1. Inedit

France, 4.5% ABV, B450
Spanish on 4
A co-creation by Damm brewmasters and the sommeliers of Ferran Adria’s El Bulli, Inedit is an aromatic white beer made with barley, malt and wheat, designed specifically to be enjoyed with food. It’s also served in a wine glass, so you can appreciate its light body and complex aromas of liquorice, orange peel and coriander. A handful of places are now stocking it in Bangkok, but the cheapest deal we found so far is at Spanish on 4. Oh, and note that it comes in a 750ml bottle, so it’s not actually as expensive as it sounds.

2. Ventinus Eisbock

Germany, 12% ABV, B250
Beer Vault
Germany is already known for its eiswein (wine made from frozen grapes that yield concentrated sugars) but is perhaps less famous for its frozen beers. The story goes that decades ago, a specialty beer by the folks at Schneider froze during shipment. The accident was well recieved and the Aventinus Eisbock was born. A heavy, very wheaty and very boozy beer, the Aventinus has a dark color and stacks quite a foamy head. It’s definitely a beer lover’s beer, with a large body and flavors of chocolate, dried fruits and a hint of vanilla.

3. Kwak

Belgium, 8.4% ABV, B240
Beer Vault
A Belgian golden ale, this is a heavy, boozy beer that’s not for the faint of heart. It does, however, have some nice aroma of flowery hops, a spice and even hints of toffee. It’s a pleasing reddish color and is usually served in a specialty glass that looks like it belongs in a science lab: a tall tube with a bowl shaped bottom and a flared top. It comes on a wooden stand because it would tip over otherwise. If you like Duvel, you might like this.

4. Tripel Karmeliet

Belgium, 8.4% ABV, B210
Beer Mansion
Tripel is simply a word often used to describe Belgian beers that are strong pale ales. This one pours with a big, fluffy, white head that you’ll be loathe to mess up. It’s also very aromatic with a heady combination of yeastiness, lemon and candy. The taste is less complex, but still packs some citrus, spice and yeast, along with a nice, creamy texture.

5. St. Louis

Belgium, 3% ABV, B150
The Aston
St. Louis does lambic fruit beers. Lambics are fermented with natural yeasts in the enviroment, rather than brewer’s yeast. After an initial fermentation, fruits such as cherries, raspberries, blackcurrants and more are introduced, and the alcohol content is purposely kept low so that the fruit flavors shine through. The fruitiness of the beer is countered by a slight sourness. The Aston carries St Louis cherry, raspberry and peach.

6. Waterloo Tripel Blonde

Belgium, 7.5% ABV, B260
Beer Vault
Another Belgian tripel, the Waterloo is a boozy but relatively light and well-rounded beer with lots of hops and tart fruit flavors like green apple, along with a slight bitterness. At Beer Vault, it’s served in a special ceramic mug with a handle to keep it cold. If you like pilsner, you might like this. Waterloo also does a dark beer, also carried by Beer Vault.

7. Yebisu

Japan, 5% ABV, B260
Pint Beer Park
While Bangkok is awash in Asahi and, to some extent, Sapporo, Yebisu is harder to come by. They used to be Japan’s oldest beer producers, and then they got bought out by Sapporo and became their luxury beer. It’s made entirely from malt—that is malted barley—making it rich in flavor. It also has a moderately bitter aftertaste. Oh, and don’t let the snobs make fun of you. The “y” in Yebisu comes from a now obsolete kana character, and the beer is actually pronounced ebisu.

8.Fuller’s London Porter

United Kingdom, 5.4% ABV, B230
The Aston
Fuller’s London Porter is a multi-award winning brew, which was originally created from a blend of brown and pale ales. The result is a strong, dark beer that has a rich, complex flavor with hints of chocolate and a creamy finish. You can also get hold of Fuller’s London Pride (also B230), which is a more straight up mainstream pale ale for those who like a lighter, slightly more bitter beer with a pleasant afternote of citrus.

Essentials

The Aston, Crystal Design Center, 1420/1 Praditmanoontham Rd., 02-102-2323. Open Tue-Sun 5pm-midnight
Beer Vault, Four Points by Sheraton, Sukhumvit Soi 15, 02-309-3000. Open daily 11-1am
Beer Mansion, Mansion 7, 244/7 Ratchadaphisek Soi 14, 084-022-7222. Open Sun-Thu 6pm-12:20am, Fri-Sat 6pm-2am
Pint Beer Park, Park Lane Ekamai, 18 Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Ekkamai), 02-382-0071. Open daily 11am-midnight
Spanish on 4, 78/80 Silom Soi 4, 02-632-9955. BTS Sala Daeng. Open Sun-Thu 11-1am, Fri-Sat 11-2am

The Verrazano (B225)

Named after the bridge that connects Staten Island to Brooklyn in New York City, the Verrazano embodies many virtues of a good sandwich: minimum fanfare, homemade bread, in-house meat and crunchy freshness. BKK Bagel Bakery, along with their own bagels, do their own roast beef and dress it with little more than some whole-grain mustard and some sauerkraut.
BKK Bagel Bakery, G/F, Maneeya Center, Phloenchit Rd., 02-254-8157. BTS Phloen Chit

The Verrazano from BKK Bagel Bakery

Sandwich pate cornichons (B190)

It’s hard to pick just one sandwich at Cafe Tartine, as they seem to understand the mass appeal of a simple sandwich with a few, top quality ingredients. Still, we feel oh so French munching down on their sandwich pate cornichons with its country-style pork pate; pickled cornichons and an onion jam that cut the richness of the meat spread and a slathering of Dijon mustard, all in a crusty baguette. Perfection.
Cafe Tartine, Athenee Residence, Soi Ruam Rudee, 02-168-5464. BTS Phloen Chit

Sandwich pate cornichons from Cafe Tartine

Pommy Club Sandwich (B320)

As you know, Hyde and Seek is a manly sort of place, and nothing says macho more than three kinds of protein on the same plate. A very hi-so club sandwich, the Pommy combines an egg cooked sous-vide with chicken breast as well as pulled pork. And for a slightly metro touch, the thing is dressed in cumin mayonnaise.
Hyde and Seek, Athenee Residence, Soi Ruam Rudee, 02-168-5152. BTS Phloen Chit

Pommy Club Sandwich from Hyde and Seek

Meatball Sandwich (B220)

A fuss-free classic, this is the least precious sandwich at the Minibar Deli at Emporium (but we still say it’s a shame about the location), even though we tip our hats to the pulled pork and rosemary chicken confit sandwiches as well. Minimally dressed with some red onion and some pickles, the golf-ball meatballs, though usually served with pasta, can also be requested as a sandwich that comes with a hearty rugby bun.
Minibar Deli, 5/F, Emporium, Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-259-8826. BTS Phrom Phong

Meatball sandwich from Minibar Deli

Cubano (B240)

Feel like a hi-so version of a Cuban factory worker or a late-night reveller in Miami with this fancy cubano at Roast. A super piggy concoction of ham, roast pork, cheese, pickles, japalenos and mayo served on white bread, this cubano isn’t 100% authentic (they’d need some mustard for that), but it gets the job done. And if you’re feeling rich, do try the Canadian lobster roll (B420), too.
Roast, 2/F, Seenspace, Thong Lor Soi 13, 02-185-2865.

Cubano from Roast

Chicken Drum Leg Burger (B310)

It’s not really a burger, as it lacks a patty and burger bun. What it is is a sandwich on a ciabatta-like bread, filled with beautiful chargrilled chicken and a touch of assorted greens, pickles and red peppers. And it can be enjoyed on The Garret’s rooftop, rubbing shoulders with the moneyed and beautiful of Bangkok.
The Garret, Rooftop, MINI Showroom, Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Ekkamai), 02-711-6999

Chicken Drum Leg Burger from The Garret

GLOBAL SANDWICHES: Our Fave Ethnic Options

Shawarma

Who can say no to sliced rotisserie lamb rolled up in a pita bread with onions, garlic and other crunchy, breath-enhancing goodness? Get yours at Beirut (B/F, Phloenchit Center, Sukhumvit Soi 2, 02-656-7377).

Bahn-Mi

A baguette filled with porky Vietnamese goodness like sausage, ham, pork belly or even tofu, along with chillies, cilantro and mayonnaise, the bahn mi is a somewhat of an iconic, single-dish meal in Chinatowns around the world. In Bangkok, get yours at Xuan Mai (351/3, Thong Lor Soi 17, 02-185-2619).

Torta

Mexicans do their own sandwich, one that doesn’t involve flour or corn tortillas, but a crusty white bread roll, stuffed with meat, cheese, beans, guacamole and more. La Monita (Mahatun Plaza, Ploenchit Rd., 02-650-9581) does some nice ones for B190-250.

Shops are reassuring. You’re surrounded by wooden crates and barrels and chalkboards with discounts. There’s the nice lady hovering at your side (although she’s probably never, ever tasted the wines you’re looking at). And you can see how pretty the label is. But the truth is, walking into a store and picking a bottle is a shot in the dark. Sending an email to an importer may sound even more difficult, but it’s actually a very flexible—and sensible—way of buying wine. Here’s how it works:
1. Send a first email asking for the catalogue.
2. See what interests you and send a second email asking for recommendations. They may also have tasting notes and you can also use Google to check ratings and get further opinions.
3. Send in your order.
4. Wait for delivery and pay on receiving the bottles.

Italasia

Why it beats going to a store: Italasia only has two shops so ordering is probably a convenient option. And they have an extensive catalogue, especially for Italian stuff.
Their focus: Wines from all over Italy, including Sicily—and some Bordeaux. They have an event at Emporium from Jun 14-20, so you can try their wines before ordering.
Our faves: The Argiolas Costamolino, a light vermentino from Sardinia, and their rose from Provence, Petale de Rose.
How to order: Twelve bottle minimum. Email Porawan at [email protected]. One drawback is they don’t do cash on delivery. You pay by credit card beforehand.

Central Wine Cellars

Why it beats going to a store: You’re emailing Ross Marks, Vice President, so there’s an expert, not a shop clerk, answering queries like: What’s a good red under B1,000? What do I serve at a barbeque?
Their focus: They supply wine stores at Central Food Halls and Tops Supermarket. Their selection tends to be pricier than some, but that’s because they do quality stuff, have personal relationships with all their winemakers and guarantee careful storage, minimizing the risk of a tainted or corked bottle.
Our faves: We’re crazy about Les Jamelles Pinot Noir (B699 at Tops), a lovely version of this finicky varietal, and Trimbach’s reislings and gerwurtztraminers. Cheaper options include wines from Chile, Australia and South Africa (they make primo wines too).
How to order: 12 bottle minimum for free delivery. Email Ross at [email protected].

Wine by Vinum Lector

Why it beats going to a shop: This is a tiny boutique company that stocks the shelves of several wine shops and restaurants around town. They do a terrific newsletter, too.
Their focus: Table wine and premium stuff from bulk-producing regions like Australia and Chile, but also unusual stuff from Portugal, Spain, and Romania and affordable sauvignon blancs from Marlborough, New Zealand.
Our faves: Their Mussel Bay sauvignon blanc is good value for money, without sacrificing any of that strong passionfruit aroma typical of this varietal. Also try the Romanian cabernet sauvignon, Feteasca Neagra.
How to order: Six bottle minimum, delivery within 48 hours on work days. Email [email protected] to get a catalogue.

Siam Winery

Why it beats going to a shop: The cheap stuff is at 7-11, but our favorites are tricky to find. Get your vino from the producer.
Their focus: With some notable exceptions, they import cheap entry level wines from South Africa, California and Australia. The highlight is their own award-winning Monsoon Valley label.
Our faves: We adore their dessert wines like the chenin blanc late harvest (B850) and, if you can get a sponsor, their Cuvee de Siam Rouge (B2,553) is a velvety, eucalyptus joy.
How to order: 12 bottles and B3,000 minimum. For less, there’s a B300 fee. For tasting notes, visit www.siamwinery.com. Order by calling 02-996-6083, or visiting them on Facebook (“Siam Winery Delivery”).

Foodcom Thailand

Why it beats going to a shop: They stock Wine Cellar at S31 Hotel and do monthly tastings there. The minimum order being B5,000, you may want to enroll a few friends, though (see Wine Clubs).
The focus: They shine when it comes to the Italian regions, and Spain. Their German selection, while not extensive, is a solid start. The website has a great search function, letting you limit by price range and food pairings.
Our faves: We like the off-dry, low alcohol Dr. Loosen Reisling (B610) from Mosel and the powerful Infinitus cabernet sauvignon and tempranillo blend (B810).
How to order: Minimum order is B5,000, placed either through the website, www.foodcomthailand.com or by emailing Reinhard Murer, at [email protected].

HOW TO: Start Your Own Wine Club

Urban Pantry

This bread delivery service has an exciting range of products from sourdough to rye bread and wholewheat, along with some related pantry extras like dressings and pickles. Our personal favorite is the very savory and slightly tart rocket and parmesan sourdough (B160), but you can get other fillings in sourdough, such as sundried tomato and garlic (B150) and traditional white (B130). They also do speciality breads like New York deli-style rye bread (B140) and rosemary and olive batard (B150). As for pantry stuff, new items often come in, but the standards are Zuni zucchini pickles (B189 for 500ml) and the marinated eggplants with mint and capers (B179 for 500ml).
Place an order: First thing to do is to email [email protected] and ask to be put on their mailing list. Every week, you’ll receive a pricelist of their usuals and their specials. And best of all, the list price includes the price of delivery, though for areas outside of Silom, Sukhumvit and Satthorn, there is often a minimum order for free delivery. They deliver Wed-Sat, on a case-by-case basis, so email them your order and they’ll call you to set up a time and place. Be quick though as stuff often runs out by mid-week. For more information, visit their Facebook page (Urban Pantry).

Birds in a Row

If you can’t be bothered to make yourself a sandwich or something, fear not. Birds in a Row Whole Foods Delivery Service will send a Mediterranean-inspired, organic, fully-prepared meal right to your door, lunchtime or dinner. They do catering, too, but for your purposes, know that they do a lunchtime delivery around noon and a dinnertime delivery around 5pm. Each box consists of a vegetarian main with two side salads (B160) or a non-vegetarian main with two side salads (B180). They have a monthly menu and weekly specials that frequently change. Dishes include stuff like zucchini squash fritters with tzaziki cheese and red snapper with fennel and mustard sauce.
Place an order: Have a look at their blog at birdsinarow.wordpress.com for pictures. For more information or to place an order, email [email protected]

Bangkok Bread Boys

Like Urban Pantry, Bangkok Bread Boys also do a number of funky breads like soy and linseed and multigrain, but they also have other exciting offerings like homemade muesli, various types of biscotti and monthly specials. Last month’s special, keeping with the Easter theme, was hot cross buns.
Place an order: Breads range from B60-180, biscotti is B60 for a pack of 12 and specialty items like walnut brownies are B40 each and muesli is B300 for just over half a kilo. To place an order, they recommend going sharesies with friends and placing a big order at [email protected] or by calling 089-676-3042. Orders must arrive before 6pm for next-day delivery. The baking happens in the Dusit area, so unless you’re living out there, there’s a small delivery charge, depending on where you live. For more information, visit www.bangkokbreadboys.com.

Homemade Cheese

Are you over all those store-bought yogurts and cheese with their preservatives and their stabilizers and blah blah blah? No? Well, you don’t know what you’re missing without natural, homemade dairy products in your life. A bit unoriginally named, Homemade Cheese whips up yogurts and cheeses right here in Bangkok, for delivery to your place. They do a variety of unripe, fresh cheeses like cream cheese (B120-130/250g), feta cheese (B180/250g) and ricotta cheese (B150/250g). On the yogurt side, they do plain (B30/150ml) and all kinds of fruit yogurts like kiwi, peach and blueberry. They also make hummus and fresh tahini sauce (crushed sesame paste, both B150/250g) for a hearty Mediterranean sandwich at home.
Place an order: Visit their website at www.homemade-cheese.com for their full list of options. Make your order by contacting them at [email protected] or 02-439-4510. While they usuall supply wholesale, if you email them and ask nicely, they’ll gladly delivery in central Bangkok for orders over B400. For smaller orders, they might charge B80 or more.

Le Lapin Delivery

Le Lapin delivers made-to-order sandwiches to your office. Choose from two types of bread (baguette and sliced) and any number of toppings, such as chicken curry (B90-135), beef meatballs (B120-180) and tuna wasabi (B90-135). There’s a vegetarian option with grilled vegetables and marinara sauce (B90-135) and well as a couple of salad options. For those going low-carb, Le Lapin does iceberg sandwiches, wrapped only in lettuce, with zero bread.
Place an order: Visit their website at www.lelapinbangkok.com and set up an account. Or you can call them at 02-651-9512. Still, you should visit the website to peruse the menu. Delivery fees range from B40-60, but there’s no charge for orders of B700 or more. Oh, and We are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm and Saturday from 9am to 6pm

Q&A with Regan Suzuki

We speak to Regan Suzuki, one of the people behind Birds in a Row and find out the ethics and challenges behind serving whole foods cuisine in a delivery model.

What is your background?
I do have a day job dealing mostly with forestry and climate change issues. I see Birds in a Row as part of a bigger picture of respecting our environment and the rural communities we depend not only for much of our food, but maintaining a lot of basic ecological services.

Why not a restaurant?
Well, opening early next month there will be a restaurant, Seven Spoons in the Lan Luang area (near the UN). It will be separate from Birds in a Row, with a different menu, but they will obviously be complementary and the delivery business will be based out of the restaurant.

Is Bangkok ready for this concept?
The organic and locally produced industry in Thailand is growing rapidly and I think we have been able to attract a number of people who are keen to support local Thai farmers.

What are the biggest challenges in managing Birds in a Row?
The ingredients we use are very much seasonal and can be difficult to keep on hand all of the time. Also, obviously economies of scale don’t necessarily work in favor of small business owners if needing to buy specialized ingredients in small quantities.

How do you come up with your changing menu?
Joke [the owner and cook] has a great collection of cookbooks and magazines which he draws ideas from and I also spend quite a bit of time checking out various international blogs. I do think food provides us with a wonderful opportunity to explore not only tastes and textures, but to gain insights into different cultures and worldviews. Adventure without leaving your home, I guess.