BK E-Magazine 755, Jan 25, 2019

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In the Clear The need to know of Bangkok’s hottest cocktail trend Bangkokian Chopper The custom bike-maker taking on the world Park Life A livable neighborhood hiding in plain sight See you in Saigon The modern face of Ho Chi Minh City will make you sweat NO. 755 JAN 25, 2019. www.bkmagazine.com

Why Bangkok’s young entrepreneurs are turning to health and wellness

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Reach Thousands of Hungry, Affluent Diners in BK Magazine,s Top Tables • Bangkok’s most trusted guide for discerning foodies • 100 top restaurants chosen by an independent panel • Top 3 Google result for “Bangkok best restaurants” • Distributed to over 350 high-traffic venues in Bangkok • Extended exposure through digital PDF version for advertising contact Tel. 02-629-9601 ext.615, 620 or advertising@asia-city.co.th

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BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019

04

Who's in charge?

Managing Director & Publisher Andrew Hiransomboon

upfront

Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Digital Director / Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Senior Digital Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Digital Content Coordinator Pakchira Bunphol Writers Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj, Dhipkawee Sriyananda Selley, Kankanok Wichiantanon

This Thai mechanic is poised to take on the world

Art Director Ratchprapha Sunthornprasat 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 Tham Rodjananaudomvutigul 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 Project Coordinator Sirinart Panyasricharoen Senior Developer Wasan Wangrach Writer-Translator Tripop Leelasestaporn Branded Content Writer Chakariya Cheewatara SOIMILK Editor Nathapong Suppavatee Senior Writer Rujiyatorn Choksiriwan Writer Atiwat Uton Brand Manager Onwara Sittirug Sales Associates Prawpraew Pairohg, Kornkanok Sriwaranant

cover

The brains behind Bangkok’s fitness boom

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Contributors Angela Symons, Kathy MacLeod Interns Clara Howell, Supavadee Nitiwong

travel

Cover photo by Poonsawat Suttama

Exploring Vietnam’s largest city Asia City Media Group Chief Executive Officer Greg Duncan (gduncan@asiacity.net) Director Gretchen Worth (gworth@asia-city.co.th)

The Asia City Media Group Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. 9/F, Sathorn Nakorn Tower 100 North Sathorn Rd., Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02-624-9696 Fax: 02-237-5656 Email: bkmagazine@asia-city.co.th

15 dining reviews

Star Picks

BK “Asia City Living” Magazine is edited by Andrew Hiransomboon and published 24 times a year, twice a month by Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Copyright ©2019 Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. The titles “BK Magazine,” “BK ‘Asia City Living’ Magazine” and their associated logos or devices, and the content of BK “Asia City Living” Magazine are the property of Asia City (Thailand) Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Article reprints are available for B50 each. The magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Media Group (Thailand) Ltd. Contact the Advertising Department for ad rates and specifications. All advertising must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by Comform Co., Ltd. 212 Moo 13 Krungthepkreetha Rd., Saphansoong, Bangkok 10250

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Dangerous levels of Taco Bell recorded in Bangkok

06

Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Accountant Manita Bangmoung Admin Executive Yaovaluck Srisermsri

Where to find us!

03

19

22

taste test

neighborhood

Kanom pia for CNY

JJ: Bangkok’s most livable ‘hood all along?

BANGKOK (AFP)—Thailand’s Department for Farang Food Control has warned of dangerously high levels of hazardous Tex-Mex in greater Bangkok on Monday and Tuesday, with an unprecedented excess off piss-poor tacos found clouding inner-city Bangkok.

Following the opening of the city’s first Taco Bell on January 24, the TDFFC warns that fine particulate taco matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 texmexons (TM2.5) exceeded the safe level of 50 TM2.5 particles per cubic meter that has previously been monitored around Tex-Mex restaurants in Bangkok.

“We thought the Missing Burro was a real climactic turning point for Mexican cuisine in Bangkok,” said TDFFC spokesperson Wanchai Putasiri. “But one converted shipping container on Thonglor cannot counter the effects of a giant conglomerate with 7,000 branches and shredded mini chicken quesadillas for just B220.”

In reaction, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has attempted a series of measures aimed at counteracting toxically inauthentic hard-shell tacos and burrito bowls concentrated around Chit Lom. Members of the general public have reported sighting vans driving along Lang Suan Road piping fine mists of squeezed lime juice and fresh cilantro into the air, though critics say these actions are purely cosmetic.

“You can’t expect to fix this with a few tableside smashed guacamoles and plantain chips. Bangkok’s current Tex-Mex levels have been steadily rising since we got that first Sunrise Taco in, what was it, 2009?” commented independent expert Preeti Prinpasiriboom. “Speaking of 2009, did you see my 10-year selfie?” she added, as reporters quickly started walking in the other direction.

Further measures, including the disbursement of 10,000 cast-iron tortilla presses, were seen as laughable in a city with a population of over 10 million.

Symptoms of excessive exposure to Taco Bell include problems breathing, chipotle-stained clothing, stinky fingers and serious flatulence.

“If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately,” warned the TDFFC spokesperson. “Or go eat FarmFactory instead.”

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upfront

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019

04

HOT OR NOT

Sweet Poppy

2009

NONTHABURI

Meet the Thai building a motorcycle for the world’s biggest custom bike show

First comes a sustainable omakase restaurant championing local produce (Kaijin), next there’s a Melbourne-inspired urban resort with avocado in everything (Sweet Poppy). What’s next?

Korean-Mexican fusion craft beer bars?

New Nordic-meetsAnglo-Thai pop-up dinners? The people of central Bangkok will not take this.

INTERVIEW

How did you get started?

I’ve always loved car engines. When I was studying political science at Ramkhamhaeng University, I would skip class to play around with my friends’ cars or go to garages. My dad asked if I wanted to pursue it, then sent me to the US to learn about mechanical engineering.

I started working on pick-up trucks first, then I started focussing on motorcycles and got my certificate from Harley Davidson’s school.

What were your goals opening this shop?

I was 24 years old and I wanted to build something different—I wanted to create artwork. When I rode my first motorcycle to a show, everyone was impressed—they’d never seen such style before. Then they started to send me their bikes to build.

Who are usually your clients?

Businessmen. Super-calm businessmen, because I don’t like it if they call me constantly to ask about their cars. My last client was so good, he only called once every six months and never came to my shop.

Do you have many international clients?

Plenty. From the Middle East, France, Malaysia, Hong Kong, to name a few.

“Nobody is teaching people to create their own automobile design” THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

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How much does it usually cost?

Starting at B3 million for a car, minimum. I never make much money from this, as I spend like B2.5 million on manufacturing.

How long does one vehicle take?

For motorbikes, around four months. For cars, three to five years.

Walk us through the process?

I always have to get to know my clients first, by having a casual conversation. Every one of my clients has turned into my friend, we would do birthday parties, or even take road trips together, because one project takes a few years.

Dusit D2 Nairobi

For Kittipong “Thor” Pongsivapai, 52, building cars and motorcycles is an artform. Over 30 years, he’s competed in and judged auto shows and won second place at the 2007 Asian Motor Show in Malaysia.

We chatted to him at his garage as he worked on a bike that will be the first ever Thai entry into the World Championship of Custom Bike Building in Germany in October.

2019

10YEARCHALLENGE We get it, you had feathered highlights in 2009. Look at us laughing. Did a bit of pee just come out?

Don’t post any more selfies or we might embarrass ourselves.

No, really, don’t.

While it’s nice to have something to break Facebook’s never-ending stream of paid posts and sponsored content, we’d rather it didn’t remind us of when we were young, thin and living in a democratic society.

Are you the only one in Thailand doing this?

For this complete of a process, yes. I pretty much take every little part out and rebuild it like a brand new car.

Do you have any Thailand shiws planned?

I don’t bring my works to the shows in Thailand anymore as I’ve won them all already, so now I’m a judge. I’m currently building a motorcycle to bring to the World Champion Show in Germany. I’ve been working on that for one year now. No Thai has ever gone to this show before.

What is your personal style?

Simple, neat, doesn’t crazily stand out from a distance but when you look up close you can see all the refined details.

What don’t Thai laws allow you to do?

I used to be able to import chassis easily back in the day, but now they don’t allow you to do so without cutting them in half, then I have to remodel them to make them whole again—and they still charge the same import tax. I think there are about 20 cars in Thailand that went through that process. Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

THAI FOOD IN NAIROBI According to everyone’s favorite general-slash-deputy-prime-minister, terrorists in Nairobi chose to attack Thai hotel chain Dusit D2 because their Thai food was so delicious.

They were also jealous of Thais’ awesome spirit of sanook and unchallenged history of kicking Burmese ass like in the Naresuan movies.

THAI FOOD OUTDOORS Bangkok food delivery services are reporting massive spikes in sales since the great smog rolled into town.

Burger King Thonglor says it’s been handling 30-percent more food deliveries than before—though that could also just be because the third series of True Detective just dropped.

by Kathy MacLeod (IG: @kathy_macleod)

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cover | work it!

T

he new year always brings with it a surge in gym memberships and class sign-ups, but this time around, expect something a little different. Thanks to city-dwellers’ constant thirst for new and exciting ways to work out, the boutique fitness industry is booming, creating more opportunities for fitness startups than ever before. The global fitness economy is shifting away from traditional year-long memberships with big brand gyms towards specialized high-end classes, pick-and-mix schemes and shorter commitment periods—and Bangkok is no different. In fact, we’re just catching up to the boutique fitness phenomenon, signaling an exciting time where our workouts will be diversified and companies will rely more on customer service and experience than corporate brand name reputations. We spoke to some of the pioneers instigating Bangkok’s fitness and wellness boom about what it’s really like to be in the health business and why our city is warming to the idea of high-end workouts.

Why Bangkok’s young entrepreneurs are turning to health and wellness. By Jack Thomas*

N

Y BI

PLO

IBE

, TR

NG SAE

FIT FOR

BUSINESS

PLOY BHINSAENG Ploy is the co-founder of Tribe indoor cycling studio and is the only female member of the Thai national polo team.

Briefly tell us about your business.

What has been tougher than you expected?

Our boutique fitness studio offers indoor cycling, yoga, barre, pilates and boxing to the beat. Fashion, wellness and music guide our approach, but our community is what truly motivates people to come back.

Striking a balance between staff happiness, a strong company culture and a healthy business.

Why did you decide to start a fitness business?

I found going to the gym monotonous and boring, so along with two friends we opened a studio we were passionate about that’s fun and exciting to go to.

How has the fitness industry evolved since you launched?

Fitness used to be about working out, but it’s developed into something that encompasses mind and spirit.

Tell us about some of the highs of running a business Changing lives for the better gets me up every day. My journey is one from hating exercise to loving it and I truly love helping others follow my path.

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What are your predictions for Thailand’s wellness industry over the next few years?

We’ll see more of a shift towards the non-exercise elements of wellness such as nutrition, spirituality and meditation.

Do you have any advice for budding fitness entrepreneurs?

It’s hard! Just because wellness is seen as a booming and exciting industry it doesn’t mean you can make easy money here. Follow your heart and calling, but bring your brain with you! Make sure you study it, live and breathe it—if people feel your passion, they can’t help but buy into it, too.

Tribe, President Tower, 973 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-656-0203. www.tribebkk.com

*Jack Thomas is the founder and CEO of BASE, voted Asia’s Gym of the Year at the Fitness Best, Asia Awards 2018.

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BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019

ERIK VERSPUI

Now, eating whole, real foods is starting to become mainstream thinking, though it’s still hard for consumers to get to the truth of which options are truly good for them.

Following the global financial crisis, Erik left his corporate career in finance and put his entrepreneurial streak to good use by co-founding Paleo Robbie with his brother.

Tell us about some of the highs of running a business Setting new sales records is always a high, but also hearing from customers who we’ve helped with their health and solving chronic issues.

Briefly tell us about your business.

Paleo Robbie tricks people into eating healthier by offering a weekly meal plan and grocery service that’s easy to use, tastes great and is unprocessed.

Why did you decide to focus on healthy food?

Back in 2013, if you wanted to eat healthily in Bangkok you basically had no choice but to cook yourself. We simply wanted to eat healthy food every day and we soon found out that we weren’t the only ones.

How has the competition evolved since?

What has been tougher than you expected?

Keeping the team stable—finding new staff that fit in well and have common sense is one of the toughest challenges.

My advice is to treat your staff well but don’t spoil them, and keep them on a growth trajectory.

Has Bangkok’s attitude towards health and fitness changed?

On the surface, yes, but I’d like to see more Thais reading up and educating themselves so they become life-long converts.

What are your predictions for Thailand’s wellness industry over the next few years?

As chronic diseases become even more ubiquitous, functional medicine, nutrition and health coaching will rise in popularity, especially e-coaching. We’ll see a rise of personalized meal plans based on an individual’s genetics, which is an exciting area.

Do you have any advice for budding fitness entrepreneurs?

It needs to be your long-term passion, not a get rich quick scheme. Consider having a 10 year outlook when starting from scratch with your own funds, especially if your business model is both asset- and people-intensive. If you can’t handle the stress of losing key staff or making a loss in low season, then don’t do it. Work with partners that you respect and get along with socially. Have fun! www.paleorobbie.com

Bangkok’s food delivery options have grown exponentially since we launched.

KHEMIKA “LYNN” CHIVAPORNTHIP Khemika “Lynn” Chivapornthip is the CEO of Physique 57 Bangkok. A former international tax consultant, Lynn worked and lived in the US for 15 years before moving back to Bangkok.

Briefly tell us about Physique 57.

Tell us about some of the highs of running a business?

We teach barre, which is a low-impact, high-intensity workout that really lets you feel the burn, targeting the muscles in your arms, thighs, seat and abs to the point of fatigue then stretching them for relief. It’s highly effective without being hard on your joints.

Now, I don’t care if it’s Friday or Monday as I love my work and I enjoy doing it every day. I have more control over my schedule and I get to meet great people.

Why did you decide this was the right trend for Bangkok?

My friends and I, four female entrepreneurs, wanted to start something we had a passion for, was new to the Thai market and had a positive impact on others.

Barre ticked all these boxes.

How has the industry evolved since you launched?

Four years ago, there were just a handful of boutique fitness studios.

Though we’re still the only barre studio, many gyms now offer barre classes and it’s getting more attention. People now educate themselves more about their health and nutrition, not just their body image goals.

What has been tougher than you expected?

Getting people to exercise regularly! Rather than competing with other fitness studios, we should collaborate to help educate and inspire people to exercise. Our main competitors are the restaurants and bars, which we’re ultimately competing against for our clients’ time.

Are Thais’ attitudes towards health and fitness changing?

The definition of beauty for Thai women has evolved. Four years ago, beauty was skinny without muscle; nowadays, beauty is to look healthy and strong with well defined muscles.

What are your predictions for Thailand’s wellness industry over the next few years?

We’ll see many more boutique and specialist studios open up with a focus on effective, fun exercise and outstanding customer service.

Expect to see more technology that will allow people to take their favorite workout class in their own time, anywhere in the world.

Do you have any advice for budding fitness entrepreneurs?

I believe in having a good understanding of what you want to do, getting a good mentor, having a strong action plan and executing it with passion and positive attitude. Reach out to the fitness business-owner community for help, we are typically nice people. Have fun and get ready to ride a lifelong roller coaster of highs and lows.

Physique 57 Bangkok has branches in Chidlom, Sukhumvit and Sathorn. www.physique57bangkok.com

»

WORK AND WORK OUT IT CAN BE TRICKY TO FACTOR FITNESS INTO YOUR WORK SCHEDULE, SO CHECK OUT THESE FITNESS HUBS LESS THAN 10 MINUTES’ WALK FROM THE CITY’S TOP CO-WORKING SPACES.

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SATHORN

LOWER SUKHUMVIT

UPPER SUKHUMVIT

CO-WORKING SPACES

FITNESS SPACES

CO-WORKING SPACES

FITNESS SPACES

CO-WORKING SPACES

FITNESS SPACES

Glowfish, 2/F, Sathorn Thani 2, 57 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd.

Virgin Active, Empire Tower, 102 Naradhiwat Rajanagarindra Rd.

The Great Room, 2526/F, 127 Gaysorn Tower, Ratchadamri Rd.

Tribe, 973 President Tower Phloen Chit Rd.

The Hive, Piman 49, 46/9 Sukhumvit Soi 49

Ryde, Seenspace, 251/5 Thonglor Soi 13

Fitness First, 2-3/F, Sathorn Square, 98 N Sathorn Rd.

Open House, 6/F, Central Embassy, 1031

BASE, 2/F, Amarin Plaza, Phloen Chit Rd.

One Day Forward,

WeWork, Asia Centre Building, 173 S Sathorn Rd.

The LAB, 2/F, RSU Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 31

BASE and Physique 2/F, Sathorn Thani 2 Building, N Sathorn Rd.

51 Sukhumvit Soi 26

Physique 57, Erawan Building, 494 Phloen Chit Rd. New Moves, 2/F, Maneeya Centre

Crossfit Ten500, 1/F, KCC Building, Silom Soi 9

1/18/19 6:22 PM

cover | work it!

EARLY AND LATE SESSIONS IF YOUR NUMBER ONE EXCUSE FOR NOT WORKING OUT IS A DEMANDING WORK SCHEDULE, THESE EARLY AND LATE BANGKOK TRAINING OPTIONS WILL HELP YOU SQUEEZE IN THAT ALL-IMPORTANT SWEAT SESH.

TERESA “YVES” SIHANATKATHAKUL With a background in boutique spas and beach resorts, Yves founded Beatroot yoga studio in 2015.

Describe Beatroot.

Beatroot is a mini hideaway for weary minds and souls to come and recharge with yoga, massage and cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and tea in our green gathering space.

Why did you decide that’s what Bangkok needed?

I was looking for a low-key place to get fit, chill and recharge but I couldn’t find one, so I opened Beatroot for myself and others who felt the same.

How has the fitness industry evolved since you launched?

A lot of boutique fitness studios have opened up since we launched, each offering interesting ways to stay fit. It’s now very trendy to take care of yourself and invest in fitness and wellness.

What has been tougher than you expected and what lessons did you learn?

I’ve also learned that you cannot expect each instructor to be everything—instead, focus on their individual strength.

What are your predictions for your industry in the next three to five years?

Studios will continue to develop from just offering “exercise classes” to becoming destinations—places where people gather and form a community.

Do you have any advice for budding fitness entrepreneurs?

Understand the experience you want to deliver to your target customer, because you can’t be all things to all people. Know what your goal is and your unique value proposition, and truly live by them.

Beatroot, 1747/9 Chan Kao Rd. www.fb.com/beatroothome

Finding staff with the right energy, style and dedication to creating a recharging experience is hard.

NAYA ERLICHADAM After spending 15 years in the restaurant game in Indochina and Myanmar, Naya returned to Bangkok to kickstart its vegan movement by founding vegan eatery Broccoli Revolution.

Briefly tell us about Broccoli Revolution.

What has been tougher than you expected?

It’s a socially and environmentally conscious vegan restaurant and cafe in Bangkok with a focus on fun and casual dining.

Working abroad brought many big challenges and made me realise that communication is so important. I’ve found it much easier setting up a business in my homeland.

Why did you decide to open a vegan restaurant?

After experiencing the positive impact a vegan diet had on my mind and body, I wanted to share this with others. Combined with my passion for the restaurant business, opening a vegan restaurant was the obvious option.

Have you witnessed Bangkok’s vegan scene grow since?

The vegan movement has continued to expand with more restaurants, cafes and vegan choices on menus.

Do you have any advice for budding fitness Create an original concept you believe strongly in. Once you have this, don’t think about it or plan for too long—get your ideas down and start implementing! Don’t be afraid of failure as you can only learn from your mistakes. Be original.

Be creative. Be bold. Don’t just follow trends, create them with confidence and passion.

Broccoli Revolution, 899 Sukhumvit Soi 49. www.fb.com/broccolirevolution

Fa is the founder of Balls and Juices, which aims to bust the myth that healthy, plant-based food has to be tasteless or boring with their homemade raw, vegan, nutrient-rich products.

We’ve launched our biggest ever survey into the health habits of Bangkokians. Visit goo.gl/HYA7pV and you could win...

Platinum Prize: Garmin Vivosmart 3 self tracker (value B5,990) Gold Prize: Mercedes-Benz Club EDT 100ml (value B3,500) Silver Prize: Jaguar Classic Gold 40ml (value B1,899)

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Why did you decide Bangkok needed your business idea?

How are Thais' attitudes towards health and fitness changing?

What was once a hobby, making raw snacks for family and friends, then progressed to selling at the Bangkok Farmers’ Market. At first, few people understood what energy balls were and the high calorie count was a barrier to overcome, but since the health industry in Thailand has begun to pick up, our business has grown.

I think celebrity and “influencer” endorsements for the health/ fitness industry have had a tremendously positive impact on people's attitudes toward health.

What has been tougher than you expected?

As a very small home-based business, ensuring that our production capacity can keep up with growing demand is definitely a challenge.

Workout: Fully-equipped gyms Weekday Hours: 24-hour Location: Branches across the city.

ASPIRE Workout: Crossfit and HIIT Weekday Hours: 6am-9pm Location: 8/F, Metropolis Bldg., 725 Sukhumvit Rd.

entrepreneurs?

VILASA “FA” PHONGSATHORN

TAKE THE BK FITNESS SURVEY 2019!

ANYTIME FITNESS, 24/7 FITNESS, JETTS

Do you have any advice for budding fitness entrepreneurs?

In order to form a genuine business-customer relationship in a very competitive industry, you need to be true to your customers by ensuring the high quality of your products and services. www.fb.com/ballsandjuicesbkk

BASE Workout: HIIT and strengthbased training Weekday Hours: 6:30am-9pm Location: Three locations, try Noble Remix Building 2, Sukhumvit Soi 36.

TRIBE Workout: Spinning, barre, yoga Weekday Hours: 7am-10pm Location: 973 President Tower Phloen Chit Rd.

PHYSIQUE 57 Workout: Barre Weekday Hours: 7am8:30pm Location: Three locations, try 4/F Erawan Bldg., 494 Phloen Chit Rd.

VIRGIN ACTIVE Workout: Fully-equipped gym Weekday Hours: 6am-10pm Location: Multiple branches, try Empire Tower, 102 Naradhiwat Rajanagarindra Rd.

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hit list | 22 new reasons to love bangkok

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01

Meet Siam Square’s new multi-label vintage clothing store FASHION

There’s fresh reason to be excited about Siam Square, as the city’s fashion destination has welcomed a new multi-label hipster heaven.

The recently opened Frank Garcon is comparable to Gloc in Ari, but with a more masculine touch. The artsy store—with walls covered in colorful postcards and quirky illustrations—features a mix of menswear, womenswear and unisex vintage military-meets-Japanese street style pieces from their own label, as well as local Instagram and international brands.

Standout pieces include the corduroy patchwork vintage military jacket (B3,490) from Jack Jean, shell toe canvas sneakers (B470) from From Head to Foot and clip-on sunglasses (B8,350) from Danish brand Han Kjobenhavn.

You can also browse lifestyle products including tableware from Strawberry Afternoon (B100 for mugs and B130 for bowls), colorful postcards (B60) from illustrator Jentwo and scented candles (B750) from Yay Experimental Club x Sundaekids. Siam Square Soi 2, 063-956-4242.

Open daily noon-9pm

NUMEROLOGY

Icon Cineconic, Major Cineplex Group’s brandnew flagship cinema designed by renowned designer Diego Gronda, has opened at IconSiam—here are the deets: B200

million The estimated cost to build the cinema complex

2,781 The total number of seats

13 The number of screens, including 1 VIP, 1 IMAX, 1 4DX, 1 Kid’s Cinema and 1 “Living Room Theater”

⬑8

B2,400 The most expensive ticket price

3

7 6

⬑

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019

The number of floors this cinema takes up

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GYM

WELLNESS

TECH

02 HIIT training hits Chit

03 This stretch studio

promises to melt your muscle pain away

04 A hybrid power bank

with luggage scale for stress-free travel

Good news for all Chit Lom gym beasts, as Base has arrived at Amarin Plaza, bringing its signature HIIT (high-intensity interval training), strength-based workouts and data-driven assessments to the heart of Bangkok. HIIT and strength-based group workouts cost from B900/session (45 to 60 minutes), otherwise a one-on-one personal training session costs from B2,000, while private group training (two to three people) costs from B3,000/session.

Membership costs B5,500/month. 2/F, Amarin Plaza, Rd., 02-256-9560. Open Mon 10am-6pm; Wed-Fri 6:30am-9pm; Sat-Sun 9am-6pm

If there’s one thing our exhausted, office-syndrome bodies don’t do enough of it’s stretching, and we’re not alone. Enter the new fitness concept from onsenand-massage masters Let’s Relax Spa. At Stretch Me, you’ll get a one-on-one bodywork from physical therapists using the static stretching technique, along with therapeutic acupressure to help tune your body balance and pain relief. Opt for “Office” (B1,200/60 mins) if you have neck, shoulder and back pain, or go for the “Ultimate” (B2,300/120 mins) package if your joints seriously suck. 3/F, CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd., 095-372-9986. Open daily 10am-10pm

What: Oaxis Airscale Price: B1,990 Why? Keep track of your baggage weight—it is capable of handling up to 40kg—and wave goodbye to overweight baggage fees. The concealed hook and detachable strap design allows you to quickly switch it into a power bank when you can’t find a power outlet at the airport. With a 6,500mAh battery and an 5V 2A output, the power bank charges up to 2.4 times faster than most others, allowing two smartphone charges. Available at 2/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1000. Open daily 10am-10pm

Lom with Base gym’s third branch

Shop Talk How to spend your hardearned baht.

BUY IT BRISUTHI ROSE NOIR BODY WASH The blended rose essential oils body wash from this local organic brand will leave you feeling luxurious and invigorated after a tough day (B990).

BIN IT FUR SLIDES Fugly footwear that doesn’t do your feet any favors.

BARGAIN CLUB 21 END OF SEASON SALE Get up to 50-percent off jackets, handbags and shoes from big brands like Thom Browne, Mulberry and Stella McCartney from now-Jan 31.

1/18/19 6:26 PM

hit list | calendar

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019

11

theme “The Ordinary.” Feb 1-3, 4-10pm. The Jam Factory, 41/1-5 Charoen Nakhon Rd. Free.

05

Galleries’ Night is back for another art-filled extravaganza

NIGHTLIFE SONDER AT MUSTACHE DJs Junesis, Neil Thorpe, Hasan Khan and Matt Williams play underground house and techno and Afro beats. Jan 25, 10pm. Mustache Bar, 544/5 Ratchadaphisek Soi 7, 081844-7080. Free before midnight, B250 after.

SALAYA REPUBLIC Local DJs Tassmah, Kuggah and Roots Tone spin dub and reggae all night long. Jan 25, 9pm.

Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. B200.

BK Pick VISAGE AT 12X12 DJs Boogie G, Tristan Kino and Saari take turns spinning disco, house and everything in between. Jan 25, 10pm. 12x12, 810/22 Thonglor Soi Thararom 2, 094-260-4713. B200.

ART

Back for the sixth time, Galleries’ Night invites art lovers to gallery hop Bangkok’s art spaces by night. During the event, more than 50 galleries across the city will open their doors to the public for free, featuring two nights of special events across Silom, Sathorn and the Riverside on Feb 1 and Sukhumvit on Feb 2, with free dedicated tuk tuks providing transport between venues. Feb 1-2, 5pm. Various locations, see bit.ly/2QPkgTi for details.

MARKET

06 Art enthusiasts should head to this fair for

workshops and goodies

Happening and Friends: Art Market

Head to Dadfa (Sukhumvit Soi 105, Sub-Soi Lasal 33, 096-885-8303) between Feb 8-10, 4-9pm, when Happening and Friends: Art Market will welcome 30 different artists, crafters and designers to open booths selling their work. The event will also feature a series of art talks and workshops, including a floral watercolor workshop by Thai artist Tongkarn, a gift-wrapping tutorial by Bell Kanoknuch Sillapawisawakul and more.

DESIGN

07 More details emerge about Bangkok

Design Week 2019

Between Jan 26-Feb 3, TCDC will host a series of creative talks and workshops. Learn how to draw inspiration from the modern world in “The New Creativity: Turning Information into Inspiration” (Jan 27, 2-5pm) with New York-based visual design experts Graham Elliott and Roswitha Rodrigues, or discover how design can create increased independence for the elderly in “New Aged Citizens” (Jan 31, 1-4:30pm). Bangkok-based landscape architect Kotchakorn Voraakhoma will lead the discussion on green infrastructure and city living (Feb 2, 1:30-2:30pm), while events outside of TCDC will include “Conne(x) t Klongtoey,” an art exhibition by Thai social enterprise group Eye on Field, representing Klong Toei through the eyes of its youth (Jan 26-Feb 3, 10am-8pm. O.P Place, 30/1 Charoenkrung Soi 38). For further details of events, visit www.bangkokdesignweek.com.

Bangkok Design Week

DE COMMUNE X KANDOO Underground DJs Stipe (Berlin) and Evonii and Sami Dilla (London) take turns spinning techno all night. Jan 25, 8pm. De Commune, 1/F, Liberty Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 088-419-7380. Free before 11pm, B300 after.

NITE RIDE 4TH ANNIVERSARY Bangkok’s disco night celebrates its birthday with Hong Kong club veteran Roy Malig and support from resident DJs spinning funk and disco. Jan 26, 9pm. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. Free.

SONIC DREAMS XL A psychedelic trance music event featuring DJs Christopher Lawrence (USA), Digicult (Belgium) Jonnie B (Thailand) and more. Feb 2, 8pm. Nineteens Up, Silom Soi 19, 096-6496919. B400 via Ticketmelon or B600 on the door.

BLAST POOL SERIES #0045 Bangkok’s poolside techno and house music party celebrates its third anniversary. Feb 9, 2-9pm. DoubleTree by Hilton, 18/1 Sukhumvit Soi 26 02-649-6666. B400 (includes one drink) or B800 with one hour of free-flow drinks.

FESTIVAL JAPAN EXPO THAILAND 2019 Spend the weekend exploring everything Japan-related, with a free concert from Wasuta. Jan 25-27, 10am-9pm.

CentralWorld, 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., 02-640-7000. Free.

PHOTOGRAPHY TRIPLE OVER

GET A TRIPLE DOSE OF LAUGHS WITH THIS STAND-UP FILLED WEEKEND

THE COMEDY CLUB BANGKOK With not one but two events this weekend,The Comedy Club will kick things off with 71-year-old comedian Lyn Ruth Miller (Jan 25, 8:30pm), who has graced America’s Got Talent as well as receiving awards at the Edinburgh Fringe, with support from the multi award-winning Comedy Central comic Carlos Rodriguez. Moving on to Sunday, one of India’s top stand-up comedians, Azeem Banatwalla (Jan 27, 7pm) will hit the stage with his cynical wit and observational humor. Jan 25-27.The Comedy Club Bangkok,The Royal Oak Pub, 595/10 Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, 098-854-0410. B600 via ComedyClubBangkok.com or B800 on the door.

STANDUP ASIA Sandwiched in the middle, Standup Asia is bringing us the award-winning Muslim British-Pakistani comedian, writer and TV personality, Shazia Mirza, along with special guests including the BAFTA-nominated British star of Star Stories,Trevor Lock, Edinburgh Fringe veteran Aidan Killian (Ireland), and Fathimath Nuha (Maldives). Jan 26, 8:30pm. Westin Grande Sukhumvit, 259 Sukhumvit Rd. B500-1,400 at www. ticketflap.com.

INSTANTS Photography exhibition by Christian Hogue showcasing the beauty of women on film.

Jan 27, 6pm. Casa Lapin x26, 51 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-0005546. Free.

ART SECOND LIFE German visual artists Meike Kuhnert and Michel Aniol delve into how traditional Thai living has been affected by tourism.

Jan 28-Feb 3, 6pm. Cho Why, 17 Soi Nana. Free ART GROUND 04 The three-day art night market returns with showcases, workshops and live music under the

DINH Q. LE - PURE LAND The acclaimed Vietnamese-American artist explores the ripple effect of Agent Orange across Vietnam. Through Mar 1, 11am-7pm. Tang Contemporary Art, 3/F, Golden Place Plaza, 153 Rajdamri Rd. Free .

LIVE MUSIC

WEIRD VOL.1 This music festival presents an event showcasing Japanese (Kokeshi Doll and Geode) and Thai (Lowfat, Yensuk, The Layers and Akira-Kudo) artists. Jan 26, 6pm-1am. De Commune, 1/F, Liberty Plaza Building, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). Free EGOMANIAC’S KISS A night of rock, punk, electro pop and folk from Hariguem Zaboy, Summer Dress, Red Twenty and Atariame. Jan 31, 7pm-midnight. De Commune, 1/F, Liberty Plaza Building, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). B300.

ORGANIC BAND FEAT. JENG WATCHARA The Thai jazz trumpeter Watchara “Jeng” Atchariyavaranon (Jeng) takes over the stage with Organic Band. Jan 31, 9pm-midnight. FooJohn Building, 831 Charoenkrung Soi 31, 02-297-0106. Free.

SETSUZOKU 2019 IN THAILAND For its third installment, the Setsuzoku culture party brings us Japan’s DJ Shuya Okino in collaboration with DJ Maft Sai and The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band. Feb 9, 8pm-2am. Studio Lam, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. From B500 on Ticketmelon.

SCREENINGS

BK Pick JAM CINE CLUB: THE FUTURE A screening series of futuristic ‘80s movies culminates in Blade Runner (Ridley Scott, 1982). Jan 30, 8:30pm. Jam, Charoen Rat Soi 1, 089-8898059. Free.

DOC CLUB CLASSICS: THE LAST EMPEROR Screening of Bernado Bertolucci’s 1987 British-Italian epic biographical drama based on the autobiography of Puyi, the last Emperor of China. Jan 31-Feb 6. SFW Cinema, 7/F, CentralWorld, 999/9 Ratchadamri Rd., 02268-8888.

WORKSHOPS FLASH FILM WEEKEND Learn how to make a short film in one weekend from planning and shooting to editing.

Jan 25-27. The Hive Thonglor, 46/9, Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-662-6062. B1,060.

BK Pick RECYCLED SOAP MAKING WORKSHOP Help build a greener community by turning leftover cooking oil into soap. Feb 2, 10:30am. The Commons, Thonglor Soi 17, 089-1522677. B500.

Shazia Mirza

Calendar-BK#755-25JAN2019_02_NEW.indd 11

1/18/19 6:27 PM

travel | back in ‘nam

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019

Where to stay

Saigon Rising

DISTRICT 1 Le Meridien This 22-floor riverside hotel soars above the city skyline, with 323 sleek rooms fitted out in red, black and white with glass-walled bathrooms (from around B4,700/night).

Local artwork gives character throughout, from the giant bubble chandelier overhanging reception, to the sculptural cranes that swoop up the atrium. Watch the sunrise over the river from the ninth-floor pool before refueling with the complimentary fresh-roasted coffee at the lobby cafe. Note: you also get a free pass to The Factory (see D2 - ‘Do’), encouraging you to explore the “other side” of the river.

Where to eat, drink and explore in Vietnam’s largest city.

By Angela Symons Steeped in history yet careering headfirst into the modern age, Saigon is a clash of cultures where multinational franchises and fiercely determined independents compete on every corner. With new bars, galleries and restaurants cropping up weekly, there’s never been a better time to explore Vietnam’s largest city.

Cafe Apartments

District 1 Any first timer to HCM is bound to head straight into the eye of the storm and District 1 is undoubtedly still where the action’s at.

3C Ton Duc Thang, District 1, +84-86263-6688. marriott.com/sgnmd

EAT For local fare, order delicious fresh prawn spring rolls (VND75,000) and incredible crunchy garlic rice (VND45,000) at Bep Me In’s (136/9-10 Le Thanh Ton, P. Ben Thanh, +84-28-3824-4666) homey back-alley haunt, or brave the four-story climb to Secret Garden’s (158 Pasteur, Ben Nghe, +8490-990-46-21) fairy-lit rooftop for xoi chien (deep-fried sticky rice with minced pork and shrimp, VND95,000). For fine-casual dining, the wellheeled and in-the-know flock to Quince’s (37BIS, Ky Con, +84-28-38218661) moodily lit French colonial haunt, where beautifully executed rustic-industrial design meets daily-changing dishes like tender charred barbecued octopus (VND190k). For mouthwatering pizza, try late-night Pizza 4P’s (multiple branches—try 8 Thu Khoa Huan, +84-28-3622-0500), or for ribs and craft beer, head to the riverside Quan Ut Ut (168 Vo Van Kiet, +8428-3914-4500). Veggies can find refuge at Hum Vegetarian (2 Thi Sach, Ben Nghe, +84-28-3823-8920), while seafood lovers shouldn’t miss Mediterranean-style Fresh Catch (4A Phan Ke Bính, +84-839-406-969). If you like to booze as you eat, head to El Camino’s (91 Pasteur, +84-90-9261988) super-friendly hideaway for old-school hip-hop, Mexican-Korean fusion tapas—try the Dalat green chili poppers (VND135,000) and tacos (VND135,000/ three)—and heavy-pour whiskeys or frozen Margaritas (both VND135,000).

DRINK Saigon loves a speakeasy, from Rabbit Hole’s (138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, +8428-3823-4896) heady mix of mellow jazz, vaulted roofs, cigarette smoke and old-school spirits (cocktails from VND200,000), to Snuffbox (14 Ton That Dam, +84-94-1701-888), where potent cocktails (from VND180,000) and live music combine in an effortlessly cool, artsy setting. If you’re seeking a more hardcore vibe, The Observatory’s (85 Cach Mang Thang 8) rooftop perch has become the go-to for pumping techno into the early hours.

DO The War Remnants Museum (28 Vo Van Tan, Phuong 6, +84-28-39305587. VND40,000/person) is harrowing but essential, while the elegant French colonial Fine Arts Museum (97A Pho Duc Chinh, +84-28-3829-4441.

VND10,000) houses historic propaganda art and statues. For vintage finds, head to the same crumbling, graffitied building as Snuffbox (14 Ton That Dam) for an array of tucked-away boutiques, or the quirky Mayhem near Bep Me In (136/1 Le Thanh Ton). The dilapidated Cafe Apartments (42 Nguyen Hue) block is stuffed full of Insta-worthy boutiques and cafes—get there quick, as businesses have been threatened with eviction due to new laws. For a massage, try Moc Huong (9C Duong Ton Duc Thang, +84-283911-7118. From VND200,000) or for a mix of wine and pampering, head to Merci Nail Spa (17/A6 Le Thanh Ton, +84-28-3825-8799).

12

El Camino

District 2 If you’re tired of the high-octane, horn-honking chaos that is District 1, then this artistic hub bursts with energy from cafe-galleries, bars and hipster haunts at every turn.

EAT & DRINK A wander down buzzing Duong Thao Dien reveals everything from coffee at Dolphy Cafe (31 Duong Thao Dien, +84-93-808-4985) to American eats at Eddie’s Diner (71 Duong Thao Dien, +84-28-2253-6706). Don’t miss the quiet side-street housing An Cafe (10 Tran Ngoc Dien, +84-90305-0710), where great coffee and delectable Vietnamese pancakes are served in a tranquil indoor-outdoor hideaway. For daytime chilling, check out the floral Family Garden (28 Duong Thao Dien, +84-91-366-2887)—a green complex filled with cafes.

DO The Factory (15 Nguyen U Di, Thao Dien Ward, +84-28-3744-2589, VND40,000 entry) is a new two-floor contemporary arts center, fronted by a striking skewed container and housing exhibitions and installations by local artists. More art can be found in multi-use spaces, like the chilled-out Soma Art Cafe (6b Le Van Mien, +84-90-236-57-80). A visit to Saigon Outcast (188/1, Nguyen Van Huong, +84-90-236-5780) is obligatory if you’re in the area—follow splashes of graffiti past a half-pipe and a 15-meter climbing wall (from VND200,000, including equipment) into the open-air courtyard for craft beers (from VND70,000) and comfort food with indie films.

Essentials B1 = VND723 Flights from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh from around B2,900 return with AirAsia.

DISTRICT 2 Villa Song Set in a white, colonial-style mansion on the riverbank, Villa Song’s 23 rooms each come with unique local artwork and furnishings. Warm creams, gold lacquering, black marble and an all-inclusive mini bar feature in the luxurious, romantic Imperial Suite (from around B15,800) with its two balconies: one overlooking the river and the other the hotel’s striking pool. The cosier Writer’s Room starts from around B5,100/ night. Relax with unlimited local and Western a la carte breakfast before exploring nearby galleries and the buzzing Duong Thao Dien neighborhood. The compact onsite spa offers relaxation in the form of therapeutic 75-minute Warm Stone Treatments (VND1.2 million). Don’t want to stay in? The hotel’s inclusive private speedboat takes you to the center in 15 minutes.

197/2 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, +84-28-3744-6090. www.villasong.com

BK ASKS

Where do you go for local eats and drinks?

TravelFeature-BK#755-25JAN2019-2_NEW.indd 12

Calvin Bui, Owner/Chef at El Camino “I don’t know a more iconic Saigon staple than Ca Com Minh Duc. It’s been around forever and it probably feeds about 2,000 of Saigon’s hungriest every day.”

Julien Perraudin, Head Chef at Quince “Pho Phu Vuong is listed in the top 50 street food stalls in the world! Lang Nuong Nam Bo is an impressive restaurant in District 10—noisy, packed and home to by far the best suckling pig I’ve ever tasted.”

Chang Híp, Restaurant Manager “At La Viet Coffee they plant, process, roast and brew the coffee themselves. You can even take a short tour around the factory.”

1/18/19 6:29 PM

travel | news

13

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019

PHUKET

09 This Japanese restaurant is a secret hidden in plain sight

08

Get a room: Koh Samui hostel adds upscale private stays

09

Offering an alternative to Phuket’s many fancy, overpriced Japanese-hotel restaurants, Aoi (Luang Pho Cham Rd., 062-242-2330) comes with minimalist wooden decor, allowing the light to shine instead on the fresh, flavorsome food—no twists, just simple, real-deal Japanese classics at reasonable prices. The menu offers a large selection of rolled-to-order sushi (B80-B130), sashimi (from B200), comforting donburi (rice bowls) and noodles. Try the hefty pork katsu curry rice (B220) or the fancy grilled wagyu on rice (B710). To drink, besides from Japanese beer, they also have sake and umeshu (sweet plum wine).

10

SAMUI

Best known for designer dorm digs (starting B575/night), Chaweng hostel Lub D (www. lubd.com/samui) has gone upscale with a range of private rooms (king or twin) that are a far cry from the word “hostel.” Starting from B3,250, so are the prices, but for that you get a jazzy tropical theme, real wood furniture, a balcony, set of swing chairs and outdoor dining table. There are 124 of the new category in total, though only eight enjoy sea views. You also gain access to Lub D’s other facilities, like a swim-up pool bar with floating DJ booth, a gaming area, cabanas, plus a beachfront bar and restaurant. Samui flights with Bangkok Airways (www.bangkokair.com) cost around B8,380 for a round-trip.

New_Travel News BK755 -25JAN2019-3.indd 13

PHUKET

KANCHANABURI

10 Enjoy colorful veggiepacked dishes at this cozy beachside eatery

11 This simple spot en-

From its tiny venue on Nai Harn beach, Unni’s Restaurant (www.fb.com/unnisnaiharn) is taking on a fresh approach to international and Thai food, serving colorful dishes filled with veggies— for breakfast, try a green smoothie bowl (B240) with avocado toast (B200). Not foregoing heartier, meaty options, the lunch menu features chicken avocado wraps (B299), while for dinner Swedish meatballs with mashed potato and lingonberry jam (B299) are on offer, alongside local dishes like massaman and panang curries (vegetarian, B169, or chicken, B189). Don’t forget to sample the fresh and punchy bacon bloody mary (B260).

You can either dine inside the cozy white-tiled house, or take a seat on the beach.

Perched on a hill 200 meters above the Srinakarin Dam, Khob Ang Cafe (www. fb.com/khobangcafe) may not be fancy, but it sure offers a great place to get away from it all. Just two hours’ drive from Bangkok, the simple venue has a fairy-lit porch offering stunning views over green mountains, water and flowers. It also doubles as a homestay with minimalist, no-frills rooms. Quench your thirst with a refreshing glass of honey and lime soda with butterfly pea syrup (B55) or recharge with a “blue latte” (butterfly pea milk with an espresso shot, B60). For food, only Chinese steamed buns and dim sum are available (B40).

joys breathtaking views over the Srinakarin Dam

1/18/19 6:30 PM

food & drink | news

14

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019

HOT OFF THE PASS

Notes from the Bangkok food scene

12

Southeast Asia Bartender of 2016 opens Thonglor speakeasy

MILK IT

After winning the Southeast Asia World Class cocktail competition in 2016, Pailin “Milk” Sajjanit took up residence at our Silom favorite, Vesper. She has now opened her own bar in Thonglor—and it doesn’t disappoint. 008 Bar (11/F, 88/332 Sukhumvit 55) comes in bunker-like speakeasy style. Interiors courtesy of the team behind Q&A and Thaipioka feature a characteristically semi-hidden entranceway and a long bar. Set on the 11th floor of the new Akyra hotel, the place gives out a soft yet masculine vibe, with a jazz soundtrack and dark brown woods. Experienced drinkers should dive right in with the Great Powers (Rittenhouse rye, Ysabel Regina—cognac aged in a sherry cask—infused with oregano and topped with aromatic bitters, B460). As the name suggests, it’s powerful, but Milk’s cocktails are so well-balanced they always go down easily. Newbies to spirit-forward cocktails should start off with a 1920s (Whitley dry gin, Campari and clarified orange infused vermouth, B360)—a drier, lighter version of a negroni.

We also love the summery Pyroblast (B420), with Plantation pineapple rum, clarified pineapple, coconut water and “pyro syrup,” a mix of cinnamon and other spices. Though this is a serious cocktail drinking spot, it maintains a fun and lively vibe. We’re so glad to see Milk back doing what she does best.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

FAMILY BUSINESS

BEER GOGGLES

13 Thai-British chef changing London’s attitude to Thai food cooks in Bangkok

14 The Massilia family branches out with a playful new brand

15 Belgian comfort food meets a 30-strong Belgian beer selection

After training at Bangkok’s Nahm, Thai-British chef John Chantarasak was part of the team who made London’s Thai food scene laidback and funky at Som Saa, described by Time Out as the “fourth best restaurant in London” in 2016. This Feb 7, John returns to Bangkok with his solo venture AngloThai to cook alongside US chef-food writer Jarrett Wrisley at Soul Food Mahanakorn. Make reservations for a B1,500-a-head sharing menu promising bold flavors—raw beef laab, fish sauce caramel—and British touches. Wine Garage will do an optional natural wine pairing for B1,000.

56/10 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-714-7708

The Massilia family is expanding ever further, now boasting a new offshoot, Pizzaiola by Massilia (7/F, CentralWorld, 4 Ratchadamri Rd., 062-592-8586).

The new brand comes with a fresh and playful blue and white set up that’s bright, leafy and kid-friendly.

Here, alongside traditional Italian pizzas, they have some Thai fusion options like the sai oua pizza (from B270), which combines delicate Italian fior di latte mozzarella cheese with Chiang Mai’s famous sausage and crispy deep fried pork skin. They also have a range of pastas (from B220) and meaty mains, like the beef tagliata (B560).

Replacing L’Appart on the 32nd-floor rooftop of Sofitel Sukhumvit, Belgian bistro Belga (32/F, Sofitel Sukhumvit, 189 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-126-9999) doesn’t stray all too far from its predecessor’s French roots. Food does, however, take a more casual approach, ditching the flowery French creations for more everyday moules frites (from B590), cote de boeuf (B2,950) and Belgian waffles (B290). There is also, of course, an impressive selection of over 30 Belgian beers, featuring everything from Vedett White (B300) and Delirium Tremens (B350) to Floris Mango (B280).

PIZZA THE PIE Soho Hospitality have announced their forthcoming foray into New York pizza with Soho Pizza. The grab and go slices should touch down in their mini Soi 11 empire this month.

SOI 11 SLAMMER Muscling in on the action, Cali-Mex is set to open a tequila and mezcal bar on Soi 11—the start of a new era, or just rocket fuel for Aussie Bar fist pumpers?

HERE FISHY FISHY One of our fave omakase counters, Rain Hill’s Sushi Misaki, has slipped quietly into Silom with a second branch. Meals at Sushi Misahi-Nobu (m/F, Bandara Suites Silom, Sala Daeng Soi 1, 062-495-2386) come in at two price points: B4,000 or B6,000.

YOU SAID WHAT?

The news in online foodie posts

“I thought fine dining was dead.” CHEF BEE FROM PASTE CHIMES IN ON 80/20’S UPSCALE REINVENTION ON INSTAGRAM

New_F&DNews-BK#755-25JAN2019-3.indd 14

“Haoma on Suk 31 makes Gaa and Gaggan look like amateurs.

The food made me cry with joy.” ANETTE EDLUND ON THE

“Enjoy your drink while breathing in the toxic air .” NIGEL JOEY

BK WEBSITE’S MOST POPULAR RESTAURANTS OF 2018

LEGGETT ON BANGKOK’S BEST ROOFTOP BARS

1/18/19 6:35 PM

dining reviews

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019

15

Kimukatsu

Kimukatsu HHH Japanese. 6/F, CentralPlaza Rama 3, 79/3 Ratchadaphisek Rd., 061-535-8666. Open daily 10am-10pm BB F

If your idea of comfort-food nirvana involves scoffing down golden-crisp cutlets of pork, make the detour to CentralPlaza Rama 3. Here, Tokyo-born “mille-feuille” tonkatsu specialist Kimukatsu has followed up its seven branches in Japan, and almost as many in the U.S., with the first of probably many openings in Bangkok. This being a typically sanitized mall opening (shiny plastic display food at entrance, faux shoji screen walls inside, tinkling piano soundtrack), you won’t find the smoky, tavern vibes of Katsu Shin or the throwback ‘80s Tokyo charm of Misato. But the gimmick is a good one: instead of a single cutlet, Kimukatsu rolls together 25 layers of thinly sliced pork, which is then breaded in panko and slowly fried to seal in the juices. For the same price as the original pork (from B280 a la carte or B330 in a set with rice, miso soup, cabbage and pickles), you can have your cutlet spiked in flavors like black pepper, garlic, cheese, green onion or yuzu kosho (Japanese citrus fruit and chili pepper). Billed as the

Thuyen HH Vietnamese. 50 Pridi Banomyong Soi 37, 02-713-1596. Open Mon-Fri 11am-2:30pm and 5-10pm, Sat-Sun 11am-10pm. BTS Phra Khanong. BB

Thuyen breaks the mold for Vietnamese restaurants abroad, foregoing both propaganda art and Indochine cliches in favor of a slick townhouse vibe—all geometric wooden screens and garden fairy lights, with the occasional homey touch from book shelves to football trophies. It’s relaxed and welcoming, we just wish they hadn’t deviated from traditional flavors as well. Take the spring rolls (B150), a Vietnamese classic that here comes served with a wasabi dipping sauce—strange, and not in a good way. Wasabi makes its nasal impression again in the set of nem nuong (grilled sausage meat, B200) wraps.

Here you don’t get the typical, roll-your-own variety, but instead the kitchen pre-packages your nem nuong—dry and flavorless—in tiny bowls topped with soggy rice paper with a side of chopped garlic, chili, raw banana and cucumber. While other dishes like the beef pho (B150) with its watery broth and the oily,

best-seller back in Japan, the oozing cheddar version looks the part but really doesn’t taste of much at all, while the delicate yuzu flavor is all but drowned out with one dip in the tangy, Worcestershire-like tonkatsu sauce. Yet, there’s no denying the quality. Once you’ve bitten through the crisp, non-greasy exterior, you get a delightfully springy texture, and that’s where Kimukatsu makes the leap from curiosity to real-deal katsu player. While we’re mildly disappointed not to get a mini-pestle in which to crush our own sesame seeds, as is often the case, or that they don’t offer the same variety of dipping sauces as the shops abroad, everything else falls in place: fluffy rice, endless green tea (B40), steaming hot miso soup. Just don’t go expecting much on the menu that hasn’t been dipped in a vat of oil. There’s the spicy ebi (B120), a Thai-exclusive prawn dish that’s merely fried rather than deep-fried, and which comes smeared in an addictive, if not particularly sophisticated, chili mayo. For your daily greens, there’s, erm, edamame in truffle salt (B80). For booze, there’s Asahi (B130). Dessert is ice cream (creamy stuff from another recent Japanese import, Azubu Sabo, B90) or mochi (B90), lest you fancy some banana katsu (B90). Leave your diet at the door and enjoy.

oversalted grilled catfish banana-leaf wraps (B180) are also best avoided, Thuyen does have its strong points. The rice flour pancakes (B180) are tantalizingly crispy, stuffed with a generous serving of ground pork, shrimp and stir-fried bean sprouts—hearty and comforting without being too heavy. The banh cuon (minced pork steamed rice wraps, B180) are also tender, soft and light. Finish your meal with the banana fritters and a refreshing side of ice cream (B120), which go well with a steaming cup of strong Vietnamese coffee (B70). A small selection of wine is also available, but only by the bottle and starting at B1,700. Though a meal here won’t cost you much more than traditional Vietnamese spots, the portions are less satisfying than most and, while the welcoming interior and professional service in part make up for the food, the concentrated effort to modernize dishes too often comes at the expense of taste, leaving you longing for the comfort of more casual interpretations. Perhaps we caught them on a bad day, but for now it’s safe to say we won’t be ditching staples like Hanoi House or Saigon Recipe any time soon.

Ratings H Forget it HH Only if you’re in the neighborhood HHH A pleasant dining experience HHHH Not to be missed HHHHH Flawless

B BB BBB BBBB

BK pays for its meal and does not call ahead or sit with the chef.

Price per person, including one drink, appetizer, main course, dessert, charges and tax.

DiningReview-BK#755-25JAN2019_NEW.indd 15

Price guide Under B500 B500-900 B900-1,500 B1,500 and up

FANTASTIC SUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE OKURA PRESTIGE BANGKOK Add sparkle to your weekend with the fantastic Sunday Brunch at The Okura Prestige Bangkok. Stylish and informal, Up & Above Restaurant is the place to enjoy a cornucopia of seafood on ice, succulent roast meats from the carvery, delicious home-made pastas, made to order main course choices prepared a la minute, Thai and Japanese creations, and an extensive international buffet.

Every Sunday | 12 noon - 3 p.m.

Prices start from Baht 2,800 per person inclusive of free-flow soft drinks, and mocktails.

Prices are subject to 10% service charge and 7% government tax.

For more information and reservations, please contact 02 687 9000 or email upandabove@okurabangkok.com

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H F E G

Park Ventures Ecoplex, 57 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330 T. 02 687 9000 F. 02 687 9001 E. info@okurabangkok.com okurabangkok.com facebook.com/theokuraprestigebangkok

1/18/19 6:37 PM

food & drink | open doors

16 The new 80/20 shoots for the top of modern Thai dining The buzz: Charoenkrung’s hipster haunt of Thai-inspired tapas and comfort food has reinvented itself— and it’s gone upscale. Kitchen bar seats, tasting menu, wine pairing and craft cocktails—welcome to the second coming of 80/20.

The decor: Echoes of 80/20’s raw concrete, casual-industrial past remain, albeit now from between sophisticated Thai-style wall murals, glistening stemware, and delicately positioned objet d’art. Backpackers from next door’s hostel have been replaced by buyers from nearby antique boutiques. The biggest change: a chef’s table-like counter surrounding the huge open kitchen.

A fermentation room at the front announces that these chefs do the hard work themselves.

The food: The flavors extracted in that room get put to work in a B3,000 tasting menu crowned by the “Dream of Trang BBQ Pork”—a sinfully crisped slice of pork belly topped with infused mushroom and served with a fermented chili sauce that tastes like Sriracha on steroids. Fermented coconut cream lends a tropical undercurrent to a cut of goby fish, so richly smoked it’s like eating bacon, while the sweet black banana sauce with the Charoenkrung heritage-referencing “curry puff” is delightfully

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intense. Sometimes, like with a duo of mung bean snacks disguised as chilis or a black ink broth with linguine-like slithers of poached squid, it feels like tasting menu theatrics win out over flavor, but 80/20’s new cuisine is nonetheless a brilliantly bold addition to the new ways local chefs are interpreting Thai food.

The drinks: Along with surprises like a house-fermented Thai rice wine ( sato ) and wholesomely murky Christoph Hoch white from Austria, the B1,400 wine tasting (five glasses) also has familiar touchpoints like the 2016 Chateau Trocard Bordeaux and two impressive local wines from Gran Monte.

Start on one of Vesper head barman Palm Muttarattana’s cocktails (all priced at B340).

Why we’d go back: 80/20’s never afraid of trying new things, and this feels like Ground Zero for a menu that’s only going to improve season after season. The new direction is absolutely right for this team and what they’re capable of, but it does leave us wondering who’s going to fill Charoenkrung’s gap for a young, flavorful, vibrant and affordable restaurant. The king is dead, long live the king! Oliver Irvine 1052-4 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-2342822. Open Tue-Sun 6-11pm

1/18/19 6:41 PM

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019

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Sarnies

NEW AND NOTED

17 Italian “omakase” is now a thing An elegant, intimate cream and marble dining room sits beneath a downpour of hanging crystals and chandeliers at Ratchadamri’s White Lies (153 Ratchadamri Rd., 065319-8877). You may be expecting Japanese fare, but this cultural smorgasbord combines the chef’s choice menu concept known as omakase with Italian fine dining (B5,000 for up to 15 courses, plus B3,400 for wine pairing). Behind the idea is chef Maurizio Menconi, (formerly of The Sukhothai Hotel), who seeks to create an intimate and theatrical experience through his seasonal bitesized dishes, featuring the likes of caviar, Kobe beef, game and lobster.

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18 Singapore’s hippest 19 French artisan coffee roaster opens boulanger opens up flagship Bangkok cafe in Bangkok While it’s been possible to sample Sarnies’ perfectionist roast profiles at their Kram garden offshoot, A Stimulant by Sarnies (113 Phop Mit Alley), for a while, the hip Singapore coffee chain has only just opened its first fully-fledged Bangkok branch (101 Charoenkrung Soi 44). Just five minutes’ walk from BTS Saphan Taksin, the spacious cafe takes over a corner shop-house with brushed concrete, distressed brickwork and leafy plants. Try a comforting orange mocha (B140) or a refreshing cold brew (B150), paired with an indulgent brownie (B140) or a tasty breakfast toast slathered with cashew nut butter, local honey, roasted grapes and thyme (B250).

The new Singha Complex has brought with it a taste of Paris courtesy of Gontran Cherrier (G/F, Singha Complex, 1788 New Petchaburi Rd., 090-991-8999), a French artisan boulangerie by the eponymous pastry chef, cookbook author and TV presenter. Having trained alongside Alain Passard at the three-Michelin-starred l’Arpege in Paris, chef Gontran opened his own patisserie in 2010, which now has three branches in France and over 30 across Asia and Australia, including Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul and Melbourne. Try a classic flaky almond croissant (B110) or an extravagant pistachio raspberry tart (B150) with an iced cappuccino (B125), or go savory with a ham and cheese sandwich (B250).

TABLE TALK

White Shuffle 2/F, Seenspace Thonglor 13, 02-185-2798, Open daily 10am-10pm Operated by the same team behind much-loved American restaurant Shuffle, this all-day diner keeps the focus on New American cuisine. The highlight here is the setmenus for breakfast, which come rammed with all kinds of breakfast goodies, like the Have a Good Day (pancakes with butter, crispy bacon, seasonal fruit and a croissant) and the Good Morning Thonglor (eggs, sausage, bacon sauteed potatoes, seasonal fruit, a basket of bread and croissant). The best part? it’s all B180.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 25% discount on breakfast set menu from 10.00 – 11.30 am and get 10% discount on food only Today – 30 Nov 19

1/18/19 6:41 PM

CPS Coffee

NEW AND NOTED

TABLE TALK

20 CPS swaps jeans for coffee

Baby Bar 1/F, Craftsman Hotel, Paholyothin Soi 11, 02-279-7299. Open daily 8am-11pm. BTS Ari Located within Ari’s Craftsman Hotel, Baby Bar comes from the same people behind All Six to Twelve Cafe & Social Bar. The venue looks chic and playful with deep pink fire station-like doors, glowing orb lighting on fixed bronze arms, and curved bars that slashed with contrasting vertical and horizontal lines. During the day, you can sip on a Bubble Matcha Latte, but head there in the evening for tasty cocktails like the “Baby Shower”.

Food ranges from light snacks like fried gyoza with kani miso dip to the larger lobster salsa.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 10% discount on food only Today – 31 Dec 19

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Sweet Poppy

Thanks to bare concrete walls and liberal use of copper and blacks, CPS Coffee (2/F, CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd.) feels very in-the-moment. The baristas at this menswear storeturned-cafe counter specialize in slow-brew coffee and tea blends left to infuse for up to 16 hours— think flavor-packed combinations like the Chai Rose & White Tea Lemonade (B150) or, our favorite, the Green Tea Beehive (B150).

There’s also a respectable selection of croissants (B110-150) to tide you over until lunch. Two further branches are in the works, at Terminal 21 and IconSiam.

21 Nonthaburi’s Auss- 22 There’s a new ie-inspired restaurant rooftop bar and looks like a spa resort restaurant on Soi 18 With tropical gardens, a cafe, restaurant and bakery, natural playground, juice bar, florist, yoga studio and market space, Sweet Poppy (90/10 Samakee Rd., Nonthaburi, 020-055206) is an urban sanctuary where you could easily spend the whole day relaxing with friends and family.

The Melbourne-inspired menu ranges from ricotta hotcakes (B320) and avocado toast (B310) to salad bowls (from B320), hanger steak (B850) and fish and chips (B590), as well as offering a full page of kid-friendly options (from B100)—all sustainably sourced and organic, where possible.

1826 Mixology & Rooftop Bar (26/F, Rembrandt Hotel, 19 Sukhumvit Soi 18, 02-261-7050) serves fusion bites inspired by the hotel’s Mexican, Italian and Indian onsite restaurants—think paneer vol-auvents (B230) and butter chicken pizza (B280). Cocktails are presented in true Instagrammable form, like the colorful Holi (B350), which is served in a stemless martini glass with a paintbrush and silver paint pots by its side, or the The Hanging Garden of Kurseong (B350), which comes in a hanging woven basket, featuring earl grey-infused gin, pineapple juice, blood orange syrup and cinnamon-infused red wine, topped with a flower garnish.

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1/18/19 6:41 PM

food & drink | taste test

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019

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Who makes Bangkok’s best... kanom pia?

In the spirit of Chinese New Year (Feb 5), we’ve scoured Chinatown for the longest standing, most traditional bakeries to find out once and for all: who makes the best kanom pia? With flaky pastry filled with sweet bean paste and a bright orange cured yolk center, it’s almost impossible to resist these tasty Chinese treats.

By BK Staff

Tae Lao Jin Seng

Winner!

Founded in: 1987 Yielding a creamy, thick custard-like filling, this kanom pia almost tastes like fudge encased in a smooth, peeling pastry—just far less sweet. Though the dough is slightly tougher than that of Huan Ha Seng, the filling is enough to make you overlook this tiny flaw completely.

Verdict: Fill us up.

927-929 Chareonkrung Rd., 02-236-4641.

Open daily 9am-7.30pm.

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Yuck!

Huan Ha Seng

Ure Leng Heng

Founded in: 1914 The smooth, silky filling has bits of watermelon and lotus seeds speckled throughout, which give every bite a satisfying crunch, offset beautifully by flaky, soft pastry. Though it wins on the crust front, its sweeter, less creamy filling is

no match for Tae Lao Jin Seng’s.

Verdict: Upper crust.

Founded in: 1930 This sickly sweet nugget of bean paste wrapped in a dry pastry explains why many people choose to take their kanom pia with a cup of tea—to prevent themselves from choking to death. Taking “flaky” to the extreme, the pastry crumbles off at the slightest touch.

Verdict: A total flake.

514 Phlapphla Chai Rd., 02-224-9767.

Open daily 7am-7pm.

11-13 Plang Nam Rd., 02-222-0369.

Open daily 8am-6.30pm.

Hua Seng Hong Founded in: 1956 The unique spiral shape of this bite-sized ball of flaky, white pastry creates a dry and chalky layered effect, while its ultra-thickness overpowers the meager bean paste filling.

Credit where credit is due, the sesame seeds sprinkled on top do look rather beautiful.

Verdict: It’s what’s inside that counts.

371, 373 Yaowarat Rd., 02-222-7053.

Open daily 7am-9pm.

1/18/19 6:41 PM

drink | trending

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019

Clearing Things Up

ON THE BAR

Liberation

Bangkok’s hottest cocktail trend for 2019: water?

By Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

Liberation

Y

ou may have rocked up to a cocktail bar lately only to be charged B400 for a clear liquid poured straight from a bottle and wondered “is this Bangkok’s most expensive water?”

And, more importantly, “what am I supposed to put on my Instagram story now?”

Many bartenders are saying farewell to the theatrics of yesteryear and placing the focus instead on simple and refined cocktails. “For 2019, I see the trend of minimalist cocktails. Cocktails where it’s pretty much just about the liquid in the glass. No or little garnish, no crazy glassware, no bullshit,” says Jamie Rhind, operations manager at Bamboo Bar, The Mandarin Oriental.

Say hello to Bangkok’s hottest cocktail trend for 2019: clarification. Forget dry ice and shakers, this new, refined concoction is all about the technique, and it takes time to achieve that crystal clear look.

Culinary cocktails are nothing new—we’ve seen infusions and sous-vide components over the years (what is that about, anyway?)—though this time, the results may be, well, a little clearer.

“The purpose of clarifying is partly for the look of it but it also helps create purity, offering a cleaner and clearer approach to the main flavor,” says Steve Doucakis, sous chef at Bunker. “It’s useful for the modern day, giving that clean and modern appeal.”

OK, but what exactly is it?

“It’s a technique that removes impurities and makes any liquid crystal clear. Us chefs had to learn it

in school, like when creating crystal clear consomme from chicken soup. It’s been around for hundreds of years,” says Doucakis.

There are many ways that you can turn cloudy liquid crystal clear without the need for fancy machinery: adding milk and a squeeze of lime is one, using egg white is another, or even by adding agar-agar powder (found at local convenience stores). These ingredients attract particles in the liquid, which can then be strained out to create a miraculously clear, water-like substance.

It may sound simple, but this technique takes time and skill, which is why it is always premixed— at least that B400 will hurt a little less knowing they didn’t just get it out the carton.

“It’s a global trend right now. Over the last few years, we’ve had spirit-forward and easy-drinking, now people are looking for a more refined cocktail. I don’t want to call it a new type of cocktail, it’s just another technique,” says Supwait “Palm” Muttaratattna, group beverage manager for Foodie Collection—the group behind names like Vesper, Il Fumo, La Dotta, Via Maris and now 80/20. “Bartenders always find a way to make drinks better by combining their skills and imagination with different techniques, equipment and machinery.”

Remember those days when lighting fire to a cocktail was cool? We’re glad that’s over. Head over to these places (see right) to try out clarified concoctions for yourself.

Drink these Tropicopop (Barcardi Carter Blanca rum, Diplomatico Planas rum, coconut water, lychee, lemon juice and clarified goat's milk), B390 at Tropic City Coca Cola Vase (Diplomatico rum, sichuan pepper and clarified Coke), B400 at Vesper Get The Mortar (Barrelhouse 53 vodka—Bamboo Bar’s own in-house vodka, clarified tomato, papaya, palm sugar and chilli), B420 at Bamboo Bar, The Mandarin Oriental Muay Thai Punch (Aged rum and clarified Thai milk tea), B390 at #FindThePhotoBooth Vegan War (clarified tomato mixed with sous-vide red cabbage, vodka and carrot cordial), B390 at Liberation.

Pyroblast (Plantation pineapple rum, pyroblast syrup, clarified pineapple and coconut water), B420 at 008 Bar

BOOZE INCOMING

Bangkok bar news in brief

BAMBOO BAR’S OWN VODKA After gaining a top 10 place on Asia’s 50 Best Bars’ list 2018, Bamboo Bar now has its own vodka. Barrelhouse 53 is a collab with craft alcohol importer Bootleggers (known for their yummy Plantation Pineapple Rum) and Malai rum. Using sweet potato rather than sugar cane or rice as its main ingredient, the vodka rings with earthy notes and a long finish.

Though it isn’t retailing yet, you can head to Bamboo Bar and ask Jamie Rhind for a tasting shot.

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NATIONAL IRISH COFFEE DAY For just one day, you can head down to Drunken Leprechaun (Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, 4 Sukhumvit Soi 15) for boozy coffee (B149) on tap in celebration of National Irish Coffee Day—just tell your colleagues you’re popping out for a quick coffee, they won’t suspect a thing.

A collaboration with Nitro Labs’ coffee tuk tuk, the celebration will take place on Jan 25 between 4-10pm.

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MORE CRAFT BEERS Craft beer importer Smiling Mad Dog, known for importing big names like Ballast Point, Evil Twin and BrewDog, has just brought in 15 new beers by Stillwater Artisanal. Established in 2010 by the Baltimore-hailing former electronic music DJ, Brian Strumke, the brewery placed second in RateBeer.com’s “Best New Brewers in the World” within its first year.The new brews will be available at various bars across Bangkok (be sure to check Taproom) from early Feb, priced B200-300.

The buzz: The team that brought us Rabbit Hole and Canvas have joined up with Kitibordee “Gov” Chortubtim of Backstage and Krit “Joey” Parkobdee of Tropic City to bring us one of the most advanced cocktail menus we’ve ever come across.

The decor: The elevator opens on the fourth floor to a dimly-lit, mysterious venue with dark decor and furnishings. You’re likely to walk around the long, curved corner bar to marvel at an entire wall filled with spirit bottles, and wish this is what your living room looked like. We recommend taking a seat at the bar, so that you can quiz Gov and Joey on their creations.

The drinks: Here, they firmly believe that single ingredients can offer many different dimensions, depending on how the flavor is extracted. Cocktails are inspired by famous propaganda posters from history, like the low-ABV Shhhhzzzz (all signature cocktails are B390), which stems from the WWII-era “Silence Means Security” poster, featuring a woman in military attire with her finger to her lips. The finger is playfully referenced in a cordial created from sous-vide Thai finger root and finger leaf, resulting in a surprising green mango peel flavor, mixed with Tio Pepe (a type of fortified wine), umeshu and apricot liqueur. The 1939 “Dig for Victory” wartime initiative, in which governments encouraged citizens to grow their own vegetables, becomes the basis for Vegan War, a cocktail made with clarified tomato and sous-vide red cabbage; for the base, re-distilled sweet basil is mixed with vodka, with a dash of carrot cordial for sweetness. Two new menus are promised by the end of Jan: Plot Twist, which will utilize waste ingredients from the propaganda menu, and the Explorer, which will traverse the unthinkable by extracting flavor from ingredients like giant water bugs (mang da—often used to make Thai nam prik).

The crowd: Serious cocktail heads.

Why we’d come back: With their diverse use of refined culinary techniques to create inventive flavors, this is arguably the most boundary-pushing cocktail bar in Bangkok right now. Everything about this place is impressive­— we can’t wait for more. Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

Piman 49, Sukhumvit Soi 49, 093-654-2500. Open daily 7pm1:30am

1/18/19 6:49 PM

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019

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A Taste of Home in Bangkok The new Patissez cafe is Bangkok’s answer to all kinds of comfort food dreams What started as a humble, family-owned business in Canberra Australia has turned into something so much bigger. The famed Patissez cafe is now in Bangkok! Specializing in shakes, all kinds of comfort food, and waffles that come in different flavors and are freshly made using syrup that they mix together from scratch, eating at Patissez feels like spending evenings with friends around the dinner table—exactly as it should. Try their latest standout dishes, such as the smashed avocado on toasted sourdough with burrata cheese, or the delicious French toast, which is homemade and topped with fresh mango and saffron mango sauce.

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3/F, CentralWorld (in front of Zen), 095-869-7396, 089-833-3053.

Open daily 10am-10pm.

BTS Chidlom

1/17/19 7:29 PM

neighborhood | chatuchak

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019

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BTS Mo Chit

Wantong Cafe

Or Tor Kor Fresh Market

First Floor Dining Room

Pompano Roasted Cafe

Open Secret

Coffee & Breakfast

Two parks, walkable streets, the best fresh market in the city, weekend vintage shopping plus BTS and MRT stations—is Chatuchak actually Bangkok’s most livable ‘hood?

By Dhipkawee Sriyananda Selley

The vintage-themed Pompano Roasted Cafe (The Camp Vintage Flea Market, 482 Kamphaeng Phet Soi 1, 086-507-1755) is a smart choice for a long black (B100).

For something sweet, don’t miss Wantong Cafe’s (Chatuchak Market, Section 26, Soi 1/4, 088885-7751) delicious Thai-themed desserts like the pandan custard Kaya tart (B120). Many other cafes come to life during Chatuchak Market’s weekend opening hours, like the Instagrammable coffee kiosk The Breakfast Club BKK (Chatuchak Market, Section 3, Soi 46, 081-554-7954), which doles out honey matcha lattes (B95) and hash browns (B69).

Lunch & Dinner Seafood institution Laemgate (2/F, SJ Infinite One, 349 Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd., 084-959-5959) offers a gut-busting all-you-can-eat deal (B777), while another option

is Sanan Seafood (1639/36-41 Phahon Yothin Rd., 02-279-1924), with specialties like crab meat curry with noodles (B450). For no-fuss Thai dishes, try First Floor Dining Room’s (1032/67 Phahon Yothin Soi 18/1, 081-206-7007) lamb pad kaprao (B125), or for quality vegetarian food, head to Chamlong’s Asoke Vegetarian Restaurant (586/26 Kamphaeng Phet Soi 1, 02-272-4282). Come the weekend, join the throngs at Viva 8 (Chatuchak Market, Section 8, Soi 16/1, 02-618-7425), which serves a mean (and massive) paella (B160) alongside live DJ sets, or head to the Thai-Muslim restaurant Saman Islam (Chatuchak Market, Section 16, Soi 24, 081-817-8270) for chicken biryani (B150).

Drinks Frankfurt 71 (The Camp Vintage Flea Market, 460 Kamphaeng Phet Soi 1, 094-019-1949) serves Paulaner Hefeweissbier Dunkel (B300) and

Frankfurt 71

steaks (from B220). On the second floor of First Floor Dining Room is Mezzanine Drinking and Sipping Room (1032/67 Phahon Yothin Soi 18/1, 087-439-9469), a coffee shop by day and cocktail bar by night, serving old fashioneds (B280) and negronis (B180), while the cosy Brio Bistro & Bar (Chatuchak Market, Section 2, Soi 40/3, 099154-5966) offers over 30 gins (B240 for a classic G&T), beers (B100 for a Singha) and mocktails. For a fancy tete-a-tete, sip wine while taking in the view at Blue Sky rooftop bar (24/F, Centara Grand at Central Ladprao, 1695 Phahon Yothin Rd., 02-541-1234).

Transport Chatuchak is well served by BTS Mo Chit, MRT Chatuchak Park and MRT Kamphaeng Phet.

Accommodation Five-minutes’ walk from BTS Mo Chit, The Line Chatuchak-Mochit

(988 Phahon Yothin Rd., 02-0288830) has 841 units from B16,00080,000/month. U-Delight @ Jatujak Station (22 Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd., 02-689-6888) boasts 900 units from B10,000-30,000/month.

Visit Keep fit in the green surrounds of Chatuchak Park (Kamphaeng Phet 3 Rd.), or work on the go at indie co-working space Good Space (Phahon Yothin Soi 18/1 Yaek 2, 095-804-4610). For shopping, Chatuchak Weekend Market (Kamphaeng Phet 3 Rd., 02-2724813) needs little introduction, selling everything imaginable. Vintage lovers can’t miss Chatuchak Playground Flea Market (Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd., 088-377-5385) and The Camp Vintage Flea Market (460 Kamphaeng Phet Soi 1, 098-9988580), while opposite, the giant Or Tor Kor Fresh Market (Kamphaeng Phet Rd., 02-279-2080) is packed with fresh fruits and vegetables.

BK ASKS

What’s so special about Chatuchak?

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KITTISAK KITRUNGROT, OWNER OF WANTONG CAFE “Chatuchak Weekend Market, as it’s unlike any other market in the world.

There are so many activities you can do here, from shopping, eating local and international food, to enjoying live performances on the street.”

PUTTHO SUKSRIWAN, OWNER OF GOOD SPACE “The area is walkable, so it’s quite convenient to get around. For good eats and plant shopping, I personally really like Or Tor Kor Fresh Market.”

PRAME SRIRUNGTHUM, OWNER OF FIRST FLOOR DINING ROOM “This neighborhood is also home to Mo Chit bus terminal, Bangkok’s largest long-distance bus terminal with hundreds of routes running to different parts of the country. It’s a huge travel gateway.”

1/18/19 6:51 PM

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019

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COME WORK WITH US! WE’RE LOOKING FOR A BRIGHT, BILINGUAL AND TECH-SAVVY EDITORIAL ASSISTANT TO WORK ON AN EXCITING NEW PROJECT.

Thai national Excellent command of Thai and English Fun, enthusiastic Able to work at digital speed, under pressure and meet tight deadlines Basic project management skills

We create brand stories with influence studio.asia-city.com

Send your CV and cover letter to jobs@asia-city.co.th

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1/21/19 4:58 PM