COCONUTS HOT SPOT — Korean expat Ted Ahn never expected to own a business in Bangkok. However, in the four and half years since he came here for a “boring office job,” he’s become the owner of two successful craft beer restaurants, called Changwon Express, and is brewing two of his own beers under the same name.
The vibe of the newer space is part of the reason he took it. The second Changwon spreads out over the entire second floor of Phrom Pong’s surf simulator Flow House — and it’s already been open for nearly a year. The former Chang beer bar offers indoor and outdoor seating, has 30 beer taps shaped like surfboards, can accommodate 200 people, and is dog and family friendly.
Not too shabby.
As Ahn said, “ It’s the only bar in Bangkok with a beach vibe,” since it’s located in the beachy Flow House. As you sip your beer, you can hear water lapping, watch bronzed beefcakes practice surfing, and get lit amongst tropical decor like surfboard-shaped tables, seashells, and a swimwear shop.
For the tap beers, Ahn rotates the selection but tries to keep a ratio of 18 Thai beers, 10 foreign, and his own two brews — Asoke Pale Ale and Chao Phraya Stout 00 which are always available on draft and in cans. He said, “I want to be a showplace for Thai craft beer,” he said.
If you can’t decide, choose a flight of five (very large) tasters (THB1,000) from names like Brewdog, Brothers, or Ballast Point for the international offerings and DX, Stonehead, and Beat Brew for the Thai offerings. A pint will run you from THB120-280 depending on what you pick.
Changwon in a can (THB220 each) is also available in certain Foodland stores, Villa Market, and even the odd Family Mart.
As much as he didn’t plan to become a Thai craft beer champion or Bangkok business owner, Ahn’s life plan has changed over the last few years. Now, he’s thinking bigger and would love to own a brewery in Thailand someday, though he does not see the draconian beer-making laws changing under the current regime enough to make that possible in the near future.
His recipes have already won World Beer Awards for both taste and packaging design in 2017. He suggests pairing the Asoke with greasy foods to cut through the fat, and the stout with desserts to bring our their sweetness.
The Asoke is perfect with the menu at Flow House. On a recent visit, we paired the the pale ale — which tastes light and palatable even to those that complain of not liking pale ales — with some of the straightforward, indulgent items on the menu.
The ham and bacon olio spaghetti (THB180) was served with generous hunks of garlic bread to create a carb lovers fantasy. Piled with fragrant hammy hunks and bacony bits, this is not for those fearful of pork or watching their waistline.
Next up was the Napoli pizza (THB220), a good size for one hungry person or two who are just looking for a snack. Topped with pepperoni, mushroom, and black olives, it also features an unusual mix of cheeses including a gooey orange cheddar.
The classic chicken wings (THB180) were fried to perfection and served with a tangy red sauce and a bit of salad. They seem like an almost inevitable food for the beers and the atmosphere.
The Korean fusion cuisine that the original location is famous for, which is inspired by Ahn’s home city of Changwon, South Korea, has been replaced by this more standard Western menu, though Ahn said he might introduce the original menu in the new location down the road.
On weekends, the venue features live music and stays open until midnight. It also has a Playstation if you get down like that in a bar.
For those that don’t like beer, Ahn offers cider and rum cocktails. However, no wine is or will be available.
“We don’t like wine drinkers” he said brashly. He clarified that he doesn’t mind the drink. In fact, he drinks it, but hates the pretentious culture surrounding it, finding craft beer fans just as knowledgeable, passionate, and educated as wine buffs, but way more down to earth.
If you need a reason to stop by, Changwon Express at Flow House is hosting Cocktail Carnival presented by The Bar Awards on Saturday at noon. Try cocktails from 12 of Asia’s best bars, as well as the signature surfing experience, carnival games, magic, balloon animals, and live music.
FIND IT:
Changwon Express at Flow House
A Square Complex
Sukhumvit Soi 26
BTS Phrom Pong
Open daily, noon until 10pm
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