The intensive preparation of these home-made ferments, fish sauces and shrimp pastes is at the heart of Thai style flavours – at once sharp, sour, sweet, spicy and sometimes pungent. The attention to each step of the preparation, both in the kitchen and at the table, brings all the authentic nuances of Thai cooking to the guest in a way that is hard to replicate.
Without being overt, the Som Chai Drink bar captures the balance of rustic industrial versus refined – where contemporary urban meets with an Asian design sensibility. Upon entering, the immediate feeling is that of a sumptuous Bangkok speakeasy or cabaret bar, reminiscent of the mysterious and alluring drinking dens of Old Chinatown, where back room lounges and secretive niches provided privacy for patrons and the charm of the Cheongsam-clad staff would waft across the bar in a mist of feminine intrigue.
At Som Chai Drink, the night unfolds with performance artistes, live music and resident DJs invoking a hedonistic sensory exoticism. Homage is paid to Old Chinatown in Bangkok, where cutting edge bars and cafes are opening up under the awnings of the old town, creating new adventures in nighttime entertainment. At Som Chai Drink, the eclectic and classic interior is reflected in the nouveau-retro alchemy of the bar menu.
Quintessential cocktails are presented in new ways and a host of botanicals are infused into refreshments that invite endless possibilities, blending herbs, infusions and liquors into potions of potency and pleasure. Selected artisan beers and classic mixed drinks, along with fine wines are also served during the opening hours of 5.30pm through to one in the morning. Signature street-food bites are served from a designated Som Chai Drink menu to bar customers preferring to remain in the bar.
