It has been four years since renowned seafood haven Laemgate landed in Bangkok thanks to the hard work, sweat and tears of second-generation restaurateur Apichat Bowonbuncharuk.
Heavy fashion- and celebrity-related marketing promotions have earned this à la carte buffet restaurant a huge success in recent years. FYI, an à la carte buffet is where you order what you want from the menu instead of picking from sad-looking, ready-made stuff in a buffet spread. And this is where Laemgate’s claim to fame began: all-you-can-eat fare, fresh sea ingredients and affordable prices.
Laemgate has now moved to a new address on Lat Phrao intersection. This new home, designed by rising interior design firm, Studio AOK, takes inspiration from the circus and features a massive carousel hanging from the ceiling. To complement the restaurant’s whimsical and festive interiors, staffers are clad in extravagant dresses influenced by French fashion.
A larger space means Laemgate can now accept up to 250 diners at a time, with four buffet rounds (11:30, 13:30, 17:30 and 19:00; 90minutes/round for B666 net). Its interiors may be fancy but Laemgate’s menu remains simple with 23 seafood dishes, including their best-selling—and our favorite—fresh oysters from Sri Racha, served with chili paste and deep-fried red onions. We’re also into the hot and spicy nam prik khai pu (Thai chilli paste with crab roe), the chewy and tender au suan (Teochew-style oyster omelet), and, last but not least, the crispy roti served with ice cream—comes in Thai tea and lime flavors—which is perfect for cleansing the palate.