Mitsumori @ Sukhumvit 23, Bangkok - มิตซูโมริ @ ซอยสุขุมวิท 23 กรุงเทพฯ

Cuisine: Japanese

Map: Mitsumori @ Sukhumvit 23, Bangkok - มิตซูโมริ @ ซอยสุขุมวิท 23 กรุงเทพฯ

Charged Price: THB400 per person without alcohol (lunch)

Visited: 2 May 2016

Food: 7/10

Atmosphere: 7/10

Value for money: 7/10

Services: 6/10
Scale: [1=poor ---- 5=average/standard ---- 10=outstanding/exceptional]

Mitsumori may be related to the Ootoya chain of Japan. But it is a step forward in term of quality and delicacy. For this one in Bangkok, it is located within Soi Sukhumvit 23. It might be a little hassle for those who do not drive here as the location is somewhat deep into the soi: cc. 8 to 10 minutes walk (600 meters) from the entrance of Soi Sukhumvit 23. Nevertheless, driving here might equally gives some headache when the place is crowded as there are less than 10 lots for parking.

What surely calm my nerve down about quality of this Mitsumori when I walked in was the Japanese expats crowd. I did not see many local here. More than 80% was Japanese. The very first word in my mind then was "authentic". And yes, it did not disappoint us at all. I believe, apart from quality of ingredient, Mitsumori shows excellent bbq range like yakitori. The lunch set is as well superb. As for atmosphere, it is comfy enough with Japanese feeling. There is a counter of around 10 seats in the centre of the restaurant where guests can enjoy chef performing bbq.

Mitsumori @ Sukhumvit 23, Bangkok

~ 6 - 7 car lots for parking only

the counter seats

performance by bbq chef

the menu

It was one fine lunch when we visited Mitsumori. We had Oyakojyu - ข้าวหน้าไก่บ้านโอยาโกะ (7/10), which is simply grilled chicken cooking in a similar way to katsudon, and Hot Soba with Sakura Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura (7/10). Rest assure, quality was indeed great. Chicken was tender and flavouful. Alongside condiments were delicious too. The soba had nice texture. The one with chewiness but soft as noodle should be. Simply classic and lovely. The lunch set also comes with a choice of coffee or tea. A set is certainly wonderful enough to fulfill one's need for a meal. Will surely return.

Oyakojyu - ข้าวหน้าไก่บ้านโอยาโกะ (THB320)

Hot Soba with Sakura Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura (THB360)

Iced Coffee to end the meal

Mitsumori @ Sukhumvit 23, Bangkok - มิตซูโมริ @ ซอยสุขุมวิท 23 กรุงเทพฯ

47/1 Soi Sukhumvit 23
Thanon Sukhumvit
Khlong Toey Nuea, Watthana
Bangkok 10110
Thailand

Open Hours: daily from 11:30am - 02:30pm for lunch and 05:00pm - 10:00pm for dinner (09:00pm for Sunday and public holidays)

Tel: +66 (0) 2640 8283
Web: http://www.mitsumori-bkk.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/mitsumori.bkk/

Cha Panya @ Sukhumvit 59, Bangkok - ชาปัญญา @ ซอยสุขุมวิท 59 กรุงเทพฯ

Cuisine: Tearoom

Map: Cha Panya @ Sukhumvit 59, Bangkok - ชาปัญญา @ ซอยสุขุมวิท 59 กรุงเทพฯ

Charged Price: THB400 per person without alcohol

Visited: 5 March 2016

Food: 6/10

Atmosphere: 7/10

Value for money: 7/10

Services: 6/10
Scale: [1=poor ---- 5=average/standard ---- 10=outstanding/exceptional]

Personally, Cha Panya is a kind of tearoom I like. It is peaceful as well as has quality tea available. Located right next to Mother May I in Soi Sukhumvit 59. Hence, driving is perfectly fine as visiting via public transport. Similar to Mother May I, Cha Panya is a house converted into a cafe. The interior is kept minimum in zen like atmosphere (Am I using the right word???). Thinking about going on a game of Go while sipping quality hot tea for a fine afternoon. Isn't this another great moment? At least it is a "yes" for me.

Cha Panya @ Sukhumvit 59, Bangkok

house converted tearoom

tea counter

seating area by window

another seating corner

Strolling into the tearoom, there you can find a tea counter where beverage would be prepared. Cha Panya uses different technique in brewing different kind of tea. Indeed there are various choices of tea to be chosen from: Japanese, Chinese, Indian, white tea, green tea, red tea and etc. If you are unsure, ask for samples to sniff. It is always a great idea to get the sense of what you are going to order.

the brewing area

different brewing technique

the classic high pour technique

In my humble opinion, either iced tea or hot tea represent better character of the tea than the hybrid one such as tea latte. But still pleasant though. Iced tea here ranges around THB150 a glass while hot tea can range from THB200 to THB300+ depending on your choice. My favourite one was hot Pu-erh Tea (THB240). Classic strong Chinese tea with unique palate, it is. I could just sit at the tea counter with a book of novel and sip for hours.

Iced Tea Range

Hot Tea Choice (Pu-erh)

new gen tea latte

We also did try a selection of cakes including Banana Cake (4/10), Carrot Cake (4/10), and Green Tea Cake (3/10). I personally would not recommend any of these. Cakes are not the strong point of Cha Panya. They seem to be there just for a minor role complimenting the tea.

our trio cakes

Banana Cake (THB90)

Carrot Cake (THB90)

Green Tea Cake (THB80)

Not so much better were Bael Fruit Cake (4/10), Ginseng Oolong Tea Jelly (4/10), Osmanthus Tea Jelly (4/10), and Green Tea Panna Cotta (3/10). Out of these desserts, I would go for those jelly. At least they seem to pair better with exotic Asian tea.

Bael Fruit Cake (THB90)

Ginseng Oolong Tea Jelly (THB70)

Osmanthus Tea Jelly (THB70)

Green Tea Panna Cotta (THB110)

Cha Panya @ Sukhumvit 59, Bangkok - ชาปัญญา @ ซอยสุขุมวิท 59 กรุงเทพฯ

26/1 Soi Sukhumvit 59
Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana
Bangkok 10110
Thailand

Open Hours: Tue - Sun from 11:00am - 09:00pm

Tel: +66 (0) 93 650 4944
FB: https://www.facebook.com/chapanyaTH/

Mother May I @ Sukhumvit 59, Bangkok - มาเธอร์เมย์ไอ @ ซอยสุขุมวิท 59 กรุงเทพฯ

Cuisine: Thai

Map: Mother May I @ Sukhumvit 59, Bangkok - มาเธอร์เมย์ไอ @ ซอยสุขุมวิท 59 กรุงเทพฯ

Charged Price: THB400 per person without alcohol

Visited: 5 March 2016

Food: 5/10

Atmosphere: 7/10

Value for money: 6/10

Services: 5/10
Scale: [1=poor ---- 5=average/standard ---- 10=outstanding/exceptional]

Finding a restaurant to hang out with family and friends around Thong Lo / Ekkamai area (except the old boring Audrey Cafe), "Mother May I" in Soi Sukhumvit 59 may be another one in your list. What we like about this place is the location and the atmosphere. It is located not to far from BTS stations with Thong Lo Station as the nearest one. In addition, for those who drive, they also provide some parking lots in front of the restaurant, otherwise, parking in the Soi is as well not a bad idea.

This house-converted-restaurant is rather beautiful. The front garden with big trees does its job in cooling down temperature rather nicely. The decoration inside is somewhat contemporary. Whether you are in a big group or just a couple, it definitely can suit you. For me Mother May I might not at all be a choice for dining in my head if I were to select a meal to enjoy. However, it would surely be a choice when I have to hang out with a group of friends.

Mother May I @ Sukhumvit 59, Bangkok

the entrance

nice house with garden

the garden

al fresco corner

the counter and open kitchen

dining hall

glass house like ambient

Here comes to the part that I was not so impressed. Food here are not priced too dearly nor too friendly. The kind of logic can as well be applied to the quality and taste of each dish. They were not that delicious but they were not bad either.

Riceberry Rice in Coconut - ข้าวไรซ์เบอร์รี่มะพร้าว (THB6/10) : THB75 for a small portion of rice. This is insane in my humble opinion. Some may argue its riceberry rice. So what? Ok, it may have a touch of coconut scent giving added value. But not this expensive still for just boiled rice.

Chicken Wings - ปีกไก่คั่วเกลือ (6/10) : Rather nicely fried and came in a small portion.

Stir-fried Minced Pork with Purple Olive and Phak Wan (5/10) : Delicious if you forget the purple olive part as you might think "Where are my purple olive?".

Riceberry Rice in Coconut (THB75)

Chicken Wings (THB115)

Stir-fried Minced Pork with Purple Olive and Phak Wan (THB165)

Pork Belly with Shrimp Paste - หมูสามชั้นรวนกะปิระยอง (6/10) : It is like yum sweet pork belly with shrimp paste. Not bad at all with nice boiled rice but not the coconut riceberry rice as shrimp paste and chilli would just eliminate the perfume of coconut.

Thai Omelette with Chai-ya Salted Egg, Century Egg, Shrimp, and Chilli - ไข่ติงลี่ ของเชฟป้อม (4/10) and Thai Omelette with Squid, Black Squid Ink, and Sweet Basil - ไข่ไอ้เท่ง ของเชฟชุมพล (4/10) : Not a bad idea in stuffing in various ingredients in omelette. But come on, you better fry omelette with much better skill. Where is the fluffiness?

Pork Belly with Shrimp Paste (THB165)

Thai Omelette with Chai-ya Salted Egg, Century Egg, Shrimp, and Chilli (THB165)

Thai Omelette with Squid, Black Squid Ink, and Sweet Basil (THB145)

For soup / curry range, I don't think they really know how to cook this kind of food.

Lotus Stem and Semi Salted Fish in Coconut Soup - ไหลบัวต้มกะทิกับปลาสลิดทอด (5/10) : Like the crispy salted fish part but the lotus stem coconut soup part needs to be improved. Lack of texture there.

Yellow Curry with Prawn and Jackfruit Served with Roti - โรตีแกงกะหรี่กุ้งขนุน (4/10) : Tasted more like pineapple curry in my view, not really yellow curry. Too sweet and need more spices. Also prawn with yellow curry and roti don't seem to go well with each other in my humble opinion.

White Crab with Tumeric Red Curry Served with Vermicelli - ขนมจีนแกงปูใบชะพลู (5/10) : Not bad for crab curry. Not too spicy also, guess everyone should be able to take it. Might not be exactly the authentic kind of crab curry but nice enough.

Lotus Stem and Semi Salted Fish in Coconut Soup (THB175)

Yellow Curry with Prawn and Jackfruit Served with Roti (THB235)

White Crab with Tumeric Red Curry Served with Vermicelli (THB255)

Mother May I @ Sukhumvit 59, Bangkok - มาเธอร์เมย์ไอ @ ซอยสุขุมวิท 59 กรุงเทพฯ

26/2 Soi Sukhumvit 59
Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana
Bangkok 10110
Thailand

Open Hours: Daily from 11:00am - 10:00pm

Tel: +66 (0) 97 990 5990
FB: https://www.facebook.com/mothermayikitchen/

Peko @ Soi Sukhumvit 49, Bangkok - เปโค @ ซอยสุขุมวิท 49 กรุงเทพฯ

Cuisine: Steak / Japanese

Map: Peko @ Soi Sukhumvit 49, Bangkok - เปโค @ ซอยสุขุมวิท 49  กรุงเทพฯ

Charged Price: THB420 per person without alcohol

Visited: 11 October 2015

Food: 6/10

Atmosphere: 7/10

Value for money: 6/10

Services: 6/10
Scale: [1=poor ---- 5=average/standard ---- 10=outstanding/exceptional]

It was one cloudy Sunday when we were heading our way to have lunch at a noodle street food stall in Soi Sukhumvit 49 and we found out that there was no parking space at all along the street. An immediate notice of Peko, which is just a small house, with its lunch set advert board was spotted. Without hesitation due to hungriness, our car turned right in and here we were.

First thing we spotted is that the place is lovely decorated in country style. As we settled down, I noticed the surrounding carefully and OMG, there was no local at all but Japanese only. Ok, this must be a rather good one with local taste. Without fail, the meal was good enough indeed. However, often local people here might prefer strong taste while many Japanese dishes are somewhat lighter. This place too it might be soft in term of taste but I do like the overall balance though.

Peko @ Soi Sukhumvit 49, Bangkok

ddd

country atmosphere

Peko = Cow in local language

lunch set advert board

Most of dishes here are steak or beef based dishes. The owner of Peko is from Hokkaido and owns a cattle farm called "Ohira Ranch". Cattles at Ohira Ranch are crossbreed between Wagyu and Holstein. An excellent hybrid surely. Often Wagyu is too fatty and is not suitable for steak but undeniably wonderful for shabu shabu and sukiyaki, while Holstein is lean but packed with flavour of red meat. This crossbreed then gives both excellent flavour and tenderness.

During lunch time, they only serve lunch sets which were rather nice in fact. We had Burgersteak Set (6/10) and Beef Stew Set (6/10). Both sets came with a choice of bread or rice, salad of sesame or caesar dressing, and soft drink. Both burgersteak and stew were enjoyable. The stew was prepared with demi glace sauce base, so as the burgersteak (I believe). The demi glace was rich and flavourful which went along well with Ohira beef.

Definitely, we did enjoy the lunch set here. Next time we shall return for dinner and surely we must taste steak with Ohira beef to see how it goes. At this juncture, I personally suppose it should be awesome but let keep fingers crossed for the time being.

Sesame Salad and Caesar Salad

Burgersteak Set (THB390)

Beef Stew Set (THB390)

Grapefruit Juice and Oolong Tea

Peko @ Soi Sukhumvit 49, Bangkok - เปโค @ ซอยสุขุมวิท 49  กรุงเทพฯ

5/15 Soi Sukhumvit 49
Sukhumvit Road
Khlong Toei Nuea, Wattana
Bangkok 10110

Thailand

Open Hours: Tue-Sun from 11:30am - 02:00pm for lunch and 05:30pm - 10:00pm for dinner

Tel: +66 (0) 83 542 3199
FB: https://www.facebook.com/pekokitchen/