Thailand's Un-Yang-Kor-Dai is the latest Thai eatery to open a branch in Singapore. The outlet here is its first outside Thailand's Khao Yai.
The restaurant (located at 57 South Bridge Rd, #01-02) serves Isaan cuisine (or North Eastern Thai) and has kept the dishes as fiery as the real deal. Its signature dishes are available here too, such as the tender PenLaos Signature Grilled Chicken (with skin seasoned with white peppercorn and coriander) and Kor Moo Yang (or Grilled Pork Neck).
So while fans do not have to travel up north to eat at this restaurant anymore, if you're planning a trip to Bangkok, there are plenty of new restaurants waiting to be discovered.
Here are some places foodies may enjoy.
1. Birds Rotisserie
Address: 378/1 Thanon Nang Linchi, Chong Nonsi, Yan Nawa, Bangkok
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Fridays, 5.30pm to 10.30pm; weekends 11.30am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 10pm
Website: www.facebook.com/BIRDSRotisserie
If you're not good with directions, make sure you settle your transport before you venture out to look for Birds Rotisserie. It feels like it's the located in the middle of nowhere.
But do find your way there because it'll be worth the effort.
The restaurant serves only chicken but does it so well. This is surely one of the best roast chickens I've tasted anywhere.
The organic chickens are from a free-range farm run by a farmer in Khao Yai and each bird is marinated for days before it is roasted.
Just order anything chicken on the menu and it'll be the right choice.
2. Prelude Restaurant & Bar
Address: 2/F, Arena 10, Thonglor Soi 10, Bangkok
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 6pm to midnight
Website: preludebkk.com
I was keen to eat here because the chef is Singaporean. Chef Tan Cong Wen worked in the kitchens of big restaurants such as Jaan, Restaurant Labyrinth and the recently closed Bird Bird, and is now heading the kitchen at Prelude.
You can choose from a two- or three-course menu, or make it an occasion with a six-course tasting menu.
Chef Tan's time in fine dining is evident because each dish is beautifully plated. The dishes on the menu are rotated, and discovery is half the fun.
I also like that the restaurant has a zero-waste, locavore philosophy.
3. Blunos
Address: Level 14, Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok, 33/1 South Sathorn Road, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok
Opening hours: 11am to midnight
Website: www.EastinGrandSathorn.com
British celebrity chef Martin Blunos moved to Bangkok and set up this restaurant. He may be better known for his TV appearances, but Blunos has earned his fame - his restaurant Lettonie was awarded two Michelin Guide stars, first in Bristol and then in Bath.
Don't let his Michelin history scare you. Blunos is casual and relaxed, which went well with the alfresco setting.
The menu is filled with hearty comfort food, but my heart was won over by the pulled lamb shoulder. It was fragrant, tender and with just the right amount of oiliness to make it feel decadent.
4. Common Room X Ari
Address: 13/1 Soi Phaholyothin 5, Phayathai Bangkok
Opening hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 8am to 5pm
Website: www.facebook.com/commonroomxari
Common Room X Ari is barely the size of a container but this all-day breakfast spot is an oasis of calm, once you find a spot.
The menu is predictably loaded with eggs and sausages, and a list of single origin coffees.
There is just a cool factor here and nooks for the look-at-the-ceiling-pensively type Instagram moments.
5. Onedee Cafe
Address: Ari Soi 1, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok
Opening hours: 11am to 10pm
Website: www.facebook.com/onedeecafe
When I asked around for cool new places to check out in Bangkok, Onedee popped up a few times. And after trying the gelato there, I can understand why.
Instead of the usual coconut ice cream, you'll get ice cream versions of Thai desserts. Thai iced tea in an ice cream form is common, but the version here is great.
Onedee is around the corner from Ari BTS, and you'll walk past a stretch of street hawkers. Go join the queue at the chicken rice stall. It is one of the best in Bangkok.
