Creative modern Thai food- classically inspired, re-interpreted with contemporary culinary techniques and Asian influences
May 16th, 2013
Exemplifying a new generation of contemporary Thai restaurateurs and chefs, Paste was recently opened in the heart of Bangkok’s sophisticated Sukhumvit lifestyle and dining district. Conceived by the husband and wife team of young chefs- Bongkoch Satongun (Bee) and Jason Bailey of Australia- Paste embodies their passion for creating an innovative, modern style of Thai cuisine that is solidly grounded in the traditions of classic Royal Thai cuisine, but suffused with a modern, cosmopolitan cooking style that harmoniously blends complex combinations of herbs, spices and fresh ingredients to create crisp, naturally flavorful dishes that are defined by their well-rounded complexity. Their self-titled “Innovation Thai Eating House” exudes a modern style of gastronomy, elegantly expressed in the energetic aromas, vibrant textures, and bold fresh flavors of their cooking, yet maintaining a distinctive Thai/Asian personality.
Having successfully operated their own Thai restaurant in Sydney for several years and garnering awards such as the ‘Best Thai food’ from the Restaurant and Catering Association of Australia, and high scores in the Sydney Good Food Guide Awards, Chefs Jason and Bee sensed an opportunity in Bangkok to further expand their innovative culinary concepts of Modern Thai cuisine. Catering to an increasingly knowledgeable and discerning Bangkok clientele that have begun to embrace a style of Thai dining that has evolved beyond traditional Royal Thai cuisine, or the adaptions of street foods, Paste offers an enticing gastronomic experience of masterfully cooked and beautifully presented dishes, served in an inviting and warm environment, pleasantly devoid of pretentiousness and attitude.
Located within a thoughtfully renovated shophouse, the modern, minimalist design of the Paste interior is in perfect sync with the Modern Thai culinary concept of the cooking. The main dining room occupies a double-height space at the front of the building, with the additional height of the ceiling adding volume to the relatively long and narrow typical shophouse floor plan. The partially-open kitchen stands at the rear of the room, adjacent to stairs leading to a compact mezzanine level that holds the small bar and a few additional dining tables.
Paste is open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm; and for dinner Tuesday to Sunday from 6:00 pm till late.
Inside Paste
Paste occupies a renovated shophouse just inside a small soi off the main street- directly over the road from the Samitivej Hospital. A compact open-air terrace at the front has a few tables for guests wishing to smoke.
Inside- the main dining room has a spaciousness that belies the narrow floorspace- with the double height ceiling adding comfortable volume to the room. A series of plush red leather banquette table settings are arranged down one side of the room.
On the opposite side of the room- woven rattan wall panels contribute a contemporary Asian element to the decor. Wall pillars are covered with prints of vintage Thai recipes.
A compact mezzanine level above the kitchen houses the bar and a few additional dining tables. Industrial style luminaires suspended from the ceiling throughout the room reference a pared-back functionality of design. Contemporary artworks from a local Thai artist blend harmoniously with the interior decor.
Selected Signature Cocktails
Complimenting the Modern Thai cuisine, Paste signature cocktail creations are crafted with kitchen-based mixology techniques, utilising local Asian ingredients and flavors such as kaffir lime, lemongrass, coriander, lychee and ginger to infuse their distinctive flavours into a compact list of well-balanced cocktails.
Wines also have been specifically selected to balance with the bold flavours of the modern Thai cuisine of Paste. With a selection of over 70 labels, wines that match agreeably with the cuisine include aromatic whites with good citrus, minerals, and acid balance such as Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Viognier, and a variety of refreshing Sparkling wines. Popular red wines to match with Thai cuisine include Pinot Noir and GSM’s with integrated soft tannins, and Rosés.
Sleek Lychee : Eristoff Vodka with muddled lychee, fresh lime juice, egg white & elderflower liqueur. Shaken with lemongrass soda
Bangkok Mule : Citrus infused vodka and french lychee liqueur, locally grown passion fruit, lychee, lime, shaken over ice
Highlights from the Menu
Some examples from the menu that best showcase the culinary skills and innovative concepts of the Paste chefs include the Entrees of John Dory fish & fresh herb dumplings, made with flour of the ‘tao yai mom’ plant; and Prawn, Galangal, Peanut Relish & Pomelo- served on fresh cha-plu leaves. Stand-out Main courses include Jasmine and Cinnamon Smoked Wild Sea Bass Fillet- with black vinegar, mint and crushed peanut; Braised Australian Beef Ribs with ginger, rice paddy herb, young tamarind leaves and mushroom soy; and Grilled Ocean King Prawns- lemongrass, young ginger with kaffir lime juice, mandarin juice & crispy catfish.
Master stock poached organic pork neck with chilli, red grapefruit, toasted sticky rice & local Thai flowers
Crispy rice crackers with prawn, pork & peanut candy relish
Roasted Duck Salad with lychee, Vietnamese mint, lemon basil & banana blossom
Paste – contemporary Thai restaurant- Bangkok
Address: 120/6 Soi 49, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok. 10110 Thailand
Access: Opposite Samitijev Hospital
Reservations: +66.2. 392 4313
Website: www.pastebangkok.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/PasteBangkok
Opening hours:
Lunch : Wednesday – Sunday 12:00 pm ~ 2:30 pm
Dinner : Tuesday – Sunday 6:00 pm ~ late
