BK Magazine 783, Mar 27 2020

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Online Assassin Thailand’s eSports all-star on his shift to content Coming in Hot Top restaurants turn to delivery in trying times Winging It Who makes Bangkok’s best Korean fried chicken?

Wong Turn What Wongwian Yai offers than Sathorn can’t

tk Top Tables guide FREE INSIDE!

NO. 783 MAR 27, 2020. www.bkmagazine.com

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The illustrators, photographers and visual artists shaking things up globally.

WINE

101

That’s a wrap! BK was pleased to join forces with Wine Garage, Longdo, and Gigi Dining Hall & Bar to host Wine 101 this past Saturday. Nearly 30 budding wine connoisseurs joined us to learn about tasting, smelling, swirling and buying wine with confidence.

We’re not a fan of stuffy seminars (we sleep through enough of those during the work week). We wanted this to be more like a casual day with friends on a weekend afternoon—we relaxed and had fun, with lots of wine and good food to go around.

A big thanks to everyone who joined us! You can expect more of these small-scale events from BK going forward. Better yet, tell us what topic you want to see next.

page 3 Who's in charge?

Managing Director & Publisher Andrew Hiransomboon Managing Editor Craig Sauers Deputy Editor Angela Symons Digital Content Coordinator Pakchira Bunphol Junior Digital Content Coordinator Kawee Jarach Senior Writers Dhipkawee Sriyananda Selley, Veerabhatr Sriyananda Writer Warunporn Tiyabhorn Junior Writer Supanan Anansuviroj Contributor Megan Leon Creative Director Bhatara Chirdchuen Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Senior Graphic Designer Assaya Dejkong Graphic Designers Anunya Chobnitas, Wirankan Saiyasombut Photographer Poonsawat Suttama Junior Videographers Jaruwan Suwandee, Tham Rodjananaudomvutigul Junior Video Editor Jakphet Potisarn Business Development Director Jane Bay Senior Business Development Manager Madeleine Anantasuk Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Manager Tipkritta Chiraporncharas Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Nattaya Bovornsettanon Sales Associate Parinda Dermsripoom, Janejira Kosaipolkul, Nalatporn Sirirungpanich Junior Marketing Executive Katthaleeya Tamkittigul

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

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On Covid-19 and BK content

upfront

Thailand’s eSports idol on tough defeats and total domination

Hey folks,

06 cover

Meet the Thai artists you’ll be hearing about in 2020

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 Senior Content Writer Pailin Jindarerk SOIMILK Editor Noranartta Chaikum Senior Writers Rujiyatorn Choksiriwan, Kristiya Chaisri Junior Graphic Designer Wathinee Srithongchuai Senior Sales Associate Kornkanok Sriwaranant Sales Associate Palita Nueangnit, Monthathip Samartsributr Assistant Brand Manager Prawpraew Pairohg Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Accountant Manita Bangmoung Admin Executive Yaovaluck Srisermsri Interns Pearapong U-hun, Tanat Trakoonnumchokchai, Wanvisa Koedmongkhon, Supaporn Saeponkrang, Natsucha Lerdwattananon

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open door

reviews

Rongros

Jamie Oliver Kitchen

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

18 The Asia City Media Group

food

Top restaurants turn to delivery

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

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In case you’ve turned off your phone notifications in a fit of 21st century anxiety, like all of us at BK are eager to do, you know that right now is a very strange time. Not just in Bangkok, either.

Many of us, especially those who stay in close contact with our parents and grandparents, are feeling uneasy, to put it mildly. In light of the rapid spread of the coronavirus, self-quarantines and social distancing are reasonable things to do. But isolating yourself doesn’t mean you have to put your life on pause. That’s why, in the coming issues, we’ll be bringing you some fresh stories about how you can upgrade your home life.

Think round-ups of restaurants offering delivery for the first time, exercises you can do within your own four walls, online courses you can take for free and how-to guides to fermenting or making bar-quality cocktails with advice from the pros. There’s only so much Netflix we can stomach in one sitting, after all.

We also understand the plight of small business owners.

It’s hard to stay afloat when your restaurant is suddenly empty, your bar has gone dry, or your indie cinema must shut down for 14 days. That means we’ll also keep plugging all the great bars, cafes, restaurants, yoga studios, shops and markets that make Bangkok such a special place to be.

When this is all over, remember to linger in the gallery a little while longer, stick around for dessert, and tip your bartender, if you have the means. Hug your favorite momand-pop shop owner while you’re at it. Once we’ve weathered the storm, as we always do, we’ll see you in line for those iced orange americanos, jazz nights and craft beer release parties.

To all our readers and friends in the industry, keep your chin up. We’ll get through this.

Craig Sauers Managing Editor

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

Where to find us!

02

Wongwian Yai

upfront

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

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HOT OR NOT

CASUAL RACISM

There aren’t many Chinese around to blame for the coronavirus, but we always have those dirty farang, who don’t shower and definitely don’t dress nice. Good one, Anutin. But the public health minister isn’t alone. Even the Bangkok Post keeps publishing stories about otherwise healthy locals testing positive for Covid-19 only after encountering foreigners. Avoid the maskless white folks at all costs, we guess.

Meet the cyber assassin making millions out of his hobby

SONGKRAN Not that we won’t miss getting sprayed in the eye with canal water that harbors strains of hepatitis not yet known to modern science, but are we really going to lose three days of public holiday this April?

Ouch. Honestly, we’d take a direct shot in the cornea with that hep Q-infested water over this.

INTERVIEW

Pongphop “Mickie” Rattanasangchod’s mother never knew that dropping her son at an internet cafe each day would lead him to become a millionaire pro eSports player. After winning marquee competitions and storming through the Overwatch League as Dallas Fuel’s only Thai player, he is now a content creator for Team Envy. We caught up with the 27-year-old pro to learn about his journey through the online world.

Tell us about your life as a player.

It hasn’t been easy. I’ve played in so many competitions and not all of them were successful. One of my biggest moments was becoming the only player in Southeast Asia to be selected for Team Envy in the US. I had to move there and struggled with the language at first. We also had a strict training routine, which meant very long days.

What have you gained from the experience?

It has been both the best and the worst experience. Honestly, I came to the US for the money but I lost so many things along the way. I traded my teenage life, friends and time with family for money to buy a house, cars and everything. It was at the cost of my happiness. However, I appreciate this rare opportunity. I also had the chance to practice my English and make new friends.

What is the key to success in this industry?

Even if you’ve done your best and it wasn’t your fault, you’ll never learn from a failure if you blame it on other factors. Even if it was a friend’s fault, you have to see how you can play a part in fixing the problem then grow from it as a group.

This thought process creates good teamwork.

What does it mean to be a content creator instead of a player?

My dream is to become a billionaire. I can never reach that dream by being an eSports player.

I also experienced burnout. I could only make

COVID 101: HOW TO SELF-QUARANTINE LIKE A PRO

myself practice the game for two or three hours a day when I’d normally do 14 hours. Being a content creator is a sweet escape, though I have to stream for 10 hours a day, which makes my voice hoarse.

What is your advice for making successful content in a world flooded with Youtube videos?

You have to work hard and create your own opportunities. If you’ve watched videos by some of the most well-known streamers, you’ll know that famous doesn’t necessarily mean the best. The fastest shortcut? Make a dramatic video. Everyone loves drama. But you can also use determination and reach success by creating lots of content.

How has Thailand’s eSports and online streaming scene developed over the past few years?

Right now, eSports in Thailand is at the point it was in Korea five years ago. It’s growing very fast and people can really make it a stable job. Also, sponsors are not limited to the gaming industry anymore—now you see drinks, clothing brands and many other industries acting as sponsors, which means eSports is expanding every day.

If you’re successful, you’ll become a celebrity, but competition is on the rise. This is also the case with online streaming, but the pay ceiling is higher. Warunporn Tiyabhorn

SHUTDOWNS Isn’t there anything else in the news to write about? Some kind of political faux pas or ridiculous news from Uttaradit or whatever?

No? Well then.

Everything’s getting shut down—bars, cinemas, schools, markets, cockfights.

It’s even dulling our zest for writing Hot or Not. Someone, please save us from this despair!

DEPARTMENT STORES After 28 years, Japanese department store Isetan is set to depart Thailand this August. Get your fill of marked-up mochi, budget bento boxes and mid-range home goods while you can, because you’re probably going to get… ah, another department store in its place.

Cool?

To read the full interview, visit bk.asia-city.com.

by Jakkii (FB: @Amateur Artist Mode - by Jakkii)

food & drink

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

05

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Combining a two-storey colonial style house with lush tall trees creates an atmosphere you wouldn’t expect to find at the heart of Sukhumvit. Here, hard-to-find Thai comfort dishes take center stage, and eating here kind of feels like eating at your grandmother’s house. Aside from old school eats, there’s also some contemporary fusion stuff, like Korean-style pickled crab.

Here, a picture-perfect backyard and lush trees help punctuate the dining room’s darkwood flooring and raw concrete walls. The six-course set dinner plays with various forms and textures of ingredients, resulting in photogenic and delicate dishes.

Sukhumvit Soi 32, 095-716-4712.

Open 11am-10:30pm

Get 10% discount on food only except grilled river prawn 01 Mar ’20 - 28 Feb ’21

Baannai Surrounded by a slither of a courtyard, this Rama VI-style house serves equally aristocratic dishes that trace their roots to the original house’s owners, the Bunyaketu sisters. The menu gives nods to tradition, covering royal cuisine alongside regional specialties. It also strongly reflects the Thai love of dipping sauces, herbs and flower garnishes.

102/13 Kampangpetch Soi 5, 02-619-7430, 02-619-8783.

Open Tue - Sun 11:30am-9pm

Ekkamai Soi 2, 061-626-2816.

Open Tue-Sun 5-10pm. BTS Ekamai

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Plu Set in a building surrounded by greenery —perfect for alfresco dining—Plu is all about balanced Thai cuisine. The menu includes Burmese tea leaf salad— distinctive with a unique combination of sour, sweet, salty flavors and various nuts—garnished with roasted coconut and white sesame on top.

Cuisine de Garden

3 Suanphlu Rd., 062-642-2222.

Open daily 11:30am-10:30pm

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| ar tists

the up n o

Fifteen minutes of fame? For these Thai artists, whose talents have caught the attention of more than just us here, 15 minutes might not be enough.

From illustrators to painters and photographers, here are four fast-rising Thai artists to keep on your radar—plus five others who are starting to make a name for themselves in a big way. By Supanan Anansuviroj

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, The Beatles became icons of the hippie movement, composing several chart-topping records (mostly about drugs and war) with catchy psychedelic rhythms. Those records and their kaleidoscopic visual art helped the group acquire die-hard fans—like, for example, the parents of Chanaradee “Phaan” Chatrakul Na Ayudhya, a.k.a. Juli Baker and Summer.

Growing up listening to songs of the colorful counterculture movement, like “I am the Walrus” and “Strawberry Fields Forever,” left an indelible impression on Phaan. Her portraits and paintings are undeniably vivid, packed with colors and thick, bold lines. “I started painting as early as I can remember.

It has always been the one thing I enjoy doing most,” says Phaan.

When she turned 20, painting stopped being just a hobby, she says. After being

viewing an original piece by British pop artist David Hockney, she was moved, and she began to paint more seriously on canvas.

In no time, she was noticed.

Phaan’s interest in naive art and pop art molds her boundaryless style. Phaan says she paints everything from movie characters to her cat, explaining, “My inspiration mostly comes from my own life experiences—books I’ve read, movies I’ve watched, people I’ve met. I always have a little sketch book with me to write down my feelings and thoughts when I travel.”

For the painting (see above), Phaan explains, “I enjoy playing piano in my free time; at the time I painted this, I was learning to play the song ‘Sonatine Bureaucratique’ (from the soundtrack to the movie ‘Call Me

by Your Name’).”

After working as a typeface designer and graphic designer, visual communication arts graduate Thanawat Sakdawisarak embarked on a brand-new path: illustration. His works have gained recognition both in Thailand and abroad, even though there are tons of illustrators across the world. The secret sauce behind his accomplishment? Shifting his career path progressively and coming up with the subversive pseudonym “Bloody Hell Big Head.”

His illustrations are built around his enthusiasm for twodimensional geometric shapes. Squares, triangles, circles—he tweaks the silhouettes of those shapes to create characters and objects for his stories. This technique gives his artwork a clean and symmetrical look, which is exactly what helped Thanawat catch the eye of Belgian design brand Muller Van Severen, London-based magazine It’s Nice That and GQ Thailand, to name a few.

“Dream” (see above) is a personal piece he created in 2017. “It’s about general relationships between human beings.

Sometimes we feel distant from others even if we’re in the same place. It’s probably because you’re spacing out and your mind just runs wild, away from the moment you are in. It’s like you never belong to anyone, any place or anything,” he says.

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

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Patsachon “Group” Toyingpaiboon has been posting her works on Instagram since 2012, when she graduated from Chulalongkorn University. Her social media savvy helped her get noticed by Rangsan Narathasajan, interior designer and owner of the furniture brand Niiq. Rangsan encouraged her to be a part of his Accidentally Professional exhibition in early March 2019, which featured two other “artistsby-coincidence:” Rapi Rikulsurakan, who works for the Judiciary of Thailand by day and practices calligraphy at night, and cult-favorite motorcycle taxi driver-turn-photographer Pichai Keawvichit.

TONTRAGOON

While Group’s early work saw her largely producing sketches, by 2013, she had begun to fill them in with primary colors, giving them greater complexity and depth. Now, she says, “I’ve started to focus on experimental techniques and materials to extend my thoughts to [new] aesthetics. I don’t want to limit myself as an illustrator, but rather be more open to change.”

“If you want to know what kind of person I am, just look at my work.”

Medium: Painting. @mr.tontragoon

She says her surrounding objects serve as her creative stimuli—a scene from a movie she watched, a Granny Smith apple, a random taxi or even a jar of Vegemite. For her work “Banana Poetry,” (see above left), Group explains, “I normally base my works on my personal interests. I love eating bananas and find the color so fascinating. I also like to see how we can turn normal things from our daily lives into art, so I created some stories for it.”

VIPUT ASAWAVETVUTT “I’m an optimist. I like to feel positive about everything I do.”

Medium: Illustration. @viput_a

PANSAN KLONGDEE “Always trust in yourself.”

Medium: Photography. @forevilfordevil

NATNAREE KOSUM “Enjoy/have fun/be humble.”

Medium: Mixed media/ illustration. @mm.kosum

SARANYA LAOWTRAKUL “In simple things, I see the extraordinary.”

Medium: Illustration . @lmolmo

Having grown up in a conservative family in Ratchaburi, photographer Kamonlak “Poonpan” Sukchai says her background has obviously influenced her perspective toward sexuality as a young adult. After moving to Bangkok for her undergraduate degree and getting exposed to sexual, gender and sociocultural issues more regularly, her personal ideology started to shift. Now, she says, she believes people should be able to do anything with their own bodies, and she has started exploring that through a series of photographs.

Shooting largely in film, Poonpan stitches together wildly evocative images using collage, with occasional spins on pastiche. Her work has gained so much notoriety that photography magazine Foam dubbed her a photographer to watch in 2020. “I can’t pin down my inspiration for every photo,” she admits. “It’s the combination of a particular situation, my perception in that moment, my upbringing and my intention. I like to experiment with different methods. For example, for ‘Red Lotus,’ I used candles, incense and snippets from a pornographic magazine as material to send a message about religion and sexuality.”

That project is undeniably her best-known (currently exhibited at Kathmandu Photo Gallery until Apr 25). For “Red Lotus,” Poonpan drew influence from Thai folk tales told to her when she was young to examine traditional beliefs toward women and virginity, as well as the idea of men as supernaturally powerful beings. But one of Poonpan’s older projects, which grapples with deeper-rooted problems many of us face daily, might just be her strongest yet. “‘Secluded Place (I’ve lost half my bones. Do not die, just dry.)’—it’s my personal project. There are a few phases to [this ongoing project], but I really hope they won’t ever see daylight,” she says with a laugh. “That’s because it’s a set of works that reflect my unidentifiable mental health disorder. The doctors tried their best, but they haven’t diagnosed anything from my symptoms—we’re just trying not to make it worse.

“I release new installments of this project when my symptoms start to relapse, when science can’t help me and my family turns to superstition [for answers]. I usually feel desperate and isolated, so I choose the locations and subjects that portray my emotions,” she explains.

hit list I what’s on

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

09

FILM

KRABI, 2562

HHH PHOTOGRAPHY

Vanishing Bangkok: The Changing Face of the City Through Apr 30, you can catch a glimpse of the old charm and rich heritage of Bangkok that are being quickly swallowed up by urban development. This stunning black-andwhite photography book and exhibition will display a selection of photographs taken by Ben Davies, a veteran British photographer and writer who has lived in Asia for three decades. Be prepared to appreciate shots of Chinatown’s bustling backstreets, the decaying Old Town shophouses, and the monumental Old Customs House by the riverside, all shot with a large Linhof film format camera. RCB Photographer’s Gallery, 2/F, River City Bangkok, 23 Charoenkrung Soi 24. Free entry

ART

Early Years Project 5

by Millcon: 20/20

CONCERT

Albert Posis Pending Covid cancelation, Filipino-American artist Albert Posis is set to make his Bangkok debut on Apr 3. The Californian R&B singer initially made his mark on Youtube in 2012 with tracks like “Serendipity” and is now one of the most talked-about young artists to emerge in recent years. A talented multiinstrumentalist and vocalist, Posis is known for his unique style of injecting classical twists into modern pop. Expect to be swooned with recent hits like “Everlasting” (2019), which has so far amassed 10 million views on Youtube. Live Arena RCA, Rama 9.

B1,490 via Ticketmelon

In a bid to cultivate a new crop of up-andcoming artists, the BACC Exhibition Department is back with its Early Years Project. Now in its fifth edition, the project selects eight emerging artists to create works relating to the future of the planet and the environment. A panel of judges will then select two winners to receive funding and international exposure. With the theme of “aesthetics, time and environment tomorrow,” you can muse on the relationship between humans and nature at the exhibit through Jun 7. 9/F, Bangkok Art and Culture Center, 939 Rama I Rd. Free entry

There’s a good chance you’ve been to Krabi, visited Phra Nang’s blindingly white sands and its selfie-baiting fertility shrine, kayaked into the emerald pool, had close encounters with macaques as you downed beers on the beach. You’ve probably felt the city changing, too, its traditions eroding under your feet like the earth being swept into the sea.

That’s the Krabi that directors Anocha Suwichakornpong and Ben Davies bring to light so expertly in their magnificent “Krabi, 2562.”

Weaving together modern fiction, ancient folklore and documentary-style interviews, “Krabi, 2562” deals with the point where the past and present collide in this southern provincial town. Not just the recent past, but the distant, from the Holocene to the Anthropocene. Hence the cavemen, who appear throughout the movie as a commercial actor, a statue and, well, actual cavemen.

What stands out most is the mysticism, but the juxtaposition of nature with modern day life is equally brilliant. Monkeys play on installations constructed during the 2018 biennale. Elephants and tigers appear frozen in time as ridiculous-looking statues. An old boxer sits in his jungle hut like a ghost in his own home, watching cows graze and waiting for nobody to appear at his doorstep.

Throughout the 93-minute film, there’s a sense that memory is fragile and our shared past is fading away. The choice of soundtrack—koel birds, cadets and cicadas, all rising to a menacing crescendo—makes you wonder how long our memories and traditions can survive as Krabi bends under the weight of consumerism.

Star Ratings Give it a miss H HH Worth your time HHH Absolute must

BK ASKS

Sarinya “Mew” Manamuti Founder & Operations Manager of Bangkok Screening Room.

What is your all-time favorite indie film?

Not an easy question, but I’d say “Victoria” by Sebastian Schipper.

How do you curate the films shown in your cinema?

We base our programs on what excites us most.

When did you become drawn to indie films?

Where I grew up, I was exposed to both blockbuster and independent films and didn’t really think much about the differences between them. I guess I’ve been drawn to films since university, when I was studying art.

Are there any exciting new films to keep an eye on?

I personally think that Hollywood has slowly opened up to give more space to female directors, so the buzz around female talent from smaller studios has become more recognized. Olivia Wilde’s “Book Smart” is very progressive, and “The Assistant” by Kitty Green looks really interesting.

What inspired you to establish the Bangkok Screening Room?

When I was working at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, I had the opportunity to experience [films] behind the scenes.

Since then, my husband Nicholas and I have always wanted to do something of our own. After a short stint organising a couple of popup screenings here in Bangkok back in 2014, my business partner Wongsarond and Nicholas saw the need for locals to have access to an arthouse cinema, so Nicholas and I decided to move back and fulfill our dream here in Bangkok.

How do you see the future of the indie movie scene in Thailand?

I think it has been on pause for a while now, simply because there’s no ongoing funding support or enough platforms to show smaller studio films nationwide. I believe we need to create a new culture of appreciating every kind of artform rather than worrying too much about what is mass and what is not.

hit list | shopping

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

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House of Fritz Hansen reveals its stunning redesign HOME DECOR

After months of renovation, Soi Somkid’s House of Fritz Hansen has finally opened its doors to reveal a stunning makeover that could make any interior buff weak at the knees.

Presented by Norse Republics—the importers of Hay and Gubi—the new showroom is designed by renowned Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon, whose quirky sense of humor and positive energy can be seen throughout the modish space. True to Fritz Hansen’s style, the space drips with Scandinavian elegance, though the usual soft shades of white, grey and eggshell are now jazzed up by light and dreamy tones of yellow and pink, alongside pops of deep earthy colors courtesy of the label’s mid-century Nordic designer pieces. Those with deep pockets can fork out on Hayon’s sculptural yet seriously comfortable “Ro” chair (B171,900), available in multiple colors and fabrics, or keep it classic with the “N01 Chair” by Nendo (B39,500)—a lesson in Japanese-meets-Danish minimalism. Naturally, the showroom also displays Arne Jacobsen’s iconic “Egg” (an eye-watering B807,900 in water-buffalo leather) and “Series 7” chairs.

14/1 Soi Somkid, 02-015-4164. Open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm; Sat-Sun 1-7pm

APOCALYPSE NOW

Self-quarantine like a badass with these 4 musthaves*

Sardines in tomato sauce (155g)

From B18

Wai Wai Instant Noodles (pack of 5)

B28

Cellox Tissue Rolls (pack of 6)

B71 *buy two packs, get one free

FASHION

SHOPPING

TECH

These silk button blouses are a wardrobe staple

Ekkamai just got a new pop-up refill station

This could be the best Android phone yet

When it comes to nailing that modern retro-chic look, Rally Movement totally hits it out of the park.

For its latest Spring/Summer 2020 collection, the Thai ready-to-wear label has given its signature silk button loop blouse a body-hugging silhouette. Now available in six new colors (B1,290)—brick, dijon, arctic, avocado, rosewood and blue spruce—the blouse is versatile enough to be paired with your favorite jeans and sneakers, or glammed up with a high-waisted wrap skirt and slingbacks. Whatever the occasion, this silky piece can take you from day to night. Available at G/F, Siam Discovery

Eco shoppers, meet Care Station. Located inside BTS Ekkamai, this green shop is a collab between Refill Station, social enterprise Carenation and interdisciplinary group Pava Architects. From the energy-efficient, open-plan design and reusable plywood fixtures to the green products supplied by Refill Station, everything about this shop screams sustainability. Beyond the usual refill products and lifestyle items, like shampoos, laundry detergents and silicone straws (B79), they also sell flower wreaths (from B1,000) made from recycled and farmed paper. BTS Ekkamai. Open daily 11am-9pm

What: Oppo Find X2 Pro Price: B40,990 Why? You might not call this phone innovative, but there are plenty of reasons to add it to your shortlist, including a curved 6.78-inch Amoled display with 120Hz refresh rate; 1440p resolution; in-display fingerprint sensor; and a black ceramic finish. The slick flagship also boasts triple rear cameras, from 48MP wide-angle and 48MP ultra-wide to 13MP periscope telephoto, plus 5G connectivity, 512GB of storage and a 4,260mAh battery capacity. Another bonus?

The easy-on-the-eyes ColorOS 7.1 operating system.

Shop Talk Dettol Hygiene MultiUse Disinfectant (1,200ml)

B560

*Available at Gourmet Market nationwide

How to spend your hardearned baht.

BUY IT TOUCHLAND HAND SANITIZER Keep your hands sanitized and moisturized with this travelsize spray; B250 available on lazada.co.th

BIN IT SKECHERS X SAILOR MOON What are you, eight?

BARGAIN SO SPA SPECIAL TREATS Get a 20-percent discount when making an online reservation three days in advance for facials and massages.

food & drink | news

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

11

HOT OFF THE PASS

Top Tables Champions is happening now!

ACT FAST

Top Tables Champions officially kicked off on Mar 26. Through Apr 11, don’t miss your chance to dine at Bangkok’s most elite restaurants at discount prices. Though Yamazato’s special one-off dinner on Apr 1 is already sold out, you can still grab one of the few seats left for their general Champions menu, or experience some of the other VIP nights taking place at La Bottega di Luca (Italian tasting menu, B1,800) on Mar 30 or Haoma (13-course dinner, B2,990) on Apr 4. Seats across the board are filling up, from Upstairs at Mikkeller, whose seven-course dinner features Argentinian red shrimp with calamansi and coconut, and duck with strawberry, hazelnut and tamarind sprouts, to Taan, where you can indulge in seven courses (B1,599) of Khon Kaen wagyu with ginger and shrimp sauce, deep-fried cardamom pork belly, slow steamed egg custard and more.

Be sure to check out our Top Tables 2020 guide, inserted in this issue, to find out why these restaurants are among Bangkok’s frontrunners.

BEERY EYED

VIRAL DEALS

I’M ON A BOAT

Don’t miss this craft beer importer’s anniversary party

How Bangkok restaurateurs are combating the virus

This is one of Bangkok’s fanciest dinner cruises

Craft beer importer and distributor Beerlicious is celebrating its third anniversary with a blowout beer fest and backyard barbecue and pizza party at K Village this Mar 28. Known for bringing releases from Toppling Goliath, AleBrowar and Bridge Road Brewers to Bangkok, Beerlicious will offer beers for B100-150 a pour—plus take-home bottles and cans at wholesale prices—and give away several cases to boot. Special to the event is the limited release of Toppling Goliath’s rare Mornin’ Delight imperial stout—every ticket holder will receive a 125ml pour.

95 Sukhumvit Soi 26. B599 via Eventbrite

The outbreak of Covid-19 has hit Bangkok’s dining scene hard, but restaurateurs are taking measures to stay afloat. Through May 31, Foodie Collection—the group behind Vesper, 1919, La Dotta, il Fumo and 80/20—is offering vouchers ranging from B500 with a B2,000 spend to B25,000 with a B50,000 spend. These are valid for six months from the date of purchase and can be obtained by emailing pear@foodie-collection.com. Meanwhile, Appia, Eat Me, Err, Bo.Lan, Bunker, Peppina and Soul Food Mahanakorn are offering their own delivery service—just contact the restaurants via Line.

The Banyan Tree’s Saffron Cruise is a world away from the chaotic buffet set-ups found on most dinner cruises. Made up of a deck resembling the hotel’s iconic Moon Bar and an elegant restaurant inspired by the hotel’s Thai restaurant, Saffron, the boat offers a daily sunset cruise (B550, including a cocktail) with an indulgent eight-course dinner (B3,200, including of a welcome cocktail). Departs daily at 5:30pm (sunset cruise) and 7pm (dinner cruise) from IconSiam Pier 2, 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd., 02-679-1200

BUGGING OUT Always wanted to know how red palm weevil would taste in a clarified pina colada?

Then head to Liberation, where they’re championing the food of the future in a series of insect-based cocktails (all B440). Also on the menu: Waterbugs, a mix of Lanna rum, distilled water bug and giant water bug tonic. Of course, you’ll have to wait until Bangkok’s bars reopen for business—hang in there.

LOVE STORY After over two months of teasers, Gaggan Anand’s latest venture, Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh, finally opened this month in Ekkamai.

Licked in vibrant orange and blue, the opening comes with a fictitious origin story: a love affair between a Mexican girl and an Indian boy.

The menu merges the two cultures’ cuisines, featuring interpretations of papdi chaat and corn ceviche.

VIVA MEXICO 72 Courtyard’s Mexican mainstay, Touche Hombre, has recently taken a new direction under chef Arnie Marcella. Dishes now take inspiration from all seven regions of Mexican cuisine, covering everything from pork al pastor tacos (B220) to grilled habanero tiger prawns (B550) and carne asada (from B700 for 200g marinated flank steak to B2,800 for 1.5kg tomahawk), made possible by the new outdoor grill station.

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AT CUISINE DE GARDEN

AT SANYOD CANTONESE DINING

food & drink | open doors

Rongros serves authentic Thai food with a prime view The buzz: Located directly across from Wat Arun, this hip Thai restaurant doesn’t bow to tourist tastes with its chili-fueled line-up.

The vibe: An exterior licked with the work of Brooklyn-based artist Rostarr, a Grecian bust draped with malai, hanging crystal chandeliers, panels of Japanese ink paintings and vintage touches like a life-size penguin lamp act as clues that this isn’t just a tourist-baiting Thai restaurant—no matter what the prime view may suggest. Tables by the floor-to-ceiling windows practically overhang the Chao Phraya, which glitters gold with the reflection of Wat Arun, while a steep staircase leads up to the breezy rooftop deck. An on-point playlist of house and electro-funk completes the cool vibe.

The food: It may be a tourist favorite, but Rongros’s fiery, traditional rendition of gaeng kiaw wan (green curry with either chicken or NZ striploin and a side of roti; B260/380) does not compromise on spice—nor can it be ordered any other way. It’s moves like this that attract a mixed crowd of Thais seeking uncompromisingly authentic local food and Old Town tourists looking to try the real deal. Those in the know will order the yum woon sen (B240), a spicy, sweet, sour and textured medley of crispy garlic, vermicelli, peanuts, candy-like dried shrimp and ground pork, or the equally

flavorsome clear grouper tom yum (B320), served beautifully in a traditional clay pot. For starters, pick on the succulent yet crisp-skinned chicken wings (B180) and the strips of crispy catfish served with nam prik (B260) before moving onto the Rongros fried rice (B290) with nam prik, raw vegetables, salted egg and a skewer of three juicy chargrilled prawns. In every dish, you can taste the care that has gone into sourcing the best ingredients from across Thailand.

The drinks : Cheekily-named cocktails like the tangy citrus and light rum-based Golden Flower (B320)—a reference to the amicable Thai slang insult “dok tong”— and the refreshing Mama Bangkok (B320), with gin, crushed pomegranate and lime, are best enjoyed up on the rooftop deck. Beer drinkers can opt for a comfortably-priced Singha (B120), while wine is available from B350 per glass.

Why we’d come back: Far more than just a place to bring out-oftown friends (though we’ll certainly be doing that, too), this riverside hangout is a rarity in these parts with awesome views, great cocktails, authentic food and a hip vibe.

Angela Symons

392/16 Maharaj Rd., 02-106-2198.

Open daily 11am–3pm, 5–10pm

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

13

Just A Drink Maybe

NEW AND NOTED

Tokyo’s master of aged sushi comes to Paragon

Thonglor’s gin bar relocates to Sathorn with a new concept

Phuket’s Shake Shack-style burgers hit Sukhumvit

From Tokyo’s two-Michelin-starred sushi counter, Kimura, to Bangkok’s recently launched donburi joint, Kimura Don (Siam Paragon, 991 Rama I Rd., 097-056-9228), chef Koji Kimura is dedicated to spreading the word of aged fish. Favoring firm rice, along with white-fleshed and blueback fish, chef Koji employs unique fermentation and curing techniques, which enhance the flavor and soften the flesh. Here, you can try it out in donburi (rice bowls) like the signature Kimura don (sea urchin, otoro, Japanese sweet shrimp and ikura, B1,200) and the hamachi ibushi don (smoked yellowtail amberjack, asatsuki chives and pickles; B465).

For the better part of three years, Just A Drink Maybe (37 Silom Soi 9, 065991-5725) drew gin enthusiasts to the backstreets of Thonglor. Now, its upped sticks, bringing a new, more diverse menu to Sathorn’s office crowds in a sleek and airy blue-and-white space.

Serving breakfast-friendly avocado toast (B340), spinach, cheese and mushroom croissants (B180) and coffee (B90) from 7am, alongside heavier meals like fish and chips (B350) and wagyu ragu (B420), the venue now acts as a cafe, restaurant and bar. In the evening, order a Planet of the Apes cocktail (rum, cocoa liqueur, Pimento Dram bitters, Curacao, lime, orgeat, pomelo; B360) and scope out the secret bar at the back.

Halfway between Asoke and Phrom Phong, Phuket import Prime Burger (497 Sukhumvit Rd., 093-5838700) not only bears a logo similar to beloved NY-based burger chain Shake Shack, it also busts out remarkably familiar-looking patties. Burgers (all B245 single/B295 double/B375 triple) are stylized by city, from the classic New York (Australian beef, cheese, onions, pickles, ketchup and mayo) to the Dubai chicken burger and the Tokyo deep-fried fish burger. Veggies can opt for the halloumi-based Aiya Napa, while vegans are covered with the Beyond Burger (from B245). Sides range from waffle fries (B130) to chili-cheese poppers (B110) and Caesar salads (B110).

TABLE TALK

Hoppe Coffeehouse G/F, Velaa Sindhorn Village, 87 Langsuan Rd., 099-442-1592. Open daily 10am-10pm Tucked inside Langsuan’s swanky lifestyle mall, this coffeehouse serves homey Thai and Western dishes amid comfortable vibe from blue and yellow sofa chairs, wooden counter, and floor-toceiling windows revealing the lush greenery outside. Highlight dishes include kao kuo kai pla muek krob (pickled squid and chicken fried rice served with mini fried dough), and the juicy Hoppe roasted chicken.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get a complimentary deep fried bread with minced pork spread valued THB 110 when spending THB 1,000 or more /sales slip (limit 1 dish /card /table /sales slip) 01 Feb ’20 – 31 Jan ’21

food & drink | open doors

Brews & ‘Ques

Yard Bar

NEW AND NOTED

TABLE TALK

Patom G/F, Velaa Sindhorn Village, 87 Langsuan Rd., 061-392-3158. Open daily 9:30am-6pm The greenhouse-like venue of this cafe's original Nakhon Pathom branch made it a huge hit with photo-hungry cafe hoppers. Like its predecessor, this spin-off is all about organic products sourced from a network of local farmers. Aside from aromatic coffee made using local beans, there is a selection of Thai sweets served in bite-size portions, including kanom sai sai (flour dumplings with sweet coconut filling).

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount when spending THB 500 or more / sales slip 01 Feb ’20 – 31 Jan ’21

Soi 11 welcomes an American-style beer and barbecue hangout The terrace of Crave Wine Bar & Restaurant at Aloft Bangkok hotel has welcomed Brews & ‘Ques (35 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-207-7080), an American-inspired barbecue joint with quirky Asian twists. Try the flavorful krapao pork ribs (B350) or butter chicken sandwich (B300), paired with a more familiar side of smoked wings (B220). The drinks lineup isn’t too shabby, either. With craft beers like Chalawan and unconventional beerinfluenced cocktails, you’re sure to have a relaxing evening with sweeping views over Sukhumvit.

Khao expands with a new, more central branch Since 2014, Chef Vichit Mukura has been delighting Ekkamai diners with his traditional Thai cuisine. From chef’s table experiences (B4,990 for six courses) to a la carte favorites like crispy stir-fried catfish with red curry paste (B360), nuea daed diew (sundried beef, B220) and pomelo and prawn salads (B350), the former chef of Mandarin Oriental’s Sala Rim Naam offers a master class in Thai cooking.

Now, he has opened a second branch of Khao close to Chit Lom (34/1 Soi Tonson, 02-252-1619), offering a la carte only for both lunch and dinner. With cream walls, brown chairs, white tablecloths and gold vine metal detailing, the venue is distinctly more traditional than its airy blond-wood predecessor.

Thonglor gets yet another cool bar Located in Sukhumvit Soi 38’s H Space—home to H Dining and the cheeky Dick Hotdog—Yard Bar (4 Soi Sangchai, 081-906-1265) stays true to its name with its leafy outdoor seating area. A neon pink sign beckons you inside, where 10 beer taps cover everything from the signature 700ml Yardie (B360), served in a yard glass, to Liefmans Fruitesse sparkling fruit beer (B250/500ml) and Firestone Walker Mind Haze IPA (B240/440ml). Bathed in yet more pink, blue and purple neon light, the fridge is packed full of craft labels, including Firestone Walker, Behemoth, Belching Beaver, Migration Brewing and more. Cocktails are also available.

food & drink | taste test

Who makes the best Korean fried chicken?

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

Chir Chir Fusion Chicken Factory

Winner!

The place: This South Korean chain champions chimaek (fried chicken and beer) at over 100 branches across Asia, offering over 30 types of chicken, from classic to fusion.

The taste: Sprinkled with dried chilis and almond flakes, slathered in a honey-like sticky brown sauce—which one taster called “the culinary equivalent of crack cocaine”—this Thai-fusion take may not be strictly authentic, but we dig it. Big time.

Verdict: Authentic schmorthentic.

Order: Combo with Garlic Sauce, B181 5/F, Siam Square One, 388 Rama I Rd., 02-252-3557. Open daily 10:30am-10pm

BonChon

Runner

The place: First of its name, Up! the unburnt, queen of fried chicken, khaleesi of South Korea and mother of 282 branches worldwide.

The taste: One look at these bad boys and we knew what we were in for: a comforting, golden, light-yet-crunchy, juicy delight.

Verdict: Never disappoints.

Order: Bonchon Wings with Soy Garlic, B171

Various branches. Try 191 Silom Rd., 02-2313129. Open daily 10am-9pm

Tudari Who doesn’t love KFC? (and we don’t mean the one with Colonel Sanders). For years, Korean-style fried chicken has dominated the Bangkok market thanks to its winning formula of light batter, juicy meat and addictive sticky, sweet and spicy sauce. We selected six of the city’s most popular makers to see who does it best. By BK Staff

The place: With over 2,000 branches in South Korea, as well as over 130 in China and 11 in Bangkok, this casual diner is known for its hot pots and chicken.

The taste: Topped with black sesame seeds, this moist chicken comes with a nicely crispy crust. It is coated in two different sauces: the soy garlic has some of us proclaiming “it’s better than BonChon,” while the unappetizingly sweet sauce is sorely lacking spiciness.

Verdict: 50/50.

Menu: Combo Wings with Six Sauces, B160 Various branches. Try Siam Paragon, 991 Rama I Rd., 02-610-9456. Open daily 10am-10pm

Changwon Express The place: After dabbling in Korean-Mexican fusion, this Asoke joint turned its focus to the food of the gods: chimaek.

The taste: Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside and served with a potent spicy sauce, this is pretty legit—perhaps the most Korean of all the Korean fried chicken we tasted. Yet, for some reason, this one left our panel divided.

The verdict: Shrug emoji.

The menu: Original Fried Chicken, B220 37 Asoke-Dindaeng Rd., 092-251-8661.

Open daily 1-8pm

Kimchi Hour The place: Ari’s modern Korean restaurant proved so popular (almost 122k Facebook likes and counting), it expanded with a branch in Seacon Square.

The taste: Scattered with a few sadlooking sesame seeds, this chicken has a nice color but looks as dry as the sauce it’s coated in. The batter is crunchy, but it’s too thick and tastes bland; the chicken is overcooked and hard to dissect.

Verdict: Lackluster.

Menu: Wing Set with Spicy Sauce, B129 110/5 Rama 6 Rd., 02-619-5196. Open TueSun 11:30am-10pm

Super Seoul Cafe The place: Tucked down a Sathorn soi, this low-key cafe is known for its Korean home-cooking.

The taste: Though the abundant sticky red sauce looks promisingly fiery, it lets us down in a big way with its bland, ketchup-y taste.

The white sesame seeds seem to all have landed on a singular piece of skinny, chewy chicken.

Verdict: Playing ketchup.

Menu: Super Seoul Fried Chicken with Signature Spicy Sauce, B187 52 Sathorn Soi 11, 081-881-7767. Open daily 11am-10pm

15

travel | news

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

11

PHUKET

Phuket’s taxi mafia may have finally met its match

Bangkok’s latest hotel is primed for a staycation

BANGKOK

Located just minutes from Gaa and Langsuan’s Velaa Sindhorn Village lifestyle mall— home to Crimson Room cocktail bar and Hong Kong import Coffee Academics—the 31story Sindhorn Midtown is perfectly poised for a flashy staycation. Billed as “luxury on a budget,” the 344 rooms start at B3,100 per night and come in a calming palette of blues, greys and brass with playful, Thailand-referencing textile art. On top of an epic seven-story branch of kids’ indoor playground HarborLand, nearby facilities include Bangkok’s first premium 7-Eleven—complete with in-room delivery service—plus an onsite Thai and Asian restaurant called Tr.EAT and a rum-focused bar dubbed Rhumba. 68 Langsuan Rd., 02-796-8888

After launching in Hat Yai and then Chiang Mai at the end of last year, ride-hailing app inDriver has expanded to Phuket. Setting itself apart from competitor GrabTaxi, the Russia-born app allows users to set their own fare for their destination; nearby drivers then have the option to accept the fare or barter for a higher price, thus eliminating the trafficand demand-dependent prices set by other apps. With taxi prices from Phuket Airport to Kata Beach now set at an exorbitant B900 and Grab charging a B150 surcharge for every ride, this could be a turning point for visitors who are tired of being fleeced. indriver.com

PHUKET

BANGKOK

This hideaway island resort has recently expanded

The Cabochon Hotel is slashing rates

The Naka Island, the luxury hideaway off Phuket’s northeast coast, recently completed a seven-month-long facelift. The resort’s new look includes 10 more deluxe rooms, an upgrade to the 24-hour gym that has expanded its size to a roomy 219 sq-meters and a new beachfront restaurant and bar called Rum Chapel. The new rooms aim for a tropical style, with earthy palettes, raw natural furnishings, and stucco walls. The bar-restaurant, meanwhile, features an island-style menu and vibe with indoor-outdoor seating for up to 50. Room rates start at B9,000 per night.

Thanks to all the cancelations happenning citywide, there are some amazing deals to be had that don’t even involve social contact.

For example, the stately Cabochon Hotel is offering some awesome staycation and dining deals through Apr. If you’re a Thai resident or expat, you can score a one-night stay in a studio room with a dinner set for two and continental breakfast for B2,900, or a suite room with a dinner set for two and continental breakfast for B3,900—those rates are down from B7,800 and B10,300, respectively. Email info@cabochonhotel.com for more details.

14/29 Sukhumvit Soi 45, 02-259-2871

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dining reviews

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

SAKURA AFTERNOON TEA SPRINGTIME DELIGHTS

AT THE OKURA PRESTIGE BANGKOK 1 April - 30 June 2020 | Daily 14:00 - 17:00

Prices start from 1,400 with illy coffee, premium Mariage Frères or Saro tea for 2 persons.

Up & Above Bar is located on the 24th floor of The Okura Prestige Bangkok.

For more information and reservations, please call 02 687 9000 or email upandabove@okurabangkok.com Prices are subject to 10% service charge and 7% government tax.

Jamie Oliver Kitchen HHH G/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 065-969-9091. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-9:30pm; Sat-Sun 11:30am-10pm

Despite having to close most of his UK operations in mid-2019 after his restaurant group fell into administration—the Jamie’s Italian franchise included—British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has bounced back remarkably quickly. Enter Jamie Oliver Kitchen, the empirebuilding chef’s latest attempt at a concept kitchen in Bangkok.

Decor-wise, the restaurant looks and feels almost identical to its Italian sister, thanks to the could-be-anywhere, industrial-chic aesthetic, courtesy of dangling bulbs, exposed pipework, the rustic wood panel ceiling, weathered wood accent walls and leather seats. And, of course, an open kitchen counter. (Did you expect anything else?) This gives the space a relaxed and down-to-earth vibe.

Around 6pm on our recent visit, though, the restaurant was so empty it had us wondering whether this was the norm or the result of the Covid-19 situation. Assuming it’s the latter, then we guess every cloud has a silver lining. The waiters quickly ushered us to the best seats in the house, by the big windows overlooking the city lights.

With a focus on comfort food, the menu taps into Asian-inspired flavors, alongside a selection of some of the British chef’s most popular dishes. From the specials, which mainly consist of Italian dishes, the crispy FOOD

DRINKS

and fresh tomato bruschetta (slow-roasted tomatoes, ricotta and basil; B180) sings with the right balance of sweet and sour notes, although the portion could be larger. The crab risotto (B390), on the other hand, is so intensely fishy you’ll be reaching for your glass of water after one bite. Al dente rice and heaping portions can’t make up for that.

Don’t like old-tasting crab? The Mediterranean-inspired lamb and pine nut meatballs (B260) will have you dreaming of the exotic vacation you wish you could take.

From the smoky and well-seasoned lamb to the delicate, creamy texture of the eggplant hummus, this dish gets “comfort food” right. If you still want seafood, try the lobster and seafood pasta (B680). Packed with freshly made linguine, shrimp and shellfish, capers and chili, and a half gratinated lobster, this savory dish is hands down the star of the Asian-fusion side of the menu.

Desserts are standard brasserie fare. The banoffee ice cream sundae (B240), loaded with caramelized banana, gooey toffee sauce and popcorn, is solid. You can wash it down with Thai craft beers, like the tropical and floral Bussaba Ex-Weiss (B225). Altogether, Jamie Oliver’s new venue is, well, another Jamie Oliver venue. You know what you’re getting into. Oftentimes, that’s good enough.

SETTING

SERVICE

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

VALUE

Mensho Tokyo HHHH G/F, RSU Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 31. Open Tue-Sun 11am-3pm, 5-10pm

You’re not going to Mensho Tokyo to hear glasses clink or dine in candlelight. Instead, expect to be serenaded by screaming children and bathed in white light between four walls scribbled with educational diagrams of ramen ingredients. Located in the nondescript RSU Tower, Mensho Tokyo is about as far as it gets from special occasion dining.

That is, unless you appreciate the bacchanalian euphoria of the perfect ramen.

In the middle of the room, restaurant staff make noodles fresh each day. Lots of ramen joints claim to do this, and many of them actually do this, but Mensho Tokyo really wants you to know how serious it is about the integrity of its goods. In fact, founder Tomaharu Shono champions “hyper ramen,” a catchphrase that revolves around the use of seasonal, local ingredients to create a rotating menu of ramen that will trigger visceral reactions you didn’t know were possible.

The wagyu miso ramen (B390 for two pieces of wagyu/B590 for five), featuring FOOD

DRINKS

SETTING

tender cuts of A5 wagyu in a red miso-based broth laced with local ginger, is the kind of umami-rich guilty pleasure that begs for a nap afterwards. Slightly less heavy is the signature tori paitan (B320), a chashutopped bowl of perfectly toothsome noodles, bamboo shoots and green onion in a chicken-based broth. If you want to go meatfree, order the bean-, nut- and veggie-packed vegan tantanmen (B350)—you’ll still feel the same childlike elation as you power through a jaw-droppingly deep bowl of noodles.

On the side, order the delightfully juicy, yuzu-topped fried chicken (B120) or deep-fried enoki mushrooms with vibrant togarashi (B110).

About the only item to avoid is the chilled corn ramen (B100). While the broth might be refreshing, it doesn’t offer much in terms of flavor. You’re better off ordering one of the Coedo craft beers (B230) if you want to cool off.

The menu is updated regularly, and the ramen ranks as high as any in this city. In other words, go here. Often.

SERVICE

VALUE

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17

food | fine dining to your door

Charmgang

Chef Chalee Kader will be offering his full menu from 100 Mahaseth, plus some awesome oneoff dishes from a couple of his delivery-only businesses. Those include chicken or beef pho (B200-300) served with bone marrow from Pho Marrow, and corned beef pies with runny eggs (B120), banana flambe pies (B125) and droolworthy apple pies (B60) from Holy Moly. Order those pies by phone at 089-000-6659 or on any of the popular food delivery apps (Foodpanda, Get, Lineman, Grab). You can get your 100 Mahaseth fix courtesy of Lineman.

If you haven’t had a chance to savor Charmgang’s stellar curries, now you can with their takeaway and delivery service. Starting Mar 20, between noon5pm, message the shop via Instagram, and you can order some of the best cuts, like tiger prawns with rose apple curry, which includes a relish, rice and salad (B500), or the grilled pork jowl with dried fish over jasmine rice (B280).

Appia, Bo.lan, Eat Me, et al.

According to Jarrett Wrisley, the former food writer and co-founder of long-standing restaurants Appia, Peppina and Soul Food Mahanakorn, “The sit-down restaurant is in a time of absolute peril, worldwide.”

He’s not wrong. In order to keep sending you great food, all the folks at Appia, Eat Me, Err, Bo.lan, Bunker, Peppina and Soul Food Mahanakorn are teaming up to offer takeaway and delivery meals.

Contact the restaurants via their official Line IDs (@appia.bkk, @bunker.bkk, @eatmereservatons, @ errbangkok, @peppina33, @soulfoodmahanakorn), and they will send you a menu and meal deals. From there, place your order and pay via bank transfer, and they’ll send a Grab courier to your door.

Special Delivery As the country goes into de facto lockdown, local restaurants are really feeling the squeeze. But just because you’re stuck at home doesn’t mean you have to eat instant noodles.

Some of Bangkok’s best restaurants are offering delivery for the first time.

Here are just a few of the awesome places you can support by ordering now.

By Megan Leon

18

100 Mahaseth

La Dotta

100 Mahaseth

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

Why the extra steps? “Delivery services charge us, the restaurants, 30 percent or more for your order. And, right now, we need everything we can get to work through this difficult time, so that we might share meals together again.”

Baan and Mayrai Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn of Le Du is serving homestyle Thai food from his humble spot Baan through Lineman. Get comfy with his pra kor moo yang (spicy grilled pork jowl salad, B350) and dryaged beef pad krapao (B390). His comforting kai pa lo tom saeb (five spice stew with eggs, B280) is also a winner. If you haven’t been to his new spot, Mayrai, you can get a taste of it via delivery with dishes like pad Thai Mayrai (B79) or the classic pad Thai with prawns (B259). Even Le Du is delivering chef Ton’s famous prawn and shrimp paste rice for takeaway (B900). Call 081-432-4050 to order from Mayrai, and call 092-919-9969 from 5:30-9:30pm to get this dish from Le Du.

Bo.lan Grocer and Err Chefs Dylan Jones and Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava of Bo.lan are sending their must-try fine dining directly to your door. You can order a traditional menu that includes a salad, curry, relish, stir fry and rice for B1,500, plus delivery costs. All food will be served in reusable pinto boxes that are available for purchase or, for a small deposit, can be picked up. Wine options are also available for delivery, which is music to our ears.

Bo.lan also operates a grocery, offering items like fish sauce, palm sugar, fresh coconut cream, curry paste and shrimp paste. And so, on top of meal delivery, they will be offering CSA (community-sourced agriculture) packages that will be filled with organic veggies, curry pastes, proteins of the day and eggs with suggested recipes for cooking at home.

Their casual dining spot Err, meanwhile, is delivering “Err-mergency” rations, which consist of single plate sets like green curry chicken, morning glory and pickled mustard greens with rice or khanom jeen (B360), or moo hong (pork belly stew), egg salad and rice (B200). Orders can be placed between 2-5:30pm via Lineman (@bolanoffice and @errbangkok) or Lalamove. Don’t forget the beers, either.

La Dotta The Thonglor Italian hotspot is at the ready with delivery via Grab, Lineman and Foodpanda. Savor their truffle, sage and ricotta balls (B340) or dig into rich carbonara with cured pork cheek, pecorino romano cheese and cured organic egg yolk (B390)—all from the comfort of your own sofa. Visit ladotta.co/delivery-service for more details.

Funky Lam Craving Lao soul food? Munch that anxiety away with Funky Lam’s sai oua (Lao sausage, B311) or gai ping (grilled chicken, B386). Most of the menu is available for delivery and can be found at funkylamkitchen. com. Call 02-050-0469 or contact the restaurant via Line at 099-005-8435 to place your order.

Haoma Chef Deepanker “DK” Khosla from Haoma has a special menu lined up for delivery, available TueSun from 3-11:30pm. They’re offering full-flavored bites like the paneer tikka (B320) and papri chaat (B180). Bigger plates include the madras curry with chicken (B420), daal makhani (B300) and vegetarian nilgiri korma (B440). You can order directly by messaging Haoma’s Facebook or Instagram accounts, or by calling 093-125-0699. They also have some dealclinching wines available for delivery, like a 2011 Joh. Jos. Prum Riesling Kabinett (B1,700) and a 2017 Jean Foillard Morgon (B1,500).

Khua Kling Pak Sod The southern Thai spot is offering delivery 24 hours a day via Lineman and Grab. Try signatures like the khua kling moo sab (stir-fried southern dry curry with minced pork, B180) and the flavorful sataw pad kapi goong (stir-fried stink beans and prawns with shrimp paste, B240).

El Mercado El Mercado is working on making socially distant life a bit more convenient, offering their a la carte menus, fresh seafood and oysters, and glorious cheese and cold cut selections delivered to your door. Browse the available options at elmercadobangkok.com and email order@elmercadobangkok.com or call at 02117-3799 or 099-783-444 with your selections.

Mikkeller Bangkok Chef Dan Bark of Upstairs acclaim handles the menu at Mikkeller, which means it’s awesome. Now, they’ll be delivering their spins on bar-slash-comfort food to your door anytime between 11am and 10pm daily. Our picks? The spicy chicken wings with Szechuan chili and mustard mayo (B290), the wagyu burger with cheddar cheese served with French fries (B380 single/B480 double) and the BBQ pork ribs with onion rings (B480 half slab/B900 full). Call 083-7831393 to place your order.

Siri House A trio of excellent restaurants—Quince, Luka Moto and Jaew—located at Siri House are offering their menus for delivery. Check the menus online, and then reach out via WhatsApp or Line at 094-868-2639 to place your order.

neighborhood | wongwian yai

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

19

Jack Diamond

Three Sixty Lounge

14th Barrel

Lhong1919

M Gray Cafe

Sorry I’m Hungry Burger

Local Turf

Coffee & breakfast

Sathorn and Charoen Nakhon are jam-packed with all the action right now, but keep an eye on Wongwian Yai. From high-rise condos to snazzy cafes and institutionalized local eateries, Wongwian Yai offers the best of urbanity without being too frenetic.

By Veerabhatr Sriyananda

Pop in to M Gray Cafe for a sip of Thai-style iced coffee (B75) or go for a classic cheesecake (B90) at Carousel Coffee for a muchneeded morning sugar rush. If you’re serious about your choice of caffeine, try the iced cappuccino (B100) at The Kafe’s while appreciating the white-washed decor. Local icon Siam Ratana Bakehouse is famed for sangkaya bread (B160). For something more modern, indulge in the cascara latte (B85) at Walden Home Cafe.

Lunch and dinner While Wongwian Yai is known for its long-standing street food scene, its restaurant lineup keeps getting better. The Clock Out flexes its muscles with must-try dishes like baked cod with lemon and capers (B360). If you can’t resist a good burger, have a big, juicy chomp of the hungry pirate burger (B199)

at Sorry I’m Hungry Burger Cafe.

Meanwhile, Jack Diamond Bistro and Bar offers a budget-friendly salmon steak with homemade white sauce (B250). If you’re looking for some of Bangkok’s best street food, head to Somsak Pu Ob for the steamed crab with glass noodles (B310). For super affordable fusion food, head to Eatlab and try their fettuccine with grilled chicken and green curry (B125).

Hurry to Phad Thai Narok Taek for their signature phad thai narok taek (literal translation: “phad thai that burns like hell;” B80), as they only serve 300 portions a day.

Drinks Tucked away in a shophouse, The 14th Barrel offers local and imported craft beers like Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA (B250). For more craft beers on tap—and more canned and bottled brews, like Sri Lanka’s Lion Stout (B200)—Save

Our Souls is the place to be. Fancy some old-school drinks? Head to The October and give the Singapore Sling (B180) a try. For those who appreciate the finer things, head to the river and visit Three Sixty Lounge for live jazz and even more cocktails, like the Testing Citrus Mojito (B450).

Transport BTS Wongwian Yai is a short walk from all the restaurants and cafes, while MRT Itsaraphap is about a five-minute taxi ride away.

Accommodation You’ll find several high-rise condos near BTS Wongwian Yai, like NYE

by Sansiri, where rent will set you back from B14,000-23,500/ month. In a similar bracket, Ideo Sathorn-Wongwianyai provides rooms from B14,000 -23,000/ month. At The Room BTS Wongwianyai, apartments range from

B18,000-50,000/month, while you’ll spend B12,500-28,000/ month at Teal Sathorn-Taksin and B12,000-24,000/month at Ideo Bluecove Sathorn.

Visit History buffs can spend the weekend discovering the unique Thai-Portuguese history and culture at Baan Kudichin Museum by the riverside. For something a little different, Lhong 1919 centers on a group of old warehouses and a 167-year-old Thai-Chinese shrine; it has now been developed into a hip riverside hangout housing art and craft shops and boutiques like Karmakamet, as well as event spaces, restaurants and cafes. If you like nature and exercise, Suan Pa Chalerm Prakiat Forest Park provides ample green space along with a futsal field, basketball court, playground and areas for bodybuilding and boxing.

BK ASKS

How do you see the future of Wongwian Yai?

NATTAMON SAENAI, 3RD GENERATION OWNER OF SOMSAK PU OB “In the future, Wongwian Yai will be teeming with tutoring schools, trendy shops and a public park for local residents to relax, all surrounded by legendary street food stalls that won’t break the bank.”

JANNARONG VISUTVARIN, CO-OWNER OF SORRY I’M HUNGRY BURGER CAFE “I definitely see Wongwian Yai booming, because, right now, people know more about the neighborhood through reviews on the Internet, and there’s better access from downtown because of the BTS and MRT.”

NONTAWACH WORAMONGKOLCHAI, OWNER OF TASTE OF TREES BISTRO & BAR “In the future, there’ll be more condos, cafes and restaurants catering to the younger crowd, but its laid-back vibe will remain.”

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