The Thong Lor strip is already filled with high-end Japanese restaurants but what many residents don't know, is that a Japanese expat has branched out on his own to open up an authentic Spanish eatery. Hidden right under our noses, it's tucked inside a sub-soi that you would only venture in if your Merc decides to break down. Don't let the huge Spanish flag out front fool you, tapas is not the star of the show here. Instead, the focus is on hearty and hefty Spanish dishes, packed with exciting and authentic flavours that will have you demanding seconds. The decor is modern and comforting, with bright yellow and red tablecloths spicing the place up. Diners include Japanese expats and the area's residents.
Estrella
Spanish
2/F, Benz Mall, 540/8 Thong Lor Soi 18 6:30pm-2am 02-714-7950 fb.com/Estrellabkk
THE MENU
Once we heard the owner hand-carries an entire leg of the black Iberian pork into the country each month, we knew the Jamon iberico (B700) was going to be far from ordinary. Packed full of smokiness, beautiful flavours and a good amount of fat, it pairs flawlessly with Estrella's freshly baked bread. You don't have to be an adventurous diner to enjoy the Pig's heart and mushroom in olive oil and garlic (B300). You just have to like garlic — a lot. The dish is a delicious bowl of different spices and fresh mushrooms, with enough garlic to kill a vampire. The Mixed seafood and potato croquettes (B300) are presented in four pieces. The dish is a great choice if you're sharing. Cooked until golden brown, they are crunchy and crisp on the outside. The balsamic vinegar and tomato sauce, served on the side, add tang and enough excitement for us to overlook the rather bland seafood. An unmissable dish for beef-lovers is the Mille feuille of roasted Wagyu beef (B700). Thinly sliced, it all but melts in our mouths. The eggplant offers earthiness and opulence that prove heavenly when combined with the wasabi sauce. Fans of Spanish food intuitively know that you have to leave room for paella, which takes about 40 minutes to make. So if you're new to this rice dish, resist the temptation to fill your belly before it arrives. Estrella's Mixed paella (B900) is filled with seafood, chicken and vegetables. The rice is cooked perfectly and topped with barley rice, giving the dish a nice texture. For dessert, Spanish-style creme brulee (B300) does not disappoint, with the sweetness of the home-made ice cream (served on the side) and the caramelised layer atop the custard rounding off our palate nicely. Although lots of Spanish wines and beers are on offer, the Red sangria (B250) provides a light and fruity accompaniment to the meal. Varieties of cocktails, liquor and soft drinks are also available.
INSIDER TIP
Akira Kuzuoka is the mixologist here, and you'll be glad to know he's one of the best in the business. Although he's not into the gimmicks and fancy flairs often seen in cocktail-making, he can still carve out a Japanese ice ball in three minutes flat. It's worth asking him to make you a unique cocktail (B400), the recipe for which he'll record in a special book so you can order it again upon your return.
SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENTS
Don't miss the stunning bar upstairs, fully decked out with more bottles of alcohol than you can count. The lighting is perfect for a snap of Kuzuoka in his white tuxedo as he shakes and mixes cocktails.
VALUE & VERDICT
Based on the simple fact that there is about one other Spanish eatery in Thong Lor, Estrella is the perfect choice for satisfying a paella and sangria craving. Prices are reasonable for the generous portions, meaning the more friends you bring, the merrier your meal will be (and the less likely you'll stretch out your trousers).
