CITY PULSE | Into the Hood
Into the Hood: Ari
Hipster haven with more restaurants and street food stalls to be discovered
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f we were to undertake a survey of Bangkok residents as to which city suburb immediately springs to mind when we say ‘Instagram-worthy hipster hangout cafes’, the answer would probably be Ari. This charming neighbourhood, located less than ten minutes from Siam, with its very own BTS station. It has long been known for countless cafes and bars. It is a firm favourite for both expats and locals to hang out and chill, whilst
providing eminently insta-worthy or Instagrammable (are these really words?) locations. Filled with a unique mix of upscale residential developments and trendy bean-to-bar outlets offering all-day breakfast fare, hidden within are some truly authentic offerings for lunch and dinner, and yes, even some unrivalled street food and several world-class bakeries. Exiting BTS Ari, proceed towards the Esso station and just beyond, you will reach Thanee Chris is a former Michelin Guide Inspector, Khao Moo Daeng (1) offering following an international career in legendary crispy pork, stewed hospitality spanning 30 pork and melt-in-the-mouth pork years in both the Middle belly truly to die for. Turning right East and Asia, has now into Phahon Yothin Soi 5, you will settled in Thailand and come across a vintage café, Tham contributes to ‘Into Ma Da (2). Then walk towards Ari the Hood’ column in Soi 1 and turn left, you will see a Bangkok 101. neon light indicating the modern IG: xmichelinman Cantonese Dai Lou (3) and before 16 | MAR /APR 2020
reaching the second Chinese outpost, Mae Yui (4), a short detour to the right will reveal Landhaus bakery (5), a homey white house with raw-cement walls, natural wood furniture, and a giant wooden table loaded with freshly baked German and Austrian goodies. Almost opposite of Mae Yui, turn right into Rama VI Soi 30 and you will reach the elegant Khua Kling Pak Sod (6), the Ari outpost of a Southern Thai restaurant, popular with hi-so and worthy of their Sukhumvit Michelin Bib Gourmand, curiously absent from its sister. Continue walking for a few more minutes, you will stumble across a wonderfully engaging aunty serving up deepfried tofu, taro and corn from her unnamed street stall (7). Take a slight detour down Ari Samphan Soi 6 and discover bangkok101.com
