Very popular both among Thais and expats and for certain degrees very bohemian Suan Phlu is a Bangkok neighborhood sandwiched among verdant Yenakat and the business area of Sathorn. The primary where to look for foods and places to restaurants is Soi 8 with a huge number of local and international restaurants and pubs. Its notoriety has been expanding thanks to a somewhat ‘genuine’ perception as a foodie destination, it has therefore attracted lots of attention. While there are well established players, we believe there could be many more exciting places which could gain a potential Michelin star.
We can start our exploration at the Sathorn end of Suan Plu. On Soi Phra Phinit side lies Plu restaurant, an exemplary Thai contemporary bistro. Coming back to the main street we can pass by the Michelin-featured Saawaan where Chefs Aom and Paper present flawlessly reinterpreted Thai dishes. Saawaan (which means “heaven” in Thai) serves up a procession of Thai cuisine that elevates humble recipes with innovative, modern-day techniques. Towards the end of Soi 2, we can observe Restaurant Keller by Chef Mirco Keller, previous culinary specialist of the Water Library offers contemporary European dishes.
Suan Phlu Soi 2
Holey Bakery: A famous bakery can be seen while walking down a tree lined street, you may be able to see a board on the street with the following words written on: “Best bread in Bangkok!”. Holey Bakery is a fundamental refueling spot for admirers of French croissants. Wooden furniture and Notre Monde trays are dotted against white interiors, creating a warm space made even homier by a mellow playlist and by the scent of freshly baked goods like veggie quiche and spice-and cheese-filled sourdough-liked bread. A couple of steps further there is Olta the most recent endeavor from Chef Jamie Wakeford with a modern British menu. Currently presents British dishes in a hip setting.
Going to Soi 8, you can pass by Arno, highly appreciated among committed carnivores and at the intersection with Soi 1 there is Smalls, a Bangkok landmark for more than thirty years. It is one of the best places to drink and relax in central Bangkok. The popular Junker is close by similar and fantastically stocked El Mercado offering to people in the area gourmet grocery experience, great selections of cold-cut, cheese, bakery, wine and ready-to-eat meals. Opposite to Soi 6 lies you can find Coffee Klick if you are lacking caffeine, and if you venture 50 meters inside the alley you will be compensated with Som Tum Nui Suan , a nice restaurant presenting the pleasures of Isaan kitchen.
Suan Phlu Soi 8
Arriving at Soi 8, you may see basic eating stalls and houses where one can pic-n-mix from genuinely fresh and unctuous Hoi Tod shellfish or mussels and Pad Thai, Crab Fried Rice and Hainanese Chicken Rice. The street likewise houses the old school Uncle John’s and authentic Coconut Ice Cream for a genuine Thai dinner experience. Coming back to the main street, opposite to the police headquarters there is Yor Karn Yum where a kanom tuay prepared with love and affection can be tasted. On the other corner there is Jong Lert where crispy duck is the number one seller and a bit further, Suan Phlu Food Court where grilled seafood is the winning choice! At the end of the road, on the corner there is Khao Soi Café with amazing coffee, chocolate and patisseries.
Another noteworthy restaurant, tucked away in a nearby soi, is the seafood focused Le Cabanon where Chef Martine Pailloux will take you on a journey across France with her cuisine. Recently, the area has gained a reputation as a rising mecca for food and booze lovers, therefore we encourage you to give a look at it and try these places out if you are in town.
