Intricate silk fabric and household items aside, Jim Thompson is known for its eponymous restaurants that serve up traditional dishes in classically decorated settings. Now, the brand gives an artsy approach to modern dining with the opening of Bombyx, a restaurant that takes the mall-food experience to the next level.
Named after a species of silkworm, Bombyx is situated in Siam Paragon next to the Jim Thompson boutique. The space is a dramatic, dimly lit enclave festooned with splashes of turquoise. It also functions as a gallery of sorts, showcasing art pieces by local greats. At the moment, the abstract creations of national artist Ithipol Thangchalok, whose works also make an appearance on Jim Thompson’s bestselling items, are displayed on framed canvas as well as on silk linen hanging from the ceiling.
Expect things to take a different direction at Bombyx as familiar Thai dishes are artfully presented with components inspired by international cuisine. The classic miang khum, for example, is depicted as spiced ahi tuna sitting on a layer of roasted coconut, lime bits and sweet miang syrup, and served in a cup made of flour (B260). The satay platter sees grilled chicken and shrimp served alongside a salad of Japanese cucumber and a peanut sauce injected with shrimp paste (B240). Northern delights like khao soi now involve soba noodles in a curry sauce topped with Chinese-style roasted duck (B280).
The bar proffers locally made liquor that make their way into Thai-inspired concoctions like Bombyx Elixir (Niikki vodka, egg white, lemon juice, mulberry syrup and lavender bitters, B280).
