10 hot new cafes and restaurants to check out this November
Taiwanese desserts, a pineapple lover's dream and a new home on Charoenkrung for meaty Mahasan
If you love pineapples, then this Charoenkrung opening is your dreamland. Not only is the venue festooned in pineapple-themed decor—from pineapple print curtains to pineapple-shaped glasses—the Thai menu is packed with the spiky fruit. Order the khanom jeen sao nam (rice noodles with coconut milk and pineapple granita, B190) and the chicken fried rice with Sriracha pineapple (B220) before tucking into an updated take on the retro pineapple upside-down cake (B190). To drink? A Tom Kah-Lada (B190)—a Thai-twist on the piña colada with lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime.
Charoenkrung Soi 44, 02-004-5727
The Sing Sing and Iron Balls crew strengthens its foothold in Phrom Phong with this home-style Italian joint. Helmed by chef Chris Beverley (formerly of Theo Mio), the kitchen busts out Italian comfort food in cozy, cantina-like confines (which used to house Quince). Expect dishes like Agnolotti del Pin (B240)—hand-made stuffed pasta with prosciutto, mortadella and Parmesan cheese—and Tartufo Nero Pizzette (B240), a mini-pizza with mushrooms, mascarpone, scamorza and a liberal amount of truffle paste. Wash it down with signature drinks like the Bitch Spritz (B260) and Gigi Bellini (B295).
4 Sukhumvit Soi 45, 02-662-4478
There’s something satisfying about effortless minimalism, and Kokopan delivers just that. Located in Silom, the bakery-slash-cafe offers a calming cream and wood escape from the chaos outside. The name translates to ‘bread is here’ in Japanese, and the menu is fittingly carb-laden. Try the kinako (roasted soybean flour) toast with kuromitsu black honey syrup and vanilla ice cream (B185), paired with a yuzu citrus coffee (B90), or get the Kokopan Set—homemade mini-croissants toasted at your table (B285). Upstairs, a terrace also connects to Vive Silom hotel.
Vive Silom hotel, 60/22-23 Silom Soi 2/1, 095-654-4560
Kyoto’s Kurasu began as an online store selling Japanese coffee products. Now, it's roasting and serving coffee around the world. Its new Bangkok bar serves up specialist blends in a minimalist open space—and it’s informative too. Bean origins, flavor explanations, tasting notes and brewing guides are all available. On top of cold brew coffee (from B100) and the infamous matcha latte espresso—made using matcha from Morihan, a famous tea maker in Kyoto—you’ll also find brewing equipment and takeaway coffee drip bags, so you can fuel up at home.
Room A104, Bambini Villa 18, 1 Soi Athakravi. See full details here.
After becoming so popular that it had to move, Charoenkrung’s perpetually booked Mahasan Burnt & Bowl has finally opened a new, larger location. The old menu of locally-sourced meats remains; spanning cooked-to-order charcoal-smoked steaks (B580/ 500g), sous-vide grilled ox tongue (B270), braised roasted beef stew (B220), pork steak (B280) and rice dishes. Additional items change pending the availability of produce, and three new varieties of beef are offered—Thai French from Ubon Ratchathani; Thai Wagyu from Mukdahan; and Thai Angus from Suphanburi. Don't miss the Rib Fingers (B330) served with raw egg truffle sauce, or the 550g wagyu striploin (B1,450). The Japanese-leaning hanger with wasabi (B650) and tenderloin with yuzu salt (B750) are both hits, too.
23/1 Soi Chan, 086-960-5858
After opening in Ari in early 2018, southern Thai favorite Marigold recently launched a new branch near Phrom Phong. The owners guarantee an extensive menu of Samui and southern Thai favorites, ranging from deep-fried lepkhrut leaves and prawn (B180) and deep-fried sour pork (B180) to crab curry with betel leaves and rice noodles (B280). There's also pomelo salad with prawns and shredded coconut (B200), and stir-fried prawns with sataw beans (B240). Finish your meal with a cocktail at the adjoining Serial Laughter bar (from B280).
51 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-005-0226
Tucked above Neighborwood cafe at the back of Lumpini Park, this hideaway blends hand painted walls, tasseled red lanterns, neon calligraphy and dark wooden furniture into an elegant Taiwanese teahouse. Explore teas imported from Taiwan—where high mountains, clean air and perfect weather conditions are said to contribute to high quality, toxin-free leaves with a rich aroma. Pair the fresh-squeezed orange and black tea (B100) with the signature tang yuan (B85-130), a traditional Chinese dessert of colorful flour balls in milk tea, ginger soup or steamed milk.
187/7 Sarasin Rd
Good news for Lat Phrao residents—the team that created One Ounce for Onion and Espressoman now has opened a cafe for serious coffee drinkers. Filter, syphon, drip: coffee is available almost any way you want it. Try the Dirty Coffee (B100), made with a shot of espresso poured over cold milk. Another winner is the signature Coffee Granita & Lemon with Meringue (B135), a blend of shaved ice black coffee, honey and lemon, all topped with burnt meringue. Pair that with carrot cake with cream cheese and sweet carrot garnishing (B85) for a sweet-tangy combination. Savory dishes like the Thai-style duck leg confit (B280) and the Korean pizza (B260) offer heartier portions.
291 Lad Phrao Soi 94, 095-654-456
Supanniga Eating Room’s new branch is in a restored King Rama VII-era shop-house on Charoenkrung. The interior sees ontemporary floral patterns and monochrome tiles offset with traditional Thai crafts. On top of the unabashedly traditional Khon Kaen-meets-Trat signatures, you’ll also find 10 branch-exclusives taken from the recipe books of the owners’ grandmother, Khun yai Somsri Chantra. Expect shrimp chili dip on deep fried nue aon fish (B340), coconut curry with lotus stems and mackerel (B240) and stir-fried crab roe with Himalayan salt and chili mixed in Khun yai’s hometown (B590).
Other branches: Thonglor; Sathorn; Thatien
10-12 Soi Charoenkrung 38, 02-006-9744.
Chef Teruyuki Saito has 35 years of experience making the world’s best sushi. He discovered his passion in one of Asia’s hottest neighborhoods—1980s Ginza, Tokyo—and worked his way up to Michelin-starred Sushi Tokami (Ginza) and Sushi Tsu (in Nishiazabu). Now Chef Saito has landed in Asoke. Sushi Saito Sora is omakase, so menus vary, but you can expect classic creations with handpicked ingredients, imported from Japan’s coasts. Basic courses (B4,000) and premium courses (B6,000) are both available, with special touches from the chef’s trademark tiny blue spice boxes.
50 Sukhumvit Soi 21, 064-206-0464
Advertisement