Showing 1 - 10 of 116
Hitting the 30s
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 15/08/2014
» Three sois in the heart of town have filled up with so many new restaurants and cafes we decided to designate it a foodie zone. It could be the fact that there’s no more space on Sukhumvit Soi 31 (if there was a Thai version of Monopoly, this would be Park Lane) and with Appia, Bella Napoli and Isao reigning supreme, diners can be seen queuing for dinner at ridiculous hours like 4:30pm. So what are new restaurants to do? Scooch down a couple of sois, it seems. We’ve compiled a list of new eateries in Sukhumvit Sois 31, 33 and 39 so you’ll be able to plan your whole day and night around this area and avoid having to curse and honk your horn at the non-moving traffic. Hurry on down before everyone decides to migrate to Sukhumvit Soi 41.
Fit, Firm, Fun
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 29/08/2014
» We're all guilty of finding every excuse to cancel our morning jog with a friend, whether we're too hungover or the prospect of running in this heat is just too much to handle. Now, we know that going to the gym is pretty darn boring; the floor usually smells and the treadmill is always being used by fit seniors running at a much faster pace than you. So to help you stop making excuses, we've scoured the city searching for fun alternative sporting activities — apart from jogging and sit-ups — that will get you fit and firm with the fun.
All the right elements
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 12/09/2014
» The peaceful/vanilla/unlively neighbourhood of Lang Suan enjoys an abundance of eateries; from local favourites offering traditional Thai dishes to the more exotic progressive Indian cuisine of Gaggan. And now, with more community malls popping up, residents and office workers are spoilt for choice. What’s missing from this friendly part of town that’s just a stone’s throw away from Central Chidlom and Central Embassy, however, is a decent brunch place - which is exactly what Stonehouse is. The brainchild(ren) behind this all-day dining eatery are three friends who are mining engineers (hence the name Stonehouse) that wanted to set up a casual hangout spot where diners can relax and find delicious treats from breakfast through to dinner. Unlike most industrial interiors we’ve seen, this one has gone a step further and constructed a beautiful backdrop of mineral stones dug straight from the mines they work at. There’s an outdoor patio perfect for after work chill out sessions with live bands from Thursday to Saturday.
Action man
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 19/09/2014
» Dan Wallace is the founder of Action Sport Asia (<a href="http://www.actionsportasia.com">www.actionsportasia.com</a>, <a href="http://fb.com/actionsportsasia">fb.com/actionsportsasia</a>), which puts adrenalin-junkies and sport-lovers in touch with the right companies. Through his website, city dwellers can find out information about exciting activities they may never have known existed, such as actual mountain biking right here in Bangkok, or conquering your fear of heights with zip-lining just an hour and a half away from the city centre. Here, he tells Guru about his love for travel and new sporting events that are making their way to Thailand.
Young at heart
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 19/09/2014
» Contrary to the name, Oldman Cafe is a hip new hangout on the old side of Bangkok. Now, we know it’ll take more than good coffee and decent food to persuade city dwellers to leave the 10110 postcode. So you’ll be glad to know that the cafe is certainly worth the drive to the other side, where the people are so easygoing that even the fear of car towing or clamping doesn’t apply to them. The five-month-old cafe has already acquired loyal customers of all ages including families residing in the area as well as hipsters and young urbanites looking for a casual hangout. The owners’ passion for interior and graphic design is apparent throughout the restaurant, which is decorated with dark hues, leather sofas and vintage knick-knacks like typewriters and microphones from the 50s. There’s even a Harley-Davidson parked out front to remind you that the place serves up a good cup of coffee with a side of old school soul.
Dining-in directory
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 19/09/2014
» Spoiler alert: It’s rainy season; it’s chucking down like there has been a drought for two years and the traffic is just as painful to watch as it is to be stuck in. The chances of leaving the office by car and actually making it to dinner at 7pm on the dot is close to zero. And unless the new PM decides to add cars to his next ban list (along with shisha/hookah), commuting in Bangkok city is a painful experience that one must simply suck up and face (yes, weekends included). So to make life a little easier, and to help you continue to have the best eating experiences you’ve been accustomed to, we’ve compiled a list of places that deliver culinary treats and drinks for every occasion.
Bangkok, uninterrupted
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 17/10/2014
» In the past few months, numerous crackdowns and clean-ups have been happening in and around the city. From demolishing street stalls to arresting irresponsible drivers, clamping vehicles parked illegally, and banning the use of hookahs in restaurants and bars - it’s all fine and dandy but aren’t the powers that be stripping the city of its charms? Tourists don’t travel thousands of miles to spend their holidays in our parks nor do they come to experience fancy restaurants that pride themselves on top-notch hygiene standards. Sure, residents of Bangkok complain about how there are too many cars or how bad the traffic is but wouldn’t it be a frighteningly quiet city without the honking, cursing and deep bass sounds of molam music pumping from neon-lit tuk tuks? We imagine what Bangkok would look like, uninterrupted.
Find & dine
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 07/11/2014
» If there’s anything Bangkokians know a lot about, it’s shopping and eating. Now, there are places where you can actually do both (and no, we’re not talking about glitzy malls). We’ve rounded up mixed-use places where you can go to snack, and if you feel like it, browse and snap up cool finds — whether it be a designer dress, a vintage armchair or even a hipster bicycle.
Alive and kicking
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 14/11/2014
» Imagine an old fisherman’s house crossed with a crab shack — then you’ll get the picture of what The Raw Bar looks like. Unlike other flashy restaurants around the Thong Lor area, it is slightly hidden away behind some overhanging plants and has somehow squeezed itself in between a Japanese restaurant and a small shop. The place comprises three floors: the first is really an oyster bar where you’re right in the middle of the oyster shucking action; the second and third are a little more private and cosy — good for office co-workers or large groups. The decor and interior are well thought out with fishing gear, rusty odds and ends, metal chains and vintage photographs — all of which contribute to the intimate, masculine-like setting reminiscent of a wooden boathouse. Diners include expats and urbanites who can’t get enough of oysters and lobsters.
The Voice
Guru, Jarupat Buranastidporn, Published on 21/11/2014
» Supaprat “Ping-Pong” Panyarachun is a voice-over artist based in Bangkok (fb.com/pingvoiceoverbkk). After stumbling upon his career by chance, his voice has been featured in many TV and radio adverts we hear today. Much like job interviews, voice-over artists have to audition and pitch to each brand before getting selected. He tells us what it’s like to star as the voice of multi-million-baht commercials.