There are certain days when all you crave is the elegance of simplicity: the flicker of open flame, the hum of low conversation, and dishes that arrive with both smoke and soul. It was on such a day that I found myself at Pura Brasa, a new Spanish arrival in Bangkok with a pedigree rooted in Barcelona. Known for its mastery of the Josper® charcoal oven, this culinary import brings with it a parade of tapas, paellas, and fire-kissed fare. With restaurants across Spain and Singapore, its Thai debut speaks in the language of embers, flavour, and mastery
THE AMBIANCE
Tucked into the Parade Building at One Bangkok, Pura Brasa makes its presence known without shouting. The space unfolds generously, with an inviting blend of indoor seating, kitchen-front tables, and a breezy outdoor balcony perfect for golden-hour grazing. Inside, the palette leans warm and earthen with chocolate leather, blonde woods, a handsome deep red-tiled bar, and just enough whimsy to keep things from feeling too serious. Look up and you’ll spot barrels cleverly repurposed as ceiling lights, while neon cursive glows softly against the walls. There are pickles in jars, empty wine bottles lining ledges, and a cheeky mural of a cow in high-tops keeping watch. Just outside the entry, a glass-fronted display of dry-ageing steaks and fine wines offers a nod to the house’s serious grilling credentials. It manages to be elegant without pretence, delivering warmth and sophistication in equal measure.
THE CULINARY SELECTION
The meal began with a trio of starters that set a deeply savoury tone. The Jamón ibérico (THB 790/30 grams), hand-sliced tableside, offered glistening ribbons of cured meat with a whisper of nutty sweetness, paired elegantly with fresh tomato-slicked sourdough. The Croquetas de jamón ibérico (THB 390) arrived golden and warm, breaking open to reveal a silky béchamel laced with the unmistakable depth of ibérico ham. Rounding off the appetisers, the Grilled caesar salad (THB 450) surprised with its smoky lettuce, crisp chorizo shards, and briny Spanish anchovies.
The rhythm of the meal continued with the arrival of tapas and mains, each carrying the signature smokiness of the Josper® charcoal oven. The Gambas al ajillo (THB 490) was a show-stealer, its plump tiger prawns luxuriating in garlicky olive oil, with a touch of heat from chili flakes. Slices of grilled sourdough were used with abandon to mop up every last drop. Of the paellas, the The Squid ink paella a la llauna (THB 1,550) served classic fare with jet black grains enriched with the ocean’s essence, punctuated by tender morsels of seafood—ideal for sharing and perfect for creating warm, memorable moments with friends or family. Available exclusively from 1 to 31 August 2025, the Tom yum paella (THB 599 for medium, THB 799 for large) delighted with its playful tang and chilli warmth, while the Tom kha paella (THB 499 for medium, THB 699 for large) was gentler, coconut-rich and fragrant; a charming nod to its Thai surroundings. Fleeting pleasures on the menu, do come savour it while the season allows.
To finish, the Dry aged wagyu ribeye (THB 650/100 grams) offered a final flourish of carnivorous pleasure. Cooked to a blushing medium rare, the meat was deeply flavoured lightly smoky, and marvelously tender, served alongside a buttery mash and soft, sweet confit piquillo peppers. The Grilled broccolini (THB 250) provided a verdant counterpoint, with its charred edges and piquant romesco. A glass of Red sangria (THB 320) and White sangria (THB 320) kept things festive, fruit-forward with just enough bite. Dessert was a lesson in contrasts. The Grilled piña colada (THB 320) played with warmth and ice, its caramelised pineapple meeting cool young coconut ice cream. But the final word belonged to the Pura Brasa Basque burnt cheesecake (THB 320), served with a tart passionfruit sorbet and coconut crumble, both velvety and perfectly restrained.
THE MASALA CHOICE
For something deeply comforting yet wholly transportive, the Octopus potato casserole (THB 580) is not to be missed. Tender octopus, gently braised and delicately smoky, nestles into a bed of garlic parsley mashed potatoes so velvety they could be mistaken for silk. The warmth of pimentón lends a gentle smokiness, while a lashing of aioli brings a rich, garlicky finish that ties it all together. It is rustic in spirit yet elevated in execution, the sort of dish that feels like a quiet indulgence.
PURA BRASA
One Bangkok Entrance 3, 3rd Floor, Parade Building, 1877 Rama IV Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Open daily: 10 AM – 11 PM
Phone: 0645911424
Instagram: @purabrasa.thailand