Some of the more than 50 |popular eateries setting up shop at the Suanplern Market on Rama IV Road added irresistible flavour to a recent press conference at which the new mall unveiled plans for its massive food court, part of its romise to ensure “Happy Shopping, Happy Eating”.
Napawong Snidvongs Na Ayudhya, director of Athakehaputt, the mall’s owner, insisted that the food court will be unlike any other found in malls.
“We intend to make the market a second home for shoppers, a fresh alternative for people living and working in the Rama IV area, where they can relax or do activities together,” he said.
“We aim to offer a wide selection of stores at affordable prices, ranging from bigger establishments like Zen, Nitaya Kai Yang, Boots and a Mos Dental Clinic to smaller ones and to online stores seeking a brick-and-mortar presence. The diversity will offer lifestyle choices that are unique, modern and convenient.”
The facilities, Napawong said, will cater to target groups including office workers in the Sukhumvit and Rama IV areas, families, expatriates living or working in the area and anyone else just wishing to “hang out” in the city.
“We also plan to host regular events in our 700-square-metre activity square, with constantly changing displays to attract visitors all year round.”
Few community malls even have food halls, relying instead on restaurants, added Athakehaputt general manager Chanoknart Pakornsiriwongse, but Suanplern’s location among office blocks requires a different approach.
“What makes Suanplern special is that we’ve brought together famous eateries, known for their delicious food, to offer new choices to diners in the area. The focus will be on simple, affordable dishes that appeal to office people on weekdays, in a relaxing atmosphere with other facilities of interest.”
Six of the restaurants treated reporters to delectable signature dishes.
Mantaro by Kinniku Gyudon offers a great Japanese beef rice, Sab Le’ Noir serves “contemporary Isaan” food, and Tiew Na Klang makes terrific noodles with rib-eye steak and Kurobuta pork, presented nam tok style.
Khun Chern Vegetarian will make available its convincing alternatives to meat, and both Chokdee Rice and Chokdee Chicken Rice, with its popular flavourful sauce, will be represented.
Zen, Santa Fe Steak and the first downtown Starbucks Drive-Thru are already open for business at the mall.
Keep up to date with developments at www.SuanplernMarket.com and the “suanplern” page on Facebook.
