffin (B320) and a coldpressed Healthy Monkey fruit juice (B200) at the chilled-out Not Just Another Cup, or head to Rocket Coffee Bar for the Rocket eggs Benedict (B225) and a signature dark chocolate and orange Jaffa Cold Brew coffee (B150). Let your furry friend run in the garden at dog-friendly, Japanese-style cafe The Running Dog while you munch on lemon meringue tart (B150) or strawberry cheesecake (B150) paired with a cup of caramel macchiato (B120) blended from three different local beans.
Lunch & Dinner Meat lovers can go all-out with a grilled rib eye steak (B1,150) at Lady Brett Tavern, or the Ohmi wagyu nuggets with tonkatsu sauce and caviar (B1,400) and whole deep-fried pig’s head
Hanakaruta
Revolucion Cocktail
(B900) at Bunker. Charm Eatery and Bar serves classic Thai food like kua kling moo (B220), while Supanniga Eating Room whips up eastern specialties like moo cha muang (stewed pork with herbs and cha muang leaves, B190). For Italian, long-standing Sorrento offers a bargain three-course Italian lunch set on weekdays (B490) and Di Farina pumps out billowing wood-fired pizzas like the spicy Nduja (B380). Craving a light bite? Head to Marcel for well-executed Gallic tapas (from B190) paired with wine (B1,150-B2,400). If you’re on a health kick, drop by Kumi Restaurant for their sesame tuna Arabic quinoa (B400).
Drinks Grab a seat at the easy-going Le Café des Stagiaires for their generous Tue-Sun happy hours (4-8pm. Leo B100; cocktails from B160). Continue the party with a plum high-ball (B140) or water-
melon ice-sour (B160) at Japanese izakaya Hanakaruta or chill by the pool at Blue Parrot before hitting the dancefloor at Latin American-themed Revolucion Cocktail, where the bartenders routinely set fire to the bar in between mixing up mojitos (B270) and reinvented signatures like the Aged Negroni (B390).
Transport BTS Chong Nonsi is 10 minutes’ walk away.
Visit Experience vertigo on the 78thfloor glass tray atop Thailand’s tallest completed building, King Power M ahanakorn (entry B1,050). Take a stroll to Bangkok’s most important and most colorful Hindu house of worship, Mariamman Temple, or head to Saeng Arun Public Library for some quiet reading time. Destress with a traditional Thai herbal
compress massage (B950 for two hours) at Health Land Sathorn before perusing the contemporary Asian artworks housed in H Gallery’s beautiful late-19th century Anglo-Thai mansion.
Accommodation A one -bedroom 40 - square meter condo at Life@Sathorn 10 starts at B22,000/month, while one-bedroom studios at Ivy Sathorn 10 go for B21,000 and 55-sq-meter apartments at The Address begin at B35,000. For something a little more luxurious, 80-sq-meter apartments at nearby Ascott Sathorn run upwards of B60,000.
BK ASKS
What’s special about Sathorn Sois 10 and 12?
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CHITRAPHAN CHARANACHITTA, OWNER OF NOT JUST ANOTHER CUP Although it’s in the heart of the city, this area still has a chilled out vibe, with a great mix of brilliant restaurants and bars.
CHERRY SUTTICHUAY, MANAGER OF THE RUNNING DOG Sathorn Soi 10 and 12 is a perfect place for you and your pets. You can chill out day and night—it has everything, from street food to fine dining.
WEERAYUTH BUPHNANONT, MANAGER OF CHARM EATERY AND BAR It’s an easy-going area with many great restaurants and bars boasting imported goodies. Also, it is super close to the BTS.
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