It’s always golden hour at this endearing eatery.
By Natasha Sethi
Established in the last quarter of 2020, Californian-inspired eatery Golden State Vegan Cafe has quickly become a distinguished option for vegans in Bangkok. After struggling to find a restaurant that served vegan food with an atmosphere that matched their vibe, dynamic duo Eric and Oyy decided to open up their own place. One of their objectives is for Golden State Vegan to be a place where people can hang out past daytime and delight in their vegan wine and cocktails. This duo used the lockdown period to their advantage by spending most of their time designing their restaurant and finding locally-sourced products they could utilise. All of their food is freshly cooked, and all of their dishes homemade with love, whether you’re vegan or not vegan, this charming eatery must be added to your list of places to try.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
A home away from home is the phrase I would use to describe the vibe of Golden State Vegan. The abstract intramural was a consummate amalgamation of vintage artefacts and contemporary art deco pieces, with the selection of Pop Art reflecting the psychedelic and artistic feel that the creative brains behind the space were going for. A large rectangular window allows sunlight to bless the indoor dining area, while warm light fixtures add to the neo-retro ambiance of the space. Originally an Airbnb, it’s been successfully transformed into an endearing little restaurant.
FOOD AND DRINK
We started off with a Mix berry & peach (THB 180) smoothie, and trust us, it was berry revitalising, a good beverage to enjoy on-the-go on a hot summer’s day. If you’re looking for something boozy, Golden State Vegan also serves cocktails, including the refreshing Coconut watermelon margarita (THB 340) and zesty Spicy mango jalapeño margarita (THB 340). For wine drinkers, a plethora of vegan wines is on offer, including sparkling, rosé, red, orange, and white wine. As for our coffee lovers, don’t worry, they’ve got you covered with their array of nitro cold brew coffee.
So let’s talk starters. A highly-recommended appetiser is the Spicy edamame (THB 200), which is steamed edamame seasoned with spicy Thai-Sichuan chilli oil, toasted garlic, sesame, and rock salt. A personal favourite of the afternoon, this amuse-gueule was finger-licking good. For a more coastal option, Calamari fritto misto (THB 260) is the appetiser to order, comprising of plant-based calamari and fish, broccolini shisho leaf, and edible flowers served with moreish lemon aioli. If you relish onion rings or other crunchy, fried-based tidbits, this is highly recommended.
Next, we tried Golden State Vegan’s original recipe of Crispy mushroom satay vinaigrette salad (THB 260), which is essentially a mesclun salad dressed in satay sauce, served alongside other condiments. A dish that will fulfil your cravings for spicy and tangy flavours.
Moving onto mains, we were served a diverse selection of delectable dishes ranging from vegan steaks to rice bowls and even burgers. Going with the chef’s recommendation, we tried the house special Ahi tuna steak (THB 290), a plant-based raw ‘tuna’ steak made from watermelon that’s seared in a pan, and then served with rocket salad and a vibrant citrus ponzu glaze, a dish the chef mentioned takes over 48 hours to make. For a well-balanced meal, the Rainbow satay bowl (THB 260) consists of peanut-crusted tofu skewers served with vegetables, rice, and a spicy satay peanut sauce. Burger fans should opt for the Herb fish burger (THB 340) served with basil french fries, pickled cucumber, and homemade tartare sauce.
Next, we tried their bestseller, Golden State Vegan’s Maryland crab cakes (THB 270), which are the talk of the town. Just the right amount of tangy and creamy, the texture of the cakes immaculately mimics the textures of actual crab cakes. As a non-vegetarian turned vegetarian that still misses the taste of meat every now and again, the homemade vegan food served at Golden State Vegan ensured those cravings were assuaged.
MASALA RECOMMENDS
The California tuna poke (THB 260) is a rice bowl that really impresses. This dish combines scrumptious plant-based tuna with your choice of sushi or brown rice, a choice of Siracha or wasabi mayo, and assorted vegetables including avocado, edamame, sunflower sprouts, pickled radish, and carrots. It is, indeed, a Golden State (of the art) Vegan comestible.
CATERING, DELIVERY, AND PURCHASING
Bringing Los Angeles to Bangkok, Golden State Vegan Cafe is also open to catering events where they can offer plat du jour mini vegan burgers amongst other Californian- inspired delicacies. Get in touch with their team to learn more about what they can offer your events.
You can even take a little bit of Golden State Vegan Cafe home with you by purchasing their products at their eatery, having them delivered in freezer bags, or getting them at the Vegan Basket at ICONSIAM!
GOLDEN STATE VEGAN CAFE
40 12 Ekkamai 12 Alley
Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana,
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 9pm
Tel: 084 174 7161
Facebook: @goldenstate.th
Instagram: @goldenstate.th
https://goldenstate-vegan.com
