Muddy Murphy’s Irish Pub
Muddy’s basement spot across from Orchard Towers isn’t the most salubrious, but with extended trading hours until “three or four in the morning” on St Paddy’s Day, it can’t be beat. Expect live Irish music, Irish food, green wigs, green faces and Guinness galore.
Molly Malone’s Irish Pub
Competing with Muddy’s for the biggest St Paddy’s bash in town is Singapore’s oldest Irish haunt, which has been pulling pints in the city since 1995. Everything was brought in from Ireland, including the raucous atmosphere. Expect the place to be shoulder-to-shoulder on the big day, though the place, we’ve confirmed, will not have extended hours. Boo!
Mulligan’s
Over at Clarke Quay, Mulligan’s will also throw a respectable bash and they’re planning to temporarily extend their reach for St Paddy’s to where the fountain is on the quay. Mulligan’s says it may open longer than its usual 3am “depending on the crowd.”
Advertisement
What it is: Updating its popular miCoach, the Adidas miCoach Speed Cell is an even more advanced virtual personal trainer. It works with the miCoach application running on Apple devices, PC and Mac (free) and a little device that you can attach to your shoe, the Speed Cell. The Speed Cell captures 360° movement and measures your speed, distance and stride rates. Then, it wirelessly transmits that data to your digital device and turns it all into fancy infographics that make you feel great about your efforts.
Why it’s great: Users can share their workout statistics or compare them with friends via Facebook and Twitter. There’s even a little video game included where your character gets power-ups based on your workouts.
Available at B3,490 for the iPhone/iPod Touch and B2,990 for PC/Mac at Adidas stores nationwide, try 2/F Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. Tel 02-690-1000. BTS Siam.
What it is: Compatible with the miCoach, this equipment set includes a sensor, which beams information such as distance, pace and duration of run to your mobile device so you can sync the information to your computer via www.nikeplus.com (this is done automatically if you’re using an iPhone). The companion site then charts your performance after syncing it from your iPod or phone.
Why it’s great: Their new Power Song feature enables you to program a song to play when you need a sudden burst of motivation. And, of course, you can post all progress on Facebook and Twitter.
US$1.99 (B60.8) from the iTunes Store. Full kit available at B725 at selected Nike shops. Try 1/F Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd. Tel 02-658-1092. BTS Siam.
What it is: A web-centric app that not only tracks everything like your running time and distance (even on the treadmill), it also offers training classes tailored to your specific fitness goals.
Why it’s great: It’s not as serious as the miCoach website, but Runkeeper has a loyal following for its sharing capabilities. You can post your information on Facebook and Twitter, and even recruit like-minded friends from your Facebook and Google contacts to make your own “Street Team.”
Free from the iTunes Store, Android Market & Windows 7 Marketplace. S4.99 (B152.5) per month gets you additional reports, tracking and training classes.
What it is: Gaining popularity in the world (with about 40,000 active monthly users via Facebook), Cardiotrainer is marketed as a weight loss app. What it really does is monitor your workouts (walking, running and even biking) including your route, time and distance, and even calories burned, which can all be uploaded online.
Why it’s great: There’s a Facebook plug-in for you to pull all your Cardiotrainer data from its server and upload to your profile. While this is a standard feature, what we liked best was the “Race Against Yourself” add-on that allows you to view your previous runs and select one for you to beat—voice notifications (and Facebook friends watching your progress) tell you if you’re slacking in your pursuit.
Free from Android Market. Additional $2.99 (B91.4) for “Race Against Yourself” add-on.
What it is: It’s not yet an app, but this site definitely has potential. It turns exercise into a fun challenge—you just need to key in your day’s activity and it awards points, updates your fitness level, as well as suggests quests you can complete to up your performance.
Why it’s great: Designed to be extremely goal-driven, Fitocracy displays your logged information on the platform for your followers to see—just click on the tags (like “weight loss” and “marathon”) on the interface to find like-minded users who you can follow and compare data with. You can also share the info on Facebook and Twitter. iPhone and Android apps are expected to be released in 2012.
Sign up for free at www.fitocracy.com.
Advertisement
B135 at Masatomi Patisserie
A form of rice dumpling, the mochi at this patisserie are a combination of the chef’s classical French training from the Cordon Bleu and a strong Japanese influence. That means exciting new flavors like chocolate banana and mango alongside more traditional offerings like red bean and green tea. They now also offer a new takeaway kiosk on the 5/F of Emporium.
3/F, The Portico Langsuan, 31 Soi Langsuan, 02-652-1977. BTS Chit Lom
B30 and B45 at Vanilla Garden
Dangko and daifuku are traditional Japanese dumplings made from rice flour and stuffed with different fillings (often red bean paste). They might not sound so exciting, but they can actually be delightfully sweet and gooey affairs. Vanilla Garden is a great spot to find out for yourself and both these treats go great with a cup of tea in their cute retro house.
53 Ekkamai Soi 12, 02-381-6120, 02-381-6122. www.vanillaindustry.com
B35 at Bake a Wish
While the name comes from the French choux à la crème the recipe is derived from the Japanese co-founder’s family. It might be the reason why you’ll spot many Japanese expats dropping by. Bake a Wish offers a wide range of different baked goods but we say plump for the original and popular chou creams, light, sweet and slightly crispy with a lovely soft, fragrantly-sweet cream inside. Their strawberry shortcake (B95) is also a must-try.
The Circle, 39 Ratchapruek Rd., 085-043-7577, 086-055-0992. bakeawish-japanesecake.com
B270 for 15 pieces at Melt Me Chocolate
The Hokkaido chocolate craze started by Royce gets its local counterpart courtesy of Melt Me. Owner Ing (wife of green tea baron Tan Ichitan) went to Japan to study the Hokkaido-style of chocolate making and brought back this recipe, which contains more than 70% Hokkaido dark chocolate. The result is a melt-in your mouth truffle that is so rich in buttery milk it must be kept refrigerated.
Arena Ten, 225/11, Thonglor Soi 10, 02-542-2100.
B165 at After You
This dessert started getting a buzz in Japan a few years ago and then Bangkokians went truly crazy for it last year. Many claim that After You has the best toast in town and it was mobbed when it opened. Their Shibuya honey toast (B165) comes in various styles—crispy, soft, salty and sweet—but be warned the result is pretty addictive.
2/F, La Villa Ari, Paholyothin Rd., 02-613-0597. www.afteryoudessertcafe.com. BTS Ari
We’re now being invaded by Japanese dessert franchises instead of udon ones. The latest is a pink dessert café from Japan that has just popped up in Terminal 21 and Paragon. They strongly recommend their ice-cream teppan no. 20, “Twinkle Night Cinderella” (strawberry ice-cream, caramel, cheesecake, strawberry jam and fresh cream), made from 100% Hokkaido milk—and its clearly popular judging by the crowds. B169 for regular. G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-7511. BTS Siam
Advertisement
Las Vegas may have just played host to the International Pizza Expo (yes, it’s real), but the last six months have seen something of a pizza revival here, too. Even the French are looking to get in on the action with Alsatian pizza specialist Flam’s, slated to open on March 26. Here are some options for when you next get a craving.
12-inch Pizzas & Records
This laidback Timbre venture is all about two things: the pizza (from $14) and the music; there’s a turntable and a collection of old school vinyls, too. Expect thin-crust goodness, with unusual Asian-inspired flavors including a tasty black pepper crab ($19) and Jai Ho—slices of lamb kebab, zucchini, tomato and papadum ($19).
Crust: Topping ratio = 1:1
The verdict: Ideal for those who prefer thin-crust styles or indecisive eaters; they do half-and-halfs for $24.
*WINNER* Extra Virgin Pizza
A three-month-old casual alfresco pizzeria that serves up mighty fine fresh-baked, leopard spotted-pies with more substantial crusts. Top picks include the evergreen spicy pepperoni ($22) and unique pistachio pesto ($24), while recent introduction “Spotted Pig” ($28) looks set to be a new fave. We’re already looking forward to the arrival of their second outlet at Mohamed Sultan in a few months.
Crust: Topping ratio = 3:2
The verdict: We’d be happy with these slightly chewy, addictive leftovers any day.
*RUNNER UP* Pizzeria Mozza
Pegged to celeb chef Mario Batali (whose orange Crocs we haven’t seen since its opening), each wood-fired disk is evenly golden. Unfortunately there’s little evidence of the char, although fresh quality toppings go some way to compensate. The white anchovy, tomato and sliced chili option ($28) is full-flavored, while the burricotta, peperonata and taggiasche olive pie ($25) is a well-balanced treat.
Crust: Topping ratio = 3:1
The verdict: For lovers of crunchy crusts; make sure you go in groups of four or more though.
SLICE
A quick service concept that’s built for individual consumers; you can have just a slice (from $5), hence the name, or as much as you can devour. There are over 30 options to choose from; we suggest the tandoori chicken and yogurt ($7) and The Butcher—with beef, bacon and pepperoni ($8) for meat-lovers.
Crust: Topping ratio = 2:1
The verdict: Great for lone rangers or small eaters after a cheap yet decent bite; just don’t go expecting fireworks.
Advertisement
394/1 Lad Phrao Soi 94, Tue-Sun 8pm-12:40am; Fri-Sat 8pm-2am
Way, way, way from the craziness of the center of town, this grungy bar, set in a former motorcycle repair garage, has become a go-to joint for live music enthusiasts. Named after a Manic Street Preachers song, they feature bands from indie record labels, many of whom are still working on their debut albums. Their six night line-up can range from indie pioneers like Stylish Nonsense or Ooh & The Ballyhoo to inter guests like Pussy & The Learjets.
17/22 Ram Indra Soi 14, 02-907-2228. Open daily 6pm-2am.
Don’t be put off by this iconic place’s inconvenient location—it might be on the outskirts of Bangkok, but Parking Toys is well worth the drive, thanks to its nightly lineup of great live music. It draws in a diverse crowd from Fat Radio DJs to neighborhood music aficionados drawn by the eclectic musical styles on offer, ranging from electronic to rockabilly and jazz. And you don’t have to worry about dressing up because no one here really cares.
1003/6 Pracha Chun Soi 30, 02-910-1128. Open daily 5pm-2am.
Trust us, if you’re not living around the Prachachuen area, you can easily get lost trying to find this place. Located in front of Soi 30, this branch of Prop Bar is the original. They have been closed for renovation for a couple of months but the bar officially reopened recently sporting more retro decor items. Apart from the nostalgic vibe, the appeal comes from the live band and a good mix of old school alt pop and rock tunes like Nirvana alongside the latest release from bands like Snow Patrol. There’s a perfect excuse to visit this week as Pongsit Kamphee will be playing live on Wednesday (Mar 14).
Ekkamai-Ramintra Expressway. 083-156-2836. Mon.-Sun. 6pm-midnight. www.facebook.com/20somethingbar
Located on the Ekkamai-Ramintra expressway as you head towards the CDC, this place recently turned one. The name comes from the title of the first album of The Mousses and, yes, Twenty Something is owned by these guys, in partnership with the band Better Weather, so there’s clearly a serious music vibe going on here. It’s a long drive but a visit to this home-turned bar is worth it for the regular live pop-rock sessions from many up-and-coming indie bands. The spacious outdoor seating is pretty chill and the Thai dishes are also yummy, too.
696 Prachachuen Soi 20. 0-2585-1614. Opened daily 6pm-2am. talumbar.com
Just 5 minutes from Prop Bar, Talumbar is another home-turned-bar worth visiting. While Prop Bar focuses more on international indie hits, here it’s all about live bands playing covers of Thai tunes. You can occasionally catch Jetset’er’s lead singer up on stage as he’s a friend of the owner and the band previously played here before doing the album. Aparft from the homey vibe and chill live music, there’s a huge screen outdoor for EPL fans to catch the matches on weekends.
Advertisement
Located in the northern part of the city and dubbed “The Road of Wood,” this little soi is packed with shop after shop selling small, sculpted pieces and gorgeous teak furniture.
When did you open shop?
Nearly 30 years ago. I learned how to make chairs from my older brother who has the shop next door. His shop was the first furniture store in this soi. The other shops popped up about 15-20 years ago after other craftsmen learned our techniques.
Is the competition a problem?
Not at all. We have a rule to let customers pick the shop. We even share work sometimes when we can’t deliver a big furniture order on time.
How do you stand out?
Our work is all handmade, very detailed and made to the highest standards. We’re actually the most expensive, but we’re the best. Our customers are furniture companies who bring our work to sell at fairs or to export.
Who will take over after you?
We don’t know. Our children all work elsewhere.
Daeng Kan Chang. 107 Soi Prachanaruemit, Krungthep-Nonthaburi Rd, 02-586-7856, 081-868-3660.
Have you always worked here?
No, I just came back to help my parents five years ago. I used to work as a salesperson, but my parents needed someone to take care of the shop as they got older.
Have you ever considered doing something else?
Not really. My parents opened this shop 20 years ago, doing built-in furniture. But that wasn’t doing too well, so we decided to change our display two years ago to things like vintage-looking mirrors or cute mailboxes. It’s now much better. People ask about the show items and sometimes they end up ordering built-in furniture, too.
How’s business?
The hardest part is finding the workers. It’s hard to find skilled workers for the most delicate, one-of-a-kind jobs that some customers order.
Kom Kan Chang. 327 Soi Prachanaruemit, Krungthep-Nonthaburi Rd, 086-049-6688, 089-208-3286.
How long have you been working here?
About 10 years. I used to work at 7-Eleven but I quit after I got married. My husband who is a wood carver asked me to work with his boss who owns this carving shop. I had to practice carving for many years and now I can work on some small pieces. We sell everything from small decorative items to giant teak doors.
Is it hard work for a woman?
Not for me. I love this job. I’m independent. I just wait for the order and work at the shop, but my bosses they’re not at the shop all the time. They will come from Ayutthaya to deliver stuff and take orders. They are also kind and not picky. I can go home any time I want.
How much do you earn?
I started at B3,500 but now I can earn B8,000–B10,000 a month as my skills have improved.
Aphichat Carving Shop. 881 Soi Prachanaruemit, Krungthep-Nonthaburi Rd, 02-587-1489, 081-920-2925.
With shop after shop selling seemingly indentical football jerseys and trophies, the area behind Chulalongkorn University and Rajamnagkla National Stadium is a football fanatic’s idea of heaven.
How old is your shop?
About 60 years. My parents opened this store to sell football shoes under our own brand “Yod Yium,” as well as selling international makes like Adidas or Nike. We were the third Thai football boot brand. But as you know, Thai people value inter brands more than local ones, so we had to stop our production to focus on selling those.
Does the Thai Premier League (TPL) help business?
Of course. Kids need to buy new shoes to practice to make a good junior team, while more adults than ever are playing football as a hobby. .
How’s business?
Our lease is up for renewal this year, so we don’t know when Chulalongkorn is going to take the land back. It’s kind of sad that developers tear down old communities instead of trying to preserve them.
Yod Yium Sport Inter. 833 Chula Soi 2, Rama 1 Rd. (next to National Stadium), 02-214-2213, 02-612-3560.
When did you open this shop?
About 10 years ago, I quit my job as a cashier. Our grannies were moving out from here, so I decided to buy it from them and open a small business as a part-time job. I knew nothing about sports, but my customers taught me everything. They will update us about what team is hot, so I will make shirts to match the demand.
Is the competition good or bad for business?
I think it’s good for us. Our reputation brings people here. They can choose the shop that they like. For us, we always get jobs from old clients because we sell cheap and we’re honest about the quality. If there are flawed-products in the pack of shirts, we won’t charge them.
Has the TPL brought in more business?
Not really, because our clients are the same people. Those who like TPL teams are also fans of foreign football teams.
831 Chula Soi 2, Rama 1 Rd. (next to National Stadium), 02-214-1011, 081-695-4498.
When did you open this shop?
We opened this shop 30 years ago to sell sportswear. Everyone knows about this area and that we sell sports stuff here. This is where people go when looking for anything related to sports.
How do you compete with malls?
Price. We sell football boots for less than other places. And service, as we have lots of staff to take care of customers.
Is the TPL good for business?
Of course. They always come to buy jerseys from the top football club before the start of the season. But when sales really go up is when we have big football events like the World Cup or European Championships.
How’s business?
We don’t know what our future will be. Chulalongkorn didn’t tell us their plan for this neighborhood. The National Stadium area will be less colorful if it doesn’t have shops like ours.
Parrot Sporting Goods. 847/4 Rama 1 Rd. (next to National Stadium), 02-214-1305, 02-612-3443.
This neighborhood, founded nearly a hundred years ago, is located next to what was one of the first prisons of the Rattanakosin Era. It used to be a dense and busy market famed for cloth and baskets made by inmates in the prison. But after the prison moved, business slowed down. Today, there are only three shops left, but they still attract people who want to buy some unique gifts that you can’t find in luxury malls.
How old is your shop?
More than 50 years old. My parents opened it to sell baskets and rattan furniture. I started taking care of it about 20-30 years ago after my parents got too old. I had to quit my job as a teacher.
How’s business?
It’s not as good as it used to be. And it was even worse during the floods last year. People weren’t buying, the factory wasn’t producing. But we can survive as long as we don’t spend too much money. The time when we are always busy is New Year, with all the hampers. I’m also worried that the land owner will take the land back because of some new projects, like the MRT or BTS extensions.
Who are your customers?
They are mostly individual home-owners. We don’t get big orders like those from hotels or businesses.
Suriya Panich shop. 380-382 Mahachai Rd., 02-222-5763.
How old is your shop?
About 60 years old. My grandfather originally opened it to sell pakaoma [traditional Thai cloth] which was so popular back then. He also knew how to make rattan furniture, and when others saw it, they wanted to buy it, too. So he then decided to start producing it.
Did he teach you?
Yes, I still do some products myself. This is our strong-point as well, because we can do any custom design customers want.
How is business?
It’s hard to find rattan these days.Growing it does not make money like some other industrial crops, such as rubber trees. We now import it from neighboring countries like Indonesia.
Who will take over the shop?
Our children all have good careers in companies. So I’m not sure who will take care over.
Yuphadee Wanich shop. 388,390 Mahachai Rd., 02-221-2411, 02-224-9340.
This bustling road near Wongwianyai is a secret weapon for many young designers seeking affordable-but-quality leather and cloth to create their new collections.
How long have you worked here?
Just three years. My parents already own a shoe factory, so they always import leather from all over the world, mostly from China. They figured it might be good if we had our own shop. They got me this place, and I quit my job. The first year was tough, but people are starting to know us.
How do you stand out?
Most of our products are imported, so we have items that can’t be found elsewhere, even around here. We have ostrich skin, really high-grade cow hide. And I can guarantee we’re the cheapest.
Who are your customers?
Mostly shop owners or sometimes foreigners who produce shoes or bags.
M-Plus Shop. 220 Charoenrath Road. 02-438-6355.
How long have you worked here?
30 years so far. I first sold only leather, but it wasn’t going well, as more shops opened in the area. So I decided to add bag accessories, like handles and other decorations. It’s better now but it isn’t great.
Who are your customers?
Mostly housewives or hobbyists who love to make their own stuff, like bags or purses. They will come to buy materials and go home to stitch it then come back again to find accessories and handles which we will attach for them. It’s part of our service.
Why do they pick you?
I don’t know. It might be our honest service. I know what they should buy to get the result they want.
Thailikit. 221 Charoenrat Road. 02-438-5315, 081-205-1907.
Winthasit
How did you start this business?
I inherited this shop from my parents who opened it 20 years ago as they owned a leather bag factory. Our shop kept growing until they had to open more branches in the same area. We now have five shops that my siblings are taking care of it.
What makes you stand out?
We’re probably the biggest seller. We have any type of leather you want: cow, goat, sheep or pig. And our prices are reasonable, starting from B12 for 10 sq centimeters.
How is business?
We should do more to promote this area as the leather market. Not many people know about it.
Wattanaporn Panich. 213 Charoenrat Road. 02-438-3351, 02-438-5591. www.wattanaporn.com
Advertisement
Perhaps you’re feeling drab and your wardrobe needs a serious dash of color. Or maybe you love standing out in a crowd. Bold, bright and attention-grabbing best describes this collection of clothes and jewelry. Nope, there’s nothing understated here. The designer’s use of interestingly-angled lines is reminiscent of high-end 80s fashion runways—or even just a Cyndi Lauper music video. Designer Unawan Tangkaravakoon’s fitted dresses and paneling make for striking silhouettes. The jewelry is the real show-stopper, however, from ornate, décolletage-covering necklaces to chunky, studded bracelets for a sophisticated-yet-theatrical statement. Tops start at B3,300, dresses at B6,400 and accessories at B1,600.
979 Rama 1 Rd., Siam Center, 3/F, Room 337. BTS Siam. www.yunabkk.com. Open daily from 10am-9pm. 02-658-1125.
Plaid shirts, Toms Shoes, colorful bow ties paired with T-shirts imprinted with Andy Warhol’s iconic Marilyn Monroe graphics—I Don’t Have a Name may not have one, but we do: hipster central. This shop is a young graphic designer’s dream. The brand was started by three friends on Facebook, one-and-a-half years ago and has now taken off. Their store has a fun and playful tone, and the dog design on many of their products is not coincidental, but rather a tribute to the designers’ love of man’s best friend. Focusing mostly on men’s shirts, prices start at B1,290 for long-sleeved plaid shirts and B490 for T-shirts. I Don’t Have a Name’s light-colored scarves start at B290 and bow ties from B250.
2, 88 Terminal 21, 2/F, Room 2122, Sukhumvit Soi 19. BTS Asoke. www.facebook.com/idhn.tshop. Open daily 10am-10pm. 086-320-5279.
Get ready for the party, with this designer’s focus on club-ready evening attire and accessories. You’re sure to swoon over the gold sequin mini-shift dress. Nithina Takviriyanun’s dresses cast a late 60s/early 70s vibe. Think Sharon Stone in Casino. Get ready to break out your matte lipstick and black eyeliner, ladies. Tops start at B1,200, dresses at B1,900, custom-made dresses at B6,500 and accessories like phone cases and bracelets start at B1,400.
2, 88 Terminal 21, 1/F, Room 1041, Sukhumvit Soi 19. BTS Asoke. Open daily 11:30am-10pm. 083-363-0911, 081-938-7707.
Kwanyo Maoon’s passion for secondhand clothing is the starting point for his embroidery designs of animals and shapes. His bespoke creations are a must for people who love to sport something a bit quirky, with T-shirts, shirts and polo shirts comprising the majority of the line. The shop also has one-of-a-kind canvas totes in black and white. T-shirts start at B450, polo shirts at B750, short-sleeve shirts at B750 and long-sleeve shirts at B950.
2, 88 Terminal 21, 2/F, Room 2104, Sukhumvit Soi 19. BTS Asoke. www.facebook.com/kwanyo. Open daily 10am-10pm. 084-011-1606.
This narrow, stall-like boutique is filled with simple, mostly solid-colored dresses and tops for women. Designer Sudathip Wongsod concentrates on flowing draping that’s flattering for almost any body type, with an ultra-girly bow design being a central theme throughout her collection. Her dresses and tops are perfect day-to-night options: paired with a jacket or cardigan they work for the office, and yet can be worn alone in the evening for a sweet and flirty look. Tops start at B1,400, dresses at B2,900 and scarves at B1,200.
263/13 Rama 1 Rd. Siam Square Soi 2. BTS Siam. www.facebook.com/sudabrand. Open daily noon-9pm. 02-252-5794, 087-323-0999.
Advertisement
Hankering for some soothing comfort food? The first road in Bangkok, Charoenkrung, is always crazy busy, but it’s also full of good old Thai food classics—particularly between the Silom and Sathorn intersections.
We knew exactly where to kick off our taste trek. Joke Prince (1391 Charoenkrung Rd., across from Robinson Bangrak, 02-234-9407. Open daily 6am-12pm and 5-9pm) serves up traditional bowls of piping-hot rice porridge (B30) that are full-bodied with a natural, smoky flavor. Just a bowl of this yumminess is reason enough to trek out there.
Love the famous khao mun kai at Pratunam, well there’s a small no-name shophouse right that will cure that craving (Charoenkrung Rd., next to Wat Suthiwararam, 081-817-5803. Open daily 5pm-10pm). We recommend the nuea nong (chicken leg meat, B30), which couldn't get any juicier than this. The accompanying sauce is full of flavor and the rice is perfectly cooked and not too greasy.
Starving to death? Then try noodle stall Hia Aoun (Charoenkrung Rd., next to Assumption College, 089-476-2241. Open daily 8am-6pm), aka Hia Sum. Hia Sum offers a huge bowl of noodles (B30-B50), loaded with tasty meatballs. And don’t forget to try their spring rolls, as well.
Prajak Ped Yang’s (1415 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-234-3755, 083-910-1444. Open daily 8am-8:30pm. www.prachakrestaurant.com) reputation precedes it, as you can tell from the myriad newspaper and magazine reviews plastered on the wall. The ped yang (grilled duck, B60-B100 for a plate) is very tender and flavorful, while their bamee (noodles with grilled duck, B45) comes with a nice texture and a slight smell of fresh egg. Don't forget to try the shrimp wonton (B35), too: big chunks of shrimp stuffed inside a light dough.
Just a few steps from Prajak is Yun Wo Yun (1443 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-234-8178. Open daily 8am-9:30pm). Pull up a chair here and try one of their many kinds of Chinese herbal drinks (B6 for a glass) like jab lieng, chrysanthemum tea or tiger herbal. Whether the health benefits they tout are actually true or not, we think it's fun to try some bitter drinks made using recipes that have been passed on for more than 80 years.
Now, let’s get back to some noodles. Jao Long (1450 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-234-7499. Open daily 7am-9pm), inside a shophouse, dishes out bowls of noodles with fishballs (B30), which are always reliable. The fishballs, made from pla insee (Spanish mackerel) are chewy and consistently fresh.
Otherwise, try Jae Lee (1387 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-234-2791. Open daily 7:30am-9:30pm, except every second and fourth Sunday of the month) across the road, which offers similar dishes (B30) and also packs a crowd at lunch. Their fishballs are homemade, too, so it’s all a matter of personal taste when deciding which establishment is better.
Eat, drink and, of course, snack: Jae Noi (in front of Soi Sriwiang. Open Tue-Sun 9am-7pm) sells deep fried slices of bananas, sweet potatoes and taros at her small stall. Take a friend with you because there is usually a fairly long queue for her treats, but trust us, it is worth the wait. The fried bananas and coconut (B20 for a bag) are the perfect combination of outer crispiness and a very tender inside.
We end our trek with one of Thailand’s most famous desserts: mango and sticky rice. This legendary treat can also be found at Boonsub (1478 across from Top Charoen Optical, 02-234-4086. Open daily 8am-6:30pm), which has been popular and well-known for more than 70 years. The mango (its price depends on the market, khao niew is B140 for a kg) is available only in the summer, but you can always try other desserts, such as khao niew sangkaya (sticky rice topped with Thai custard, B25).
Advertisement
This appealing spot on the 313 approach brings in seasonal specials and limited edition brews from Japan, as well as Shiga kogen, kinshachi and Yona yona.
Decked out in street art and specializing in signature cocktails with Japanese ingredients like wasabi, the menu here reads like something out of a smoky den in Shibuya.
Specializing in sake, shochu and all things Japanese and boozy, this Singaporean offshoot of the well-known Japanese liquor store is a place to discover a still relatively underappreciated drink. We suggest doing a tasting flight here.
Advertisement
Artist: 25 Hours
Label: Believe Records
This third single from the alternative rock band’s second album, Colour in White, shot to the No. 1 slot in the Fat Radio’s Top 40 chart in just three weeks. The song covers the simple subject of friendship, but the lyrics are touching and ably supported by the soft rock sound, cheerful melody and the band’s unique vocals.
Artist: DJ Suharit feat. Gene Kasidit
Label: Independent
After releasing his first single from album Luen Kan Thep back in September last year, wicked turntablist Suharit Siamwalla teams up with the equally flamboyant Gene Kasidit for the second release. Benefitting from Gene’s dramatic vocals, “Krai Kon Nueng” is a throwback to Gene’s previous cover “Hero,” bringing a touch of psychedelic-tinged, post-rock oomph to heart-wrenching lyrics about an unhappy-love story.
Artist: Stamp feat. Singhto Numchoke
Label: Love is
Stamp Apiwat’s previous collaboration, with hip hop outfit Buddha Bless, led to hit singles “Luem Pai Kon” and “Man Kong Pen Kwam Rak (OST. 30 Kam Lang Jeaw)” last year, so it’s no surprise that he starts 2012 with another. This time its a feel-good acoustic pop song that gets its upbeat and cheerful sound from Singhto and his trusty ukulele. Definitely one for the beach this Songkran.
Artist: Poomjit feat. Tul Apartmentkhunpa
Label: Lemon Factory
“Nobel” is another cover from the latest Home Floor album, with Tul Apartmentkhunpa’s rapping being the most significant addition. The song begins with a ukulele solo, but don’t expect anything chill; instead it incorporates sounds like the Isaan phin and gradually builds up in in tempo—an interesting and unexpected offering from Poomjit.
Artist: The Yers
Label: Smallroom
The Yers’ third single from their album Y might be the hardest sound they’ve done to date. “Kuen Tee Puad Rao’s” acoustic guitar adds an American Southern rock touch, while the catchy solo line, hard drum beat and harsh synthesizer create a dark, punk rock mood.
Artist: Krit Kritsanavarin feat. Praew Kanitkul
Label: Werk Gang (GMM Grammy)
Out since Jan, but still hot everywhere, “Kit Tueng Na” is the first single from Krit Kritsanavarin’s second project, Lazy Sunday 2, which again features a lot of artists, like Preaw Kanitkul (vocals) on this track. The song blends simple melodic-pop and a catchy hook, not to mention Praew’s bright, pretty voice. If you’re a fan of Foster The People’s “Pumped Up Kicks” or Palmy’s “Kit Mak,”you’ll dig this.
Advertisement
