Let's start with what we love about hi-so stomping ground Thong Lor: Sightings of Ferraris revving their engines even though they're stuck in 10kph Friday traffic. The utter looks of disbelief of which only rich kids are capable, after they find out there's no valet parking. New bistros, the lifespan of which are approximately three-months before disappearing from the face of the Earth.
We admit, we were a little distracted last year. With all those artsy-fartsy galleries, retro shophouses and indie shindigs, the riverside and the old town had quite the pull on us. But we digress.
Thong Lor is currently enjoying a development boom, from community malls to serious bars to independent eateries. So we made our way back, collecting all the deets on 15 places we think are worth a visit. So get your chauffeur ready and top up your bank account -- this ain't Chatuchak, darlin'.
1. There's whole new reason why you should hit up Seenspace -- and no, it's not to check out ladies in designer sports bras throwing punches upstairs. Brew (Thong Lor Soi 13, http://fb.com/brewbkk) has released the kraken, teaming up with the guys behind Daniel Thaiger to bring you a new line of burgers made with top cuts of Wagyu and Angus beef and potato bread buns from Conkey's. Its Classic burger is an American cheese-oozing, savoury, no-frills burger that can be ordered with double, triple or quadruple patties. The home-made pickles are thickly sliced, with a firm crunch that permeates the umami of the garlic sauce. The BBQ burger will please those who like their spice, with beef patties, bacon, crispy fried onions, jalapenos and housemade Thai whisky bbq sauce. Be sure to wash it all down with a Mikkeller American Dream -- that's what we did and it did not disappoint.
Keep a look out: Brew on Sukhumvit Soi 11 will be experimenting with a few items on its menu, as well. We heard it through the grapevine that the mac and cheese and French fries, among other dishes, will be given a twist, and that food will be served till very late into the night.
2. It's easy to lose yourself down the Rabbit Hole (125 Sukhumvit 55, http://fb.com/rabbitholebkk, 081-822-3392), which is dead serious about its drinks. This well-stocked warren is quickly becoming the go-to place for quality cocktails, and it's easy to see why. It's swanky and sleek, and armed with five-star service. Queen of Hearts is a vodka-based concoction with lotus syrup, aloe vera, white grape juice and citrus. Subtle, well-balanced and super smooth, it's the kind of tipple you want for a weeknight. The bar is also a big whisky player. If you have the chance, try the Douglas Laing's Rock Oyster -- and order it neat.
3. Give your hair some TLC with the Botanical Infusion Hair Conditioning Treatment at Humming Salon (daily, 9:30am-8pm, Eight Thonglor, http://fb.com/humming.hairsalon, 02-381-1652). The salon uses Aveda products, which smell fabulous and contain ingredients that are more than 95% naturally derived. The hairdressers give the best neck massages as they wash your hair, so sit back and enjoy. Two private VIP rooms are available, fitted with a long desk and electrical sockets, so you busy bees won't need to take your fingers off your laptops for even a moment. Hungry? You can order your lattes and favourite dishes from Bar Storia del Caffe, which is located downstairs.
Keep a look out: The people behind Humming Salon are working on a bar, Sparrow, which will open in a few weeks. Who said you can't simultaneously get your hair done and pre-game?
4. Talk about Isan indulgence -- Tum Thonglor (The Taste Thonglor, Thong Lor Soi 11, 091-874-4999) knows how to put on a som tum feast. It's a crime to miss its eponymous signature platter, which includes a grilled river prawn, green papaya salad with salted egg, pork cracklings, pork ribs, naem, moo yor, cabbage, yardlong beans, rice noodles and sticky rice. The platter is best shared between two to three people, if only so you there will be enough room in your bellies for a scoop of kati ice cream with all the traditional toppings.
5. A self-proclaimed purveyor of fine food and drinks, Hunts (between Thong Lor Soi 7-9, http://fb.com/huntsbkk, 081-859-8141) serves American-style grub and quality drinks in a setting that might be familiar to a New Yorker. Inspired by local bars in Brooklyn and Manhattan, this three-storied gastrobar has made itself the perfect place to kick back and relax. Forget girlie cocktails and go for the Formie Nog, which is made with Irish whisky, cherry liqueur, egg white, orange juice and black sesame.
6. Pick up a fantastic chicken kebab that's everything you've ever wanted in a late night snack. Tender chicken pieces are sliced off the shawarma grill, packed into a wrap with fresh salad leaves and topped with a banging sauce. Find it at a discrete stall next to Iron Fairies. The shop sign isn't quite ready, but that doesn't bother Amil, owner and chef of Yummy Kebabs, who mans the station, daily, from 11am-10pm. Delivery is also available, just give him call at 087-671-0032.
7. Head to Warm Wood Cafe (Tue-Sun, 10am-1am, Thong Lor Soi 10, http://fb.com/warmwoodcafe, 02-714-9974) to find the best pavlova in Bangkok. It's got the perfect meringue crunch and just the right amount of tang from the raspberry sauce. This Instagram-friendly cafe also serves brunch
dishes and stays open until late.
8. We don't believe in ending a meal without a little something to satiate our sweet tooth. The Ovaltine Delight Egglette Tower at Once Social Bar (Thong Lor Soi 10, http://fb.com/oncesiam, 084-7777-322) is made with love and meant to be share -- unless you're looking to beat last year's cholesterol score. The three layers of crunchy Hong Kong-style waffles are topped with four scoops of home-made ice cream, Oreo pieces, granola and Ovaltine powder. You'll feel like a complete glutton, but who cares when it tastes oh-so good?
9. New additions have been made to the menu at Taper (44/11 Soi Akkapat, Thong Lor Soi 13, http://fb.com/taperbkk, 099-929-5464), and they're totally worth checking out. Dinner service is now offered weekdays, with brunch hours only on weekends, so expect a few more substantial dishes, such as Kimchi Fried Rice with braised bacon and fried egg (B290) and Seared Salmon (B480) served with kimchi cream and crispy egg. Both are egg-cellent. Please egg-scuse the pun.
10. The anticipation is over. Bangkok now has a community mall that puts people before products. The Commons (http://fb.com/thecommonsbkk) is located on Thong Lor Soi 17, and is spread out over four floors. Its family-focused ethos, with an abundant of communal areas and endless dining options from passionate producers and chefs, makes it a terrific spot to hang out any day of the week. The original branch of Roast (http://fb.com/roastbkk) has relocated to the building's Top Yard floor, where there is lots of room for kids to run around, and an outdoor area for adults to lounge and brunch.
11. The couple from Bao & Buns have set up a new joint, Xiao Chi (http://fb.com/xiaochishop), focusing less on buns and more on different kinds of Chinese street eats. We loved the pork dumplings, which pack a flavourful, spiced punch.
12. Those looking to add some greenery to their homes should head to Plant House (http://fb.com/PlantHouseCo) to pick up seasonal flowers in dainty pots and vases. Orders can also be placed for custom pieces and fantastic arrangements for weddings.
13. Listen up egg-lovers -- your dreams have finally came true. Egg My God is a new concept cafe dishing out familiar egg dishes with a twist. Steak and Egg, for example, sees eight-hour marinated beef tenderloin served with a cream cheese omelette. Strange, sure, but it works -- and it's bloody fantastic.
14. Nex is where you'll find quality hipster-ish items. Hershel bags, flat caps with cool fonts, multicoloured socks, Panama hats -- knock yourself out.
15. Desserts from Gourmet Gallery (http://fb.com/gourmetgallery) are hard to beat, and while you wait for its flagship bakery and restaurant to reopen on Sukhumvit Soi 39, you can head to this small set-up and pick up a few delicious treats. We've scoured the country for a rum cake to match its standards and have yet to find one.
