Noxa Lounge, which stood at the entrance of Gyeongridan-gil for seven years (now there’s a convenience store there), was basically a pioneer of this now hot spot. Sadly, rent prices in Gyeongridan skyrocketed and Noxa Lounge had to close its doors. Not only is this location appealing, but it’s become a haven for so many who did not want to see the original Noxa disappear. The owners have related and renamed their shop Noxa Oriental, which has a European-style exterior and an Asian vibe on the inside. It’s filled with trinkets the owner collected on his many visits to Bangkok. The most important part of this place is the food, and after trying more than 15 different dishes, I think it’s safe to say that this place is more than enough to change the map of Gyeongridan-gil. There’s the octopus wasabi, which you mix with mascarpone cheese and lime juice; the steamed mussels served with green pepper; the spring rolls (you can never go wrong with this dish); millefeuille soup with tender beef slices and clean broth; and other dishes from all across Thailand, Vietnam and Japan. It’s the result of the owner having previously owned a place in Gyeongridan as well as learning how to cook Thai food at a culinary school in Bangkok for three months. The food is superb, but this place is actually made for drinking. Being the editor and at the same time a good friend of the owner of Noxa Oriental, it honestly puts me in a difficult position of being able to give an unbiased review. Then again, credit should be given where credit is due, and this place
deserves it.