In a teak mansion built during World War II, a newly opened restaurant proves a serene dining experience for friends and family in the Nana area.
Recently opened to serve tapas inspired by Thai and Laos cuisine, Monkey Pod, named for its giant rain tree and lush green surroundings, is led by Thavisack “Chef Dou” Phouthavong, who is Belgium-born Lao and worked in London prior to moving to Thailand.
Cooking in a Taiwanese kitchen in London inspired Chef Dou’s Lao Dog (THB179), an appetizer that combines Taiwanese-style deep-fried mantou buns with spicy sai-ua sausages instead of Western dogs, topped with pungent tomato relish.
Lao chili paste from Luang Prabang shines in fried-rice rich dish Khao Phad Jaew Bong (THB169 for pork / THB279 for black angus beef) where rice is pan-fried with fermented fish, spices and herbs before the plate is topped with pickled egg yolk.
Khlong Pai Chili Chicken (THB389) is prepared with free-range chicken from the Khlong Pai Farm in Nakhon Ratchasima province, but instead of marinating it in turmeric, gets its yellow with help from carrots and yellow chili. Served next to the dish are pickled beetroot and chimichurri sauces – the latter gives an herbal aroma thanks to dill and balm mint.
Monkey Pod is open 11am to 9pm every day except Monday. It’s located inside Soi Sukhumvit 13 with BTS Nana being the nearest public transportation.
FIND IT:
Monkey Pod
Soi Sukhumvit 13, Khlong Toei Nua, Wattana
11am – 9pm daily, except Monday
BTS Nana
02-115-9830
