Brasserie 9 dishes out classic French flavours with a contemporary flair.
By Ashima Sethi
Standing amidst the hustle and bustle of Bangkok’s Sathorn district is Brasserie 9, an elegant bistro set inside a white mansion dating back to the momentous reign of King Rama V. The restaurant first opened its doors riverside at Asiatique, and has since moved to this unique and unrivalled location.
The exterior combines elements of grandeur with rustic charm, featuring gleaming glass fixtures and timbre beams. The interiors of this house-cum-restaurant are heavily inspired by classic French bistros, with the dining rooms bathed in dark grays, tans and beige tones, complemented by dark wooden floors and table tops. In a nod to traditional Thai architecture, wooden fans hang from the high ceilings and vintage art, including old maps of Siam, decorate the walls.
The restaurant boasts two floors, making the location perfect for hosting private events. The ground floor features a luxurious cigar lounge with a cigar locker, paying homage to bon viveurs of the past. The elegant bar area is ideal for a sociable evening, as the in-house DJ spins smooth tunes. Meanwhile, the top floor features a large function room that can be divided, making the space versatile for business meetings, cocktail parties and sit-down dinners. The service is attentive and friendly, and the team is more than happy to assist with planning the perfect evening.
Upon being seated at our table we were introduced to Chef de Cuisine Kenny Karlsson, who is no stranger to Bangkok’s food scene. Both the a la carte and set menus exemplify his attention to detail and commitment to bold flavours.
Our meal begins with the Pan seared foie gras with caramelized peach, maple syrup and diced lemon served with warm toasted brioche (B620). The melt-in-your mouth texture of the liver in combination with the sweetness of the peach results in a delicate marriage of flavours, a fitting start to a delectable dinner. Mouth-watering aromas fill the air as we are presented with Salmon cooked at l’unilateral on a bed of saffron seafood risotto (B590). The fish is prepared to perfection, as its delicate taste perfectly complements the light risotto.
Next up was The Canadian lobster thermidor with buttered rice and assorted vegetables (B3.52/G). This classic French dish is not to be missed for seafood lovers, as the complex flavours of the sauce pairs well with the fresh and juicy meat. For fans of poultry, the restaurant serves a Whole slow roasted quail filled with chestnut, pumpkin, sage and thyme (B780). This taste bud-tingling option with fresh seasonal vegetables is akin to dining in the European countryside.
One of Chef Kenny’s signature dishes is the Cold seafood platter for four (B5,800), which includes a variety of imported oysters, Canadian lobsters, tiger prawns, langoustines, legs of king crab and mussels, presented with a range of dipping sauces. The platter is delivered to the table from the Live Seafood Bar, and the selection is a testament to the establishment’s commitment to fresh and diverse seafood options.
The meal ends on a high note with The Last Dance (B300), a warm chocolate fondant with an oozing centre, served alongside homemade vanilla ice cream and a dark chocolate Eiffel tower. It was simply art on a plate.
The wine cellar is stocked with a selection of traditional French wines that range from full-flavoured Bordeaux reds to lighter whites from the Burgundy region. Meanwhile, the unique cocktails are worth trying, particularly The Elderflower Early Punch (B295), which combines tequila and Aperol with elderflower liqueur. This refreshing concoction is topped with passion fruit and lime juice. For those opting for a non-alcoholic beverage, the menu also features delicious mocktails like the All Day Long (B195), a mixture of fresh passion fruit and orange juice, served with lemongrass, and sparkling Perrier – a refreshing accompaniment to a delicious meal.
BRASSERIE 9
Sathorn soi 6, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening daily from 11.30am to 1am
Tel: 02 234 2588
Email: brasserie9@gourmethouse.co.th
