Winning Bites: The Spirit of Thailand's Northeast Turned Up at SOMSAK

Being born and raised in the land of smiles, there is nothing I adore more than a hearty meal of Esarn offerings. Whether it was the weekend, family gatherings, or any excuse to bring people together, Esarn food was always the anchor on the table.

So, when a new spot promises to take those familiar flavours and lift them into something brighter, bolder, and dare I say a little more zaab, you can bet it has my full attention. Tucked in the lively Ekkamai Corner, SOMSAK brings that spirit to life in full colour, with heat that hums and a convivial energy that feels unmistakably Thai.

Created by Pocket Rocket, the team behind Fatboy Izakaya and Kim Jeong Grill, the restaurant plays with the contrasts that define its namesake, moving between rural charm and urban polish.

With Chef Andrew Martin leading the charge, the menu takes familiar Thai instincts and turns them into plates that feel fun, communal, and just indulgent enough for a night out.

Crowd: Designed for passing plates and swapping bites, the sharing-style menu keeps the Esarn energy alive, whether you’re rounding up the whole family, toasting a special occasion, or slipping in for a spirited date night.

Space: SOMSAK’s space feels like a full-on immersion into the colours and spirit of Thailand’s northeast. The interiors pay homage to the region’s charm and old-school Thai breweries, with playful nods to roosters, convex traffic mirrors, tiffin boxes (or pinto, as locals call them), and glowing LED signs that are perfect for that Instagram story moment.

True to SOMSAK’s narrative, subtle details hint at his origins: glance down, and you might spot a tesserae mosaic of a lottery ticket beneath your feet, or sneak a peek at the placemats for little pieces of his story. Seating options cater to every mood: indoor tables and booths for classic dining, a mezzanine for groups seeking a touch of privacy, bar stools for the boozy bunch, and an outdoor terrace for those wanting to soak in the city’s buzz.

The meal opened with Laab ped yang (THB 380), minced grilled duck imbued with fragrant herbs, toasted rice, and sun-dried accents, a complex twist for lovers of laab. The Bread and butter prawns (THB 320) followed, roasted and glossy in a seafood butter sauce, served with charred bread perfect for soaking up every drop.

Grilled half chicken (THB 490) offered tender, herb-fed meat with a punchy nam prik geang ohm, while the “Makwen” pepper lamb chop (THB 880) combined roasted lamb with prickly ash and a tangy fish relish for an elevated bite.

The classics followed, starting with Som tum thai (THB 120), a crisp and zesty dish with a mix of papaya, lime, chilli, and peanuts, and Tum buk nat (THB 180), a refreshing pineapple and dill salad that offered a nod to Esarn tradition.

A small woven container of Sticky rice (THB 25) kept everything grounded, warm, and perfect alongside the comforting Mushroom farmers curry (THB 320), a rustic blend of mixed mushrooms, ya-nang leaves, aubergine, and wild herbs that rounded the savoury portion of the meal with an earthy, soothing finish.

The dessert menu offered elevated takes on flavours most locals grew up with. Kanom pang ping (THB 220) transformed butter toast with grated coconut into something special, paired with candle-smoked ice cream that added a delicate smokiness to a familiar treat.

Babin gluay buad chee (THB 160) reimagined the beloved Thai mochi cake, complemented by banana compote and coconut cream, soft, pillowy, and brimming with sweetness.

The drinks menu was full of surprises. The Somsak sour (THB 320) featured a foam design with a cartoonised Somsak and the cheeky line, “Mao mai? Mai mao,” which could be playfully translated as “Tipsy? Nah.”

Pawnshop spritz (THB 300) sparkled with Aperol, crème de cassis, dew tea soda, and prosecco, offering a crisp, fruity fizz. Meanwhile, the High so highball (THB 300) paired gin with watermelon, peach, and cucumber soda, a refreshingly fun concoction that has you feeling high-society.

Eggplant & tofu curry skewers (THB 280) combine fire-roasted eggplant and tofu with a fragrant green curry, white turmeric, and chili. Served with a glossy, rich curry gravy, each bite is packed with flavour and a pleasant surprise for anyone expecting Esarn food to be all meat.

Ideal as a starter or a snack to accompany your drink of choice, the dish is so good that one order might not be enough.

SOMSAK

Located on the ground floor of Ekkamai Corner
Tel.: +66 (0) 83 262 9154
Instagram: @somsak.bkk