Authentic Thai cuisine inspired by traditional recipes & local seasonal produce
August 8th, 2013
Launching their Bangkok restaurant Bo.lan back in 2009 as one of the early exponents of a progressive, contemporary style of Thai fine dining, chefs and partners Duangporn Songvisava (Bo) and Dylan Jones continue to create and evolve a culinary style that is both scrupulously authentic and firmly grounded in the traditions of Thai cooking techniques and ingredients, and yet presented in a modern, refined manner. Set within a remodeled Bangkok residence, the Bo.lan interior decor exudes an understatedly elegant sense of classic Thai style, that works harmoniously with its sophisticated, though unpretentious, culinary experience. Much acclaimed, and a fixture on many “best restaurants” lists of Bangkok, Bo.lan continues to excel with its exquisite Thai cuisine and relaxed style of fine dining, attracting a solid clientele of discerning diners.
Occupying the front section of the original residence, the Bo.lan restaurant comprises a main dining room that seats around 35 guests, an adjacent private dining space seating 24, and an open-air front terrace section that seats a further 12 diners. The uncluttered interior features dark timber tables and chairs, that combine attractively with the polished teak timber floors. The muted tones and subdued lighting evoke a comfortable and serene atmosphere.
The passion for a truly authentic Thai cuisine was initially nurtured in chefs/partners Bo and Dylan when they both worked under internationally renowned chef David Thompson at his original Nahm restaurant in London. Recognised as a world-authority on Thai cuisine, and the only recipient to date of a Michelin star for Thai cuisine, Thompson has been the inspiration for a new generation of chefs embracing a contemporary style of authentic Thai cuisine- using only locally grown Thai ingredients- and following classic recipes researched from centuries old Thai books and journals. At Bo.lan, chefs Bo and Dylan create seasonal menus- updated quarterly- based on the availability of fresh, sustainable produce. Diners can order from the seasonal a la carte menu , or the Bo.lan Balance – a set menu for a whole table to share that offers a comprehensive experience of the culinary team’s repertoire of dishes.
Menus follow the traditional structure of Thai cuisine with selections of salads, relishes, stir fry, curries, soups, followed by dessert. Some examples from the current seasonal menu include Yum nua ko Khampheng-sean sai mungkud insee– salad of “KU” Beef with organic mangosteen and chili mint dressing; Lorn kai kem sai kung sub nam gub pla muang yang– relish of salty duck egg simmered in coconut cream and minced prawn served with grilled squid; Dhom yum gai baan sai hua plee– northern style hot and sour soup of banana blossom and herbal fed chicken (on the bone); Geang khi lek pla talay gub pak kard dong yum– “Mon” style khi lek curry with daily ocean fish; and Pad gung lai sua sai sator gratiam dong lae cha-om– stir-fried tiger prawn with sator bean, pickled garlic and acacia leaves.
A thoughtfully compiled drinks list offers refreshing beverages that have been selected to match the complex flavours of the Thai cuisine. Drinks range from classic and Thai-inflected cocktails, to craft beers, wines, premium spirits and fresh fruit blends.
Bo.lan opens daily ( except Mondays) for dinner from 6:30 pm. Advance table bookings are required for the main dining room.
Additionally, Bo.lan hold regular Thai cooking classes; and offer venue hire, with customised menus, for private events.
Bo.lan Essentially Thai
An open-air terrace at the front of the restaurant seats about 12 diners under cover- offering a pleasant outlook over garden beds and ponds.
One corner of the timber decked open air terrace.
Generously spaced table settings on the open-air terrace have an understated elegance.
The main dining room at Bo.lan features warm, polished teak timber flooring, with softly diffused lighting behind wicker rice-sorting trays suspended from the ceiling that reference the integral role of rice in Thai cuisine.
Original artworks by local Thai artists are showcased on the walls of the dining room.
A smaller, adjacent dining room seating around 24 guests can also be utilised as a private dining space.
Selections from the Bo.lan Cocktails List
Bo.lan Nam Mao- Thai rum, palm nectar, ginger, lemongrass and lime
Mojito Watermelon
Passion Fruit Caipirinha- Passion fruit, lime with Cachaça
Selected dishes from Bo.lan seasonal a la carte menu (June – August 2013)
Bo.lan Amuse Bouche– Five assorted flavorful bite sized Thai dishes
น้ำพริกะปิแนมหมูหวานและผักพื้
Chili relish of shrimp paste served with Bo.lan sweet pork and local vegetables
ยำทะเลรมควัน Yum talay roam kuan- Smoked seafood salad with yellow chili dressing
Update: July 2014- Bo.lan have re-located to Sukhumvit Soi 53- revised details below.
Bo.lan Essentially Thai- restaurant in Bangkok
Address: No. 24 Sukhumvit Soi 53, Bangkok. 10110 Thailand
Access: Thonglor BTS station.
Reservations: +66.2. 260 2962 / +66.86 074 5672
Website: www.bolan.co.th
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Bolan/57368824571
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 6:30 pm ~ Late (closed Mondays)
