FREE COPY TIMEOUT.COM/BANGKOK NO.097 21 May - 5 June 2020
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City life
30/2 Soi Sukhumvit 36 (Naphasap Soi 1), Klongtan, Klongtoey, Bangkok, 10110 Thailand Editorial 0909077455 Advertising 0918083619 E-mail editorial@timeoutbangkok.com
Editor-in-Chief Top Koaysomboon Art Director Narin Machaiya Features Editor Phavitch Theeraphong Digital Content Manager Onsiri Jirawuttipod Senior Writer Suriyan Panomai Junior Writers Khemjira Prompan, Kenika Ruaytanapanich
Time Out Bangkok2 21 May - 5 June 2020
Welcome back, shopping malls SHOPPING MALLS AND community malls
nationwide reopened on 17 May as the government once again eased nationwide lockdown measures against the threat of coronavirus. Major malls under Siam Piwat (Siam Paragon, ICONSIAM and Siam Center) and Central Group have introduced “new normal” regulations to ensure safe and hygienic shopping experiences. Food courts, beauty clinics and salons have also started accepting customers. Restaurants in shopping malls have resumed dine-in services but are not allowed to serve alcoholic beverages. Other venues, including outdoor sports stadiums, botanical gardens, libraries and museums, were also allowed to reopen. Swimming pools can be used for one hour per person while fitness centers can only open their free weights areas. (The use of group exercise studios, treadmills and spinning bikes are prohibited). Spas and massage parlors can resume operations but are only allowed to do foot, leg and lower back massages. The curfew has also been shortened and now runs from 11 pm to 4 am. ■ Phavitch Theeraphong
Photographers Sereechai Puttes Tanisorn Vongsoontorn Video creator Arunrote Auefue Contributing Sub-editor Ana Kalaw Advertising Director Walaiporn Tantisak Account Executive Sasitorn Sengmoon Event Sales Director Pavin Asavavichairoj
Event Sales Executive Orachaporn Premrudeesanit Marketing Manager Kunlatida Chawengwan Marketing Executives Patcharat Ruenrutaikul Thanyaluck Komutrattananon Kanyapat Saengbuakaew Publishers Dujduan Hetrakul, Pongsiri Hetrakul Chairman Prida Hetrakul Director/Vice president -
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Finance Mhienjun Hetrakul Time Out Group Founder Tony Elliott Group chief Exeutive officer Julio Bruno Global Creative Director Tom Hislop Head of Global Content Alex Plim
Cover Design Narin Machaiya
Time Out Bangkok is edited by Phongsathorn Koaysomboon for Maeban Publishing Company Limited, 30/2 Soi Sukhumvit 36 (Naphasap 1), Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand. Color separated by 48 Film Process Co., Ltd. 66 Soi Ladprao 58/1, Ladprao Road, Wangtonglang, Bangkok 10240. Printed by Maeban Publishing Co., Ltd. 30/2 Soi Sukhumvit 36 (Naphasap 1), Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand.
City life
Know the “new normal” safety measures for when Bangkok malls reopen SHOPPING MALLS ACROSS
the city are expected to reopen soon, that is if the number of new COVID-19 cases continue to drop. Many malls, including those operated by Siam Piwat— ICON SIAM, Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery—and those under the Central Group— CentralWorld, Central Chidlom and Central Embassy—are set to welcome back mallgoers with a few “new normal” regulations. These include:
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Each mallgoer has to wear a mask. Malls by the Central Group will sell masks for patrons who don’t have one.
What are malls doing? 1
Regular (every 30 minutes) and daily disinfection of high-touch surfaces like handrails and elevator buttons, and of restrooms.
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A limited amount of shoppers will be allowed inside each mall at a given time (one person/five square meters).
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Each shopper will have their temperatures checked before entering the mall. Entrance will be denied to those with a temperature higher than 37.5.
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Clothes that have been touched or fit by shoppers will be sterilized at Central Department Stores. Fittings rooms will be sanitized after every use.
All diners will be seated at least one meter apart.
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Daily deep-cleaning in all areas of the malls after closing.
Shoppers are encouraged to use mobile banking and e-payment systems instead of cash.
Window shields will be mounted on dining tables, and concierge and cashier counters.
. Siam Paragon introduces walking thermoscan robots that can measure the temperature of mall-goers and warn them to wear masks while walking inside the mall. 21 May - 5 June 2020 Time Out Bangkok
City life
HOW THAIS ARE HELPING EACH OTHER
During this COVID-19 crisis THE NATIONWIDE LOCKDOWN and curfew,
part of the Thai government’s measures to tackle the coronavirus crisis, has resulted in the closure of many businesses—both temporarily and entirely—and have taken a toll on working Thais. A shocking number of people have been left unemployed or asked to take a leave with partial or even without pay. This distressing situation has been exacerbated by poor economic policies to subsidize businesses and the government’s failure to distribute adequate food and aid during the lockdown. In these tough times, the kind-hearted nature of Thais is once again shining through. Many have banded together to help those in need, with some donating food and necessities to feed the impoverished and others setting up digital community services like food delivery platforms that benefit both sellers and consumers. Here are some of the ways Thais are working together to bring comfort to others in the time of COVID-19.
Volunteers helping the vulnerable
COVID Thailand Aid and COVID Relief Bangkok are some of the volunteer groups that have sprung up during the pandemic to help those who are most affected by the threat of coronavirus. Comprised of both Thais and expats, these groups collect essential items such as food, medicine and hygiene products, and distribute them throughout some of the poorest neighborhoods in the country, with a particular focus on the elderly, sick and disabled. Check out their pages to get more information on how to donate or volunteer.
Time Out Bangkok2 21 May - 5 June 2020
Gourmet chefs coming together to cook for medical workers and people in need Deepanker Khosla, the chef and owner of Haoma took inspiration from the World Central Kitchen initiative by international celebrity chef Jose Andres and started #NoOneHungry, an initiative that provides meals made with immunity-boosting ingredients like ginger and turmeric to those struggling to make ends meet. Meanwhile, Chef Chalee Kader of 100 Mahaseth and Holy Moly has set up 100 Smile Meals, which distributes meals to affected communities and medical frontliners.
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Donating through “community pantries”
Walking along the sidewalks of the city, you may have noticed the presence of makeshift “shelves” filled with food and essential items. This movement has been dubbed Community Pantry or Pantry of Sharing, and was initiated by businessman Supakit “Bank” Sulchartvijit, who set up his first “pantry” along Soi Sukhumvit 71 and quickly inspired others throughout to do the same. These shelves encourage those heavily affected by the lockdown to discreetly take food and other items they need in order to survive. However, many critics and netizens have questioned the approach, pointing out that it as an “unsustainable” way to tackle the problem and shaming people who take “too much.”
City life
Connecting Bangkokians with farmers
Helping street food vendors sell meals online
The lockdown has forced people off the streets and encouraged hungry residents to rely on delivery orders for sustenance. This has greatly affected street food vendors, many of whom are unable to ply their trade because they are not digital-savvy and are unable to establish a presence online. Social initiative Locall, with the help of food delivery platform Rine, has come to the rescue, acting as a bridge between online consumers and street food uncles and aunties in Pratupee, Yaowarat and Nanglinchee. Vendors in Nang Leung Market benefit from the help of Baan Nang Leung, a food delivery service that purchases food sold in the market and delivers them to buyers via Lineman.
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The crisis has also affected a lot of farmers, with the export of agricultural products put on hold and many restaurants no longer putting in as much nor any orders at all. To help the hard-hit agricultural sector, a few restaurateurs have become mediators between small producers and consumers, selling foods items at fair prices with all the profits going directly to the former. These include Supaksorn Jongsiri, the chef/owner of Sorn and Baan Ice, who is selling fruits and organic eggs from his restaurants; and Duangporn Songvisava and Dylan Jones, the chef couple behind fine-dining restaurant Bo.lan, who have come up with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes containing fresh vegetables, fruits and meats sourced from their suppliers.
Paying for someone else’s meal
In order to fill up empty stomachs during these trying times, an initiative called Pay it Forward is providing opportunities for customers of eateries and street food vendors to sponsor the meals of those who are unable to pay for their food. Anyone who wants to help can print coupons from the Pay it Forward Facebook page and use these to buy a meal for someone else at participating eateries. For the full list of participating restaurants, check out Pay it Forward Thailand’s Facebook page.■ Phavitch Theeraphong
EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT
Thai Chana As businesses and public venues start to reopen across the country, the government has rolled out contact tracing website Thai Chana. The website’s name translates to “Thailand wins,” which was taken from Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha’s infamous “Thailand must win” statement during a live national television broadcast about the coronavirus pandemic in March. The new platform requires businesses to register on the website and provide information, such as size of the shop and the maximum capacity of customers it can accept at a given
time. Customers, meanwhile, are required to scan a QR code at registered shops and venues, and provide their telephone number. Those who don’t have their phones have to write down their name and phone number. Customers will also be asked to complete a survey on whether the business imposed measures to prevent COVID-19 infections. According to Taweesilp Wisanuyothin, spokesperson for Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration, 2,658,754 check-ins were made nationwide on 17 May, 37 percent of these in Bangkok. At malls across the city reopened its doors that days, visitors had to check in before they could enter the premises. Contact tracing has become a popular method for governments to track whom an infected patient has had contact with. The method has
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been proven useful in countries like South Korea and Singapore. However, little is still known about Thai Chana’s objective. Many questions await clarification, such as whether registration is compulsory for every business in the country. Sarinee Acahvanuntakul, an independent scholar and economist, is one of the many who raised doubts about Thai Chana’s credibility and transparency, pointing out that very little information is provided on the website. In response Dr. Polawat Witoolkollachit, inspector-general of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, ensured the public about the safety of the website and user privacy on 17 May. Yet, he gave very little technical details during the briefing, leaving many questions still unanswered. 21 May - 5 June 2020 Time Out Bangkok
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Now’s the time to book a staycation at one of Bangkok’s upscale hotels COVID-19 HAS taken its toll on tourism businesses all over the world. Thailand, once a thriving tourist destination that welcomed leisure and business visitors in droves, saw a dramatic drop in inbound arrivals in the first quarter of 2020. Severely affected are the hotels that rely heavily on the influx of foreign tourists. Many have decided to take a break and cease operations temporarily while some have even closed for good. Those left standing are now trying to appeal to the domestic market by launching appealing staycation packages that allow locals to relax and still feel like they’re on holiday when flying out of Thailand is still not an option.
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21 May - 5 June 2020 Time Out Bangkok
Staycation Hyatt Regency Sukhumvit
For, B4,900, you and your partner can stay in one of the hotel’s spacious Regency Suites, which comes with stunning views of Bangkok’s skyline. The package also includes a B2,500 food and drink credit, which you can use to indulge in delectable Thai fare at Market Café or East-meets-West cuisine at Spectrum. The package also comes with a 10 percent discount on laundry services. à Soi Sukhumvit 13, 0 2098 1234. BTS Nana. Daily breakfast included. Package valid until 30 September 2020.
Bangkok Marriott The Surawongse
Guests are invited to spend a perfect weekend at one of Bangkok’s most historic neighborhoods with Bangkok Marriott The Surawongse’s “Rediscovered Surawongse Package.” For a minimum stay of two nights, you can enjoy the comforts of a Deluxe Room (B4,900/night) or a Residential Suite (B6,900/night). Each stay comes with a range of F&B offerings such as dinner at Phraya Kitchen and a drink at Yao Rooftop Bar.
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
A staycation at Bangkok’s most prestigious hotel comes with personal butler service, a complimentary bottle of Champagne, and a super early check-in at 8:00 and a late check-out at 20:00. (So you technically benefit from two full days with this deal). Packages start at B17,500, which comes with a B8,750 food and drinks credit, and go up to B250,000 for the 300-meter Royal Suite plus a B125,000 credit to use at the hotel’s F&B outlets. The suite package alsos include a dinner for six at Michelin-starred Le Normandie worth B100,000.
à Surawongse Road, 0 2088 5666. BTS Chong Nonsi. Daily breakfast included. Package valid until 30 September
à Oriental Avenue, 0 2659 9000. BTS Saphan Taksin. Daily breakfast included. Package valid from 1 June until 20 September 2020.
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Staycation The Athenee Bangkok
This luxury hotel on Wireless Road pairs a comfortable stay in sophisticated surrounds with top-notch culinary offerings. The “Dine-cation” package, priced at B4,000, includes a one-night stay and a three-course meal at either modern French restaurant The Allium, Chinese restaurant The Silk Road or Thai dining room The House of Smooth Curry. à Wireless Road, 0 2650 8800. BTS Phloen Chit. Daily breakfast included. Available for purchase until 31 May, stay valid until 30 June
Okura Prestige
Buy a voucher from W Bangkok and enjoy extra credit. Vouchers start from B1,000 (with extra B250) and go up to B10,000 (with extra B5,000). Whether you’re up for a perfect staycation, a great meal or a blissful spa session, W Bangkok’s exclusive vouchers will help you save tons.
From B4,900 a night, you can a stay in a Deluxe Room at this centrally located hotel. The stay includes a B1,000 credit (per night) to be used at one of the hotel’s dining outlets—Up & Above, Yamagata or Elements.
à North Sathorn Road, 0 2344 4000. BTS Chong Nonsi. Available for purchase until 30 June; package
à Wireless Road, 0 2687 9000. BTS
valid until 30 December
Phloen Chit. Package valid until 30 June
W Bangkok
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21 May - 5 June 2020 Time Out Bangkok
Staycation Royal Orchid Sheraton
Enjoy a delightful stay with the fam by the river. The hotel is offering a staycation package for B4,200 a night, which comes with a complimentary extra room (limited to two persons per room). We don’t see a better deal for you and the kids. à Charoenkrung Road, 0 2266 0123. Package valid until June 30 June 2020.
Movenpick BDMS Wellness Resort
This wellness resort is ideal for those who need to quarantine for 14 days for whatever reason. Movenpick BDMS Wellness Resort and Bangkok Hospital launch has launched “14 Days Health Watch,” a two-week wellness retreat package priced at B50,000. The package features a luxurious stay in a 74-square-meter Wellness Suite, and includes three meals a day, an initial consultation with a doctor, daily health monitoring, supplements from Royal Life Anti-Aging Center to boost your immune system and a COVID-19 test at the end of your stay. you-can-eat dimsum lunch at Lou. à Wireless Road, 0 2666 3333. BTS Phloen Chit. Package valid until 31 May
Hotel Nikko
Banyan Tree Bangkok
This Japanese business hotel has dropped a deal-breaking promotion that’s perfect for gourmands. For B2,500, you can relax in a Superior Room and enjoy B2,500 credit at any of the restaurants in the hotel. Fill up on Japanese fare at Hishou or take in Asian delights at The Oasis, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant.
For B5,699, Banyan Tree Bangkok treats guests to a comfortable stay at the Horizon Room and their choice of one complimentary add-on. Choose from a three-course dinner at sky-high restaurant Vertigo, dinner on the Saffron Cruise, a foot and back massage, weekend brunch at Romsai or an upgrade to a one-bedroom suite.
à Soi Sukhumvit 55, 0 2080 2111. Valid until 31 May 2020.
à South Sathorn Road, 0 2679 1200. MRT Lumphini. Package valid
until 23 December
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Staycation
The Sukhothai Bangkok Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20
For only B1,900, you can stay at one of the hotel’s superior rooms or, for B2,350, you can avail of the Bangkok Escape Package, which includes a B500 credit at the hotel’s onsite restaurants.
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à Soi Sukhumvit 20, 0 2009 4999. BTS Asoke. Breakfast included. Package valid until 23 December
Conrad Bangkok
Unwind within an urban oasis at The Sukhothai Bangkok. A staycation package (B5,500) at the hotel comes a with a wonderful one-night stay in a Superior Room and a three-course lunch or dinner at the famed La Scala restaurant. à South Sathorn Road, 0 2344 8888. MRT Lumphini. Package valid until 30 September
Compass Skyview
The staycation package at Conrad Bangkok is so attractive that we want to secure the deal for ourselves! For B5,000 (or B6,000/ for two), you can stay at the newly furnished Executive Room, and gain access to unlimited snacks and drinks at the Executive Lounge. The package also comes with an allyou-can-eat dimsum lunch at Lou.
Situated on Soi Sukhumvit 24 within easy reach of the city’s best malls, this hotel is the perfect base if you intend to make up for shopping time lost during the lockdown. Compass Skyview’s staycation package comes at the tempting price of B2,990. The deal includes a night in a Grand Premier King Room, a three-course dinner at Mojo Rooftop Bar and a complimentary bottle of wine. à Soi Sukhumvit 24, 0 2011 1111. BTS Phrom Phong. Breakfast included. Package valid until 31 July
à Wireless Road, 0 2690 9999. BTS Phloen Chit. Package valid until 30 June
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21 May - 5 June 2020 Time Out Bangkok
Staycation Rembrandt
This long-standing hotel in Sukhumvit is ideal for week-long staycations. A full-board package in a one-bedroom apartment comes with three meals a day and free laundry for two pieces of clothes per day. The seven-day package is priced at B12,250, while the 14-day option comes at B23,100. à Soi Sukhumvit 18, 0 2261 7100. BTS Asoke. Breakfast included.
Sala Rattanakosin
Chatrium Riverside
When it comes to river stays with a view of the majestic Wat Arun, Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok has always been a top choice. Now, Bangkok residents can enjoy a comfortable stay and take in stunning temple views for only B2,400 (per night) for the Superior Room and B4,000 for the Wat Arun River View Deluxe Room. A B500 credit is included for spending at the hotel’s restaurant.
Order at least B2,020 worth of food online from this riverside hotel via Line Store and get a one-night stay at their Grand Room for free. Food for delivery includes Thai and Chinese fare such as Cantonese-style roasted duck, fried rice with XO sauce, and kurobuta pork chop with black pepper sauce. ■ à Soi Charoenkrung 70, 0 2307 8888. BTS Saphan Taksin. Order via XXXXXXXXXXX.
à Maharat Road, 0 2622 1388. MRT Sanam Chai. Breakfast
included. Package valid until 30 September
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SPOTLIGHT ON
Dinner plates Make your at-home dining experience extra-special with beautiful plates and bowls from these shops WE’RE ALL probably finding
ourselves cooking at home a lot more lately—or at least trying to. Some of us are likely masters of the kitchen by now. (It looks like the lockdown has its upside after all.) Now that you’ve perfected your cooking game, it’s time to push things a bit further and make sure your meals are gorgeously presented. Here are some home shops and brands that sell beautifully-designed plates for enhancing your stay-at-home dining experience.
Stories Ceramics
Co-owned by renowned artist and illustrator Pomme Chan, who has collaborated with brands such as Marc Jacobs, Mercedes-Benz and Urban Outfitters, Stories Ceramics offers fine, delicately-designed ceramic pieces. Each piece is so astonishing that they can double as home decor. à See more on Stories Ceramics’ Facebook page or @storiesceramics on Instagram.
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21 May - 5 June 2020 Time Out Bangkok
Shopping
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Shopping
ATT 19
Multidisciplinary art hub ATT 19 has one whole corner dedicated to conversationstarting dinnerware. These handcrafted oddly shaped pieces are sourced from Japan where the art of imperfection is valued. à 19 Captain Bush Lane (Soi Charoen Krung 30), 0 2639 5871. Open Mon-Sat 11:00-19:00
Jeep Kongdechakul
Artist Jeep Kongdechakul is best known for her bold and detailed illustrations, many of which have been published in various magazines and used in collaborations with brands such as Louis Vuitton and Fresh. Her unique art can also be seen on a series of stunning porcelain plates. à Order from Facebook (Jeep Kongdechakul) or Instagram (@jeep.kongdechakul).
ROOM Concept Store
This popular home decor and collectibles shop offers a wide range of cool design products, some of which you didn’t even know you need. Their range of plates are no different. Check out Italian brand Seletti’s Hybrid collection, which reflects a combination of ancient historic Western and Eastern ceramic production; or the Cosmic Diner collection, a series of porcelain plates printed with images of planets.
Cone Number 9
If you’re into simple handcrafted ceramic ware, you may want to check out this small shop on Ekkamai. Plates are available in subdued shades like baby blue and ivory, or with different drip patterns, and come with matching cups and mugs. They also accept custommade orders. à 281/7, Soi Ekkamai 15, 096 516 4449. Open Tue-Sun 9:00-18:00. Or order from their Facebook page (Cone Number 9) or Instagram (@ conenumber9).
Elizabeth Romhild Design
Danish/Armenian artist Elizabeth Romhild has put her signature bold strokes on beautiful tableware. Three porcelain series—La Boheme, Piano and Impromptu—offer a range of plates and bowls that depict female sensuality. ■ à The brand is available at ICON Siam, Emporium, Siam Paragon, Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Gaysorn Village
à See more on Facebook (ROOM Concept Store) or visit the store on 3/F Siam Discovery and 3/F Emquartier.
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Lamunlamai ß
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The unique, handcrafted pieces at this craft studio include “Star fondly no. III”, a collection inspired by star clusters and the universe. Each piece is weirdly shaped and beautifully textured—you can see and feel the artist’s fingerprints on each one. à Check out the collection on Facebook (lamunlamai.craftstudio) or Instagram (@lamunlamai.mai).
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21 May - 5 June 2020 Time Out Bangkok
Eat & Drink TIME OUT MEETS
Pete Phornprapha and Perm Paitayawat The people behind Fruitfull reveal how perhaps the world’s first live-streaming fine-dining experience came into place THE LOCKDOWN DUE to the COVID-19
pandemic has taken a heavy toll on restaurants, particularly fine-dining establishments that rely on intimate service and personal engagement between chefs and diners. No amount of delivery or takeaway orders can compensate for the full fine-dining experience at a restaurant. But what if you can bring this experience to the homes of diners? This is the concept behind Fruitfull, an at-home dining series created by Pranitan “Pete” Phornprapha, Founder and CEO of Wonderfruit music festival, and Perm Paitayawat, the celebrated food writer behind the insightful food blog The Skinny Bib. In Fruitfull’s first run, called Lockdown, the two collaborated with celebrated Thai and international chefs (such as Japanese chef Yusuke Takada of La Cime, British chef Jeremy Chan of Ikoyi and Danish-Korean chef Kristian Baumann of Restaurant 108, as well Thai chefs Garima Arora of Gaa and Prin Polsuk of Sumrub) to bring food of fine-dining quality to people’s homes. To enhance the experience, they set up live-streamed sessions that included personalized messages from the chefs themselves and other interactive videos. Time Out sat down with the resourceful minds behind Fruitfull and found out how fine dining from your couch can work.
How did Fruitfull come about? Pranitan: Food has always been [integral] to
Wonderfruit. We registered the brand Fruitfull in 2017 and tried to think of what we can do with it, but we were so busy with Wonderfruit and we didn’t have a bandwidth to do it. I was Time Out Bangkok2 21 May - 5 June 2020
Pranitan Paipayawat
Perm Paitayawat
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determined that 2020 was going to be the year we spun off Fruitfull. Although I like food, I don’t have enough knowledge and insight on it. Perm’s name came up from someone in my team. I am not on [social media] so I had to do a bit of dive into his Instagram. Right away, I knew Perm was not your typical food blogger—his posts are very thoughtful. We share a similar trait—the belief that everything has to be wellthought out. So I got in touch with Perm through Chef Bo and Dylan [of Bo.lan]. They also thought that Perm would be a good addition to the team. At first, it was meant to be a physical event, a hyper food festival with multiple stages representing something different but each one tied to a common DNA. Then COVID came. We imagined how we would do food in an apocalyptic situation. We mentioned this to Perm and he became excited with the possibility of what it can be given the situation.
Perm: It was actually Pete’s idea to do things both offline and online. We were in a situation where people were losing connection with one another. Most people who were planning to do physical events, [either] related to food or music, postponed what they were doing. Pete jumped into a completely different wagon. [He thought] let’s make something that happens online and integrate what Wonderfruit [does]—endorsing interactive experiences and making food exciting. How did you bring on board these international chefs? Perm: The difficulty was that this platform
was such a new thing for us and for the chefs. The chefs we asked to join are not necessarily famous but they’re chefs who share the same vision as ours. And we agreed with them on how this vision should be represented. It was sort of a reciprocal relationship that’s mainly based on trust. Generally, when we do collaborations, the goal is commercial gain or a level of networking that will facilitate exposure or awareness. For this one, we didn’t have a set standard of what we can actually offer them. It was just something different and came from someone who they can trust to represent them correctly.
What challenges did you have to endure? Perm: One of the biggest challenges was
manpower. We tried to minimize the headcount in everything—in the kitchen, for packing and
dispatching, and with the live-streaming team. [Also], you have to deal with top-level chefs who have a complicated vision of what they want [which could sometimes be] unrealistic. We wanted to make sure that they were presented properly, meaning there were a lot more things to pack than usual.
This may have started a trend for fine dining in the future. How do you feel about this? Perm: I don’t think of this as a trend. It’s an
alternative. Whether people are going to make a trend of it or not, it depends on circumstances in the future. We just want to partially solve a problem. We also want to bring livelihood to the people.
After the Lockdown series, what can people expect from Fruitfull? Pranitan: The brand Fruitfull was born before
COVID-19. The virus just prompted us to make sense of the situation. Now, the situation is fluid. COVID is still pretty much around and I think the world has definitely changed. Fruitfull will continue to innovate and come up with ways on how we can be thoughtfully engaging, and how to use food, culture and art to create a meaningful dialogue.
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What do you think will happen to the dining industry? Perm: The food industry will find its way to
creatively evolve. [Fruitfull] is part of that. Each culture has a different concept of what they feel restaurants need to be. In Thailand we adapted quickly by turning everything takeaway because it’s part of our culture as well as many parts of Asia. We have seen many restaurants quickly adapting to this takeaway system. If we look at Europe, restaurants are restaurants. They would not embrace something like this right away because it’s not part of their culture nor the restaurant’s mentality. In each part of the world, the restaurant industry will creatively evolve at different levels. ■ Phavitch Theeraphong 21 May - 5 June 2020 Time Out Bangkok
Eat& Drink
WHAT IS IT… A new salad place on Soi Sathorn 8 WHY COME… To experience nextlevel health food
DELIVERY AVAILABLE
Pimp My Salad 56-58 Soi Sathon 8, Silom, 0 2550 7623. Open Mon-Sun 8:00-20:00. Pimp My Salad is now open for dine-in, takeaway, and delivery via Foodpanda, LINE MAN and GET.
IF IT’S NOT the house and disco tunes pumping in the background that catches your attention, then it’s the enticing variety of food displayed at the counter. Singapore-born Pimp My Salad, run by the team behind Charoenkrung brunch spot Sarnies (another Singaporean brand), will make you rethink how a salad should look and taste— and it doesn’t involve just a bunch of mixed greens and sugary dressing. Here, you can put together your own healthy combination based on your dietary preferences. Each serving is prepared from scratch and comes in hefty portions. But what makes Pimp My Salad really stand out are their hot food options. Proteins, from cured and smoked salmon (B130) to sous vide rump steak (B120) to coconut and kaffir lime chicken (B80), are grilled on wood in an open-fire pit and can be mixed with sides of your choice, including Time Out Bangkok2 21 May - 5 June 2020
cayenne grilled corn with paprika and lime (B35), baked falafels (B50/two pieces), misobraised fennel (B30) or spiced, herbed quinoa (B60). But it won’t be a real salad place without cold offerings. At Pimp My Salad, cold options include chickpea larb salad (B50), beetroot and pumpkin seed hummus (B35), egg salad with dill pickles (B45), or buckwheat soba (B30). If too many choices are getting you in a tizzy, play it safe and order one of the many drool-worthy, pre-made bowls such as Cool Gai (B215), which mixes coconut chicken with kaffir lime, chickpea larb salad, sautéed mushrooms, brown rice and nam jim jaew (Thai chili sauce) mayonnaise; or Hula Hula Tuna (B350), which has tuna poke, smashed avocado, pickled daikon and carrots, kimchi, and brown rice sprinkled with furikake (dry Japanese seasoning).
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Early risers will want to come Wto pimp their very own breakfast salad. We recommend putting together house-made grilled focaccia (B30), smoked thick-cut bacon (B85), smashed avocado (B100) and runny fried eggs (B50). Selections for sweet tooths are also available. We can’t stop raving about the juicy flamed pineapple (B30) and the ultra-creamy coconut yogurt (B65). Both are good on their own or with Pimp My Salad’s homemade granola (B100). The Nutty Acai Bowl (B280), an indulgent mix of soft-serve acai, flamed banana, coconut, house-made cashew nut butter, granola, and raw vegan brownie, is also an awesome way to end your meal—or start your day. Get your caffeine fix with Sarnies’ signature iced coconut long black (B120) or Pimp’s own coconut coffee frappe (B120). ■ Khemjira Prompan
Eat& Drink
SPOTLIGHT ON
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Thai dessert cafés
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Shops that deliver some of the best Thai desserts in town
BASQUE CHEESECAKES, BROWNIES and
canalés are all over our social media feeds and have been popular choices for stay-at-home afternoon tea sessions. But we still think there’s nothing more enjoyable than pairing traditional Thai desserts with a cuppa, whether it’s coffee or tea. Get your Thai sweet fix from any of these renowned local dessert shops. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Yok Sod
This popular Thai dessert eatery churns out traditional Thai treats made with reduced sugar. The khanom piak poon (sweet pandan pudding) comes in an elegant jade color and is drizzled with rich coconut cream. Also recommended is inthanin (glutinous rice flour balls in aromatic coconut milk) and yok manee (chewy rice cakes made with sago and tossed with shredded coconut). à Order via Grab Food.
Khanom Beung Thai Talad Plu Sarinthip
For four generations, Sarinthip has been a popular destination for khanom beung or Thai crepes (there’s always a queue for these goodies snaking out of the entrance of the Talad Plu fresh market). Sarinthip’s version of this soughtafter treat stands out for its crispiness, the result of letting the batter cook in the pan longer than usual. There are two options to choose from: a sweet one that’s heaped with shredded coconut and foi thong (golden egg yolk threads), and a savory one packed with shrimp paste.
Kaopeenong Dessert Shop
This dependable dessert shop has a presence in Or Tor Kor market, but also boasts franchises in many Bangkok malls. Bestsellers include foi thong (golden egg yolk threads), luk chup (fruitshaped sweets made from mung bean paste) and khanom chun (layered glutinous cake). à Order via Grabfood
à Order via Line Man
Khanom Wan Talad Plu (Mae Jeng) ß
For reasonably priced Thai treats, look no further than Khanom Wan Talad Plu. Located near the vibrant Talad Plu neighborhood, this traditional shop churns out local sweets that go for as low as B1. Desserts available include thong yip and thong yod (golden rice cakes doused in syrup), khanom chan (a chewy pandan-flavored glutinous treat) and khanom tako (coconut milk pudding with assorted fillings). If you live far from the Talad Plu area, make sure you’re willing to fork out for delivery, which will probably cost more than your dessert bill.
Mae Waree
This Thonglor mainstay is your best bet for mango sticky rice, one of the Thailand’s most beloved desserts. Only Nam Dok Mai mangos, known for their sweetness and juiciness, are used, served with multi-colored sticky rice that’s cooked to perfection and aromatic coconut milk.
à Order via Line Man
à Order via Grab Food
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21 May - 5 June 2020 Time Out Bangkok
Travel Nature reclaims itself at Koh Samui The island destination witnessed green turtle hatchlings for the first time in six years.
IN FEBRUARY, THE staff and guests of Banyan
Tree Samui, a resort on the Koh Samui’s southwestern coast, witnessed a rare natural event: a green turtle ascending from the water in the middle of the night to lay eggs on the beach. According to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, this was the first time this has happened in six years. The turtle, which is probably around 10 to 25 years old, laid more than 500 eggs in five nests over the course of four weeks. To help provide protection, the hotel constructed shelters around the eggs. Thepsuda Loyjiw, the resoet’s CSR Manager told Time Out in a phone interview that it needs more time—a year or two—to ascertain if this phenomenon had something to do with the threat of coronavirus dissuading tourists from traveling to the island. (The resort had a 40 to 60 percent occupancy throughout the first few weeks of the egg-laying.) But the fact that green turtles only nest on quiet beaches and away from humans does say something. So far, more than 200 green turtles have emerged from four nests and have waddled their way to the sea. Thepsuda and the authorities
expect the last of the hatchlings to come out of their nest before the end of May. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources will be studying the movement of marine turtles in Samui more seriously over the next few years, while Banyan Tree Samui has declared that it won’t be constructing any permanent structures on and near the beach. On the other side of the peninsula in the Andaman Sea, Phuket Marine Biological Center Time Out Bangkok2 21 May - 5 June 2020
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has teamed up with beachside businesses and individuals in Phuket and Phang Nga to take the egg-laying season very seriously. Mai Khao and Nai Yang beaches in Phuket and Tai Mueng beach in Phang Nga are some of the most favorable laying spots for different sea turtle species, which start laying their eggs between January and February. Guests, as long as they follow strict protocol, can witness the eggs hatch starting March. ■ Top Koaysomboon
Travel
SPOTLIGHT ON
The best food and travel shows on Netflix Explore the culinary culture of cities across the globe with these Netflix shows
AS IRONIC AS it sounds, watching
travel shows makes us feel better in these times when we can’t just board a plane and jet off to wherever our fancy takes us. These shows transport us to another world, make us feel less stuck and lift us from isolation doldrums. Doubling the vicarious thrills are shows that combine both travel and food. After all, nothing whets the imagination and stimulates the senses more than a plate of hearty fare served in some exotic, far-off destination. Luckily, Netflix has more than enough shows that take us on a culinary journey around the globe and give us a peek into the world beyond the four walls of our homes or the closed borders of our country. We’ve listed some of the best ones to watch right now. Be forewarned, binge-watching these shows will definitely increase those #traveltoeat hankerings.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Celebrity chef David Chang invites celebrity guests like Seth Rogen, Chrissy Teigen, Lena Waithe and Kate McKinnon to explore the cuisine of different cities around the world including Vancouver, Marrakesh, Los Angeles and Phnom Penh.
Ugly Delicious
This show sees world-renowned chef and gastropreneur David Chang journeying all across the world with chefs, writers, and artists to discover how a certain dish evolved and earned its reputation as a global food phenomenon.
The Final Table Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories
A group of late-night diners take turns telling their personal stories at a small eatery in Tokyo while the chef, known to those around him as “Master,” serves them traditional, home-style dishes.
Street Food: Asia
Salt Fat Acid Heat
Created by the brains behind Chef’s Table, this show takes viewers on a tour of the best street food spots in nine Asian cities including Bangkok, Osaka, Delhi, Yogyakarta, Chiayi, Seoul, Ho Chi Minh, Singapore and Cebu. Each episode gives a glimpse of what locals eat at each city, as well the everyday lives of street cooks all over Asia.
Based on food writer Samin Nosrat’s award-winning cookbook of the same name, Salt Fat Acid Heat focuses on the four elements essential to delicious food, the ingredients that embody each element and the places where the best of these ingredients are produced.
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Twenty-four talented chefs from across the globe are teamed up in pairs and challenged to come up with their own version of some of the world’s most renowned dishes. Judging the contestants are celebrities and food connoisseurs from the birth country of each dish. The winner takes his or her place at “the final table” with the other culinary legends who have participated in the show.■ Khemjira Prompan
21 May - 5 June 2020 Time Out Bangkok
Time Out Bangkok2 21 May - 5 June 2020
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