So you’ve been to the Big Mango and already have your tried-and-tested go-tos… but on your next trip, why not branch out with these ace alternatives instead?
If you loved: Supanniga
Try: Sri Trat
If shophouse stalwart Supanniga’s spot-on flavours and relaxed vibes have you hungry for more, take your culinary curiosity to Sri Trat. Riffing on eastern Thai cuisine (specifically, the lesser-known coastal region of Trat), menu mainstays fish sauce and shrimp paste are used to delicious effect in a robust crab-roe chilli dip, stewed pork belly with chamuang leaves, and heat-spiked barracuda salad. Moody hues, murals and buzzy vibes are additional reasons to settle in.
If you loved: Maggie Choo’s
Try: Teens of Thailand
Odd name aside, there’s nothing juvenile about this dimly lit, shabby-chic gin joint, swilling Hendricks, Tanqueray and Hanami for creative types. Daily changing craft pours, a stellar playlist and artsy events make Teens of Thailand every bit as intoxicating as old fave Maggie Choo’s. And no, you don’t have to be a teen to step inside…
If you loved: Jim Thompson House
Try: Almeta Silk
If your wardrobe already owes a debt of gratitude to the legendary Thai Silk King Jim Thompson, switch things up at Almeta Silk, where flowing silks in rainbow colours await – from dreamy pastels to gem-bright hues. They’re all hand-woven to order, with 12 plys and four yarns to choose from. Check out the curtain/cushion service (come armed with measurements), or inject Almeta style into your home via the shop’s ravishing bedding, wallpaper, wraps, loungewear and accessories.
If you loved: Chatuchak
Try: Talat Rot Fai
Whoever said ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ must have just got back from a trip to Chatuchak Market. Once you’ve survived this challenge, you can take on anything… including Talat Rot Fai, a retro-riffing, bazaar-style night market with food trucks, stalls a-go-go and dinky bars housed in kitsch, covetable VWs. Although, sadly, the latter are not for sale.
Srinakarin Soi 51, +66 81 827 5885.
If you loved: Savelberg
Try: Sühring
Savelberg won us over with delicious Dutch renditions and produce plucked from the Royal Projects in Northern Thailand; now we’re crushing on all things German, thanks to Sühring. This mod gastro gobsmacker is helmed by by twin wunderkinds Thomas and Matthias, who wow the crowds with set 7- or 9-course menus. Old classics such as pork knuckle and kasespatzle get a fresh spin here, dished up in a smartly renovated, glass-fronted house with a pretty garden, and nary a lederhosen in sight.
This article was originally written by LUXE for PenCities.
For more top spots, nab a copy of the LUXE Bangkok guide…
