Sunny Side Up!

BY AYUSH MADAN

I often romanticise the idea of living off the grid, being surrounded by nothing except towering trees and endless greenery. But as a city boy, I’m simply too attached to the comforts of urban life. So instead, I indulge my craving for nature by exploring Bangkok’s hidden urban oases. This month, I discovered Ad Lib Bangkok Hotel, a charming hotel tucked away in a quiet corner of Sukhumvit Soi 1. It quickly became my newest retreat, offering a peaceful escape for city-dwellers and travellers alike right in the heart of Bangkok; and I can confidently say that the in-house Ad Lib Restaurant is now one of my favourite brunch spots in the city. 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

As you drive into the soi, you might mistake it for a moobaan, and that’s precisely the ambience they aim to create. At the entrance, dark stone steps lead to a grand wooden door, marked with a Buddhist blessing welcoming good fortune. As the door swings inward, the space greets you with a soothing palette of earth tones. Handwoven chairs, soft-textured pillows, and wall tapestries made from bohemian-style fabrics infuse the room with warmth and character. Floor-to-ceiling windows blur the line between inside and out, letting through lots of natural light. Altogether, the indoor area offers a cosy, intimate vibe, but it’s just a prelude to the real experience.

Step outside, and it’s like you’ve stumbled into a rainforest. The outdoor area is a lush haven, with towering walls covered in cascading vines and plants surrounding every table. Nature truly takes the lead here, inviting you to sit back and immerse yourself in a green cocoon of dense foliage and living walls. The gentle rustling of leaves and dappled sunlight filtering through the plants create an atmosphere that makes you forget you’re dining in the heart of Sukhumvit.

Soft lo-fi music plays in the background, lulling you further into a state of relaxation. For those seeking a respite from the heat, the poolside dining option offers a refreshing escape. Plus, the restaurant is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the experience. Every element of the space invites you to slow down, sip your coffee a little longer, and savour the serenity around you – so much so that once you arrive, you won’t want to leave.

FOOD AND DRINK

The food at Ad Lib Restaurant is equally impressive. Start off your brunch with a hearty Shakshuka (THB 290) which comes with poached eggs immersed in a smoky tomato, onion, and capsicum sauce infused with cumin and paprika. The eggs, still slightly runny, mix beautifully with the sauce, creating a rich, balanced bite with every spoonful. Craving something lighter and more refreshing? The Avocado caprese on rye bread (THB 290) will answer your calling. This beautifully-plated open-faced sandwich, with its popping colours and fresh ingredients, practically begs to be featured on your Instagram story. Creamy avocado and cherry tomatoes are paired with tangy feta, briny black olives, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, garnished with fresh basil. All this rests on a slice of nutty rye bread, a sturdy base that keeps each bite crisp and satisfying.

With Bumrungrad International Hospital just around the corner, the menu caters to health-conscious diners, featuring the Wellness breakfast (THB 350) as a signature offering. This dish has a well-rounded mix of soft, creamy scrambled eggs – cooked to perfection – rich smoked salmon, and earthy sautéed mushrooms. The addition of creamy avocado and fluffy quinoa keeps it light, providing a luxurious yet healthy meal to start your day. On the sweeter side, the Greek yoghurt healthy bowl (THB 220) offers a fresh, chilled treat. Tangy yoghurt is topped with crunchy granola, sweet berries, and banana slices. This is a bowl I could easily eat every day.

It’s refreshing in this weather, the textures work together beautifully, and it’s packed with health benefits from probiotics and antioxidant-rich berries.

For something more classic and comforting, the American breakfast (THB 350) ticks all the boxes with its crispy bacon, golden hash browns, fried eggs, toast, and a savoury Italian pork sausage. Finally, we come to the Eggs benedict (THB 290). This renowned dish features perfectly poached eggs resting on a toasted English muffin, complemented by thinly-sliced Paris ham and sautéed spinach. Each bite, coated in a velvety hollandaise sauce, is pure decadence, proving why it remains a staple for those seeking an opulent touch at breakfast.

MASALA RECOMMENDS

Usually, it’s the basics done right that impress me the most. Another breakfast staple, their signature Pancakes (THB 290) were just that – simply amazing. The cakes were fluffy and light, topped with caramelised bananas, honey, and a generous pour of maple syrup, and finished with a dollop of whipped cream. I would return just for the pancakes and a hot cappuccino.

In Conversation with
NANANG PRASETYA ADITAMA,
the Executive Chef of Ad Lib Restaurant

What was your experience prior to Ad Lib Restaurant?

I’ve worked in three countries: Indonesia, the Maldives, and Thailand. My first job in Bangkok was at 137 Pillars Suites & Residences, in Sukhumvit Soi 39, where I joined the pre-opening team. Then, I worked for four years at Nimit Fine Dining, focusing on sushi. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I went back to Indonesia to manage a few restaurants in Batam, Jakarta, and Bali. Then in 2022, I returned to Thailand and worked at Siam@Siam Design Hotel for about a year and a half before transitioning to Ad Lib Restaurant.

How would you describe the food concept at the restaurant?

We focus on sustainable and healthy dishes, especially post-COVID. We use about 70 percent local and organic ingredients. For example, we source yoghurt and ham from local producers, ensuring fresh, high-quality products that rival imports while benefiting the environment.

What are the most popular dishes on your brunch menu?

The Shakshuka and our Wellness breakfast are guest favourites. The Wellness breakfast, especially, is a compact dish with simple, natural flavours – creamy avocado, the saltiness of smoked salmon, and soft scrambled eggs all complement each other perfectly.

Do you have any special menus planned for this year?

Yes! We’re preparing something special for Christmas. It’s our first time hosting festive dining at Ad Lib Restaurant. We’re planning a mix of à la carte selections and Brazilian-style churrasco – all with locally sourced ingredients, of course!