Authentic Thai street food dishes elevated with modern culinary technique
July 30th, 2016
Opened in December 2015, Baa Ga Din (translates as “selling food on the blanket”) elevates modern Thai street foods – and matched with a bold contemporary-Thai design – offers an exciting new dining destination in Bangkok. Located in the upscale Sukhumvit residential district, Baa Ga Din is the latest restaurant from the team behind the acclaimed Le Du modern Thai cuisine restaurant. Headed by the celebrated Thai chef Thitid Tassanakajohn (know locally as Chef Ton), the creative cuisine at Baa Ga Din has emerged from a firm grounding in both traditional Thai cuisines, and modern culinary technique – acquired in the kitchens of leading New York restaurants Eleven Madison Park, The Modern, and Jean Georges. At Baa Ga Din, his focus is on reinterpreting the assertive and multi-layered flavors of classic Thai dishes with modern techniques and unexpected ingredient combinations.
Design A facade of raw brickwork and side alleyway entrance evoke traditional Thai construction, while the contemporary interior features an open layout with extensive full height glass, timber and brick surfaces and concrete floors. A central open void terrace separates two themed spaces – the open kitchen with 20-seat dining – and opposite – the bar and spacious dining room for 50 guests. Thai design elements are evident throughout the interiors – referencing quintessential elements of “Thainess” such as gaming cocks and fighting fish motifs, lottery ticket numbers, and colorful street furniture.
Cuisine Heading up the kitchen, American chef de cuisine Chandler Schultz deploys modern techniques such as sous vide cooking, combi ovens, and paco jet freezing equipment to reinterpret classic Thai dishes. Familiar flavour profiles are recreated with a contemporary culinary sensibility and artful modern plating. A recently introduced menu update features new dishes such as the Yum Hed – an interpretation of classic Thai mushroom salads, with fresh hed phor mushrooms dressed with fish sauce and lime juice. While favourites from the original menu include the One-bone Chicken Wings with Thai basil; and Crispy Pork Belly – with sweet soy and spicy mustard.
Cocktails Complementing the modern Thai street foods, signature cocktails at the bar of Baa Ga Din blend Thai culinary ingredients with craft spirits to create flavourful and refreshing drinks. Playful presentation, quirky names and distinctly “Thai” taste combinations are featured in cocktails such as the Silom Cha Cha Cha – with blended Scotch Whisky, Marie Brizard Litchi, lychee syrup, and dragon fruit. In addition to the cocktail list, the bar also serves an informed wine list curated by sommelier-qualified Chef Ton.
Baa Ga Din opens daily (except closed on Tuesdays) for lunch and dinner. An ideal destination both drinks and sharing small plate snacks or long dinners with friends, table bookings are recommended in the evenings. Check the Facebook Page for special events and menu updates.
