This forgotten soi is one of Sukhumvit’s most livable neighborhoods

Soi 16 might be one of the smallest offshoots of Sukhumvit, but it’s certainly one of the busiest—filled with convenience stores, restaurants, cafes, bars, spas, salons and pharmacies.

By Caria Bua-on, Vick Charlermlapvoraboon

18 June, 2018 Bangkok time

Coffee & Breakfast

Invisible Coffee Room

Invisible Coffee Room (25/8 Sukhumvit Soi 16, www.fb.com/invisiblecoffeeroom) pays attention to detail with its house-blend coffees (flat white, B75) and its refreshing organic teas (B80). Decade-old brunch spot, Kuppa (39 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-663-0450) offers house–blends from northern Thailand (B120 for an espresso), alongside an all-day breakfast menu (Kuppa Breakfast, B295). 32 December Patisserie & Bistro (23/6 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-259-4824) serves iced americanos (B75) and fancy mint lattes (B95).

Lunch, Dinner & Drinks

Pizzazo

The U.S. Steakhouse

Pizzazo (188 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-663-8500, 081-699-7700) serves wood-fired thin and crusty Italian pizzas (margarita, B210, quattro formaggi, B350). The U.S. Steakhouse takes its beef seriously with comforting dishes like the barbeque ribs (B350/6 pieces) and steaks including the Nebraska-imported Prime Rib (B1,190/500g). French bistro Bacchus & Co (150 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-258-0259) offers tomahawk steak (B1,998/1.2kg) and frogs legs (B390).

Ten Sui

On the fancier (and pricier) side, Japanese eatery Ten-Sui (33 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-663-2281) offers multi-course menus (B2,500-9,500) alongside a-la-carte options and an impressive selection of sake and wine. Known for its 24-meter-long table that seats at least 44 people, Long Table (25/F, Column Building, 48 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-302-2557-9) combines communal dining with contemporary Thai food. Try their pomelo salad with steamed white sea prawn (B250), or their set menu (B1,290). It’s also one of the few bars in the area, offering wine (starting at B390) and cocktails (starting at B380) with stunning views. For more Thai, family-owned Baan Thai (186 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-663-2329) offers simple old-fashioned Thai hospitality, serving tom yum kung (B360) and phanaeng kai (B190). The cozy La Cantina (25/4 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-259-6669) offers more Italian cuisine, including ravioli with lobster (B350) and chocolate salami (B140) for dessert.

Update: La Cantina is closed. The space is now a ramen restaurant called Tsukemen Jo.

El Mercado

The best of the lot is bustling El Mercado (490 Soi Phai Singto, 02-258-1385), which has a deli stocking cheese and charcuterie, along with fresh imported seafood. Snag a seat in the courtyard and order from the blackboard for simple yet tasty dishes like New Zealand mussels in a rich, salty broth with crispy fries (B555), or the tuna tartare (B430).

Accommodation

Credit: https://www.facebook.com/trapezobangkok16/

Right in the heart of Asoke, renting a place here could cost you anywhere between B20,000-80,000 per month. Open since 2010, S16 Residence (166 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-259-6613) offers 13 apartments in a house-like building surrounded by supermarkets and restaurants for B25-55,000 per month. Voque condominium (Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-663-2000) has 140 units, with monthly rent ranging from B18-50,000. Quest Development’s Trapezo Sukhumvit 16 (298 Sukhumvit 16, 02-663-1995) is a newbie, having opened in 2014, with 70 units, starting at B22,000 or B60,000 for two bedrooms.

Transport

Both MRT Sukhumvit and BTS Asoke are just minutes’ walk away. Win motorsais are also conveniently available throughout the soi, of course.

Community

Throughout the day, local office workers flock to this area for lunch, while tourists and residents venture out at night for drinks and dinner. If you want everything on your doorstep, then this is the place for you.

BK ASKS

Which spots do you love on Sukhumvit Soi 16?

Kim Visudharomn, writer and stylist

“I go to Invisible cafe nearly everyday; they do a great cold brew and know all my orders by now. Also, opposite the street, the Took Lae Dee at Foodland is another favorite for no-fuss, Thai-style-greasy-spoon classics that would make your trainer cry.”

Lily Nuttiya Wisootsat, wine merchant

“Ten-Sui is a top pick for Japanese expats bringing their VIPs. The price can be steep but the lunch sets are much more affordable. On weekdays, Soi 16 is a haven for street food.”

Donald Ray James, owner of U.S Steakhouse

“Sukhumvit Soi 16 is off-the-beaten path, quiet and residential. My favorite spot sits right beside me, Bacchus & Co. I pop in for their imported cheese, cold cuts and authentic French cuisine. Another friend owns the Thai restaurant Cool Chillis. I go there after work for drinks with my friends.”