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Another Side of Ari The street across the road is where it’s at Running for Office From ultra-marathons to politics Creative Spirit The giant new art event taking over the city Going Greek Who makes the best local yogurt? Women officers tk rule! NO. 746 SEP 14, 2018. www.bkmagazine.com
Where’s the Party At? The party collectives every Bangkokian needs to know
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ADVERTORIAL
Catch of the
Prized scallops from Japan now available at The Dock One of Bangkok’s most serious seafood dens, The Dock, is rolling out three special seasonal dishes as their “Catch of the Season”, which has Hotate, Japanese scallops from Hokkaido, as the star. Known to have firm yet soft texture, delicately sweet and almost creamy taste, and high nutrition content, Hotate are among the most exceptional scallops in the world and often considered a delicacy.
Season
Here’s a full lineup of the ocean delicacies The Dock is proud to serve you: SCALLOPS & QUINOA SALAD (450 THB) You don’t have to choose between healthy and tasty anymore! A grilled hotate salad of organic quinoa, refreshing fresh fruits, crunchy vegetables, dressed with The Dock’s signature Seafood Vinaigrette. Quinoa is not only known to be a superfood but also offers a satisfying crunchy texture to complement the sweet and creamy scallops. SCALLOPS & CHORIZO RISOTTO (590 THB) This is for sure not a risotto you know. The Dock’s uniquely rich and creamy Surf & Turf dish made with Italian rice, spicy Spanish chorizo, and freshly grilled Hotate. Mediterranean and Japanese flavours perfectly combined for an unforgettable, mouthwatering experience! SQUID INK SPAGHETTI AND SCALLOPS (590 THB) Big groups can order a sharing pan of delicious squid ink pasta. A combination of springy al-dente spaghetti in homemade fish stock and squid ink, with roasted vegetables, sweet basil, a touch of smoked chilli flakes, and seared Hotate. The refined seafood flavour from the squid ink and juicy scallops make this pasta dish a big must-try! OR ORDER IN A SET AND GET EVERYTHING AT ONE SPECIAL PRICE OF 1,490 THB
The Hotate menu is available throughout September and October at all branches of The Dock Seafood Bar by Thammachart Seafood and at The Ocean Bar at Central Chidlom. Chilled Hokkaido scallops are also available at Thammachart Seafood counters at Gourmet Market at Siam Paragon, Emporium, EmQuartier, The Mall Bangkae and at Central Food Hall Chidlom and Pattaya Beach.
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WHAT SETS HOKKAIDO SCALLOPS ABOVE THE REST? While it is true that sea scallops of all kinds are a firm favourite among seafood lovers and even non-fish lovers love them, scallops sourced from the northern island of Hokkaido are sought after for their incredible texture and umami taste. Here are some reasons why: IDEAL ENVIRONMENT Most marine creatures thrive on kelp and clean water – the cleaner, the higher the quality. At The Dock, we use only naturally raised scallops caught along Shakotan Peninsula, where the ideal environment ensures a larger size and firmer texture.
TheDockSeafood
NUTRITION POWERHOUSE These fresh scallops are a tastier version of your usual supplementary. They are an excellent source of protein, Omega-3 acids, and other healthy vitamins and minerals with relatively low calories – meaning you can devour them without a thought of your waistline.
thedockseafood
www.thedockseafoodbar.com
SEASONAL CATCH Seasonal factors play an essential role in both the quality and quantity of marine catches and the best time to harvest sea and bay scallops ranges from September to March, where they can reach the size of golf balls. That’s why The Dock is serving you this delicacy throughout September and October. www.thammachartseafood.com
page 3 Who's in charge? Managing Director & Publisher Andrew Hiransomboon Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Digital Director / Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Digital Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Digital Content Assistant Pakchira Bunphol Writers Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj, Dhipkawee Sriyananda Selley Junior Writer Kankanok Wichiantanon Art Director Vatanya Bongkotkarn Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Graphic Designers Anunya Chobnitas, Wirankan Saiyasombut Photographer Poonsawat Suttama Video Content Manager Wanlop Rungkuvijad Video Designer Saranya Laowtrakul Videographer Nattapol Srisukh Junior Video Editor Pattanagorn Adirekkiat Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Managers Tipkritta Chiraporncharas, Orajira Sukkasem Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri ASIA CITY STUDIO Managing Editor Dietrich Neu Associate Editor Sureepak Janyapat Senior Project Manager Chayanap Tongdadas Business Development Manager Rangsan khamloi Assistant Art Director Ratchprapha Sunthornprasat Project Coordinator Sirinart Panyasricharoen Senior Developers Passzarkorn Youthasoontorn, Wasan Wangrach Writer-Translator Tripop Leelasestaporn Branded Content Writer Chakariya Cheewatara
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Michelin Madness
upfront
IT expert turned politician says software will save politics
It’s just two months until the next edition of the Bangkok Michelin Guide comes out. Bangkok restaurateurs, don’t wait around till then! Find out now whether you’ve won a star with this handy flowchart.
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Have you reinvented your menu into 10 unsatisfying bite-size morsels?
cover
No
These people throw Bangkok’s best parties
Yes
Have you poached a French guy with a few stars up his sleeves from Hong Kong and put him in your kitchen?
SOIMILK Editor Nathapong Suppavatee Senior Writer Rujiyatorn Choksiriwan, Atiwat Uton Brand Manager Onwara Sittirug Sales Associates Prawpraew Pairohg, Kornkanok Sriwaranant Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Accountant Manita Bangmoung Admin Executive Yaovaluck Srisermsri
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Contributors Angela Symons, Kathy MacLeod Interns Petpailin Kirdasaeng
hit list
Cover design by Wirankan Saiyasombut
Be quick! There’s a new Uniqlo collab’ in town
Asia City Media Group Chief Executive Officer Greg Duncan (gduncan@asiacity.net)
Yes
Are you a gogglewearing auntie who fries up crab omelets in waves of boiling hot oil with frightening precision? Have you delved into the ancient cookbooks of an aristocratic Thai family?
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The Asia City Media Group Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. 9/F, Sathorn Nakorn Tower 100 North Sathorn Rd., Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02-624-9696 Fax: 02-237-5656 Email: bkmagazine@asia-city.co.th
Tea time in Phuket Town
Congratulations! You are clearly creating dishes for inspectors and not diners. We wish you the best of luck in achieving your dream when the Michelin Guide Bangkok 2019 is revealed!
Yes
No
Yes
No
Director Gretchen Worth (gworth@asia-city.co.th)
Where to find us!
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BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2018
No
Are you constantly on the phone with this year’s Michelinstar holders trying to get them to do collaborations at your restaurant?
Yes
No Have you embraced Nordic culinary techniques which your chef is using to reinvent locally foraged ingredients?
BK “Asia City Living” Magazine is edited by Andrew Hiransomboon and published 24 times a year, twice a month by Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Copyright ©2018 Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. The titles “BK Magazine,” “BK ‘Asia City Living’ Magazine” and their associated logos or devices, and the content of BK “Asia City Living” Magazine are the property of Asia City (Thailand) Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Article reprints are available for B50 each. The magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Media Group (Thailand) Ltd. Contact the Advertising Department for ad rates and specifications. All advertising must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by Comform Co.,Ltd. 212 Moo 13 Krungthepkreetha Rd., Saphansoong, Bangkok 10250
16 food
A new five-star hotel means so much stuff we want to eat
get in the loop
bkmagazine.com
Yes
No
No Michelin star for you. But we fancy your odds at Asia’s 50 Best if you start making friends with the right people.
Do you employ a local, well-trained chef who makes classic dishes that diners love in decent portions and serves them at the right price?
Yes
contest, updates, stories
facebook.com/bkmagazine
latest news and trends
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see what’s happening
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taste test
neighborhood
Who makes the best Greek yogurt locally?
The buzzing Ari neighborhood that’s not Soi Ari
Tough luck. Your comforting well-priced and delicious food is not worthy of the plate it’s served on, let alone a Michelin Plate.
9/7/18 2:02 PM
upfront
BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2018
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HOT OR NOT
mixtchatuchak.com
JJ GREEN
This ambitious tech geek reveals his motives for getting into politics
What the BMA gives with one hand, they take with the other. So the merging of Chatuchak and Suan Rod Fai is going to create one super-park (TBF, we kinda thought of it like that already), but it also means we’re losing JJ Green night market. Major suck! That’s the one night market we actually like.
JJ MALL The idea of plopping a mall beside Chatuchak has long fascinated developers. In fact, you can still “admire” some of their half finished efforts on the market’s outskirts. Now another one’s stepped up, TPGThe Platinum Group, who are taking over the skeleton soon to be known as Mixt. Small recompense for the news above.
INTERVIEW
From IT consultant for the National Anti-Corruption Commission to political hopeful under the new Klang (moderate) party, Chumpol “Jung” Krootkaew, 48, plans to let data and technology dictate his policies—if and when the fledgling party gets enough members. Here, the self-confessed geek-since-childhood and ultra-marathon runner explains why technology is the way out of Thailand’s political impasse.
“I want to use technology and data to help create policies” THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID
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Why did you decide to become a politician? Because I wanted to overcome a greater challenge [than trail runs]. Now I want to do something for society. What are some of your policies? I want to use technology and data to help create policies, to reduce inequality and create equality in fairness. I want to use technology to make it possible for people to vote directly [on policy] without going through [elected council] representatives. I’m a firm believer in democracy but I also don’t think there’s anywhere in the world that has the perfect democracy. Democracy needs to be from everyone, not just representatives. Voting is not the best answer to decision-making. Before voting, you need to make sure that everyone has received enough information, and be prepared to lose first. Everyone only focuses on winning and if they lose, they get defensive. The process before voting needs to be fixed. What do you think is the most severe problem facing Thailand? Separation. We don’t see each other as one team. Thailand focuses a lot on freedom without focusing on being on the same team. This is caused by economic and societal inequality. What’s your own background? I received a scholarship when I was in Grade 9 from the Development and Promotion of Science and Technology Talents Project (DPST), who agreed to pay for my tuition through to PhD, providing I kept my grades stable. Both of my parents are teachers. Studying and get-
ting a scholarship was my main priority so I could help my parents cut the costs for my tuition. I was always mature for my age. When I was a kid I would debate American politics with my dad and read law textbooks. Everyone expected me to be a doctor because I was a very smart kid, but it was never my personal dream until I got the DPST scholarship, then I wanted to be a scientist. What do you do in your spare time? I play guitar, or harmonica, and I love traveling. On top of that I like to run. Every year I would sign up for an ultra-marathon, for a distance that I felt I couldn’t do, so I could train to overcome the impossible. Last year I ran 1,600km in Nepal. It took me 48 days. I felt like I didn’t conquer anything but myself. After that I didn’t want to do any more trail runs. What do you think about the junta regime? I don’t really agree with how the military government came into power. That’s not democracy, but that doesn’t mean everything they do is bad. What can your party offer that others can’t? My party offers a platform for Thai people to take a greater interest in politics. I think that’s a good start towards making the country better. Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj
CHERPRANG What to do when your content generates crappy engagement? Hire pretty a face! In a desperate bid to boost ratings for Returning Happiness to the People, Prayuth is calling on Cherprang—the leader of Thai-Japanese idol girl group BNK48— along with other notable actors and actresses. Boy is he stupid? Doesn’t he know the audience is all on Youtube these days.
DRIVING LICENSES Finally, some good news for rich kids wanting to crash their Mustangs into family pick-ups. A government poll on whether to raise the fine for driving without a license 50-fold—from B1,000 to B50,000—has so far been met with resounding opposition. Who needs a license thse days anyway?
by Kathy MacLeod (IG: @kathy_macleod)
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cover | party time
BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2018
Jack Brownson Nick Supreda
Mark Baker
BLAQ LYTE Music genre Hip-hop and electronic with a focus on up-and-coming sounds—think international visitors like RAC, Jay Prince, Boo Seeka and Autograf. Who are they Nick Supreda, Mark Baker and Jack Brownson. About them Started back in 2016 as a tiny hole-in-the-wall hip-hop club on Sukhumvit Soi 39, Blaq Lyte became the city’s most buzzing nightspot when it took over the space above Badmotel in Thonglor last year. Although that club recently closed, they continue to throw events like January’s Bangkok Block Party, which boasted five stages and a great turn-out. The guys have
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BLAST!
Photo Karma Klique
Think sifting through your Facebook invites deciding how to spend your weekend is hard work? Spare a thought for the event organizers, whose efforts go far beyond simply picking a venue and a genre of music. Despite Bangkok’s uncertainties, these people persevere for good of us all in the name of partying—a noble cause indeed. By Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj
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Music genre Happy-Ibiza-summer-type house, tech house and techno.
Jakarta, setting Blast! apart from your typical Bangkok pool party.
Who are they Nicolas Romero and Jon Macias.
The struggles “We come from Europe, where the music scene and the crowd are totally different. I think the hardest thing about starting from the beginning was to understand the Thai crowd and Bangkok music culture,” says Romero. “Taking care of the brand and getting recognition and respect from the Bangkok community is another hard thing,” says Macias.
About them Hailing from Madrid with backgrounds in sound engineering (Romero) and record labels (Macias), the pair started off in Bangkok back in 2016 with the monthly day-time “Blast Pool Series.” Since then, they’ve booked international names like Miguel Bastida, Simone Liberali, Anthony Attala and Bassel Darwish, while also supporting Southeast Asian DJs like Otherkind & Obadius from Kuala Lumpur and Angga, Reno and Apsara from
also taken a foray into fashion with the launch of Auntys Haus, a multi-brand streetwear store at Siam Discovery. The struggles “Throwing parties anywhere is hard. Nobody talks about that. Getting the artists to Thailand can be complicated. I think the added obstacle with Bangkok is the weather. If it rains on a Friday night, that means traffic is going to be bad and nobody is going to come out,” says Jack Brownson. Next party Early Oct with Darius and Karten of Roche Musique at the team’s new club Susie Q (coming late Sep). The next Block Party is also currently in the making. www.fb.com/blaqlyte
Next party End of Oct with an Italian tech house DJ duo coming to Glow. www. fb.com/BlastSessions Nicolas Romero and Jon Macias
Left to right: Ratish Sachathamakul, Gary Yarbrough, Delfin Solomon
DOPE AS FUNK
Music genre Old-school hip-hop mixed with high school house party, get-down music—including some guilty pleasure sing-alongs.
T-shirts.” If you’re lucky, you might catch the crowd parting to make way for a friendly hip-hop dance battle.
Who are they Jan Messiant aka DJ Luck-E, Gary Yarbrough, Delfin Solomon and Ratish Sachathamakul.
The struggles “Things you can’t predict, like the weather. Sometimes you also have to compete with a big concert that might be in town. We had Britney Spears six months ago and that was one of our most difficult nights,” says Yarbrough. “Venue is another thing; Bangkok has plenty of venues but not many fit our kind of atmosphere,” says Ratish.
About them On arrival in Bangkok in 2013, Messiant was frustrated at working commercial clubs that didn’t allow him to play his own style. This gave birth to Dope As Funk , where he took over the dancefloor at Wine Bibber and Sangria. DAF parties are best-known for their super-fun and friendly vibe, led by MC Unda (Sean Carter, see page 6) and encouraged by throwback dress themes like “ugly
Next party Sep 14, ‘90s throwback theme at Violett. www.fb.com/ dopeasfunkbkk >>
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cover | party time
BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2018
HUH?
Who are they Jan Bisping aka Jaydubb. About them Founded in 2011, Disco Robot shines a light on old-school disco sounds, seamlessly integrated with a few select modern tracks. Disco Robot has now taken up permanent residence at 12x12, the quirky Japanese house-bar hidden in Thonglor. Bisping is also behind Get A Room, a party that focuses solely on techno.
Who are they Kiratra “Ki” Promsaka Na Sakolnakorn and Pimporn “Pang” Metchanun.
The struggles “Venue options and curfews that limit the duration of parties,” says Pang.
DISCO ROBOT (AND GET A ROOM) Music genre Early ‘80s club music: disco, electro, soul and Afro.
Music genre Alternative and experimental dance music that spans R&B, jazz, reggae, avant-garde, hip-hop and house.
About them Another exciting music project by the masterminds behind Have You Heard? (the concert organizer who’s been spoiling us with acts like Phoenix, Anderson .Paak and Blood Orange since 2011), Huh? was launched a few months ago in an attempt to diversify Bangkok’s music scene. This project focuses solely on DJs and music producers on the more indie, alternative side of electronic music—they recently brought us Australia’s Cosmo’s Midnight and Kllo.
Pimporn “Pang” Metchanun
Jan Bisping
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Kiratra “Ki” Promsaka Na Sakolnakhorn
Next party Oct 11 with US alternative indie rock band, Snail Mail (Have You Heard?) venue TBA. www.fb.com/ HUHBKK, www.fb.com/HaveYouHeard.Live
The struggles “There aren’t enough diverse and up-for-it party people. If you go to other big cities like New York, London or Berlin, they appreciate music and clubbing as a kind of culture. Over here, it’s just a different vibe. Also, the early closing just kills it, too,” says Bisping. Next party Sep 15 at 12x12. www. fb.com/dothediscorobot, www.fb.com/ GetARoomBKK
Left to right: Taychin Dunnvatanachit, Guillaume De Maquille, Lukas James, Johan Vandebeek, Sunju Hargun, Daniela Yard-Young
KAI DAO
KARMA KLIQUE
Music genre All kinds of hip-hop—old-school, newschool, trap. Who are they Sean Carter aka Unda.
Music genre Previous bookings span house, techno, electro, disco, ambient and experimental, but there’s really no limit.
About them Carter’s difficulties with finding a venue that would suit his own hip-hop performances led him to start Kai Dao last year. Focusing on encouraging local MCs and producers to come out and showcase their talents, Kai Dao fills a big void for hip-hop in Bangkok. It’s not only about nighttime parties, either, as seen at the recent daytime Songkran pool party at The Continent Hotel.
W h o a re t h ey Tayc h i n D u n n vatanachit, Daniela Yard-Young, Johan Vandebeek, Sunju Hargun, Lukas James and Guillaume De Maquille.
The struggles “The Bangkok crowd is quite unpredictable. I can’t really rely on social media to tell me how many people are going to come,” says Carter. Next party In Oct, Kai Dao is planning an exchange, where talents from Thailand will play in Singapore and vice versa. When the rainy season’s over, the pool parties at The Continent will start up again too, with Phuket and Samui also on the cards. www. fb.com/kaidaobkk
Sean Carter
About them This big group of friends let their eclectic tastes shine. Channeling music as a means to bring people together and do good for society, Karma’s goal is to raise B100,000 each year, which is divided between three different charities. Over the past two and a half years, they’ve raised more than B300,000. They also focus on minimizing environmental damage through the use of bamboo straws and biodegradable plastic
cups. Their party usually takes place in out-of-the-box locations like in the jungle (Karma Kamp), or in a hacienda outside of Saraburi (Karma Kastle), but the firm favorite has to be their open-air boat parties (Karma Kruise). The struggles “The music industry in Thailand has two main challenges: the first one is that people do not allocate a lot of budget for this kind of entertainment. Secondly, there is often more of an appetite for commercial shades of electronic music,” says De Maquille. Next party Nov 10 with Karma Kruise 4.0, showcasing Chida from Tokyo, Simple Symmetry from Moscow and Yoshi Nori from Taipei, to name a few. www.fb.com/karmaklique
HYPE Music genre Bass-heavy sounds covering trap, future bass, bass, dubstep and hardstyle. Who are they Nathan Fuller, Woody Chudet and May Ramanya.
Left to right: Nathan Fuller, May Ramanya, Woody Chudet
About them Hype was one of the first promoters to bring international trap DJs to Bangkok. They started off throwing underground parties and building the trap scene under the name Powderpuff, before booking their first international trap act, Loudpvck, in July 2016, and have since booked names like Tokimonsta and
Jai Wolf. They are also the official trap partners for music festivals like Mystic Valley, Dropzone and the upcoming BAM Weekender. The struggles “One of the hardest things is promoting a music style that hasn’t always been popular in Bangkok. Sometimes we find ourselves going up against the big mainstream acts,” says Fuller. Next party Nothing that can be announced yet—stay tuned to www.fb.com/ hypeeventsbkk for updates. >>
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the list | avenue
BK BK MAGAZINE MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER MARCH 14, 16, 2018
6 new feel-good things to do in Bangkok
These health-kicks are sure
to get your endorphins flowing.
1. Get a jog on at one of Thailand's big upcoming races Th e l i n k s b e t we e n the "happy hormone" serotonin and running are well documented, so what better way to achieve that feel –good vibe than joining one of Bangkok's upcoming races? The B a n g ko k M a rat h o n (www.bkkmarathon.com) will hit the streets on Nov 18—just enough time to squeeze in some training. If you're not quite ready for that, then by the time next May comes around you can get involved in the breezy Suanpruek 10-Hour Ultra Marathon (bit.ly/2upZK3u) —just focus on those endorphins.
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2. Eat, sleep and breathe sports at this huge new fitness mega-complex At Bangkok's sparkling new mega sports complex, Stadium One, you'll find a whopping 129 sports retail stores and a five-story “Active Box” zone, which is packed with fitness centers offering everything from weight rooms, yoga and Zumba to spin classes and boxing lessons. The 2,000-sq-meter One Arena is set to host tournaments, equipment sales and flea markets. On top of all that, there are countless restaurants, cafes and spas. www.stadiumone.net
3. Beat ‘‘office syndrome‛‛ with this new fitness class
4. Uplift your day with this superfoodpacked new menu
5. Feel the rhythm with a new way to work out to music
6. Soak up the benefits of an onsen spa in Bangkok
Jetts Fitness has recently launched its new "FX Training" workout, where you can let loose in a "grown-ups' playground," all while working on your stamina, endurance, balance and flexibility through squatting, pulling and pushing techniques designed to mimic your everyday movements. The 45-minute class focuses on whole muscle units in a bid to help you improve your daily movements and body posture.
After all that activity, you're sure to need something uplifting and healthy, so head on over to sample The Coffee Club's new superfood-packed menu. From a quinoa and beetroot vegan salad to the lean protein filled tuna steak, it's so tasty you'll forget you're eating healthy. Get your daily intake of good fats from dishes such as the avocado smashed on sourdough bread with poached eggs (from B260)—one of many items featuring delicious, creamy and flavorsome avocados imported from Australia.
Music and exercise? Now, that's got to equal a double hit of endorphins. So, if you're in need of a real boost, check out Virgin Active's recently launched "Pound" classes—a cardio workout that turns into an intense, sweat-dripping drumming session. To rock out to the beat, you'll be provided with Ripstix—lightly weighted drumsticks designed specifically for exercising. The routine combines cardio, conditioning and strength training with yoga and pilates-inspired movements.
The uber-hip Panpuri Wellness in the heart of Rajprasong has just become Bangkok’s largest onsen (a Japanese-style springwater bath house). Five male/female onsen pools feature mineral-rich water taken from hydrothermal springs, including Japan's Kusatsu onsen, one of the nation's most widely visited hot springs. There's also a seasonal onsen, soda bath, cold plunge pool and vitality pool. Relax here all day for B750 (adults, B450 kids from 6-16).
www.jetts.co.th
www.virginactive.co.th
panpuriorganicspa.com
www.thecoffeeclub.co.th
Discover these new dishes now "Our food very much mirrors some of the great cafes you see in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane. We take dishes from that great cafe scene, bring them back to Bangkok and adapt them to the great ingredients that are found locally here." James Bradbury — global head of culinary, The Coffee Club
Brought to you by The Coffee Club
The dish: Power Bowl
The dish: Poached Eggs, Wok Fried Greens, Red Quinoa and Sesame dressing
Ingredients: Imported avocado, baby spinach, red quinoa, radish, edamame, roasted pumpkin, cauliflower, and tomatoes topped with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
Ingredients: Wok fried seasonal greens with red quinoa, poached eggs, and whipped sesame citrus sour cream.
Learn more about The Coffee Club's new menu at
thecoffeeclub.co.th
cover | party time
PHATFUNK AND KONTRABAND
KOLOUR Music genre This may surprise you, but more than just techno and house. Who are they Coran Maloney and Vina Charay.
Music genre PhatFunk: exclusively drum and bass. Kontraband: bass music like dubstep, grime, UK garage and hip-hop.
throws F&B and art in the mix to create the full experience. The struggles “Building a really solid team that sticks to each other and complements each other has been one of the longest processes that we’ve had to work on, but it’s also the biggest reward,” says Maloney.
Who are they Guillaume Popineau (DJ Will), James Gilbody (DJ DeLorean), Jeremy Guessoum (DJ Azek).
Coran Maloney
Next party Mar 2, 2019, with the return of Kolour In The Park. Maloney tells us: “we can’t say who’s on the lineup yet but we’ve spent three times more than the biggest budget we’ve ever spent.” www. fb.com/wearekolour
About them Since 2010, PhatFunk has been a key player in bringing drum and bass to Bangkok. The offshoot, Kontraband, covers other alternative heavy-bass music. They were the hosts of a surreal night back in May 2015, when their Alix Perez booking clashed with an unplanned government curfew,
Music genre Anything that’s fun and entertaining, like disco, techno and house.
LATE NIGHT BANGKOK
About them Around seven years ago, a frustration with Thailand’s lack of quality openair parties sparked the birth of Kolour. After starting with occasional Sunday sunset parties, they stepped up their game in 2015 with the launch of Kolour in the Park, which remains one of Bangkok’s biggest outdoor music festivals. Not just your typical music event, Kolour
BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2018
Who are they Walt Mattsson and Rory Roketto. About them Known as DJs Sir Walt and Slomororo, together they go by Dark White. They met in Bangkok five years ago and started putting on parties under the name Late Night Brotherhood, now called Late Night Bangkok, booking names like FKJ, Doorly, Alex Metric and Apolopo. Their Sunday Socials at Tropic City, featuring
where the party was a world away from the city outside. The struggles “There is a lack of diversity in Bangkok club music, which tends to be summed up at the moment by hip-hop, deep house and techno. The 2am (or sometimes earlier!) closing is also detrimental to the quality of the club scene,” says Gilbody. Next party Oct 6, PhatFunk feat. Sweed (Zoo Studio). Nov 3, Kontraband x Dubway feat. Ozram (Oriental Sub Sessions). www.fb.com/PhatFunkBKK, www.fb.com/KontrabandBKK
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BK Asks WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST THING THAT’S EVER HAPPENED TO YOU ON A NIGHT OUT IN BANGKOK?
“I had to attend two fundraisers in one night, the first being a more elegant soiree auctioning off dresses. By 11pm, I left to another fundraiser. It was in a BDSM dungeon. Nothing like watching an old British man crawl around on the floor after getting his dick and balls tied up real tight with what appeared to be knitting yarn.”
DARRA CHRISTENSEN, 25, PR COORDINATOR
food from the likes of 80/20 and Little Market, are our favorite. The struggles “On top of selling tickets—because a lot of people here expect these sorts of things to be free— the unpredictability of the politics and police enforcement. If we invest in booking a big act and the police show up at 11pm, we’ll lose the profits and there’s nothing we can do—there’s no advance warning.” Roketto Next party Sep 16, Disco Diaries at Tropic City. goo.gl/JJZPmN
“I went to one party where the DJ from the show didn’t want to finish, so the whole party moved on to some random house. We brought all the equipment and everything from the club, so it was like a pop-up party until the morning.”
DIDI WIBOONMA, 33, PR CONSULTANT
Rory Roketto and Walt Mattsson
TRASHER Music genre Pop music and culture—meaning whatever people are currently talking about, whether it’s Britney Spears, Ariana Grande or luk thung. Who are they Tichakorn “JoJo” Phukhotong, Saroj Kunatanad, Pimkamol Manchasing, Tanyaporn Sirikangwan, Jennie Panhan, Wichuda Ratipaiboon, Tichakorn Phukhotong, Chakree Yutdharaks, Tripop Hiransai and Thidarath Ratipaiboon About them Trasher was founded by a group of friends who share a love of ‘90s pop music, partying and fun. Aside from their hilarious parody videos, they also throw parties. Their first hosted 50 people; 12 years later, hundreds flock to their events from all
walks of life. Perhaps what encourages such a diverse crowd is the lack of judgement—Trasher encourages guests to be themselves and to wear whatever they want, which especially allows female and LGBT+ party-goers to feel safe and comfortable. The struggles “Apart from it being difficult to find a cool venue, a lot of people in this country still see nightlife and partying as something bad or a sin, so there’s not much support from the government,” says JoJo. Next party Oct will see a Halloween party, Nov will see a Loy Krathong party with luk thung music, and Dec will see a sports day themed party. A K-pop themed party is on the cards, too. www.fb.com/trasherbangkok
Left to right: Saroj Kunatanad, Pimkamol Manchasing, Tanyaporn Sirikangwan, Jennie Panhan, Wichuda Ratipaiboon, Tichakorn Phukhotong, Chakree Yutdharaks, Tripop Hiransai, Thidarath Ratipaiboon
“Back when I was working at a bar on Sukhumvit Soi 11, one of our male staff members was dating a much older woman. She was the super-jealous type and would keep calling our office asking for him. She would sound angrier and more intoxicated each time. One day, I was standing in the middle of the dancefloor and I saw our staff running in all different directions. And there she was, casually waving her pistol, screaming,“Where is he?!” It ended with no one hurt and several days later she brought us a box full of girly magazines and a few other random gifts to apologize.”
MATT HAMMOND, 42, PARTY ORGANIZER AND DJ
BANGKOK’S ULTIMATE PARTY DESTINATIONS
12X12 The quirkiest Japanese bar there is in Bangkok, filled with random knick knacks and music that your Shazam is no use for. 810/22 Thonglor Soi Thararom 2
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CUBE Bangkok’s newest nightclub comes in a “speakeasy” style and plays hard techno. 2/F, 2/F, Silom Plaza, 491/20 Silom Rd.
DE COMMUNE A once-abandoned room roars back to life with the sound of underground music and a raw industrial design. 1/F, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor)
GLOW One of Bangkok’s pioneers in the clubbing scene, open since 2005, blasts everything from techno to drum ‘n’ bass from its hidey-hole in Asoke. Sukhumvit Soi 23
VIOLETT This cement-dominated club on Thonglor Soi 10 is a millennial-favorite for techno and grungy vibes. 141 Thonglor Soi 10
WHITELINE/SAFE ROOM Silom Soi 8’s old shop-house turned party destination, with easygoing bar downstairs and hidden party zone (Safe Room) upstairs. Silom Soi 8
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hit list | 7 new reasons to love bangkok
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01
Check out Uniqlo U’s latest Fall/Winter collection by Christophe Lemaire
FASHION
French designer Christophe Lemaire’s latest collab with Japanese retailer Uniqlo is sure to have you longing for colder days to come. The Uniqlo U Fall/Winter 2018 collection is full of elegant, understated pieces, with a stunning color palette that mixes vivid, rich Autumnal hues with earthy neutral tones. Comfortable fabrics are used to create the contemporary oversized silhouettes that dominate the collection, resulting in a sophisticated yet relaxed style. The collection offers no shortage of cold-weather staples, from turtlenecks (B1,490) to windproof Blocktech coats (B4,990). The collection will drop at Uniqlo stores nationwide and online on Sep 14.
NUMEROLOGY
New Bangkok Monopoly* game reveals real estate rankings *based on “Monopoly Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok Edition” officially licensed by Hasbro
PHAHONYOTHIN RD.
Ideo Mix Phaholyothin B3.8 million (31 sqm) Equivalent: Old Kent Road
THONGLOR
The Reserve Thonglor 2 B5.9 million (47 sqm) Equivalent: Bow Street
SIAM (PHATUM WAN DISTRICT) The Line Ratchathewi B6.9 million (27.75 sqm) Equivalent: Leicester Square, Coventry Street
TRANSPORTATION
COSMETICS
TECH
02 Electric taxis hit
03 Korean beauty brand
04 Samsung’s new iPhone-
Bangkok this month The DLT’s new electric taxis are officially roaming Bangkok’s streets, puffing out nothing into the atmosphere except happiness and good vibrations. If you want to ride in one of these little Chinese green machines from BYD Auto Co Ltd. (Tesla, this ain’t) then get on the DLT’s taxi-hailing app, Taxi OK, or go old-school and call 02-039-8888. Also be prepared to pay a fixed 2km rate of B150 rising by B16/km thereafter—or roughly six times the price of an LPG machine. But these drivers have GPS and know how to use it, so, swings and roundabouts.
brings its cult-favorite oil cleansers to Bangkok Bangkok’s parade of Korean beauty brand openings continues, with Siam Square’s latest addition, Banila Co., boasting a cult following that spans well beyond Korea to America, China and Taiwan. K-Beauty fans can expect to find best-selling products like Clean It Zero cleansing balm (B890), which comes in four formulas, and It Radiant CC Cream (B1,250), a water-based color correcting cream that helps even out your skin tone. 1/F, Centerpoint of Siam Square, Rama 1 Rd., 02-252-3499. Open daily 10am-10pm
bruiser is here
What: Samsung Galaxy Note9 Price: B33,900 Who’s it for: Android aficionados who want the best. Pros: 8GB of ram is class-leading, the 4,000mAh battery lasts the entire day, and the 6.4-inch Super Amoled display verges on tablet territory (plus there’s no notch, and everyone hates the notch). The 8Mp front-facing camera beats the iPhone X, while both phones share the same 12Mp twin-lens shallow-depth goodness round the back. Cons: Testers report that the nearly one-year-old iPhone X is still faster at most tasks. Plus, phones with pens: just no.
CHAROENKRUNG RD. Four Seasons Private Residences B33 million (116 sqm) Equivalent: Regent Street
Hitlist Shopping BK746 Sep 14_18_New.indd 12
Shop Talk How to spend your hardearned baht.
BUY IT PROENZA SCHOULER PS1 FALL/WINTER 2018 COLLECTION This “It-girl” favorite now comes in three new colors exclusive to Bangkok (from B37,800 for mini).
BIN IT CHUNKY,TECHIE FITNESS TRACKERS Chic and stylish models have outrun bulky tech.
BARGAIN MUJI WATERREPELLENT COTTON SNEAKERS There’s 15% off until Sep 20.
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hit list | calendar
BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2018
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Nightlife
charts for four consecutive weeks. Sep 19, 6pm. Nineteens Up, Silom Soi 19, 096649-6919. Earlybird B350 via Line @nineteens_up.
05
Ghost:2561 is a giant new art project happening in Bangkok every three years THAT’S THE SPIRIT
If you were at Bangkok CityCity Gallery in 2016 for the last show from Korakrit Arunanondchai, chances are you won’t have forgotten the smoke machine-shrouded assault of noise, dance, audience participation and nudity that was “Painting with History in a Room Filled with People with Funny Names.” Now, the New York-based, Bangkok-born artist is set to curate a new, thrice-yearly art event on a similar scale to the two biennales scheduled in 2018. This Oct 11-28, Korakrit partners with new non-profit Open Field for Ghost:2561, which sees an international lineup of artists descend on the city to present work that explores “the intersection between the influx of data that has transformed human lives globally and an understanding of the world amongst those lives.” Artists including Ian Cheng, whose work with digital reality has found exhibition space in USA’s MoMA PS1 and Whitney Museum of American Art, and globally lauded Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul will exhibit at galleries citywide including 100 Tonson, Artist+Run, Bangkok CityCity, Cartel Artspace, Doxza Art Lab, Imagimax, The Jim Thompson House, Nova Project Space, Siam Motors, Subhashok The Arts Centre and Gallery Ver. For updates, head to www.fb.com/ghostbangkok.
Bangkok CityCity Gallery
www.antim.nl
SPLASHING TIMES
06 EDM Fans have
two awesome events coming up
This Sep 14-15, Bangkok’s EDM and water-splash festival, Waterzonic, returns to Live Park Rama 9 for its fifth edition with Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, DYRD, Mike Williams, Yellow Claw, Andrew Rayel, San Holo, Sem Vox, Crankdat, and Gammer. Entrance starts at B3,500 on Ticketmelon or waterzonic.com. And don’t worry if you’ve missed that one. On Oct 6, the pioneering UK dance record label Hed Kandi will be setting up a 12-hour, day-and-night pool party at So Sofitel hotel. They’ll be bringing to the decks a lineup of their best female DJs to spin the kind of house beats Hed Kandi parties are known for. Things kick off from 1pm at the pool deck before heading up to Hi-So Rooftop Bar from 9pm for the afterparty. Tickets TBA.
07 Another awesome
standup comic is coming to Westin Grande
Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike
DANCE & MUSIC
DON’T MISS THESE FESTIVAL OF DANCE & MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS
Magnificent Seven
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There’s so much to see at the 20th edition of Bangkok’s International Festival of Dance and Music, from Teatro di San Carlo orchestra’s performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No.9 (Sep 15)—“the symphony to end all symphonies”—to the fantastical endeavors of NYC’s Magnificent Seven Magicians & Illusionists (Sep 19 & 20).You
GET A ROOM DJs Mr Mowgli (UK) and Jaydubb (GE) will fill this hipster haunt with deep house, disco and more. Sep 15, 9pm. 12 x 12, 810/22 Thonglor Soi Thararom 2. B150. BACK TO LIFE X HELP THAI: PARTY FOR A GOOD CAUSE An international music party headlined by Pauli the PSM and Khalil; all proceeds go to help children from the poorest parts of Thailand. Sep 20, 9pm. De Commune, 1/F, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). B300. MODULATE X JAMES KELLEY Texas-hailing James Kelly has played his minimal and techno beats across the States and Europe. Support by local artists ≠ asymmetric, Hexer and Mae Happyair. Sep 22, 10pm. CUBE, Silom Plaza, Silom Rd. Free before 11pm, B150 afterwards. SONIC DREAMS WITH E-MOV Get lost in the rhythm at this party hosted by psytrance label Dacru Records, headlined by e-mov, with support from John Lee, Psykid and more. Sep 29, 8pm. Whiteline, Silom Soi 8. B400 (free CD for the first 100 visitors).
Concerts
Stephen Carlin
San Holo
BEAM LAUNCH PARTY FT. SNAKEHIPS Thonglor’s buzzing club reveals its new look, celebrating its relaunch with the return of British electronic duo Snakehips. Sep 15, 9pm. Beam, 72 Courtyard, 72 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). B500 at Ticketmelon.com. BK Pick
Scottish comedian Stephen Carlin is the latest act to visit Bangkok thanks to Singapore-based live comedy outfit Magic Rock (past shows: Doug Stanhope, Jimmy Carr, Bill Bailey). A long-time standout from the Edinburgh Fringe (the UK’s Glastonbury for comedians), Carlin’s acerbic, dour and precisely crafted act has won praise from the likes of standup legend Stewart Lee, who personally selected Carlin for an appearance on his BBC show, and has described the comic as “really brilliant.” Sep 21, 8pm. Westin Grande Sukhumvit, 259 Sukhumvit Rd. B500-1,200 at www.ticketflap.com.
Taj Express
can explore world dance and music through Break the Tango / Hip Hop (Sep 22 & 23) and the Bollywood extravaganza Taj Express (Sep 28-29), or get an early taste of Christmas with the Moscow State Classical Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker (Oct 6).Through Oct 18. Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd.Tickets available on Thaiticketmajor. Visit www.bangkokfestivals.com/ en/ for full lineup.
MANGOSTEEN MUSIC FESTIVAL Wolf Alice, Yellow Fang, and Violette Wautier will take over the stage for this festival’s second edition. Sep 15, 5pm. Voice Space, BBD Building, Viphavadi Rangsit Rd. B2,200 on Ticketmelon. TOPS The Canadian indie band plays soft-rock sounds from their 2017 album Sugar at the Gate . Sep 14, 8pm. NOMA BKK, Block C, RCA. B850 on Ticketmelon.
JUNGGIGO South Korean R&B singer performs hits like “Some,” “Bye Bye Bye” and “Want U.” Sep 20, 7pm. Helix Garden, 5/F, The EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd. B1,590 on Ticketmelon.
Stage BK Pick CARMEN Teatro di San Carlo will perform the classical romantic tragedy conducted by Maestro Zubin Mehta. Sep 14, 7.30pm. Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre. B2,000 7,000 on Thaiticketmajor.
STUNING VIRTUOSITY Taipei’s Ju Percussion group will present their experimental and rhythmic “East meets West” performance. Sep 16, 7:30pm. Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre. B1,000-2,500 on Thaiticketmajor.
CLASSICAL WEDDING The Singapore Dance Theater have curated a collection of wedding scenes from three ballets: Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, and Don Quixote, led by Janek Schergen. Sep 26, Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre. B1,000-2,500 on Thaiticketmajor.
Classical KOREAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Led by conductor Chi-Yong Chung, Korea’s leading national orchestra performs with the talented piano soloist Jiyeong Mun. Sep 24, 7.30pm, Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre. B1,000 3,000 on Thaiticketmajor.
Art
NAZARENO BIONDO SCULPTURES EXHIBITION The Italian artist symbolizes post-war consumerist society through marble sculptures of a Fiat 500 car, bundles of dollars and a Vespa scooter. Sep 18-30. L/F, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), 939 Rama I Rd. Free.
Sports
BK Pick DUA LIPA British pop-singer set to perform hit singles like “New Rules,” “IDGAF,” and her latest banger ft. Calvin Harris, “One Kiss.” Sep 17, 8pm. GMM Live House @CentralWorld, 8/F, 999/1 Rama 1 Rd. From B2,000 on ThaiTicketMajor.
THE KILLERS The Las Vegas four-piece will bring their catchy post-punk hits like “Mr. Brightside,” “Somebody Told Me” and “Smile Like You Mean It” to Bangkok. Sep 17, 7pm. Thunder Dome, 99 Popular Rd. B2,800-B3500 on Ticketmelon.com THE PARKINSON LIVE Thai pop trio performs soulful songs like their 2015 smash debut single “Ja Borg Ther Wa Ruk (Tell Her That I Love),” which topped Cat Radio’s
RIVERSIDE PLAZA CHARITY BIKE RALLY M ark Car-Free Day with this 30-km charity bike rally along the Chao Phraya, while raising funds for a disability-inclusive shelter in Prapadaeng. Sep 22, 6am. Riverside Plaza Bangkok to Bang Krachao. B99, register on www.fb.com/Riversideplazabangkok.
Film BANGKOK UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL 2018 The celebration of local indie cinema returns with an outdoor screening as part of Bangkok Biennial. Film lineup TBA on bit.ly/2wDVtJX. Sep 29-30, 7pm. Gallery VER carpark, Narathiwas Ratchanakarin Soi 22. Free.
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travel | news
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CHIANG MAI
02 Chocolate Factry
01
opens up north in 150-year-old house
Teatime in the Old Town
03
04
PHUKET
HUA HIN
03 Turkish delights to try
04 New face takes over oceanfront spot
From the outside, this spot in Patong could easily be mistaken for just another pretender serving up “authentic” Turkish cuisine. Don’t be fooled though, because The Zula Phuket (www.fb.com/thezulaphuket) is the real deal— from the hummus (B130) and the Beyti kebab (B370) to the coban kavurma (lamb casserole, B370) and Turkish tea. The vibrant, busy interiors mash up French bistro and industrial-chic, with faux brick walls and tiled flooring punctuated by an array of hanging plants, lights, airplanes, fake birds and cages—it’s a little messy, but we like it.
Movenpick Asara Resort & Spa Hua Hin (www.movenpick.com) has taken over the former Asara Villa & Suite with 96 private suites and pool villas, decked out in neutral tones, wood accents and Thai patterns for a homey yet modern feel. Choose from the 120-sq-meter suite with a private terrace (from B6,894/ night); 150 to 200-sq-meter villas with private plunge pools and spacious decks (from B9,394); or the luxurious 400-sq-meter beachfront villa, comprising of three pavilions, two bedrooms, its own private beach area and a pool (B19,989/ night). Thai and French dining is available onsite, alongside two large pools and a gym.
in Patong
PHUKET
Rainy season humidity can take its toll when strolling through Phuket’s Old Town, making the discovery of this quaint Sino-Portuguese teahouse all the more welcome. Khun Nai Sam Tea & Restaurant’s (www.fb.com/khun.nai.sam) faded baroque-style facade gives way to red brick walls, vintage picture frames, Chinese lanterns, and leather booths. If the weather’s on your side, enjoy a tea set in the petite courtyard out back, replete with potted trees and a water fountain. The food focuses on seafood dishes and classic Isaan faves (som tam, larb, naam tok moo, pad Thai lobster)—perhaps not the most normal accompaniment to tea, but at least it soothes the spiciness!
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Khao Yai’s Chocolate Factory (bit.ly/2wIuIoK) has opened in Chiang Mai, planting roots in a charming 150-year-old house by the Ping River. Steering away from the elegant studio designs of its Hua Hin and Pattaya siblings, the latest branch keeps the traditional building intact in all of its Lanna glory. The light-filled open space is decked out in blond wood, with woven bronze light fixtures adding modern flair. Expect a plethora of chocolate desserts, from white chocolate cheesecake (B100) to decadent chocolate hazelnut lava (B180). Savory dishes span charcoal-grilled Australian beef tenderloin with red wine sauce (B780) and Australian beef stew with brown rice (B240) through to local food with a twist, like the nam prik ong pasta (spicy chili and tomato, B240).
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food & drink | news
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IN BRIEF
Comings, Goings and Bargains
01
Ratchadamri’s new five-star hotel is packed with foodie openings
Q TIP Less than four months after Thonglor’s Blaq Lyte shut its doors, owner Nick Supreda has found a new (quite unexpected) location on Khaosan Road. Susie Q is a club looking to blend hip-hop and house music. Whether they’ll manage to maintain their edgy status in this tourist hotspot, only time will tell.
CAPITAL GAINS
It’s open. Six years after the skyscraper on Ratchadamri broke ground, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is officially with us and offering a line of ultra-posh restaurants and bars to go with it. The Michelin-baiting showstopper comes in the form of Front Room, where you’ll find “Nordic-Thai” tasting menus (think earthy, experimental dishes boasting a boat-load of fermentation and modern culinary techniques) for B2,500-3,200. Up above sits a suite of lavish dining spaces that range from Bull & Bear steakhouse (menu TBA) to The Loft, a cocktail bar made out to look like something from late 19th-century Paris. And the work that’s gone into making them feel special is something else. Access is via a spiraling Art Nouveau staircase, quilted ceilings take inspiration from Queen Elizabeth II’s dresser, and custom-made chandeliers drip wherever possible. If that’s not enough, The Brasserie in the upper lobby serves sharing dishes of beef Bourguignon (B1,080) and other simple French staples to go with craft beer and cider. 151 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-846-8888
FADING STAR All change at MahaNakhon. Following the closure of Vogue Lounge last month, now comes news that the Thai outpost of famed “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto is no more. Morimoto shut its doors for the final time on Aug 31 leading us to ask, who’s next?
BEER HEAVEN
THEY SEE ME ROLLIN’
MEAL STEALS
02 This might be Bangkok’s best-ever craft beer festival
03 There’s now a sushi restaurant that’s also a hip-hop club
04 Grab a bargain dinner at top Bangkok restaurants
Here’s your chance to celebrate a pair of home-brew geeks from the States who gave up their cushy jobs in Bangkok to import American craft beers. Beervana will be marking its sixth birthday on Sep 29 with Beervana Carnival, a huge craft beer event that’s set to gather over 100 labels from 20 breweries new and old, including Stone, Deschutes, Rogue, Founder, Knee Deep, Behemoth and more. Kicking off at 6pm, the party promises 1,000 liters of draft beer (from B100), plus games, music and food from the likes of Daniel Thaiger, Nitrolab and Fatty’s Bar and Diner. The Link Asoke-Makkasan, 1643/5,7 New Petchaburi Rd. Free entry.
The name sums it up at Sathorn’s newcomer, Hip Hop Sushi, where a steady hip-hop playlist is accompanied by eccentric decor—think glowing graffiti-covered walls by Thai artist Conting52, and vintage Japanese knick knacks, including a random warrior suit. Although it feels more like a bar than a restaurant, the food is not to be underestimated. Curated by Ren’ai Catering service, the menu features the must-try Black Salmon Roll (B275), topped with black caviar and their signature spicy sauce, alongside signature bingsu cocktails (B280). This spot is set to become a hub for local hip-hop acts and DJs, too. 34/2 Soi Sribumphen, Rama 4 Rd.
BK Restaurant Week officially starts now. From Sep 14-29, we’re partnering with 60 of the city’s best restaurants to serve hundreds of special dinners at a knockout fixed price of B1,000++ per person (B1,170 total) for a minimum of three courses. That’s a pretty awesome deal! In fact, it represents a saving on average of 50 percent across all participating venues (and a lot more at some places). Restaurants taking part include perennial BK Magazine “Top Tables” such as Bunker, Quince, Appia, Gianni and Err as well as hip newcomers like 100 Mahaseth, Freebird and Haoma. Visit www. bkrestaurantweek.com.
3 FOR 2 Psst… hot brunch tip right here. Till Oct 31, Dusit Thani is offering buy-two-get-one free every Saturday and Sunday. And the best part: it goes right from 11am-7pm. The feast alone costs B2,900 per person with soft drinks or B3,600-4,900 including booze packages.
YOU SAID WHAT?
The news in online foodie posts
“Is King Power going to turn the entire CUBE into a duty free shop!?!”
“He’s taking too much advantage of his restaurant’s status and name.”
TWITTER USER @GIANTROBOT7 ON THE CLOSURE OF MORIMOTO FOLLOWING KING POWER’S TAKEOVER OF MAHANAKHON
FAUSTO MELUSO ON GAGGAN’S TOFU OMAKASE RESTAURANT, MIHARA TOFUTEN
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“They see me rollin / They hatin’ / Patrolling they tryin to catch me eatin’ sushi / Tryin to catch me eatin’ maki / Tryin to catch me sniff wasabi.” WAICHUE SEBASTIAN SOLASACHINDA ON NEW RESTAURANT HIP HOP SUSHI (AND YES, THERE WAS A SECOND VERSE)
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food & drink | open doors
Taste old-school tavern flavors at Alexander’s German Eatery The buzz: The latest from the former manager of Bei Otto, Alexander Von Wnuk-Lipinski, this German eatery brings boisterous beer garden vibes to Ekkamai. The vibe: The two-story corner townhouse is as approachable as they come. At the front, an outdoor dining area comes strewn with fairy lights and wooden tables that look straight out of an Oktoberfest celebration. Inside ramps up the tavern vibes with a preponderance of timber, red bricks and, to top it off, a taxidermied deer head. Head upstairs for a communal-style dining hall or stick it out on the ground floor where you can keep an eye on the open kitchen and order direct from a compact bar. The waitresses cut a refined look in their German traditional dresses—nothing like the skimpy versions you may have seen before. The food: Sausage and pork knuckle are the name of the game. Their homemade Nuremberg sausages (B320) feature spice blends flown in from Germany, while the pork knuckle
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(B520) is fried to crisp, crackling satisfaction—both are served with a slightly sweet dark beer gravy and mashed potatoes. The hefty fare continues with the Viennese-style crumbed pork escalope (B320), but for something a little lighter, try the seared salmon on saffron risotto with green asparagus (B560). Check in for seasonal specials, like the recent chanterelle mushroom promotions. The drinks: Needless to say, there’s plenty of beer to go around—order a stein of Hofbrau (B240). Wine by the glass—try a German Dornfelder red (B250)— and by the bottle—Italian Canonico Saleto (B1,450)—is also available. Why we’d come back: We’re pumped about the no-nonsense comfort-food appeal of this new spot for Ekkamai. And we’d challenge you to find a more welcoming place. Prost! Kankanok Wichiantanon
37/3 Ekkamai Soi 12 (Charoen Chai Alley), 02-116-5750. Open Mon, Wed-Thru 3pm-midnight; Fri-Sun 11:30-midnight.
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House of Eden
NEW AND NOTED
01 Ekkamai welcomes 02 Original sin awaits 03 Pizzeria brings a Euro-Japanese fusion at CentralWorld slice of Brooklyn to from Okinawa At House of Eden (2/F, Groove at Ekkamai Not your normal fusion restaurant, Okinawa-hailing El Faro (12/5 Ekkamai Soi 2, 02-714-4508) has opened up shop in Ekkamai. Modern yet unpretentious, the space comes decked out in dark-toned furniture, dimmed lighting and sleek polished cement flooring. Italian and Spanish twists are brought to Japanese fare in dishes like the spaghetti amatorichana (B270), with its lusciously deep bacon, onion and tomato sauce, or the El Faro butcher’s combo (B880), a flavor-packed platter of grilled meats, including tenderloin and sirloin. Wash it down with the refreshing homemade sangria (B220) or a Lemon Sour (B150).
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CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 062-4207999), bubble-shaped windows give a glimpse of girly peach-pink interiors, while pops of rose gold culminate in a thick pole in the center, covered in fake leaves and peaches symbolic of the Tree of Knowledge. The refined fusion menu sees the likes of grilled kurobuta pork spiced with Sichuan pepper (B370), and seared snow fish topped with spicy pork crackling (B340). For dessert, the creme brulee (B180) comes with a Thai tea custard twist. So as not to upset the uniform color scheme, we recommend the Rose Milk Frappe (B160)—rose syrup-infused milk topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
Pizzeria Mazzie (Park Lane, 8 Sukhumvit Soi 63 [Ekkamai], 02-060-8822) doles out those large, hand-tossed, thin-crust pies you find in New York. The owners, genuine New Yorkers, have gone for a laidback bar vibe to match the pizzas they whip out of a custom-made “lowdome” Acunto oven from Naples. The dough gives you a crisp yet pliable base for options like the Hot Hipster (B510), topped with molten fior di latte [made from cow’s milk] mozzarella, spicy Calabrian salami, hot honey, chili, pecorino and basil. For something tamer, try the Coppa di Parma and truffle oil-topped No. 3 (B450). Ease your conscience with the fully loaded roasted beetroot salad (B260).
TABLE TALK
Ginza Tenharu 3/F, Gaysorn Village, 999 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-0700014. Open Tue-Sun noon-2:30pm, 6-11pm. BTS Chit Lom Hailing from a seriously fancy mother branch in Tokyo, this tiny, immaculately understated venue maintains a relaxed atmosphere, where the chefs joke around as customers snap Instagram pics without feeling guilty. The B6,500 dinner omakase charts some 11 tempura courses made using fresh produce—think enormous Hokkaido scallops, sea urchin-stuffed nori and rich Kobe beef—all jetpropelled from Japan, with sashimi appetizers and soba noodles or rice bowl mains. You can also go for the lighter option at B4,500. Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get a complimentary special drink valued THB 900 when spending THB 5,000 or more /sales slip (limit 1 glass /person /sales slip) Today – 28 Feb
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food & drink | taste test
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Carbar
Banh Mi Crispy
NEW AND NOTED TABLE TALK
Nonna Nella by Lenzi 1/F CRC Tower, All Seasons Place, Wireless Rd., 02-038-2184. Open daily 11:30am-10pm. BTS Ploen Chit A classic Italian atmosphere emanates from the black and green leather seating and vintage marble tabletops, all of which is hugged by a U-shaped bar, from behind which chefs can be seen spinning dough, kneading pasta and baking. The pizza alone will have you coming back for more—try the Margherita (B280), which beautifully highlights the aromatic and chewy 72-hour fermented pizza dough. To make the most of the fine Italian spread, a glass of equally fine Italian wine is a must, like the fresh and citrusy Mastroberardino Falanghina (B380/glass). Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get a complimentary panna cotta with strawberry sauce for 2 persons valued THB 200 when spending via Citi credit cards (limit 1 dish /card /table /sales slip) Today – 31 Jul 19
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04 Brave Roasters is pushing coffee limits at this new bar A UFO of neon lights announces the touchdown of Brave Roasters: Space Oddity at Thonglor’s Seenspace (2/F, Thonglor Soi 13), where one of Bangkok’s favorite coffee roasters goes intergalactic with smoking iced Fume de Lattes and Mochas (B155). Concrete flooring and a black coffee bar topped with white machinery all contribute to the stark monochrome interiors. For something that hits a little harder, try the bourbon-spiked caramel latte (B155) or sample one of their 12 craft beers.
05 72 Courtyard gets taste of Italy Let the smell of freshly baked dough guide you to 72 Courtyard’s latest Italian offering: Carbar (G/F, 72 Courtyard, Sukhumvit Soi 55 [Thonglor], 02-392-6922). Inside, moody industrial light fixtures hang above rustic wooden tables, framed on one side by a long and well-stocked wine bar. Wood-fired pizzas topped with Italian sausage (B290) and salami picante (B340) fly from the open kitchen, alongside comfort-food dishes like hanger steak (B340) and meat sauce penne (B240). Enjoy a glass of fruity Italian Carpineto Dogajolo Cabernet Sauvignon (B320/glass) in the al fresco seating area, accompanied by a platter of cold-cuts and cheeses (B550 small/ B850 large).
06 This banh mi specialist is branching out Banh Mi Crispy, the tiny Vietnamese sandwich stall at Phra Khanong’s W District, now has welcoming new digs in a renovated On Nut townhouse (5 On Nut Soi 30). As before, the menu is all about banh mi (B90-110), starring a crisp yet fluffy baguette made in-house. We love the crispy pork sandwich (B100), but the “special” version made with four kinds of pork is fully deserving of that title—just beware all that chili. They also offer pho, either beef (B175) or chicken (B155), as well as a super-strong Vietnamese iced coffee (B50-70).
9/7/18 5:35 PM
food & drink | taste test
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Who makes Bangkok’s best... “Greek” yogurt? Despite the Geographical descriptor, “Greek” yogurt is essentially just plain yogurt that’s been strained of excess liquid for a thicker consistency. That said, its ultra-creamy, velvety texture makes it irresistible on a bowl of granola and fresh fruit. We’ve tried and tested Thailand’s top “Greek” yogurt brands to find out who makes it best. By BK Staff.
Caroline
BK Pick!
The large container is filled to the brim with lusciously thick creamy yogurt that almost tastes like marshmallow fluff, but even richer. It's the thickest and also the tangiest out of all five contenders—the kind that makes your lips pucker but in a really good way. Verdict: Marshmallowy. Price: B129 (170g)
Dutchie:
Crete
Innocent Cow
Ida
Thick and voluptuous yogurt that's unfortunately artificial tasting. Its pillowy and velvety texture sure feels satisfying, but it's the powerful fake honey flavor that puts us off finishing the pot. Verdict: For when there’s no other choice. Price: B20 (120g)
Runner Although it’s slightly less thick than CarUp! oline's yogurt, it’s still got enough of a creamy, thick texture to bring us back for more. It has a pleasantly subtle tang, making it a light alternative to most yogurt. Verdict: Subtle, but packs a punch. Price: B69 (100g)
We expected good things from this one due to its glossy-look and small container, but its texture turned out to be fairly loose and didn’t pack the tanginess we had hoped for. Verdict: Good, but lacks lusciousness. Price: B100 (140g)
By far the loosest consistency with the least powerful taste. We weren’t surprised to discover it’s also the cheapest. Verdict: A Greek wanna-be, but really it’s just a yogurt. Price: B28 (100g)
www.innocentcow.com
www.fb.com/IdaGreekYoghurt
www.fb.com/DutchieYoghurt
www.fb.com/GreenPortal.th
Where to buy: All available at most supermarkets
www.fb.com/CarolineCheeseThailand
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9/7/18 5:36 PM
dining reviews
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Nihon Saiseisakaba
Nihon Saiseisakaba HHH
Japanese. Warehouse 26, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 086-668-0654. Open daily 5:30pm-midnight BB F
Nihon Saiseisakaba, a Tokyo-hailing izakaya with some 20 branches across Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan, specializes in motsuyaki, or charcoal-grilled skewers of chicken, pork and beef offal, with prices starting at just B29. The Shinjuku original is a “drink-standing” bar, a kitsch throwback to the pre-war era, but here you have the luxury of taking up a stool to knock back sake (from B159) or icecold Asahi (B99) to go with the lesser-known cuts. Everything from pig diaphragm to beef tongue is grilled over binchotan charcoal, typically having been slathered with a simple tare sauce (a thick salty-sweet mix of soy sauce, sake, mirin and sugar) or seasoned with salt. All dark wood panels and vintage posters, with a couple of screens to catch the weekend football matches, this is a low-key place where drinks and nibbles flow easily and you don’t need to worry too much about the prices. The restaurant skirts the more outthere offerings of its Japan counterparts—no
KlangSuan HHHH
Southern Thai. 143 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 061-6156576. Open Tue-Fri 11am-2pm, 6-11pm; Open Sat-Sun 11am-10pm. B-BB F
A native of Chumphon, chef Nattabut “Tum” Manthanon and his family opened this tuckedaway southern Thai restaurant specializing in the cuisine of their home province around a year ago. Sadly, we weren’t paying attention, so we’ve missed a full year of enjoying their charming, welcoming (expect tableside visits from Tum bearing plates of fresh-in rambutan or other new ingredients) and tasty hospitality. Don’t let the modish, funky surroundings—all mints, coppers and geometric shapes in an old residential property—fool you into thinking the food is in any way inauthentic. The stir-fried sataw beans with shrimp (B180) have not just the sharp tang of good sataw but also the coarse, matt texture of a serious nam prik kapi (fermented shrimp paste)—so pungent, so balanced. The slow-cooked then pan-fried beef shank in coconut milk with chili paste and Thai basil (B180) delivers plate-licking depths of flavor that permeate through every satisfying, moreish chew of the tender meat. Their khua kling moo (a dry stir-fry of spiced minced pork, B150) will blow your head off
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“brain sashimi” or grilled “birth canal” listed on the laminated menu—but there are enough oddities in terms of texture and flavor to keep things exciting. The pig pharynx (B79) offers a delightful crunch of cartilage, as does the chicken gizzard (B39), while the pig intestine (B39) is a light, crisp and sweet morsel that demands double orders. The pork liver (B39) comes buried under a mound of sauteed garlic and onion to minimize the divisive bitterness. The squeamish will find plenty to enjoy, too, whether it’s the smooth-textured tsukune (chicken meatball, B79) or the fatty, flavorful beef rib finger (B129) skewered up with hunks of leek. Nihon Saiseisakaba’s No. 1 dish may well lie away from the grill in the form of the beef tongue stew (B159), whose tender meat and peppery, wholesome broth make it a top pick for the rainy season. Though you wouldn’t tell it from the colorful pig anatomy poster that takes pride of place on the wall, vegetarian tastes are actually fairly well catered for—try the juicy, gingery shiitake mushroom (B39) or the nori-topped zucchini (B39). But, really, you’re here for the meat. And while we can think of a few izakayas in Bangkok that treat meat on a stick with perhaps more reverence, down-to-earth Nihon Saiseisakaba is a fun introduction to Japanese nose-to-tail eating.
then have you going back for seconds, thirds, fourths. Nothing swims in pools of bottled oyster sauce or oil. We ordered for four, ate between two, and were still picking from between chilis to get the last of many plates. But flavor isn’t KlangSuan’s only trump-card. You sit in surroundings that are funky and light and hip, and you look at the menu and see prices where the most expensive dish is B400 (a mackerel fillet from the Gulf Coast), and you’re left thinking Bangkok really does have its own brilliant, fresh, unique food scene that’s good enough to rival anywhere. There might not be much invention happening in KlangSuan’s food—your stir-fries are just heaped on a plate alongside sliced cucumber and green beans, your soups and curries come lapping the sides of big black bowls—but its bold, fermented flavors are the exact stuff that’s putting certain Thai restaurants outside of Thailand onto lists. If this restaurant were in any other big capital city, it would be a talk of the town. Here, it’s another great restaurant doing great food at a price we can stump up any day of the week. If we have any advice to them, it’s to add a wine menu to go with the excellent lineup of craft beers, but that’s it. KlangSuan doesn’t just make us love this restaurant. It makes us love Bangkok.
Ratings P Forget it PP Only if you’re in the neighborhood PPP A pleasant dining experience PPPP Not to be missed PPPPP Flawless
B BB BBB BBBB
Price guide Under B500 B500-900 B900-1,500 B1,500 and up
BK pays for its meal and does not call ahead or sit with the chef.
Price per person, including one drink, appetizer, main course, dessert, charges and tax.
Symbols Reservations recommended Parking Dress requirements Live music
H F E G
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neighborhood | Phahon Yothin 2-8
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Some TIme Blue
Phed Phed
Airtel Hideaway Ari
Another Side of Ari Just a hop, skip and a footbridge away from the vibrant surrounds of BTS Ari, these chilled out sois are conveniently located close to the action, with a handful of notable restaurants of their own. By Pathitta Kongkakate
Coffee & Breakfast Start the day with a home-baked pastry and coffee at Maiaek the Coffee (Phahon Yothin Soi 8, 083-9957895) or venture to Ari’s drip-coffee specialist Some Time Blue (Phahon Yothin Soi 2, 087-907-0099), where you can sample their award-winning coffee (B150) amid classic Victorian furnishings. The charmingly makeshift bike cafe, Aran Bicicletta (128/10 Paholyothin Soi 2, 081-8219603), is a hub for cycling geeks, with punchy coffee (from B50), delicious dark beer Horlicks cake (B90), and a showroom next door where you can get your hands on the latest bike gear.
Lunch & Dinner Head to one of the most buzzing Isaan restaurants in town, Phed Phed (Phahon Yothin Soi 8, 097-
Jamie’s Burgers
918-1175), for well-priced, authentic food amid chic decor—try their popular ko moo yang (grilled pork neck, B90) and gaeng om (Thai herbal curry soup, B110). Alternatively, ditch KFC for some flavorsome grilled chicken (B90) at Nittaya Gai Yang (Phahon Yothin Soi 8, 02-616-9018), or venture a little further to Kaobahn (128/10 Soi Kanchana Khom, 081-442-7777) for Thai home-style cooking. For American-style comfort food, Jamie’s Burgers (Frank & Release Futsal Field, Soi Sailom, Phahon Yothin Soi 8, 097-001-1108) serves Thai and Japanese wagyu patties in perfectly charred buns with their tangy, tomato-based house sauce (from B99 for pork/ B119 for beef).
Transport Just five minutes’ walk from BTS Ari.
Accommodation Conveniently located at the top of the soi, the 23-floor Baan Phaholyothin Place (412 Phahon Yothin Place Plaza Building, Phahon Yothin Rd., 02-619-1300) has 263 units with rental prices starting from B11,000/month. The low-rise D’memoria (47 Soi Sai Lom, 085-1710808) offers 123 units across eight floors from B17,000/month. For a shorter visit, the dog-friendly Airtel Hideaway Ari (38 Soi Supparat 1, Phahon Yothin Soi 8, 062-546-1494) with its plentiful yard is perfectly suited to a staycation with your fourlegged friend (from B1,100/night, incl. breakfast).
Neighborhood
vicinity. You can shop the essentials in Villa Market and Watsons at Phaholyothin Place (Phahon Yothin Rd.) or head over to La Villa lifestyle center by BTS Ari, where you’ll find a wide range of cafes, restaurants, bars and shops.
Visit Football lovers can head to Frank & Release Soccer Field (76 Soi Supparat 1, Phahon Yothin Soi 8, 02-616-7090) to let off some steam, while Ari School of Fitness (Soi Ari 3, 093-956-3624), under 10 minutes’ walk away, offers CrossFit training. For a thrill, check out the Bangkok Shooting Range (10/1 Phahon Yothin Soi 2, 082-494-1179) just around the corner.
Phahon Yothin Soi 8, also known as Soi Sailom, is a calm, residential area with plenty to eat and do in the
BK ASKS
What makes Phahon Yothin 8 so special? NUTHAKORN JIVARUNGSINEE CO-FOUNDER OF PHED PHED “I always stop by Aui’s Smoothies located at the beginning of Soi Sailom. There is only one table with a few seats. The owner is really friendly, and her smoothie recipes are so good.”
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SHAUN PHAM GENERAL MANAGER OF AIRTEL HIDEAWAY ARI “My favorite spot in the neighborhood is a hidden gem called Maiaek the Coffee. Their coffee is specially selected from the northern region and the friendly owner always makes great blends served with homemade cakes and pastries.”
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