Parks, cafés, restaurants, and menus, we have it all.
By Ashima Sethi
New Park
The second phase of the Benjakitti Forest Park (pictured above) expansion is finally complete and open for the public. The park sits on a plot of converted wetlands that were formerly part of the Tobacco Authority of Thailand. With multiple entrances including one on bustling Ratchadaphisek Road, one of the highlights of the park is its views of downtown Bangkok’s glittering cityscape. Other standout features include a skywalk that runs across the marshlands, a walking trail at ground level, a bicycle track that goes around the park, and a sprawling grass lawn framed by an amphitheatre where visitors can have picnics, play ball sports, or take part in other activities. Moving into its third phase, the park is also expected to house a museum, a gym, and outdoor stage that can accommodate tens of thousands of people.
New Café
Okonomi is a new Japanese-style café now open inside of Sukhumvit Soi 38. Its original outpost in Brooklyn, USA, was famous for its contemporary approach to Japanese cuisine, serving everything from breakfast in the day time to heartier mains like ramen later at night. The Bangkok branch aims to channel this same approach, offering premium breakfast sets consisting of rice, soup, side dishes, and your choice of Japanese fish as well as other Japanese cuisine classics like donburi bowls, ramen, to-go bento boxes, sando sandwiches, and more. To enjoy with your meal, Okonomi’s drink menu boasts everything from teas to drip coffee. Keep in mind the café is cashless, so come prepared!
New Restaurant
Former Head Chef of Karmakamet Conveyance, Chef Jutamas ‘Som’ Theantae has left Bangkok in the pursuit of a new venture, establishing Som’s Table in the sleepy seaside town of Hua Hin. Situated inside a remodelled house by the ocean complete with a terrace and an onsite herb garden, Chef Som has changed her approach, going back to basics instead of focusing on purely fine dining concepts. The dishes on the menu change daily and put emphasis on local produce, specifically what is immediately available from the area’s seafood suppliers and farmers. Examples of previous dishes include handmade pasta, freshly baked in-house bread, and sublime meat and fish dishes crafted from premium ingredients.
New Menu
Celebrated riverside restaurant Blue by Alain Ducasse has unveiled two new menus to celebrate their reopening and securing a Michelin star for the second year in a row. The kitchen, led by Executive Chef Wilfred Hocquet, puts focus on premium ingredients in both the new Set Lunch (THB 1,950++ for four courses/THB 2,550++ for five courses) and Blue Signature dinner menu (THB 4,250++/THB 5,950++ for extra premium menu). Highlights include free-range chicken and black truffle pithivier; king crab with a gold caviar and citrus accompaniment; A4 wagyu served with Dauphine potatoes and carrots; and an indulgent Beaufort cheese soufflé. Although the chef’s menu is recommended, an à la carte menu is also available should you want to sample one of the restaurant’s signature dishes.
