Head to The Bloc Ratchaphruek for smoked salmon and eggs Benedict (B280) and a lod chong latte (B135) at Think Cafe. Right across the road is Ampersand Coffeestand & Design, where you can grab a refreshing cold brew lemonade (B145) or coffee-forward piccolo latte (B85). If you want some top-notch croissants without having to go to Paris (or, you know, IconSiam), venture to James Boulangerie and try their dark chocolate croissant (B150) or a Kouign-amann (B80), the hard-to-find French pastry. Little Hideout Patisserie’s mango yuzu tart (B235) and Le Petit Oasis (French-style mousse made from Kyoto-imported matcha, B175) certify Ratchaphruek’s cachet when it comes to cafes. Caffeine junkies, meanwhile, should visit the glitzy, highly hyped Nana Hunter Coffee Roasters to refuel with a Dirty (B150), made with rich, milky, and nutty Brazillian beans, or the uniquely floral Kanda (B250).
The Circle Ratchapruk pretty much has it all. For the health-conscious, Ohkajhu fits the bill. Try the grilled shrimp and avocado salad (B325) or grilled seabass with mixed veggies and seasonal fruit salsa (B534). Phed Phed Bistro, on the other hand, serves zesty, fiery Laotian-style food, like somtam Luang Prabang (papaya salad with plara, B140) and classic kor moo yang (grilled pork collar, B160). Eyeing up international food? Arno’s is stationed here as well, and their Carnivore Burger (300g of dry-aged beef, bacon, caramelized onions, and tomato, B330) will hit the spot. Head to Tuk Tuk Asian Streatery for classic Indian dishes like aromatic butter chicken (B220) or more adventurous options like naan pizza topped with chicken tikka (B120). For top-notch Japanese fare, Sousaku and its wagyu Kansai shabu set (B1,500) don’t disappoint. Tong Rim Taang offers down-to-earth Thai fare like crab omelets (B300) and moo krob khua prik kluea (stir-fried crispy pork belly with chili and salt, B120). If you miss your grandma’s cooking, head to Mangkud Cafe, where they serve homestyle dishes with an artistic spin, like pla haeng taeng mo (watermelon topped with shredded fish mixed with sugar and fried shallots, B155) and hom rak nai suan (mixed noodle salad with home-grown vegetables and seasonal fruits wrapped with rice flour, B100).
The Lab Baar serves sci-fi themed cocktails like Ti22(Titanium) (brandy-onion leaves, kahlua, sweet vermouth, B300), and Xe(Xenon) (gin, bianco, vanilla, apple, blue curacao, B300), which match with their neon-clad decor. Lad Phrao’s The Fat Cow has now made its way to Bang Wa, bringing along their extensive selection of craft beers and lip-smacking burgers. Craft beer enthusiasts can also flock to Hey Dude afterwards for beers like Hitachino’s Espresso Stout (B250) and Anderson’s Valley Summer Solstice (B250). For a more refined vibe, make your way to Bodegas Wine for Spanish wines like Valduero Crianza (B2,200/bottle) and Astobiza Malkoa (B2,340/bottle). If you want the quintessential Thai outdoor drinking experience with live music, head to The Most Bar and Bistro and get a pint of Stella Artois (B250).
BTS and MRT Bang Wa are a five-minute taxi ride from Ratchaphruek.
For some unexpected agrotourism, head to Bang Wa Melon Farm for all things melon, from eating it fresh from the vine to learning about the different types grown in Thailand. To enter street food nirvana, take a ten-minute taxi ride to two of Bangkok’s most popular floating markets, Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market and Taling Chan Floating Market. If you have a soft spot for art and history, nearby Baan Silapin, a century-old wooden house transformed into a public space celebrating traditional Thai culture, is a great place to visit.
Aspire Sathorn-Ratchapruek has 1,049 units from B7,500-14,000/month, while 834-unit The Key Sathorn-Ratchapruek will set you back from B9,000-17,000/month. The President Sathorn-Ratchaphruek comprises three 30-story buildings with 799 rooms from B8,000-20,000. If you want more of a communal vibe, Charn Issara City Home will cost you B12,000 for a 70sqm room.
BK ASKS
Pachara “James” Takerngkiat, owner of James Boulangerie
“There are new roads being built, along with new MRT stations and tollway stations. This makes it easy to go uptown and into town. There are also more community malls in the area. The locals here feel like they don’t need to go anywhere else since they have it all here.”
Anurak Praerojana, owner of Mangkud Cafe
“It’s the perfect example of the gentrification that is happening around Bangkok. The BTS and the MRT make it much easier for people to come here from the city. It’s much more accessible.”
Kittiphum Netsuwan, owner of Lab Baar
“Ratchaphruek has a lot of potential, like Thonglor or Silom. Locals here don’t have to drag their way into town. That’s why we saw the potential to bring city vibes into the area with our bar.”
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