Time Out Bangkok No. 92 | Vegan

FREE COPY TIMEOUT.COM/BANGKOK NO.092 6-20 March 2020

THIS BURGER HAS NO MEAT

Best vegan-friendly eateries in Bangkok

City life

Holiday realness

DUE TO THE Covid-19 outbreak, holidaymakers are forced to cancel or postpone

their vacations in heavily-affected countries such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Italy. Many offices have requested their employees to avoid flying to these affected countries. Those who insist are asked to go on a 14-day self-quarantine in their own homes after they get back to Thailand, and to strictly avoid public transportation and crowded spaces. Employees who do feel symptoms after their holiday are requested not to lie about their travel history unless they want to put those in their immediate circle and the general public at risk. ■

Eat this

Head to modern izakaya Jua to savor skewers, sandwiches and soups rolled out by Andy Ricker. 7 Mar

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Join this

Dance to fun tunes at an annual outdoor music festival Kolour In The Park at Thai Wake Park. 7-8 Mar

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Do this

Learn how to make Japanese plum wine from fresh plums at a workshop hosted by Better Moon Cafe. 7 Mar

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30/2 Soi Sukhumvit 36 (Naphasap Soi 1), Klongtan, Klongtoey, Bangkok, 10110 Thailand Editorial 0909077455 Advertising 0918083619 E-mail editorial@timeoutbangkok.com

Editor-in-Chief Top Koaysomboon Art Director Narin Machaiya Features Editor Phavitch Theeraphong Digital Content Manager Onsiri Jirawuttipod Senior Writer Suriyan Panomai Junior Writers Khemjira Prompan, Kenika Ruaytanapanich

Time Out Bangkok 5 - 20 March 2020

Photographers Sereechai Puttes Tanisorn Vongsoontorn Video creator Arunrote Auefue Contributing Sub-editor Ana Kalaw Advertising Director Walaiporn Tantisak Account Executive Sasitorn Sengmoon Event Sales Director Pavin Asavavichairoj

Event Sales Executive Orachaporn Premrudeesanit Marketing Manager Kunlatida Chawengwan Marketing Executives Patcharat Ruenrutaikul Thanyaluck Komutrattananon Kanyapat Saengbuakaew Publishers Dujduan Hetrakul, Pongsiri Hetrakul Chairman Prida Hetrakul Director/Vice president -

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Finance Mhienjun Hetrakul Time Out Group Founder Tony Elliott Group chief Exeutive officer Julio Bruno Global Creative Director Tom Hislop Head of Global Content Alex Plim

Cover Design Narin Machaiya

Cover Photos Credit iStock Photos

Time Out Bangkok is edited by Phongsathorn Koaysomboon for Maeban Publishing Company Limited, 30/2 Soi Sukhumvit 36 (Naphasap 1), Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand.

Color separated by 48 Film Process Co., Ltd. 66 Soi Ladprao 58/1, Ladprao Road, Wangtonglang, Bangkok 10240. Printed by Maeban Publishing Co., Ltd. 30/2 Soi Sukhumvit 36 (Naphasap 1), Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand.

City life

SO YOU’VE NEVER NEVER BEEN TO...

The Commons Saladaeng SALADAENG, KNOWN AS the quieter

alternative to nearby Silom, has been enjoying an urban resurgence over the last few years, with the appearance of modern dining and drinking ventures, not to mention an independent cinema and a minimalist mixed-used space. It seems like the hype has finally reached its peak with the unveiling of The Commons Saladaeng. The lifestyle and community mall is on the mission to make the neighborhood livelier, housing fun players in the local eating and drinking scene and hosting immersive activities organized by some of the city’s coolest groups and individuals.

The mall’s cutting-edge design actualizes the vision of Department of Architecture (DEPT), which pays homage to the little-known history of the Saladaeng neighborhood. “Around 130 years ago, there was a train station in the area, a part of the Pak Nam Railway Line, that boasted red pitchedroof pavilions. Hence, the name Saladaeng [which means ‘red pavilion’ in Thai],” explains Amata Luphaiboon, founder of

DEPT. His team took its cue from this little bit of history and gave The Commons Saladaeng eight red pitched roofs. At the middle of the striking structure are a series of steps in different levels, carefully designed for multifunctional purposes to resemble those in Thonglor.

Dining outlets at the Thonglor branch also have a presence at this second undertaking.

Favorite brunch spot Roast and craft coffee purveyor Roots are there, as wells as gourmet matcha shop Seven Suns and spicy chicken vendor Fowlmouth. The other interesting new players worth checking out include eggfocused, all-day-breakfast eatery Crackhouse, Hong Kong-style dim sum specialist Yumcha, vegetable-focused smoothie and cocktail destination Paak, and ice cream parlor Guss Sundae Bar. The team behind Rabbit Hole and Liberation will soon open a cocktail haunt called Draftland that will offer craft cocktails on tap, while Isan & Grill will also offer northeastern bar chows.

The top-most floor belongs to The Platform, a multi-purpose space where

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lifestyle-focused businesses can host fun activities during the day. Watch out for fitness sessions by the folks from Physique 57 and New Moves Connect, bonding activities for parents and children by Little Pea and many more. Talented chefs Aisha Ibrahim and Samantha Beaird of Axis, who regularly wow epicureans with show-stopping pop-up dinners across the city, will hold chef’s table sessions every three to four weeks. ■ Phavitch Theeraphong à30 Soi Saladaeng 1, 08 0281 8339. Open daily 7:00-1:00

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City life

BANGKOK’S BEST BITS

Drink Eureka

Creative twists are added to iced coffee drinks at this laidback two-story space. Watch out for concoctions with quirky touches, such as the frothy salted cured egg latte and durian sticky rice-inspired coffee. à 09 2449 9895. Open daily 8:00-18:00

Happy Endings

This eatery on the second floor of Meatchop is an ideal place to enjoy cocktails come nightfall, as well as comforting Vietnamese fare. à Woof Pack Building, 08 0961 4524. Open daily 11:00-15:00, 17:00-23:00

Shop Forrest

These local watchmakers blend minimalist design with a touch of nature, creating unique timepieces with dials that feature natural elements like moss, wood and stone. à Open Mon-Fri 10:00-19:00

Soi Saladaeng 1

Stay Siri Sathorn

SOI SALADAENG 1 has long been known as a shortcut for commuters

wanting to get from Rama 4 Road to Soi Saladaeng, or as a haunt for employees from nearby office buildings searching for cheap khao gaeng lunches. In the last few years, however, hip haunts and creative venues have popped up on the soi, drawing foodies, hipsters and tourists. Now, Soi Saladaeng 1 has become more attractive than ever, thanks to the newly-opened The Commons Saladaeng. While you should definitely visit this community mall, it’s worth exploring the other players in the area, too.■ Phavitch Theeraphong

Aesop’s

At this Sydney-born restaurant, diners can savor Greek specialties such as kofta (minced lamb and beef skewers) served with pita bread and tzatziki (Greek yogurt dip), as well as cocktails with Greek spirits like ouzo. Meals are usually, though briefly, interrupted by lively plate-smashing dances and the staff shouting the celebratory Greek chant “Opa” out loud.

Eat Hung Sen

This shop’s wide selection of noodles includes specialties from across the country, from Sukhothaistyle noodles with a zesty broth and crunchy peanuts to creamy and spicy khao soi, a noodle dish from Northern Thailand.

Meatchop appeals to the younger crowd with a vibrant, Instagramfriendly setting (pink walls!) and perfectly seared cuts in prices that prove a fine steak meal doesn’t have to burn your wallet. Tapas-style bites and whiskey-focused cocktails are also available.

Guss Damn Good

This beloved Boston-style ice cream brand has a storefront tucked on the ground floor of the Woof Pack Building. Indulge in creamy frozen treats in various flavors, some of them unexpected. à 09 8863 4363. Open daily 11:00-23:00

Bitterman

Saladang Dining Hall

A favorite among expats, Bitterman serves comfort fare like fusion pasta and grilled meats, as well as Thai favorites like som tam and grilled chicken.

This pastel-colored eatery is a favourite among people working in the area for its delicately flavored Thai food made with top-notch ingredients. Make sure you drop by in the early evening to enjoy Thaiinspired cocktails at promotional prices.

à 0 2636 3256. Open daily 11:00-23:00

à Woof Pack Building, 0 2033 2709. Open daily 11:00-23:00 Time Out Bangkok 5 - 20 March 2020

à 0 2266 2345

à 06 2567 7751. Open daily 18:00-24:00

à Woof Pack Building, 0 2233 7455. Open daily 11:30-21:30

Meatchop

This hotel takes pride in offering all-suite accommodations and serviced residences at budget rates. The main dining outlet also has an afternoon high tea set that offers rare bites from the early Rattanakosin period.

à 09 5907 9947. Open Mon-Sat 11:00-23:00

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Do Bangkok Screening Room

This independent cinema is committed to showing a broad range of independent movies and documentaries from around the world, including at least one by a Thai filmmaker every month.

Programs change every three weeks. à Woof Pack Building, 09 0906 3888. Open TueFri 15:30-23:30, Sat-Sun 11:00-23:30

TO

BOOK

JamCity by Jameson x HAVE YOU HEARD?

Local concert organizer HAVE YOU HEARD? has teamed up with Jameson Irish Whiskey and event purveyor Made by Legacy to throw a one-day music festival by the Chao Phraya river. Jam City will feature over 10 musical acts playing across three stages, 20 pop-up stores, and 12 street food vendors.

So far, musical acts that have confirmed include American indie-pop/folk Whitney and Irish neo-soul rapper and record producer Alex Anyaegbunam, better known by his stage name Rejjie Snow. Local names include reggae band Srirajah Rockers, surf rock group Khana Bierbood and dream pop/ hypnagogic pop band The Vuniyerse.

DON’T MISS

à 28 Mar at Sermsuk Warehouse, 721 Charoennakhon Road. Tickets priced at B1,800 (early bird) and 2,000 (regular), via ticketmelon.com

Matilda The Musical

Award-winning show Matilda The Musical is descending upon Bangkok this May. Debuted in the United Kingdom in 2010, the musical is based on Roald Dahl’s critically acclaimed book, which tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a precocious five-year-old girl with telekinetic powers who resists and overcomes obstacles and challenges caused by her abusive family and school teachers.

Since its debut, Matilda has garnered more than 90 international honors, including seven Olivier Awards.

Siam Songkran Music Festival

Thai New Year once again welcomes this annual outdoor electronic music festival. Dance to popular EDM tunes delivered by big-name international spinners while getting splashed with gallons of water. The initial line-up boasts names like Afrojack, Showtek, Darren Styles, Andrew Rayel, Atmozfears, Martin Jensen, Project One, and Yellow Claw. à 11-13 April at Urban Yard Bangkok, RCA. Pre-sale tickets are priced at B1,500 (one-day general admission) and B2,500 (one-day VIP admission), via siamsongkran.com

à 14-24 May at Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre. Tickets start from B1,500, via thaticketmajor.com

PREP

British R&B/soul band PREP is returning to Bangkok. The quartet, which consists of Tom Havelock (vocals), Llywelyn Ap Myrddin (keyboards), Dan Radclyffe (guitars) and Guillaume Jambel (drums), is known for fusing modern R&B and electronica sounds with the sounds of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Their smooth musical style, heard in hit tracks like “Who’s Got You Singing Again,” “Cheapest Flight,” and “Sunburnt Through the Glass,” has garnered the band an international fan base.■ Khemjira Prompan à 29 May at Union Hall, Union Mall. Tickets priced at B1,200 and B1,700, via ticketmelon.com

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6 - 20 March 2020 Time Out Bangkok

Advertorial

The Lamiat Delicacy Time Out celebrates Chang’s 25th anniversary with one-of-a-kind beer pairing dinner series

CHIM by Siam Wisdom Award-winning beer Chang is toasting its 25th anniversary by introducing the specialedition brew, Chang 25th Anniversary Cold Brew Lager, that pays much attention to every delicate beer-making process.

The beer brand also teams up with lifestyle media Time Out Bangkok to take your dining experience to a new level in the inauguration of Time Out Tables: The Lamiat Selection by Chang, a series of exclusive dinners at some of the best, most luxurious Thai restaurants in Bangkok, in which guests will get to savor multi-course meals along with Chang 25th Anniversary Cold Brew Lager.

To reflect the “Lamiat” philosophy, Chang 25th Anniversary Cold Brew Lager promises to deliver a softer and more refined touch made possible by the complicated beermaking process. A hundred percent malt is extracted into the wort, which travels through a sub-zero filtration process, resulting in a clear, golden drink with a unique aroma and a mellow taste.

This Chang 25th Anniversary Cold Brew Lager is supposedly best taken with spicy, flavor-packed Thai food. “Lamiat,” which

Time Out Bangkok 6 - 20 March 2020

means ‘delicacy’ in Thai, has always been a sensible part of a subtle Thai lifestyle, from gourmands who take pleasure in Michelinlauded restaurants to devoted chefs who give their all crafting finest delicacies, aiming only at the best results.

Time Out Tables: The Lamiat Selection by Chang kickstarts with five dinners at five of Bangkok’s most luxurious, Michelin-worthy restaurants: Baan Suriyasai (4 March), Chim

by Siam Wisdom (11 March), Royal Osha (18 March), Saffron by Banyan Tree Bangkok (25 March) and 80/20 (1 April).

Each multi-course dinner, which is accompanied by free-flow Chang 25th

Baan Suriyasai

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Anniversary Cold Brew Lager, is priced at B2,000 per person and B3,500 per couple.

Don’t fret if you can’t make it on any of these days. These special menus will also be served at Chim by Siam Wisdom, Royal Osha, Saffron

by Banyan Tree Bangkok, as well as Café Chilli Issan Rustic and Wander BKK until the end of March.

And If you’re not one for multi-course meals, The Lamiat Selection Signature Pairing Menu (one dish plus beer) will be available at Baan Suriyasai, 100 Mahaseth, and Klangsuan until March 31. ■ àFind out more about the event at www.timeout.com/ bangkok and on Facebook, and book your seat at Chope

Feature

for Vegan

The best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Bangkok, write Ana Kalaw and Khemjira Prompan CALLING VEGANISM A trend is so

last year. It’s now a legit lifestyle option, thanks to advocates who relentlessly point out that a meatfree, plant-based diet is beneficial, not just to one's health but to the environment as well. (Did you know that animal agriculture is responsible for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions or that the leading cause of rainforest destruction are livestock and feed crops? *) So it’s a good sign that we’re seeing more plant-based establishments cropping up in the city.

We’ve rounded up the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants as well as vegan delivery options in the city, from creative vegan eateries to a raw food cafe to a shop that sells plant-based cheese. Whether you’re a full-time vegan, a dabbler in the diet or somewhere in between, any of these places won’t have you asking for meat.

*The number is quoted from Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret, directed by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn.

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Feature

VEGAN RESTUARANTS

Vistro Vistro has filled in a gap that seemed to be missing in the city’s herbivore scene, offering the most creative takes on typical vegan fare.

The vegan dishes here are so flavorful that a carnivore may even consider going full vegan after a meal. The two-story establishment is airy, plant-filled and sizeable. The first floor is perfect for grabbing small healthy bites and drinks to go, while the second floor is where all the creative dishes are served. Don’t miss the Vistro Dumplings, a moreish snack served with Taiwanese-style chili oil and gyoza sauce, and the Habibi Wrap, which stuffs marinated “chicken,” iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and bell pepper in a soft wheat tortilla. End your meal with a gooey brownie topped with a scoop of vegan ice cream. Their house-made kombucha and wellness lattes are also a must. Check out their Facebook page as they often host vegan weekend brunch with pancakes, smoothie bowls and savory waffles. à46/1 Soi Sukhumvit 24, 06 5998 2201. Open Mon-Fri 11:0022:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-22:00

Broccoli Revolution Broccoli Revolution is leading the surge against the earthy-crunchy reputation usually associated with meatless places, as seen from its always-packed restaurants in Soi Sukhumvit 49, Central Embassy and Charoenkrung. Its plantbased, vegan menu consists of hearty salads, sandwiches with cashew cheese, Thai dishes with a modern vegan flair, and a bestselling broccoli and quinoa burger slapped in between charcoal buns. It would be in your best interest to stay for dessert. The banoffee pie and homemade soy ice cream are guiltlessly indulgent, all of which are provided by small bakeries and suppliers such as Theera, a social practice that works with kids with special needs. àSukhumvit 49 - 899 Sukhumvit Road, 09 5251 9799. Open MonFri 09:00-21:30, Sat-Sun 07:00-21:30 àCentral Embassy - 1031 Phloen Chit Road. Open daily 10:0022:00 àCharoenkrung - 55/6 Soi Charoen Krung 42/1, 09 7201 2492.

Open Tue-Sun 12:00-20:00

Time Out Bangkok 5 - 20 March 2020

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Feature

ASK THE OWNER Stuart Nombluez

Head chef/co-owner of Vistro

Veganerie With three mall outlets and one stand-alone restaurant in Sukhumvit 24, Veganerie is one of Bangkok’s vegan key players, churning out delicious breakfast-perfect grub like pancake and waffles, zucchini pasta topped with meatless balls, and more fulfilling choices like massaman curry and vegan “pull-pork” burgers. The coconut and soy-based ice cream, desserts and smoothies are as impressive as their savory counterparts—we beg you to try the soy banoffee waffles and chocolate mousse pie. àVeganerie Concept - 35 2 Sukhumvit Road, 0 2258 8489. Open daily 10:00-22:00 àVeganerie The EmQuartier - 693 695 Sukhumvit Road, 06 3873 2299. Open daily 10:00-22:00 àVeganerie Mercury Ville - Pleonchit Road, Lumphini, 0 2252 2120. Open Mon-Fri 09:00-21:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-22:00

Why did you become vegetarian?

The reason I became plant-based was, firstly, for health reasons. I started having some food intolerances, like dairy and yeast. So I started studying more about nutrition and I read more about how plant-based eating was better for your health, about saturated fat and animal products, hormones, and factory-farmed meat–all these things. When I switched to a more whole-food, plant-based diet, I was able to heal a lot of the food intolerances that I had. I also watched documentaries like Cowspiracy and read Michael Pollen’s books, and realized that the environmental impacts of animal agriculture and factory farming are also a huge issue.

And lastly, watching documentaries like Dominion and seeing videos of how animals are treated in factory farms made me sort of understand the compassionate side of this diet.

Would you say vegan food is more expensive than non-vegan food?

Rasayana Raw Food Cafe There’s a raw food solution to any craving at Rasayana.

Pasta? Check, in the form of chewy and satisfying zucchini noodles topped with a fresh and spicy marinara sauce. Pizza? Oh yes. The mushroom pizza has a flaxseed and mushroom base and is topped with sauce and vegetables. But one of the tastiest entrees is the nut loaf made with almonds, fresh vegetables, herbs and spice.

While the savories are satisfying enough, the ambrosial after-meal treats should not be ignored. Try the lemon tart, a treat hinging on macadamia, lime, and coconut or the banoffee pie with nuts, dates, banana and cacao. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

I think this is a big misconception.

People perceive a lot of health food products as being more expensive, and a lot of health food products happen to be vegan or are labeled vegan. I think these health food products use high-quality ingredients. They’re usually organic. And they’re usually done in sustainable ways, which increase the cost of the product. But as for vegan food itself, if you go to the vegetable section of the supermarket, it is not more expensive than the food in the meat section, or the seafood section, or the fine cheese section. Vegan produce is actually very cheap. But health food products, I understand, are expensive.

à57, Soi Prom-mitr, Sukhumvit 39, 0 2662 4803. Open daily 09:00-20:30

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Feature

ASK THE OWNER Taksina Nuangsri Owner/operator of Barefood Bangkok

May Veggie Home Why did you start making this kind of food?

Because we wanna eat it! We’re selling food that we eat. This was the starting point. We’re not selling this kind of food so others will like it. If you don’t like it, that’s your business. But we eat everything we make. We don’t have to declare that we’re this and that. People like to ask why we’re making vegan food when we’re not vegan. So I said, why not? Think about it. Most farmers are not vegan, but they’re still growing vegetables.

Unlike new-wave herbivore hangouts, this established Asoke spot makes no attempt to cloak tofu and meat substitutes in elaborate disguises. Instead, May Veggie Home makes a virtue of modest ambitions with vegan takes on old-school Thai and Western comfort food. Mock meat dishes like yum tuna foo (crispy vegetarian tuna with sweet and sour mango dressing) and vegetarian tonkotsu are convincing, although their straight vegetarian fare—the signature bean burger and mieng bai cha (tea leaf salad with crunchy beans and herbs in signature dressing), in particular—hold a bit more superiority. Don’t forget to try the rice milk shakes. à8/3 Ratchadapisek Road, 0 2118 2967. Open daily 11:00-22:00

So, you’re a meat eater who likes to eat unprocessed food?

I used to be a flight attendant. Oh, don’t even get me started. All the food served on the plane is heavily processed.

[Eating food like this really promotes diseases like gastroesophageal reflux disease and allergies.] All these processed food have chemicals in them. Even in alcoholic beverages, you can choose to have well-crafted ones or those chemical-packed commercial ones. Drinking one portion won’t cause any visible effect, but if you keep having them, it will accumulate. So when I decided to be a food producer, I came up with something that won’t negatively affect consumers in the long term.

Barefood Bangkok Barefood Bangkok has proven that being vegan doesn’t mean cutting out the salty, stretchy goodness cheese provides. Wanting to create food that is delicious, plantbased, non-processed, and use locally sourced ingredients as much as possible, Thai owner Taksina Nuangsri and Italian chef/co-owner Edoardo Bonavolta, started a nut cheese business about three and a half years ago. Their cheeses are made with cashew sourced from the south of Thailand, and are offered in six flavors: truffle, chili, classic, smoked oak wood, mixed herbs, and smoked jack. Aside from the cheese platter, don’t miss the Barefood Cheeseburger, which boasts a succulent patty made with tempeh, zucchini, beetroot, radish, mushroom, koji (a type of fungus), and flaxseed. If you like mushrooms, their house-made, whole-grain pasta with mushroom porcini sauce is a must. à26 Soi Sukhumvit 61, 09 8924 6995. Open Tue-Fri 11:30-21:00, Sat 12:00-21:00

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Feature

VEGAN MEAL DELIVERIES

Vegan Crush

Vegan Crush prepares and delivers delicious 100-percent plant-based meals to your doorstep every Monday. You can opt for five to 10 meals each drop, and enjoy a good variety as their meal plans change weekly.

The food is low in sodium and oil, and created with unprocessed natural ingredients. Enjoyable menu items include a spinach hummus topped with sauteed wintermelon and roasted chickpeas, and roasted sesame tempeh with mung beans. Vegan Crush also uses reusable food containers and bags to reduce waste, so you will be asked to swap them on the next delivery. àFacebook: Vegan Crush or maricelsvegancrush.com

Pranaa

ASK THE EXPERT Jack Thomas

Founder and CEO, BASE, host of Fitness Business Asia Podcast

Do you think athletes can gain muscle effectively by following a vegan diet?

It's tough, but possible.

Consuming complete protein is an important part of the muscle-building process and the easiest way to do this is by consuming meat and fish.

All animal products are not created equally, however—it’s important that you choose high-quality, organic meats and wild-caught fish over poor-quality, factory-farmed meats. It also appears as though some people are more adjusted to a diet of meat whereby others can get by just fine on a vegan diet. Whichever diet you choose, keep track of how you feel and your health markers.

What kind of plant-based protein would you recommend to your vegan clients?

We use Sunwarrior plant protein in our smoothies at BASE, which is a great source that's easy to add to smoothies. Tofu, tempeh and legumes, like chickpeas and lentils, are all good sources. You can also get protein from nuts but they are very high in calories so keep tabs on your consumption.

What sets Pranaa apart is that, in addition to delivering plant-based meals to your door, they change their menu every day, and every meal is whipped up daily and free of oil, sugar or refined carbs. The menu spans Thai, Asian and Western fare, so expect to see dishes like kuakling mushroom, okra daal, and yellow rice and quinoa burger.

Every meal set also comes with a snack and smoothie. One meal is priced at B350, a two-meal set is priced at B450 and three meals at B550. ■ àFacebook: Pranaa - Food For Life

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Feature

VEGETARIAN RESTUARANTS

ASK THE EXPERT Darren Liu,

Certified health coach and creator of Genius Bar

Saras

Do you think a vegan diet provides the sufficient nutrients one needs in a day?

The short answer is no. I do not believe a vegan diet provides sufficient nutrients in the long term. Yes, a vegan diet can be loaded with vitamins, minerals and nutrients, but ultimately it comes down to the bio-availability of these nutrients, how much of these your body can actually absorb and utilize.

Having said that, I do believe there are people who can thrive on a vegan diet, most of whom are really disciplined in supplementing with certain nutrients that you can mostly get only from animal products (i.e., vitamin B12).

What do you think of plantbased “meats”?

If there was reputable clinical research that shows “plant-based meat” is actually good for you, that it would actually slow down climate change, or that is was better for the environment, I’d be in. However, we have yet to see.

I genuinely don’t believe that these companies have the public’s health and well-being as a top priority. When it comes to eating healthy and giving our bodies what it needs to thrive, it’s all about eating real and unprocessed food. How many ingredients does it take to make a Beyond Meat burger?

22. How many ingredients are in a beef burger? One.

Time Out Bangkok 5 - 20 March 2020

This humble-looking Indian eatery is renowned for its spicy curries, amazing thali specials and authentic Indian sweets.

The food is purely vegetarian and the prices are low enough to inspire greedy ordering. A starter of raj kachori (fried flour ball filled with baked lentils and spices, and topped with yogurt and tangy sauces) comes highly recommended; otherwise, sample the uttapam (rice and black lentil pancake) or paneer pakora (fried paneer snack).

Govinda

Long-standing Italian restaurant Govinda silences detractors of vegetarianism by proving that meat-free dining can also be filling, flavorful and oh-so-indulgent. Many classic Italian dishes are present and accounted for: ravioli, melanzane parmigiana, minestrone, insalata cappricciosa and pizza salami (with soy sausage, of course). àSukhumvit Road, 0 2663 4970. Open Wed-Mon 12:00-14:30, 18:00-23:30

Khun Churn

There’s nothing fancy about its location in the Bangkok Mediplex Building on Sukhumvit Soi 42, but the meat-free Thai menu does more than enough to pull in the local veggie crowd. Start with something raw (fresh spring rolls or mixed veggies salad with peanut sauce) before trying one of the hearty mains, such as red “duck” curry with tofu or kanom jeen gaeng het (soft rice noodles covered in mushroom curry). à4117 Soi Sukhumvit 42, 0 2713 6599. Open daily 10:00-20:30

à15 Soi Sukhumvit 20, 08 4433 0020. Open Mon-Fri 09:00-22:30, Sat-Sun 09:00-23:00

Ethos

Anotai

Bangkok’s bohemian contingent and hippie tourists love this vibrant venue and its worn-in, carefree look. The massive menu is a creative, colorful ensemble of vegetarian and vegan world dishes with pitch-perfect flavoring—aloo gobi with dal and rice, for instance, or tempeh veggie burgers with a piquant mustard sauce, or herby falafel.

For more than two decades, Anothai has been a trusted friend to discerning vegetarians who demand more than stir-fried tofu.

Its inventive, globetrotting menu— inspirations look to Thai, Italian, Indonesian and Japanese cuisine— finds success even with omnivores and guilt-ridden carnivores looking to improve their karma. à976/17 Rama IX Road, 0 2641 5366. Open ThuTue 10:00-21:30

à85/2 Soi Banglampoo, 0 2280 7549. Open daily 07:30- 23:55

Bonita Cafe and Social Club

Do expect a warm welcome at this homely all-day venue, with its raggedy wooden furniture, eclectic décor and unpretentious service. At first glance, the line-up of soups and pastas might suggest well-trodden culinary territory, but there is a thoughtful chef at work here. Vegan offerings (from a limited menu) include crispy sautéed onion rings, teriyaki burger made of tofu and onion, and raw zucchini pasta topped with unheated tomato sauce and puréed cashew cream.■ à100 Soi Silom 26, 0 2081 5824. Open Wed-Mon 09:30-21:30

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YOUR PERFECT WEEKEND

A Room Full of Women

Multidisciplinary art hub ATT 19 is celebrating Women’s History Month with A Room Full of Women, a group exhibition that displays pieces by Thai female artists and creatives from different career paths and backgrounds. à5 Mar - 4 Apr at ATT 19, Soi Charoenkrung 30

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Things to do

SEE MORE TIMEOUT.COM/ BANGKOK/

"Offline Disco Club x Konkord" - Space Travelers

Newly opened cocktail bar Konkord, along with Offline Disco Club, is hosting a night filled with various types of disco music: late ’70s disco, Italo disco, cosmic disco and more. The line-up includes Mumsfilibaba, Supersonic, and Takamichi. à6 Mar, 21:00-03:00 at Konkord, 18 Soi Sukhumvit 11. Free entry

Mad Face Food Week 2020 á

Save your appetites— this annual three-day food festival is returning to Sermsuk Warehouse. This year, under the theme “Last Meal on Earth,” the feast features 50 vendors serving their signature creations along with dishes they would want to eat if it’s the last day on Earth.

Thailand Coffee Fest 2020 á

à13-15 Mar, 15:00-23:30 at Sermsuk Warehouse, 721 Charoennakhon Road. B100 (inclusive of one drink)

Caffeine enthusiasts will want to head to Impact Arena for this year's Thailand Coffee Fest. Over 2000 Thai and international coffee houses and distributors, including renowned coffee producers from Guatemala and Brazil, will be displaying their products, while renowned figures in the scene will hold talks and workshops.

Lo-Fi Swing

à12-15 Mar, 10:00-20:00 at Impact Exhibition Hall 5 and 6, Muang Thong Thani

For something different, head to Jam this 15 March for the bar's monthly experimental event Lo-Fi Swing, where artists are given the freedom to create and play hip hop and electronic beats however they like. à15 Mar, 20:00-24:00 at Jam, 41 Soi Charoen Rat 1. B100

Fem Film Festival 2020

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Fem Film Festival showcases films revolving around the struggles, achievements, loves and lives of women in the workforce and in politics. à6-8 Mar at Bangkok Screening Room, 2/F Woofpack Building, Soi Sala Daeng 1. B300/adult, B250/student, B240/BKKSR member

Reveries presents Ben Rau (Inkal/ Meta, DE)

German house/techno DJ and producer Ben Rau is headlining the next edition of Reveries, a collaborative musical event between Late Night Bangkok and Iconic Studios. à21 Mar, 18:00-23:30 at Iconic Studios 53, 63/4 Soi Sukhumvit 53

Noise Market 9

Pizza for brunch? We are so down. The Soho Pizza Brunch party is back! For those who missed it last time, now is your chance. For only B499, you can enjoy any of Soho Pizza’s famous New York-style pizzas, as well as pasta, bruschetta, salad and dessert. à8 Mar, 11:30-15:00 at Soho Pizza, 26/3 Soi Sukhumvit 11.

Packages start from B499/person

NON NON NON: Queer Rave

If you like hard EBM, industrial and techno beats, this rave hosted by queer dance collective NON NON NON ticks all the boxes. Joining founders Mae Happyair and Wanton Witch at the decks is DJ Salem Rashid. à6 Mar, 22:00-03:00 at Safe Room, Soi Silom 8

Untitled-Life Drawing

Browse through art and craft products, fashion pieces and artisanal jewelry, indulge in amazing treats and drinks, and groove to live music delivered by coming indie bands at this two-day market.

Celebrate International Women’s Day with an art session that highlights the importance of empowering others and celebrating the female form. Hosted by Untitled-Life Drawing, the event also features live music and an exhibition. ■ Khemjira Prompan

à21-22 Mar, 10:00-23:00 at Museum Siam, MRT Sanam Chai station

à8 Mar, 15:30-18:45 at The Home BKK, 120/18 Soi Sukhumvit 23.

B450

*Events may be postponed or canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Time Out Bangkok 5 - 20 March 2020

Slice, Slice Baby: A Soho Pizza Brunch Party á

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Shopping & Style SPOTLIGHT ON Made for women

Nike celebrates International Women’s Day, which falls on 8 March, with an Air Max style that’s crafted especially for women’s feet.

Named Air Max Verona, the shoe was reappropriated from a model that was first launched in 1992. It boasts cute pastel pink-and-blue or pink-and-green leather top parts, and Air Max 200 soles that offer better comfort while walking and running. à The Air Max Verona starts selling on 5 March with a retail price of B4,600.

Comme one, comme all

Of all the brands purveyed by the Japanese fashion house, Comme des Garçons Comme des Garçons is the most premium, epitomizing the core aesthetics and edgy personal style of founder Rei Kawakubo herself. This summer, the label evokes “timelessness” through wrap-around jackets, shirts, and skirts crafted out of satin, tweeds, pleated wool and tulle. à Try them on at Comme des Garcons, Erawan Bangkok and Siam Discovery.

In your Pocket

Time to Swatch

Another day, another “It” bag in-the-making for Burberry. We featured the British powerhouse’s new Robin Bag—a cross-body that’s amping up the style quotient of fashion lovers the world over—in the last issue. Now we’re casting our aspirations on the Pocket Bag, a canvas tote with leather trimming and a minimalist vintage-inspired aesthetic. Apparently, Burberry creative director Ricardo Tisci got his inspiration for this latest piece from the brand’s archives.

The latest James Bond film is getting everyone all agog, Swatch included. The Swiss watchmaker has partnered with costume and projection designer Sutthirat Anne Larlarb to create a limitededition watch collection inspired by seven 007 movies: Dr. No, Moonraker, License to Kill, The World is Not Enough, Casino Royal and, the latest installation, No Time to Die, which will open in theaters in April. Watches come in an exclusive 007 case, and are priced from B3,150.

à Shop for it at Burberry at Siam Paragon

Davika is the new face of Pomelo

Singapore-based, multi-channel fashion retailer Pomelo kicks off summer with a lively new campaign featuring top Southeast Asian stars and models—among them Thai actress Davika Hoorne. The campaign was styled by acclaimed Thai stylist Daninart Burakasikorn and shot by New York-based photographer duo Caleb & Gladys. Pomelo has also introduced a live stream feature, which can be watched on the app. ■ Top Koaysomboon àDownload Pomelo from App Store and Google Play.

à Check them out at a Swatch store near you.

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5 - 20 March 2020 Time Out Bangkok

Eat & Drink

WHAT IT IS...

A restaurant specializing in the flavors of the Indian coast WHY COME...

Dishes that make you rethink what Indian food is all about

JHOL J7 Soi Sukhuvmit 18, 0 2004 7174. BTS Asoke. Open daily 18:00-22:00

THOUGH INDIAN CUISINE is well-celebrated

in Bangkok, the restaurants we’ve come to love, from progressive heavyweights like Haoma and Indus to hole-in-the wall joints like Sri Ganesha, are not representative of everything India has to offer. The cuisine from the country's coastal regions, for one, are rarely explored.

“Most Indian restaurants in Bangkok focus on Northern Indian food,” reveals JHOL's Calcattaborn manager Anirban Nandi. “But India has so many states. What we’re trying to showcase here are the flavors of the coastal regions of India. It’s something that nobody has done before.”

The menu reads like an expedition along the seaside areas of the subcontinent. You get to savor dishes like Daab Chingri (B620), a subtly sweet prawn curry from the Bengal region that's made with a refreshing coconut water broth and a mustard indigenous to Calcatta called kasundi, or the Sol Kadi Ceviche (B470) from Time Out Bangkok 6 - 20 March 2020

the southwestern coast of Goa. The latter they recreate by using sol kadi, a popular drink in the region made with coconut milk and kokum (mangosteen-like fruit), as a broth for seabass cooked with ginger and Thai chili. A delightfully spicy prawn dish (B470) introduces diners to koliwada, a coastal staple that originated in a fisherman’s community in Mumbai. Seafood dishes aside, you have a chicken roasted in ghee butter and paired with a crunchy dosa (B520).

We also love the restaurant’s take on Indian street snacks, like pani puri (crispy fried dough balls, B290) stuffed with jicama, avocado and passionfruit, and their satisfying dessert offerings, which includes Mango Kulfi (Indian ice cream, B290) and Tender Coconut Kheer B290, a cold porridge with milk ice cream and mango gel.

An impressive set of cocktails highlights Indian and Thai flavors through the use of local Thai spirits and ingredients. Try the Mekhong

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Whiskey (B380), which evokes the exotic tastes through a blend of banana-infused Mekhong, DOM Benedictine, pandan and coconut vinegar.

JHOL is the brainchild of Hari Nayak, a celebrated Indian chef, restaurateur and cookbook author who was born and raised in the small coastal town of Udupi in Southern India.

His first Bangkok restaurant is an elegant space that reflects the cuisine’s modern leanings.■ Phavitch Theeraphong

ADVER KINLENN

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6 - 20 March 2020 Time Out Bangkok

Eat & Drink

TIME OUT HOT SPOTS

Crackhouse 30 Soi Saladaeng 1, 09 4490 4188. Open daily 10:00-21 :00

The owners of Fowlmouth, the eatery that sears our tongues with its take on Louisiana-style fried chicken, now brings us a restaturant devoted to eggs. Set within the new The Commons in Sala Daeng, Crackhouse offers an all-day breakfast menu that includes a breakfast burrito filled with scrambled eggs, crispy Tater Tots, sharp cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and your choice of either smoked bacon (B240) or chorizo sausage (B270). If you’re a fan of pancake sandwiches, you will definitely love Crackhouse’s Crackgriddle (B220), which sandwiches maple sausage, cheddar, and omelette in between two fluffy pancakes. You can also order their pancakes (B160/3 pieces) as a sweet ending to your meal. Wash down all these filling treats with freshly-pressed orange juice (B150) or Roots coffee (B100). ■

Jaew Jim Thompson 16 Soi Somkit, 0 2017 7268. Open daily 18:00-23:00

Spirit by Jim Thompson, the short-lived stylish restaurant in Soi Somkid, is reborn into Jaew Jim Thompson, and is now helmed by Andrew Martin, a Thai-Canadian chef who blew us away with his bold and adventurous take on Thai cuisine at 80/20 and vegetarian dishes at Issaya. At his new post, Andrew delivers soulful dishes that retain authentic Thai flavors but still give a hint of his creative prowess. Banana and rose apple are turned into a flavorful herb-filled nam prik (chili relish, B170), while cured hamachi brings a fancy front to a yum dish with pink guava and cashew nuts (B390).

Also not to miss is the wok-fried black tiger prawns with wild cardamom, sweet chili and peppercorn (B720). Pastry chef Elle Cowan delivers exceptional Thai-inspired dessert items. ■

Boston-hailing Little Donkey has just launched weekend brunch specials—and Chef Steve Doucakis deserves a round of applause for his efforts. Though less quirky than his dinnertime offerings, Steve’s brunch items feature delightful twists that distinguish them from meals at other brunch eateries throughout Bangkok.

We’re particularly obsessed with his French toast, an indulgent treat soaked in maple syrup, and topped with coconut cream and crispy cereal. We can eat this at any time of the day!■

TIME OUT TRIES...

Cereal-crusted French toast at Little Donkey

ttttt Time Out Bangkok 6 - 20 March 2020

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Eat & Drink

Drink

WHAT IT IS...

A small cocktail bar in Thonglor WHY COME...

When you get tired of the big cocktail players in Thonglor

Littles 308 Soi Thonglor 10, 06 2646 5519. BTS Thonglor. Open daily 19:002:00

IN AN AREA lined with professionally designed,

big-name bars, a small, sparsely decorated bar is not trying to keep up; instead it’s revelling in its not-so-little-size size and poking fun at the gimmicks some bars carry out to create a buzz.

A simple storefront is characterized by a stark red door. The tongue-in-cheek irony continues on inside, where the white-washed walls evoke the feel of an exhibition space. Instead of displaying experimental artworks, the bar encourages its guests to create their own “art" by doodling or drawing on the all-white corridor that connects the entrance to the main bar.

The minimalist décor is meant to set off what the bar is really proud of: colorful and refreshing cocktails with pretty straightforward names, courtesy of head bartender Watchara Warodom (former barman of Tep Bar). There’s Shamrock (B290), which mixes Whitley Neill Dry Gin with guava juice and honey.

Serious drinkers can opt for more spiritsforward drinks like Tomorrow (B410), which mixes five kinds of hard spirits. If you’d rather not mix your alcohol, opt for one of Littles’ tasting sets. The Gin Tasting set (B990) is particularly recommended, and allows you to try three gins—Harahon Gin from Norway, Okinawa Gin from Japan and Bluecoat from USA—mixed with tonic.

Despite its central location in bustling Thonglor, prices are more reasonable than the other drinking contenders in the area. Plus, the vibe is fun and fuss-free—perfect casual encounTers or a temporary reprieve from the crowd. ■ Suriyan Panomai and Phavitch Theeraphong

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6 - 20 March 2020 Time Out Bangkok

Advertorial

Kinlenn Eatery & Play Ruamrudee Fuss-free bites and refreshing drinks heighten postwork gatherings at the new Kinlenn

THERE IS NO better way to loosen

up after a stressful day at the office than indulging in delicious casual bites and heady tipples with friends and colleagues at a friendly neighborhood eatery.

But these welcoming casual hangouts are relatively tough to find in a busy central business district like Phloen Chit, where sky-high buildings, high-end restaurants and glammed-up hotel bars dominate the drinking and dining scene.

Hope comes with the arrival of Kinlenn at Soi Ruamrudee. The laidback restaurant (its name translates to “play and eat”) has a mission to inject a spot of fun into the dining experience, offering delicious meals perfect for sharing and refreshing juice-kissed cocktails.

At this casual venue, muted gray and green hues are set off by blond wood fittings, earth-toned banquettes, a zebra-striped floor and lush house plants, providing an unassuming yet still stylish setting for convivial after-office gatherings, informal meet-ups and random reconnaissance (an al fresco terrace is the perfect spot for

people-watching along Soi Ruam Rudee).

The menu focuses on Thai favorites, featuring a range of dishes meant for sharing such as the Mixed Fried Savory Platter with fried chicken wings, salted sweet potato and pork belly (B295); and the Mixed Grilled Platter that loads up on fermented Isan-style sausage, sai ouer (Northern Thai sausage) and grilled pork neck (B295). Both dishes are perfect when downed with pints of ice-cold

beer. Other popular Thai dishes on offer include a flavorful green curry with beef, which is served with crispy paratha (B250).

While Thai food makes up most of the menu, Western comfort food aren’t absent from the offerings.

Pizza is given a fusion treatment, offered as a crispy flat bread with mouth-watering toppings like chicken tossed with basil leaves (B180).

The restaurant also offers vegetarian meals for non-meat

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diners, such as fried rice with deepfried tofu in sweet tamarind sauce (B175).

Sweets lovers won’t find the dessert choices disappointing, either. We recommend the cheesecake topped with a generous portion of grapes and grape syrup (B155). The cake’s rich creaminess is balanced by the fresh fruit's crunchy texture.

Wednesday nights might be a good time to plan GNOs. The eatery has lady’s night deals every Wednesday, offering cocktails, like the lychee-injected Lanna Mojito (B250), for free to all female customers. Teetotalers, however, can enjoy iced lemongrass tea (B95) with Kinlenn's scrumptious and flavorful fare.■

6-20 March 2020 Time Out Bangkok

TIME OUT MEETS

Céline Sciamma The French director of Tomboy and Girlhood enters adult territory with period romance Portrait of a Lady on Fire. She shares its story

CÉLINE SCIAMMA HAS made a name for herself

in the coming-of-age genre, earning acclaim for her trilogy of films Water Lilies (2007), Tomboy (2011) and Girlhood (2014). Now the French filmmaker enters adult territory with Portrait of a Lady on Fire, which tells the intimate story of lesbian love between a late-eighteenth-century painter (Noémie Merlant) and her aristocrat model (Adèle Haenel). Prepare to fall hard for this one.

When did you first conceive this story?

It was after [2014’s] Girlhood. I wanted to devote a whole film to a love story. My films have mostly been about the rise of desire as the discovery of oneself. Now it was all about crafting this love dialogue around equality, and the sexiness of consent. I think this is timeless and it belongs to today.

Why did you decide to set the film in the eighteenth century?

People who don’t like the film say: “Oh, it’s lacking conflict. We don’t see the problem of homosexuality enough.” I didn’t set it in the past to push the forbidden side of it because it’s still forbidden. I mean, it [homosexuality] is not super-welcome today. This movie is all about equality and how things can be surprising because there’s no gender, age or intellectual domination – and we’re not playing with social domination either.

Why did you cast Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel?

The film was designed with Adèle in mind as the model and so, in the opposite way, I wanted to meet somebody that I didn’t know. I wanted to make a lesbian couple that was all about that Time Out Bangkok 6 - 20 March 2020

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performance, not the people playing the roles.

I met Noémie alone at first and then we did the scenes with Adèle. That’s when I knew because I put the two of them in the frame and there was a beautiful, physical contrast.

Instagram called Hélène Delmaire. I really wanted to work with a contemporary artist and Instagram shows work that won’t be in galleries because it’s not the fashion. [Hélène] does portraits in a more nineteenth-century style and I was totally moved by her work. I wanted to work with a young female artist who was the age of the character. She was always on set, because she was in a workshop actually doing the paintings.

Noémi would watch her [to study] the gaze of the painter and the rhythm: the choreography of the eyes, canvas and model.

Lesbian sex scenes are often censored more harshly. Did that worry you?

I never think about that. [For] Tomboy I had to create suspense with a Play-Doh penis. It’s not a film designed for kids, but I wanted them to see it – and they are. The film’s running in schools and 200,000 kids have seen it. You have to be fearless.

The film opens with a perilous-looking journey by boat. What was it like filming at sea?

Those kinds of scenes are the ones that take you the most time, because everybody’s scared. I really wanted [to film at] sea, because it’s about the character jumping in the water – and the film with her, because the camera goes in too.

That’s two surprises that make you depart from the convention of women who don’t know how

Jojo Rabbit ttttt

to swim. But it was really difficult, because the dress is super heavy, the sea was really cold and people were surfing [nearby]. The boat was moving, the camera was moving and I was looking at a screen. It was hell.

The film is full of art, of course. Where did you get the paintings?

We used a 32-year-old artist I discovered on

A Nazi boy befriends a fantasy Führer in Taika Waititi's audacious WWII comedy, which charts a tricky way into a tough subject.

Get your cringing over with now: The guy who directed Thor: Ragnarok, New Zealand’s gifted Taika Waititi, has made a movie about an adorable Hitler Youth whose imaginary buddy is Adolf himself (Waititi plays Hitler). Honestly, the news is good—it’s high time to rethink this filmmaker from the ground up. Breathtakingly risky but worthy under scrutiny, Jojo Rabbit has a child’s perspective: that of a naive, lonely 10-year-old, Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis), who, in the mincing voice of Waititi’s cartoonish Hitler, is the “bestest, most loyal little Nazi I’ve ever seen.” If you hope to roll with the film's laughs, you’ll have to embrace this intentionally immature set-up—one that shows us a frenzied Jojo running down the street in his brown shirt to the German

Were you disappointed the film wasn’t selected for the Oscars?

We had hoped to get picked because we have had such a strong response in the US. The movie was released before the Oscars so it wouldn’t have made a difference if it had been selected or not. I think it’s political and that’s also why you want to go there: it’s not about personal success, especially when you’re representing your country. à Portrait of a Lady on Fire is now showing at House Samyan

version of the Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” Otherwise, the anachronisms will play harshly. Waititi has conceived his Third Reich with deliberate broadness: There’s a strutting kids-camp counselor (Sam Rockwell), a vicious secretary (Rebel Wilson) and a towering geek of a Gestapo agent (Stephen Merchant), all of whom nail their comic parts with po-faced perfection.

Should we be laughing at all this, though? Very rarely does Jojo Rabbit sober up and tell you not to, even as its ideas snowball and become bolder. In a sequence filmed like a haunted-house pursuit, Jojo discovers a Jewish teen, Elsa (Leave No Trace’s extraordinary Thomasin McKenzie, injecting a bit of sisterly teasing), living inside his home’s walls—a waif secretly harbored by his playful single mom (Scarlett Johansson).

All Jojo knows about Jews are half-smart pieces of ridiculousness—they steal the ends of penises and hang like bats from

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the rafters—and Elsa only eggs him on: “Obviously we are demons who love money,” she confirms.

You shouldn’t need to know that Waititi is half-Jewish; his confidence lifts the movie out of anti-Semitism. Somehow, imperceptibly, he turns the relationship into one of endearment (Jojo grows up a little) and that’s what makes the film a keeper. In its precision, Jojo Rabbit may remind you of Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel, another comedy in which clownish forces of fascism square off against love, humor and elegance—both movies feel like they come from the same universe, down to Waititi’s ear for a well-deployed pop tune. Jojo Rabbit isn’t perfect; sometimes it strains to reconcile Waititi’s more relaxed beats with his visual fussiness. But he’s legitimately breaking new ground. Hopefully, Jojo will find an audience that gets it ■ Joshua Rothkopf à Jojo Rabbit is in cinema from 12 March

6 - 20 March 2020 Time Out Bangkok

Art

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SPOTLIGHT ON

Mind the Unseen Heart: A Journey to Wholeness This multidisciplinary exhibition aims to raise awareness on mental health issues, and change the way mental health is viewed in Thailand.

CURATED BY ASPIRING clinical art therapist

Gabriela Moriarty, the multifaceted exhibition Mind the Unseen Heart: A Journey to Wholeness aims to raise awareness of mental health issues, and change the way mental health is viewed in Thailand.

The two-week exhibition brings together the works of several multidisciplinary artists and mental health practitioners, and features a series of weekend events celebrating poetry, storytelling, performance art, dance and comedy. The performers in each category will open up about how art has supported their mental health journey.

Guests get to experience an immersive musical experience that includes Kirtan chants, hang drum performances, a gong bath and more, and will also learn how silence is the universal medicine for the soul with “Why Sound and Silence Matter: Listen, It Answers” on Mar 20. On Mar 22, performers will use their body as an expressive tool in telling personal stories for “Why Movement Matters: Your Body is Your Home.” On Mar 26, learn how comedy can be essential for mental health with “Why Comedy Matters: Laughing Through It,” while on Mar 29, discover the importance of breathing and learn to be in the present with “Why Breath Matters: Breath Brings Life.”

The main gallery will house a photography exhibition by Petite Fleur Lukae Paschal, aka Theresa Ann Moriarty, Gabriela’s sister who battled mental health issues leading up to her passing at the age of 23. The exhibition aims to inspire attendees to develop their own creative gifts and potential.■ Khemjira Prompan Sathorn 11 Art Space

Time Out Bangkok 5 - 20 March 2020

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à14-31 March at Sathorn 11 Art Space, 404 Soi Sathosrn 11. Open Tue-Sun 17:00-01:00. Free entry. Check out the Facebook page This Matters: Mind the Unseen Heart for the full schedule of events.

Travel

SPOTLIGHT ON

Kiti Panit

A colonial mansion in Chiang Mai is reborn as a new dining destination THA PAE, CHIANG MAI’S main street, is home to

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a mustard-colored colonial building that has stood the test of time. Built in the late 1880s, the mansion was put down in history books as Kiti Panit, Chiang Mai’s very first general store where imported goods like fine china and French perfumes were retailed. It later became a medical clinic, but shut down during the Second World War and never reopened. The old mansion has remained uninhabited since.

Last year, a duo of star restaurateurs—Le Du co-owner Rungroj Engkuthanon (whose family owns the mansion) and Naamsah’s Fred Meyer—decided to restore the old mansion and designate it as Chiang Mai’s newest culinary destination. In a show of sentiment, they named this new venture Kiti Panit General Store.

Dust has been brushed off from intricate original woodwork. The wood floors have been polished. Antiques put in place. Old photographs hung on the walls. A sense of the store in the olden days has been preserved as much as possible; even the vibrant art deco wallpaper Meyer installed feels like it’s been there for a long time.

Tasked to lead the restaruant's kitchen is Chef Sujira "Aom" Pongmorn, who has created a menu that pays tribute to Chiang Mai’s and the Lanna Kingdom’s extensive culinary history.

Northern Thai go-tos are prevalent, like nam prik noom (spicy eggplant relish, B150), sai oua (northern-style sausage, B160), gai tod makwan (fried chicken wings with pricklyash, B160) and

khao soi (Northern Thai curry noodles, B290), here served with a broth for diluting the rich curry as you wish.

You also have lesserknown Tai Yaiinfluenced dishes such as wild boar curry (B390) and an aromatic fermented tea leaf salad (B190).

Chef Arisara “Paper” Chongphanitkul of Bangkok's renowned pastry shop Ice puts together the dessert menu, and it’s all about your favorite Thai sweets, like grilled mango served with sticky rice (B220), but presented in an unconventional manner. Wash down all these goodies with house-made soda infused with local fruits or wind down in the evening with fine wines from an extensive list.

If you’re fond of spicy, hard-core, bloodsoaked northern dishes, Kiti Panit may not be for you. The flavors here, though true to its Northern Thai roots, are on the mild side. But people have different preferences, and we’re not here to say it’s inauthentic nor boring. In the end, it’s always good to have a place where you don’t need to guess what you're eating. ■ Top Koaysomboon à 19 Thapae Road, 08 8949 7996. Open daily 11:30-23:00

CHECK IN

Little Shelter

This new design hotel in Chiang Mai wins in design, fails in comfort

cool Instagram-worthy shot. Decorative details inspired by the northern-style umbrella hang from the ceiling, and reflective tiles imprinted with nature scenes line the walls of rooms. Lookswise, the boutique hotel is truly aweinspiring.

If you do stay overnight, however, that’s a different story.

Little Shelter lacks the most important quality of a good hotel: comfort. Rooms that look great in photos shot through an ultra-wide lens are, in fact, very small.

Instead of a closet, you get a hanging rack. While each room does have a balcony, they’re furnished with loungers

We couldn’t contain our excitement when we found out that the Department of Architecture’s Amata Luphaiboon was designing a new hotel in Chiang Mai. We’re big fan of his designs, which include minimalist resort SALA Phuket in Mai Khao Beach, semi-al fresco community malls The Commons Thonglor and The Commons Sala Daeng in Bangkok, and most recently, Little Shelter, this tiny new hotel on the banks of the Ping River.

Boasting a stunning facade made of wooden and painted white shingles, and textured white interiors, Little Shelter is photogenic from every angle—you can position your camera anywhere and get a

that are far from being lounge-y. Oh, did we mention the TV system that takes days to learn how to use?

Friendly northern hospitality, however, eases away these little annoyances—the staffers, during our stay, were helpful and attentive. It also helps that the coffee was good and the cocktails tasty. Plus, the hotel’s riverside location makes it a nice escape from Chiang Mai’s busy streets. So there’s still a good reason to visit Little Shelter and hang during the day. ■ Top Koaysomboon à 208/25 Lumphun Road, Chiang Mai, 093 172 7700

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