Fah Thai Magazine Nov-Dec 2018

HAPPENINGS
THAILAND
CHIANG MAI
THAILAND
KOH CHANG
SPOTLIGHT
In-Depth Culinary Experience
Three Trees embraces Thai
culinary traditions of past and
present. Drawing on historical
recipes and 15 years of extensive
research, founder and prominent
food scholar, Hanuman Aspler
offers a bespoke and intimate
approach to learning the art of
Thai cooking. From Royal Thai
cuisine to regional cooking,
minority dishes and even Laotian
cuisine – given enough notice,
a unique experience can be
carefully crafted to suit your
interest. All classes are private
for 1-3 students at a time, and
the setting is pure magic. Just
30 minutes from the city centre,
the school is nestled on a 15-rai,
luscious farm at the foothills of
Doi Saket. Hanuman dedicated
years to revitalising the area’s
swampland, managing water
systems and creating a food
forest that is reminiscent
of ancient Siam. A definite
foodie haven for those
seeking out an in-depth
appreciation of Thai cuisine.
thaifoodmaster.com
TASTE OF THE MEXICAN SPIRIT
Take a break from Thai seafood and indulge
in a fun Mexican dining experience on
Barrio Bonito on Koh Chang. Located in
the heart of Kai Bae village on the island,
the restaurant is known for its authentic
Mexican fare. Founded by a Mexican chef
and a Frenchman who felt the only way
to not miss home is to bring the mood of
the barrio, or neighbourhood in Spanish,
over to the island. Originally from Mexico
City and Oaxaca, the owner brought with
her the local culture and gastronomy with
imported spices and ingredients. Chipotle
chilli, ancho chillies, and achiote paste add
an authentic touch to the scrumptious
dishes. Spice up your day with a wide
array of Mexican delights such as alambre,
taquitos, cochinita pibil, along with their
signature cocktails. 98/14-15 Moo 4
Kai Bae, Koh Chang, Trat, barriobonito.com
ART MEETS NATURE
Toot Yung (that’s “mosquito butt” in Thai)
abandoned the bustle of the Bangkok
art scene earlier this year in favour of an
unlikely and rather remote enclave in Mae Rim
district. Some 30km north of Chiang Mai
city, the compound was designed by owner
and art enthusiast Udom Dansakchai with
a vision of creating a peaceful space that
blends art and nature. The haven features
a world-class art gallery, a design gallery
and a workshop for artists-in-residence,
all nestled in lush tropical gardens.
Curator and director Myrtille Tibayrenc
has a penchant for the provocative and
believes that destiny brought this centre
into being. This December showcases
respected Thai sculptor, Haritorn
Akarapat. tootyunggallery.com,
+66 (0) 84 914 5499
HANDMADE, FROM START TO FINISH
A passion project of founder and designer Boontavee “Boon”
Charoenpoonsiri, Torboon, embraces every stage of the bag-making
process – from weaving the base fabric, to selecting the finest leather
details and above all, for a carefully crafted and enduring design. After
deciding on a career change, Boon spent two years learning the art
of bag-making in Florence and Milan. Returning home with new skills
in tow, she found further inspiration in the local culture of textile
weaving, thereby creating a marriage of Thai heritage and Italian
craftsmanship. Her contemporary range has expanded to include
women’s shoes, unisex hats and a men’s bag line. One Nimman,
1 Nimmanhaemin Road, torboonchiangmai.com
A NOT-SO-SECRET CAFÉ
My Secret Café’s (not-so-secret, really)
In Town branch echoes the vibrant mood
and cosy feel of their flagship location on the
outskirts of town (minus the lamyai or longan
farm and friendly horses). Nestled in a nook
just behind popular Akha Ama coffee, their
discreet yet central location is steps away
from Sunday walking street and the revered
Phra Singh temple. On offer is a combination
of Thai and Western comfort food with
an array of mouth-watering, fresh-baked
goodies. The otherwise tranquil café comes
alive with Tuesday Music Nights, expect an
impressive line-up of jazz, blues, samba and
more – featuring up-and-coming musical
talents – all carefully curated by respected
local sax player “Ek.” 175/12 Rachadamnoen
Road, facebook.com/mysecretcafeintown
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