International eats uncovered at Ploenchit Center. Text and photos by Nuttaporn Srisirirungsimakul

Hungry diners can find a plethora of tasty options scattered around Nana (see box page TK). But if roadside or Middle East eats in the rejected portion of Sukhumvit aren’t that appealing for your khun nuu friends, Ploenchit Center is your best option in the neighborhood.

Standing on the corner of Sukhumvit Soi 2, the building is rather quiet, despite the existence of Villa Market and Starbucks. However, stepping inside, first-timers will be surprised to find various exotic tastes from Lebanese to Korean.

Tamnanthai

1/F, 02-656-9428. Open daily 8am-11pm

The look: Tamnanthai is decked in muted, quiet tones and dark brown furniture. Carved wooden sculptures and faded photos of the royal barges occupy the dining area, which could very well double as an antique shop. We prefer the bright and roomy terrace overlooking the busy streets below.

The taste: It’s expensive here! Even a simple khao kaprao nuea khai dao (rice topped with stir-fried beef with basil leaves and fried egg) is B140. If you like your food hot and spicy, opt for one of the namprik (chili paste dip, B100) sets. Those with a sensitive palate are better off with a Thai-farang fare like clams baked in garlic (B180).

Danube Best Coffee

G/F, Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-8:30pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am-8:30pm

The look: This coffee parlor has only five small tables sprinkled loosely about the escalators. It is the best spot in the building for people-watching, as it is located in the middle of the ground floor. It usually draws in a bunch of expats and Japanese housewives who drop by for takeaway coffee.

The taste: The coffee may not actually be the “best” in town, but it provides a good dose of caffeine to elevate your mood. Prices, ranging from B45 for a hot espresso to B80 for an iced mochaccino, are relatively lower than the neighboring Starbucks. A few cakes are on offer daily.

Lee Café

G/F, 02-252-1158. Open daily 11am-9pm

The look: This Lee outlet can get a bit cramped during peak hours as tables are packed in a fairly small dining area. If you are looking for a little elbow room and a sense of privacy, head outside and grab a seat in its open-air terrace.

The taste: Just like at any Lee Café outlet, expect tasty Cantonese cuisine, affordable prices and friendly service. Its spicy yentafo (B65) and deep-fried dumplings stuffed with Chinese chives (B50) are reliably delicious. Delivery is available.

Bangkok Café

B1/F, 02-656-8449. Open Mon-Fri 7am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-9pm

The look: Tastefully decorated in earth-tone hues with refreshing splashes of green, Bangkok Café is simple and uncluttered. Though it is hidden under an escalator, the cozy café is still bustling with female office workers.

The taste: A fusion mix of East-meets-West fare that comes in hearty portions and with reasonable price tags (B59-145). The khao pad mun koong (fried rice with fatty juice of shrimp) is served with three big prawns, while the grilled fish is served with mixed green salad and a pile of garlic rice. The real crowd-pleaser, however, is the “famous” dried tomyum noodles. 

Peking Restaurant

B1/F, 02-656-9988. Open daily 10am-10pm

The look: If you have been to any of Peking’s nine outlets, you know what to expect here: a minimalist, if not bare, décor, which is spruced up by waitresses clad in vivid red shirts.

The taste: The thick menu offers a variety of Peking-style dishes from steamed sticky rice with pork ribs (B100) to stir-fried sweet and sour prawns (B220). But the main draw here is dumplings. Its popular gyoza (B60) is prepared in every style imaginable from steamed and boiled to deep-fried. The xiao long pao (B70) is dangerously hot, but we could do with a thinner dough.

Beirut

B1/F, 02-656-7377, 02-656-9538. Open daily 10am-10pm

The look: Compared to its more modern Silom offshoot, this original Ploenchit Center branch looks a bit drab with its outdated décor and less-frequented dining room.

The taste: There are plenty of Middle Eastern/Mediterranean specialties on offer such as hummus (chickpea puree, with sesame paste, lemon juice and oilve oil, B90), barbecued lamb (B80) and kebabs (B80). Wash your meal down with some “milk of lions,” a traditional cocktail made with arak.

Rengaya Robata

B1/F, 02-656-8446. Open daily 11am-10pm

The look: Though graceful, thanks to contrasting red and black hues, this Japanese eatery is, unfortunately, usually relatively empty.

The taste: The menu brings together various recipes from the Land of the Rising Sun. You can opt for a comforting curry rice (B150) or go for the Sushi Parade set (B790), which is big enough to split between two.

BSD Dubu House

B1/F, 02-656-8825/6. Open daily 10am-10pm

The look: The décor is a handsome mix of earth-tone furniture, stone walls and dim lighting. Private tatami rooms are also available for groups preferring a more intimate atmosphere.

The taste: The specialty at this “tofu house” is sundubu jjigae, hot and spicy Korean stew with soft dubu (tofu), seafood veggies and gochujang (chili power). The eatery offers other Korean staples like bibimbap (rice topped with vegetables, beef, egg and a dollop of chili paste) and BBQ sets. Prices start at B150-400.