The best restaurants and cafes in Ekkamai

In the hopes of becoming a successful chef, aspiring rookies apply for a “staging” or an internship at acclaimed, oftentimes Michelin-starred, restaurants. Most of the time, a staging is unpaid, but it’s an opportunity for young hopefuls to be exposed to different culinary techniques that may be beneficial to their prospective career. Jay Sangsingkaew, a former chef at L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon Bangkok, along with her kitchen crew at the famed, short-lived restaurant, enters into a new venture that’s named after this significant first phase in a chef’s career. Stage (pronounced “staj”) is an elegant dining room that promises sophisticated French fare with global influences. The current menu is partly inspired by Nordic fare. Diners can opt for either the four-course (B1,900), six-course (B2,900) or the 10-course Stage Experience (B4,500) meal. The 10-course meal commences with a squid dish with dashi-poached seaweed topped with passionfruit gel—it’s a combination that looks lighter than it appears—followed by Hokkaido sea urchin with milk corn and brown crab served in a caviar metal tin. The meal moves on to heavier fare, which includes a tartare of aged venison given a salty kick with the addition of capers, shallots and truffle vinegar, and Spanish carabinero prawns, the parts of which are all optimized—its fat is used to stir-fry sticky Hang rice from Sakhon Nakhon, while its head is made into chips. Dessert brings a simple yet still impressive finish to the meal. You hav

Groans were heard all around when everyone’s favorite Roots Coffee Bar at Ekkamai closed down at the end of last year. Jubilation ensued when fans realized that the coffee purveyor was relocating to The Commons, the newest feel-like-home community mall located on Thonglor Soi 17. Hoping to be that backyard hang-out where everyone comes to chill on their free time, Roots serves coffee at its very best. Their cold brew attracts coffees lovers across the neighborhood, even more now that Roots offers it fresh from the tap. Another gimmick that attracts brewed-bean fanatics is the Barista’s Choice, which includes winning drinks from a barista competition in the menu for a limited amount of time. They now have Cherry Cola and Summer Peach cold brews on the grind – both are perfect for beating the heat. The owners also own popular eatery Roast, located on the top floor of The Commons. If you have a chance to stop by, don't forget to try their famous strawberry waffles! Roast also opened two new outlets within the city: one at EmQuartier, and a grab-and-go kiosk called Daily Roast at Bhiraj Tower (the office building behind EmQuartier).

When it comes to Spanish cuisine, most Bangkok eateries tend to follow the rulebook to claim authenticity to their establishments—think very Spanish-sounding names, clichéd decor (Moorish tiles, and hackneyed red and yellow hues, for instance), and regional specialties. Breaking away from this restrictive reputation, Broken Eggs is a hip Spanish tavern that’s unafraid to inject a contemporary spin to tapas bites. Starting out as a low-key kiosk in Phra Khanong’s W District, Broken Eggs takes on a new undertaking as a two-story eatery in Ekkamai. Stripped off the typical decorative elements that permeate Spanish establishment, the restaurant is a study in understated cool. One wall is dedicated to a massive mural depicting an octopus, elephant and a hen engaged in some kind of culinary threesome. Opposite is a shelf stocked with European wine, with Spanish labels making up the majority. Thumping hip hop tracks blare from the ceiling, another unexpected element that establishes a party vibe. Broken Eggs’ menu was put together by Chef Jacobo Astray (also the mastermind behind private dining concept Gula), and features two types of tapas: a set of classic small bites alongside Astray’s own interpretations, mostly influenced by his expansive traveling. Start out with the sous-vide egg, a creamy effort accentuated by sweet pumpkin purée, sautéed mushrooms and salty Ibérico ham (B240). The deep-fried shrimp is another kitchen triumph, wrapped in bahn mi noodles, and given a tangy ki

Combining an art gallery and a café, Ink & Lion is owned by a couple who both have art in their blood. Those who are passionate about arts, crafts and coffee will definitely fall in love with this place. Interesting artwork from both local and international artists are always on exhibit. Ink & Lion, who trained the latest winner of the National Thailand Brewer Cups, is now also roasting small batches of coffee. You can try their beans at the café or buy a pack for home brewing. Parking is limited, although there is more parking available at a site opposite to the café.

All-white interiors, marbletop counters, black infinity-edge lines – all these elements combine to create a clean modern look for this cafe. Outstanding signature drinks and a great food menu make this cafe suitable for everyone. Nitro cold brews offer energy boosts to the caffeine-obsessed, while sweets lovers will enjoy the Milo Mountain (iced chocolate topped with vanilla ice cream and Milo, and served in a chocolate-dipped cup). The two sibling owners have had years of experience in the Australian coffee culture. Their passion and enthusiasm for what they do assures an engaging experience each time you’re here.

This dog friendly café is also a dog hotel for canines. Enjoy simple snacks like sandwiches and burgers while your pooch socializes with Dog in Town’s seven cute and uber-friendly resident doggies. (They’re all named after BTS stations: Ari, Thonglor, Surasak, etc.).

An institution for over five decades, Wattanapanich is famous for its traditional Chinese-style stewed beef and goat. Now run by the third generation, this humble eatery still delivers on consistency, whether you want a dish with melt-in-your-mouth, grade-B cuts (shank, brisket) or chewy offal (innards, tripe and ligaments). The secret, apparently, is how these parts are slowly braised in an enormous pot with Chinese medicinal herbs and spices.

This popular venture by renowned chef Gaggan Anand fuses Mexican sensibilities with authentic Indian flavors. The restaurant currently has Work from Home Meal Deals, which offers three different sets (priced at B789 each).

Sit back, relax and enjoy your tea at Peace, the oriental teahouse created by Teerachai Limpapaitoon, a tea expert who loves to educate Thais on Japanese and Chinese tea. The minimally decorated space serves Gyokuro, the king of Japanese green tea, in three different ways – cold brew, hot brew and with yuzu sauce. If you’re Chinese tea fan, try the Jinjunmei, a red tea that gives off a distinctive flavor when brewed in different temperatures. There are also cold drinks such as the Green Espresso matcha latte, served in cold bowls instead of with ice (said to ruin the flavor). Koicha Cream, their version of homemade milk ice cream is also a must. If you can’t finish the ice cream, just let it melt and drink it as matcha latte.

Bangkok residents have been showing more interest in buying local ingredients or products to support Thai farmers. It’s now easier to access these products, thanks to VIVIN, a grocery and restaurant that champions goods made by artisans across the country. VIVIN Grocery was founded six years ago by Frenchman Nicolas Vivin, who originally wanted to promote homemade foie gras, based on his grandma’s recipe, together with local products from the many different provinces of Thailand. Nicolas first put up a pop-up store at the Bangkok Farmer’s Market, then expanded with shops in The EmQuartier and Central Chidlom. Both shops closed and Nicolas and his wife, Samantha Proyrungtong, relocated operations to Ekamai Complex. The new VIVIN Grocery, apart from selling local ingredients, such as goat cheese from Chiang Mai and sausages made from local pork, and a curated selection of “made in France” products, now serves freshly-cooked fare made with the same products they sell in the store. Customers can now sit and consume their food or order French-style dishes, including duck confit (B380) where a duck leg is deep-fried in duck oil until it’s crispy on the outside, and served with mashed potatoes and bread. We’re also huge fans of Blue Cheese Burger (B340), which is served with Thai blue cheese, a soft bun and a juicy meat patty, and of Fluffy Omelettes (B220 to B290), a bouncy Normandy-style omelette cooked with cheese of your choice: classic, goat cheese or artisanal cheese. VIVIN ha