Casual and welcoming, Kab Kao Kab Pla ticks every box when it comes to atmosphere. The yellow-and-black décor is lively with rustic brick walls and cutesy chandeliers. The low-rise tables are occupied by snappily-dressed Thonglor professionals, while the servers are kitted out in trendy uniforms. It’s everything you would expect from a restaurant on this swanky soi. However, as at many happening eateries, Kab Kao Kab Pla’s food can play second fiddle to the setting. The menu—a selection of Thai and international dishes with convivial descriptions—reads like you’re at Greyhound Café. Don’t bother to ask for recommendations because the staff will give you a blank look or halfheartedly recite almost every dish on the menu. Just like the service, the Thai food is hit-or-miss. Though tender, the overpriced roasted beef (B220) is a tad sweet. It can be found much cheaper and better elsewhere. But the set of kaeng paa koong (spicy “jungle” curry with shrimps, B180) impresses with the fiery broth and accompanying omelet, rice and Japanese sesame salad. The kitchen is more consistent with Western dishes. The mushroom cream soup (B160) is luscious and fragrant with truffle oil. If the idea of gobbling up mouthfuls of cheese-laden macaroni appeals, then get the mac ‘n’ cheese (B130). Served in a mug with a dollop of ketchup, the dish is simple yet satisfying comfort food at its best. Kab Kao Kab Pla also does a good job with its pastas. Our favorites are the spaghetti cornbeef with chili and garlic (B220) and spaghetti with sai aua (B180). But don’t forget to save room for dessert. An off-shoot of the famous ice cream franchise, iberry, Kab Kao Kab Pla has a tempting selection that can lure you into ordering more than you should. Or maybe that’s the wise option—order fewer dishes, then feast on the sinful cakes and ice cream.
This is that rare restaurant that is seemingly perfect for everyone: hipster friends, young families, tourists. All are coming to enjoy the legendary Thai cuisine-plus a view of BTS and festive lighting in front of the mall. Trendy staff are on hand with excellent service. You can't go wrong with roti with curry or sticky rice with grilled pork.
Kamon has a new life with a new contemporary look for its sushi bar and tatami rooms that offer privacy to politicians and high-ranking officials who can afford the prestige and price of Matzusaka and Kobe beef.
Compared to the wide array of value-for-money, all-you-can-eat places scattered around Bangkok, Kampai Yakiniku is one of the weaker options. But, thanks to its convenient location in Siam
A longtime and rather famous two-story white house. The menu is a picture book of delightful dishes and you can let your fingers do the ordering. There's also an extended greenhouse to lend a soothing, traditional glow. But expect hefty prices for midget-size dishes.
This simple eatery with almost-cafeteria-like décor won’t win any award for interior design, but it’s always packed at lunchtime with immaculately dressed Japanese ladies digging into excellent good-value set lunches, which change daily.
The buzz: The location of this boutique all-about-karaoke bar and restaurant stretches the boundaries of Bangkok’s city limits. But if you like variety this could become your next favorite haunt. This is the crème de la crème of KTV.
Here, the deal is easy: pay B220 for a simple tonkatsu or B240 for a deep-fried pork cutlet stuffed with cheese. The prices may seem high for a simple muu tord, but the cutlet is big and non-oily and you are entitled to free refills on rice, miso soup, side dishes and your choice of hot or iced green tea, plus kiwi sorbet for dessert.
Wondering what your K-Pop idol eats? Head to Kayageun and enjoy its Korean BBQ buffet, served along with Chef Hanna's Korean hor d'oeuvres and kimchi specialties. Mon-Fri B550, Sat-Sun B700.
The Pan Pacific’s 22nd floor Japanese outlet really feels like Japan. Not only is the decor reminiscent of some 1980s luxury Tokyo hotel, the kaiseki-ryori also has a real “Japanese taste.” Keyaki doesn’t try to be stylish or hip—no models' nights—which is just the way we like it.
The old grandpa running this joint treats his customers with the same loving attention he bestows on his khaotom kraduk muu (boiled rice with pork bone, B30 or B40 with an egg).
(BK#221, 100 Things to Eat Before You Die, Jan 25-31, 2008)
It's breezy and there's a view of Rama 8 Bridge at this popular restaurant. Though it's deep in a soi, you can park at the temple and a golf cart will transport you to the cook shack. The food is excellent, as is the service. Khinlom is a hidden gem; we just wish it wasn't hidden so deeply.
