Greyhound Café re-born at the refurbished Siam Center- the legendary fashion and lifestyle mall of Bangkok
February 25th, 2013
One of Thailand’s truly iconic fashion and lifestyle brands, Greyhound had its origins over 33 years ago as a fashion boutique within the Siam Center mall- which at the time was the first international standard mall in Bangkok. Subsequent years have seen Greyhound expand from its fashion roots into lifestyle design and eventually cafes. After the first cafe opened in 1997, further cafes have been added in leading malls across Bangkok, and recently internationally, with three cafes now in Hong Kong, and a new cafe just opened in Beijing. The dining concept at Greyhound is an extension of the style of the fashion label- offering a casual but chic experience, with an expansive and eclectic menu of Thai and international dishes, classically prepared- but with creative twists.
All the Greyhound Cafés share the same essential design concept- a contemporary, industrial chic- combining metal, timber, exposed ceiling ducts, and raw concrete- accented with some quirky touches to the furnishings. For the new Siam Center cafe, Greyhound have collaborated with renowned local Thai architectural design firm PIA Interior to create an outstanding new design that has been customised to blend harmoniously within the new location of the cafe on the 3rd level (previously the cafe was on level one) of the Siam Center. This level showcases the flagship stores of leading Thai designer labels and lifestyle boutiques- including the Greyhound Original boutique. The new cafe design also deftly references the 33 year heritage of the Greyhound brand by adding special “twists” to the decor- picking out elements of the original Greyhound boutique at Siam Center and adding them to the new cafe interior.
The cafe occupies a corner space- with full height glass on two sides suffusing the interiors with natural daylight and an outlook over the greenery of the new vertical garden installed on the facade of the carpark building behind. Greyhound Café has an open frontage to the mall interior, with three separate spaces within the cafe interior- the main dining room positioned behind the Iconic Open Counter; a compact space with a more industrial feel of concrete floors and slatted glass and steel partitions; and at the far corner- a separate room that can function as a private room for parties and events.
In conjunction with the new design, the culinary team at Greyhound Café have created a special new menu exclusively for the Siam Center cafe, supplementing the regular menu served at all Greyhound cafes. The Absolute Siam Menu offers a selection of Salads, Toasted Paninis, Gourmet Burgers, and the new Happy Toast snack. Classic international dishes such as Greek Salad and Nicoise Salad, are joined by new dishes “with a twist” like the Avocado Salad– diced avocado, boiled shrimps with Som-Tum dressing and sprinkled with peanut. Four varieties of Toasted Panini are served- including Roast Beef & Grilled Vegetables– topped with spicy pesto; and Bacon & Egg– with grilled tomatoes, mushroom and Gruyere cheese. New Gourmet Burgers include the Buffalo Burger; Super Lux Burger; and Mini Gourmet Burgers ( plate of three ).
Opening hours for Greyhound Café at Siam Center are daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Inside the Siam Center café
The Iconic Open Counter at the entrance to Greyhound Café
The main dining room behind the central open counter. Wicker chairs suspended from the ceiling provide an intriguing decoration. Timber flooring and rustic timber tables add warmth and a relaxed comfort to this section.
The main dining room has a glass facade overlooking the green vertical garden of the car park building. Sliding windows can open up the interior room to the fresh outdoor air.
Looking through towards the front dining section- quirky fittings reference the boutique heritage of Greyhound
(L) Wall section covered with individual leather belts- reminders of the fashion DNA of Greyhound
(R) Industrial chic elements- raw-finish concrete walls and retro-style industrial luminaires suspended from heavy chains.
The front dining section features a pared-back industrial chic- concrete floors combine with industrial style glass, steel frames and comfortably spaced tables, topped with crisp white cloth. Dining chairs also feature their own “clothing” as covers.
Additional tables across the open facade of the cafe meld seamlessly into the mall passageway.
The third dining section in the corner also can function as a private dining or events room. Full height glass provides an outlook over the adjacent Siam Tower.
Inside the private dining room- looking back into the mall. Timber chairs suspended by chains from the ceiling add a whimsical element to the decor.
Selections from the Absolute Siam Menu
Fresh Honey Dew and Parma Ham Salad- with rocket leaves, fresh strawberry, feta cheese and honey balsamic dressing.
Buffalo Burger- Charcoal black bun made from squid ink, filled with grilled minced beef, fresh buffalo mozzarella, tomato and sweet basil. Served with Home Fries.
Happy Toast- Heavily buttered thick and chunky toast, served with 5 very tasty toppings- Thai Tea Custard, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Sea Salt Caramel, Coffee Caramel, & Marmalade.
Greyhound Café Siam Center
Address: 3rd Floor at Siam Center, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok. 10330 Thailand
BTS Station: Siam- direct walkway access
Reservations: +66.2.658 1129
Website: www.greyhoundcafe.co.th/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreyhoundCafe
Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday 11:00 am ~ 10:00 pm
Greyhound Café branches in Bangkok: J Avenue- Thonglor; Emporium; Central Chidlom; Phaholyothin; Ratchayothin; The Crystal. And at neighbouring Siam Paragon mall- Another Hound.
New Hong Kong branch: Greyhound Cafe @ IFC Mall
