Veteran barcrawlers in this city know that if they want some shots of yadong – the herbal moonshine that’s traditional to Thailand – in a sexy setting, then they’d better head to Tep Bar in Chinatown or Thonglor’s Studio Lam.
Good news for yadong chasers, though: A new spot specializing in the drink has now opened in a different neighborhood.
Located between BTS Ari and Saphan Kwai in a two-story shophouse, Thaisho is an eclectic bar that opened two months ago featuring the hardcore, herb-infused liquor.
It’s impossible to miss the colorful rows of pha khao ma (handcrafted waistcloths), hanging from the ceiling. Underneath all of that, lining the bar , is a row of yadong jars. That’s where you pick your favorite and order a straight shot for THB110 each.
If you’re not yet familiar, yadong is a potent Thai liquor made by fermenting rice whisky with traditional herbs. This type of drink is believed to offer medicinal benefits, ranging from improving blood circulation to boosting sex drive and is commonly found at street stalls throughout Thailand.
Other than this signature brew, the bar menu’s highlights include Lamyong (THB260), which is served with floral garlands in a fancy pedestal tray. The drink itself is a sake-based shot mixed with tamarind, lime, pink guava and a traditional herb called Elephantopus Scaber (where you at, Google?).
A group of friends or colleagues is recommended to share a cocktail bucket, the Kamikaze (THB290).
To go with the drinks are Isaan-style comfort foods such as deep-fried chicken skin with paprika (THB90), spicy grilled pork neck salad (THB150) and full-flavored sour and spicy pork soup (THB280).
DJs will take turns spinning tunes from the ’90s and 2000s. Wednesdays are Ladies Nights, during which the bar will have a buy-one-get-one-free drink deal on offer.
Thaisho opens from 5pm to midnight every day. It’s located about 700 meters from BTS Saphan Kwai.
FIND IT:
Thaisho
Phahonyothin Road
Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok
5pm – midnight daily
Phone: +66 95 114 7666
BTS: Saphan Kwai
