Set in the home of former Funky Lam chef Vishanu “Bank” Prempuk, this Batik-decorated, grill house is less a restaurant than a private dining experience.
Once visitors locate the restaurant (behind an unassuming wooden door), they will find an open space with one table and walls decorated in Batik designed by Bank’s grandmother, who is also responsible for its awesome biryani recipe. Old-school Malaysian music plays in the background, making the experience all the more intimate.
All inhibitions — as well as cutlery — are left at the door, as the food is served family-style on banana leaves and eaten with hands, reflecting Bank’s upbringing (he is half-Thai, half-Malay). You’ll start with tender ox tongue served in a peppery rasam before moving into a feast that includes nine-hour-brined and smoked pork knuckle, fall-off-the-bone claypot goat curry, a refreshing Asian slaw, and grilled mackerel. All are served over steaming biryani rice made from that family recipe Bank holds dear to his heart (THB1,850 per person).
Go for the food, stay for the story — and, if you’re lucky, some guitar tunes from the chef himself. Reservations are required. The space can hold anywhere from four to 10 people.
Aromkwan Asian Smokery is located on Soi Sukhumvit 49 and opens from 5pm through midnight every day, except Monday.
FIND IT:
Aromkwan Asian Smokery
297/2 Soi Sukhumvit 49, Bangkok
Opens 5pm – midnight daily, except Monday
Phone 088-4958213
