BANGKOK RESTAURANT

Little Donkey

An international izakaya from James Beard Award-winning chefs.

Located in Thonglor's slick open-plan mall, 72 Courtyard, this opening comes from James Beard Award-winning chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette—the masterminds behind Boston restaurant landmarks Coppa, Toro and Little Donkey.

Described as an international modern izakaya, Little Donkey Bangkok comprises a casual space with an open kitchen, counter seating and a covered terrace area, along with an eclectic Asian fusion menu dreamt up by Top Chef Thailand competitor Steve Doucakis. Expect everything from kimchi yakisoba (B380) served with beef tongue and soft cheese; fun munchies like scallop tartare nori wraps (B210) with chili mayo, puffed rice and shiso; and tender beef shortrib kanom jeen (B520) served with assorted veggies and a spicy naam ya sauce; to the all-American classic cheesy spinach dip (B250) with crispy pita chips. End your night on a sweet note with the house favorite oatmeal cookie cake (B150), covered in palm sugar butterscotch and topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

On weekends (11am-3pm), head there for their comforting brunch, which covers everything from crispy hash brown- and creamy avocado-stuffed breakfast burritos (B280) to cereal-crusted French toast (B240).

 

The buzz: Chef Steve Doucakis (previously of Bunker and “Top Chef Thailand”) has teamed up with James Beard Award-Winning chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette to bring their Bostonian “international izakaya” to Bangkok.

The vibe: Located on the second floor of Thonglor’s buzzing community mall, 72 Courtyard, Little Donkey shares a giant, plant-filled terrace space with neighboring Touche Hombre. Take a seat at the outdoor bar, or head inside to grab a chair overlooking the open kitchen, where a hot-pink donkey mural gives a relaxed edge to the industrial décor.  

The food: Chef Steve’s eclectic menu is all about fun and experimentation using local ingredients. Following no rules, he creates mix-and-match dishes that are made for sharing, from chicken liver mousse (B190) with crispy chilies, pomelo jam and sourdough bread, to the fun kimchi yakisoba (B380) with braised beef tongue and soft cheese. The unique stuffed chicken wings (B150) come with a tamarind glaze, khao kua (toasted rice powder) and ranch dip. If there’s one dish that you need to try, it’s the Mama Donut (280): Mama noodles cooked in a house-made broth, shaped as a doughnut, breaded and deep-fried, topped off with a runny egg yolk and tom yam mayo shrimp—it may sound mad but, trust us, it works (just don’t attempt to eat it alone). For dessert, the comforting oatmeal cookie cake (B150) is truly a taste of heaven. On weekends (11am-3pm), head there for their comforting brunch, which covers everything from crispy hash brown- and creamy avocado-stuffed breakfast burritos (B280) to cereal-crusted French toast (B240).

The drinks: Just as fun as the food, the house cocktails are fruity and refreshing—try the Jarhead Smash (vodka, pineapple, lychee and basil; B280) or The Asian Connection (London dry gin, lemongrass and yuzu tonic; B320). Beer drinkers can opt for a 2L Asahi tower for B900.

Why we’d go back: The menu at Little Donkey is full of interesting bites that leave us wanting to come back and try more. The terrace is a great getaway from the fast-paced city and with plans to host live DJs and special events, this is set to become a go-to party spot.

Venue Details
Address: Little Donkey, 2/F, 72 Courtyard, Sukhumvit Soi 55, Bangkok, Thailand
Phone: 02-392-7790
Website: www.fb.com/littledonkeybkk
Area: Thonglor
Open since: November, 2019
Opening hours: daily 5pm-2am; Sat-Sun 11am-3pm
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