French Panache

Among the highlights of a burgeoning dining scene on leafy Witthayu Road, Café Claire deserves a shining spot thanks to its unique Parisian charm and hearty, authentic French cuisine. Manta Klangboonkrong pops in for a taste

- Manta Klangboonkrong

SINCE OPENING IN 2012, Café Claire at Oriental Residence Bangkok has become renowned for offering a quiet sanctuary away from the hustle and and bustle of one of Bangkok’s busiest business districts. With its marble flooring, soothing music, elegant black and-white décor and comfortable leather seating overlooking a green garden, the all-day brasserie is a great spot to unwind with a cup of coffee or, better yet, indulge in some signature French classics.

It comes as somewhat of a surprise to discover that the new executive chef at Oriental Residence Bangkok, Chawapol “Boyd” Leetrakul, is in fact Thai. Café Claire after all takes great pride in its French roots. With over 15 years of experience in both Western and Eastern cuisines, Chef Boyd is no newcomer to the French way of doing things – as a taste of the dishes he serves up soon proves.

The first dish that lands on the table is a refreshing appetizer, Gambas à la Mangue, consisting of sizable prawns that have been lightly seasoned and grilled to perfection, served on a mango sauce. Subtle hints of chive and ginger cut through the richness of the sweet and sour sauce.