Toasting the tavern of culture
Four pals open a trendy bar in Pom Prab district to showcase true Thainess
NOT AN area usually renowned for its nightlife, Bangkok’s Pom Prab Sattru Phai district is out to change that with the opening of a new and very hip hangout in a two-storey shophouse built almost a century ago.
In business for just one month, Tep Bar is already being talked out on the social networks thanks to its unusual interior design that blends Thai traditions with a modern look.
Advertising itself as a “culture tavern”, Tep Bar offers a range of authentic Thai dishes, tailor-made cocktails and traditional music played live by a new-wave local band.
Tep is the brainchild of Kong Kangwarnklai, Asawin Rojmethatawee, Napatt Chindasanguan and Rommaneeya Jayavasu, four friends who have spent much of their working lives overseas but are delighted to be returning to their roots.
“Our aim is to build a Thai brand that will become known the world over. We want to change the perception of Thainess, which is badly out of date. And we’re starting with Tep Bar to introduce Thai culture through food, drink and music,” Kong and Asawin say.
“We want everyone to indulge in the golden era of Thainess.”
An abbreviation of Krungthep Mahanakorn, the Thai name for the capital, Tep Bar has undergone extensive renovations over the past six months, going from a rundown 98-year-old shophouse to a 70-seat culture bar with old-fashioned charm.
The original structure has been left in place and while the walls have mostly been cemented over, some areas have been left open to reveal gold-painted brick underneath. The idea stems from local legend that gold Buddha images should be coated with cement to hide them from the enemy’s eyes during war.
A 100-year-old teak floor graces the upper storey and old pieces of teak have also been used to fashion a large Thai-style bench. A red ladder leads to the rooftop, which serves as a smoking area and a venue for private parties.
“We use brass forks and spoons to give the tables more sparkle and we have also designed a small wooden spoon that can double as a fork,” says Asawin. “Everything here has a story, including the cocktails, whose names refer to festivals or folk tales.”
The kitchen is in hands of Rommaneeya, who has designed a menu based on traditional royal recipes. There is a choice of easy-to-eat dishes, grilled meats, and one-dish meals, all of them made from the best ingredients available on the local market.
Among her specialities are Kai Krabok (Bt180), deep-fried chicken blended with turmeric and spicy jaew sauce and served in a bamboo container, Pla Nuer Tao Than (Bt220), grilled beef mixed in spicy Thai dressing and lemongrass, and Koong Takhrai (Bt180), grilled prawn marinated with herbs and lemongrass.
Also worth trying is Pad Tai Kam Koong – Sukhothai-style fried rice noodles with large prawns, beansprout, cowpea, cayenne pepper and sliced lemon (Bt220) and traditional favourite Khao Niao Neur Sawan with Moo Daowadueng – sticky rice topped with shredded beef and pork (Bt90 and Bt70).
The bar serves a selection of unique cocktails blended with Thai herbs, fruits, Thai rum and Thai herbal liquor.
Songkran (Bt280) is a refreshing mixture of Thai rum and passion fruit juice, Sorn Arom (Bt300) is blended with mangosteen and pomegranate and Ninlaphat (Bt350) is a mix of Sang Som, lime, bale fruit juice, ginger, chilli pepper and black jelly.
A new-wave local band plays traditional Thai sounds on the weekend.
DROP IN AND CHILL
>>Tep Bar is at 67-71, Soi Nana, Mitrijit Road. It's open daily from 5pm to midnight. Call (098) 467 2944 or visit “TepBar” page on Facbeook.
