Sure, you may have your go-to places for burgers, pizza and even ramen; but often we find ourselves ransacking the deepest part of our brain for a decent Thai restaurant (besides the food stall outside the office, that is). Set in a stand-alone house tucked inside a sub-soi of the bustling Sukhumvit Soi 39, the restaurant offers a culinary sanctuary for urbanites in need of satiating their Thai food cravings. The venue boasts a casual and rustic charm, much like dining at a friend's house, with the decor mainly made up of knick-knacks and hand-crafted furniture. There is an outdoor dining area (for when winter eventually comes) and plenty of parking for the non-carpooling Bangkokians. Diners include expats, locals and Japanese residents who are living in the area, but, considering how delicious Kram is, you can expect people from all over town to find it soon too.
THE MENU
The restaurant serves up authentic Thai cuisine that nowadays is rather difficult to find. Deep-fried minced pork with Thai herbs (B140) makes a fantastic starter with its balls of larb moo fried until crispy, packing big flavours and spices that come with a nice crunch. The popular Crab meat and wild betel leafbush in red curry (B340) is a heart-warming bowl of creamy, spicy curry with a generous amount of fresh crab meat — a truly unmissable dish. The aroma of the herbs enhances the depth of flavour to perfection and the burst of spice paired with fragrant jasmine rice leaves you wanting another spoonful. Soothe your soul with Herb and vegetable curry with shrimp (B180), which is less spicy than the aforementioned curry and looks like an adult version of kaeng jeud (Thai vegetable soup). The earthy flavours are brought out by mushroom and pumpkin, while other vegetables bring out the fresh taste and colours. Despite its monotonous name, Stir-fried pork with Thai herbs (B160) is far from bland. The combination of fresh lemongrass and ginger culminates in a bold tasting dish led by sweetness and followed by lip-smacking savoury and succulent pieces of pork. Reminisce about your childhood meals with Stir-fried glass noodle with little green flowers and egg (B150), which is cooked perfectly, not too oily and even just as tasty on its own. If you're a healthy eater, you can even have this as a main dish without rice. Celsius beef touched then spiced (B200) is melt-in-your-mouth slices of Thai-French beef seared and marinated in a fragrant zesty sauce served with salad leaves and garlic. The cooling fresh taste of this dish is a perfect accompaniment to hotter curry plates. If you're a spice fanatic do ask for extra chillies, but if you can't handle the heat very well there's absolutely no shame in asking for more ice. Craft and local beers, wine, coffee and tea make up the drink options.
INSIDER TIP
Many of the knick-knacks, furniture, indigo-dyed fabrics and paintings you see in the restaurant are for sale, so if you fancy yourself a piece of Kram, simply ask the staff who can inform you of details and pricing.
SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENTS
Make your followers' stomachs growl by taking a snap high above the table once all the dishes are laid out. It'll look like you're having a delicious feast (even if you're just dining by yourself).
VALUE & VERDICT
With its bold flavours, wide-ranging menu, use of fresh ingredients and casual, friendly vibe, the restaurant has the potential to become many a Bangkokian's new favourite eatery. G
