COCONUTS HOT SPOT – When you first walk into Kincucino Cafe in Siam Square, the industrial-inspired, contemporary design will strike you as borderline insane, and treads a fine line between kitschy and cool. This is Kevin Lim’s brainchild.
Lim, who co-created the new shophouse-inspired shopping center, Siam Vintage, said the aesthetic is industrial for a reason; it’s not just an empty concept. The design is an ode to old Siam.
“The first Bangkok urbanization was shophouses, markets, streets and temples,” says Lim. “Siam Square was the last one before malls and office buildings started getting made. We want to go back to the real Siam.”
That’s why heavy, exposed brick, chipped walls, and concrete beams from Siam Square’s original shopping center are still there. The view is a still-intact building facade from 30 years ago. But there are a few add-ons: hanging copper lights from West Germany, a massive rhino in clear view when you walk in, a long and flashy brass bar.
The food and cocktail menu is Japanese-heavy Asian fusion. Lim, who also created the dishes and drinks, says he wanted to keep the food simple like people ate during the (you guessed it) Industrial Revolution. Sundried fruits and nuts are used as garnishes because workers would snack on them while working.
Either soju or sake is added to most of the cocktails. The Samurai is a sort of Japanese mojito with fennel instead of mint, rum, cane sugar, and soju (THB160).
Kincucino Cafe is one part of Lim’s effort to preserve Siam Square. “I love Siam. I hope I never destroy it,” said Lim.
Kincucino Cafe
Siam Vintage
Siam Square Soi 9-10
08 3494 5000
