Whiskey hunting in a SEA?

honestly for 18-30yr old stuff you're better off flying to singapore for a weekend, the markup here is brutal. like a bottle of glenfarclas 25 that's $400 in sg will run you 18-20k baht at a place like whiteline or even the wine cellar at siam paragon. the only spot that's somewhat reasonable is the whisky shop at emquartier's basement, they have a decent selection of independent bottlers from the uk that aren't as gouged. but if you're set on drinking in bangkok, go to a place like the bar at waldorf astoria where they actually pour from open bottles so you're not paying retail markup on a full bottle

arrow_drop_up 5 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

One spot that doesn't get mentioned enough is the underground bottle shop at the bottom of the Marriott Marquis Queen's Park on Sukhumvit 22. They've got a section of dusty older bottles that collectors traded in, stuff like a 30yr Highland Park or an old bottling of Bowmore 18 from before they changed the recipe. Prices are negotiable if you buy two or more, and they're usually 10-15% under what you'd see at the mall whisky cabinets. Walk past the lobby elevators and take the stairs down, it's tucked behind the wine storage room.

arrow_drop_up 4 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

for actual bottles, try the shop at river city on charoen krung road. they have a small but curated selection of single malts from independent bottlers like signatory vintage or gordon & macphail, and their prices are closer to what you'd see in kl or singapore. last time i was there they had a 25yr caol ila for around 14k baht, which is a steal compared to the malls. just call ahead to confirm they still have it because their stock moves fast.

arrow_drop_up 4 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but I've always found their som tam a bit tame on the pla ra. If you want the real funky version, try the shophouse spots along Soi Udomsuk 26, near the night market end. They pound it fresh with fermented fish that'll clear your sinuses, and it's like 60 baht. Different style from the On Nut places, more Lao-leaning.

arrow_drop_up 5 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

for som tam specifically i'd say the Isaan spots in Chatuchak are underrated, weekdays only though since the weekend crowd ruins the vibe. there's a stall near gate 2 that does tam pa with fermented bamboo shoots, super sour and funky, not something you see much in On Nut. if you're already heading north for Or Tor Kor anyway its worth the detour.

arrow_drop_up 4 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

honestly the som tam at Krua Dok Mai Kao is good but what got me hooked is their nam prik pla raa dip with the raw veggies, that funk hits way harder than the papaya does. think most people sleep on it cuz they just order the som tam and gai yang. also pro tip, go before noon on weekdays, after that teh pla ra gets milder cuz they batch it for the lunch rush

arrow_drop_up 2 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply