CHEF LEK, WHO WAS BORN IN THIS HISTORIC NEIGHBOURHOOD, INTRODUCES GUESTS TO A MELTING POT OF INFLUENCES ON THE BANKS OF THE CHAO PHRAYA
Bangkok, 28 May, 2019 – Capella Bangkok, the luxurious new boutique retreat nestled on the east bank of the legendary “River of Kings”, the Chao Phraya, will introduce guests to the rich cultural and culinary heritage of Charoenkrung, its charming and rapidly re-emerging riverside neighbourhood.
Charoenkrung was one of Bangkok’s main thoroughfares up until the early 20th Century, when trade and traffic still depended on the river. For centuries, new settlers docked on the shores of the Chao Phraya, bringing with them not only new thoughts and beliefs, but also fresh hopes and dreams. Charoenkrung became a bubbling melting pot of race, religion and cuisine, and it retains this vibrant character to this day.
Capella Bangkok’s head Thai chef, Wichian Trirattanavatin, was born in Charoenkrung, which makes him the perfect person to showcase the gastronomy of this diverse district. Chef Lek, as he is better known, has a lifelong connection with the neighbourhood; as a child he toured the area’s bustling markets and “hole in the wall” restaurants with his father, who worked as a chef in the area for 40 years. Many of the street food stalls and shophouse restaurants he frequented as a boy are still here today – often run by the same people – and he still pays them regular visits on his trusty scooter.
“It’s the sights, the sounds, the smells and above all the moments that make this place truly special,” Chef Lek says. “There’s so much food here; so much variety. And each dish, every recipe, tells its own story. Charoenkrung is part of my soul, so it is a great honour to introduce the cuisine of my home to international guests. Charoenkrung has always welcomed the world and Capella Bangkok will continue this proud legacy.”
See Chef Lek unveil his favourite Charoenkrung haunts here: https://youtu.be/auQapoIVRBY
Guests can discover a wide variety of street food snacks and authentic dishes on the streets of Charoenkrung, many of which have their roots in other countries and cultures. Chinese noodles, Southeast Asian satay and Indian curry puffs are all handmade for hungry locals, alongside classic Thai snacks such as moo ping (grilled pork skewers) and sai oua (Thai sausages). Many of the family-run stalls can trace their roots back multiple generations.
Around every corner hidden treasures await; countless reminders of the traditions of Chaorenkrung and the Chao Phraya, just waiting to be rediscovered.
Capella Bangkok will deliver exceptional and authentic dining experiences that are woven into the fabric of their destination. Following in his father’s footsteps, Chef Lek will combine time-honoured recipes and fresh ingredients with contemporary cooking techniques to elevate local cuisine to the highest levels of global gastronomy, delivering delectable and beautifully presented dishes in an exquisite riverfront setting.
John Blanco, General Manager of Capella Bangkok, comments: “At Capella Bangkok, we are focused on creating luxurious and highly authentic experiences that echo the traditions of our destination. Whether it is through art, entertainment or cuisine, we strive to showcase the rich culture of the Charoenkrung district. Our cuisine will reflect the re-awakening of this captivating Charoenkrung neighbourhood.”
The Capella Personal Assistants will help guests at Capella Bangkok craft their own local experiences, providing first-hand encounters with resident luminaries and inspiring them to create and share their own memories about the city’s most intriguing enclave: Charoenkrung.
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About Capella Bangkok Capella Bangkok offers 101 suites and the city’s first riverfront villas located within the highly-anticipated Chao Phraya Estate, a more-than-14-acre prime waterfront land development that boasts unprecedented accessibility and 350 metres of riverfront real estate. Designed to evoke the feeling of a personal pied-à-terre with unobstructed views of the river from every room, the luxury property features a signature restaurant curated by celebrated Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco, Auriga Wellness with an extensive list of carefully curated Asian therapies, Living Room – a light-filled, river-facing lounge that will host local artisans, music and culinary delights to reflect the neighbourhood’s passion for food, wellness and culture. Crafted local experiences, provided by the Capella
Personal Assistant, will offer guests first-hand encounters with resident luminaries and inspire them to create and share their own memories about the city’s most intriguing enclave. Learn more at: www.capellabangkok.com
Capella Bankok at 300/2 Charoenkrung Road, Yannawa, Sathorn, 10120 Bangkok, Thailand info.capellabangkok@capellahotels.com | www.capellabangkok.com
About Capella Hotel Group Capella Hotel Group, headquartered in Singapore with offices in China, Europe and USA, offers global hospitality management services through two distinct brands. Capella Hotels and Resorts is an ultra-luxury hotel, resort and residential concept designed for the most discerning travellers and offering personalized attention with locations in Düsseldorf, Shanghai, Singapore, Sanya and Ubud as well as hotels planned for Bangkok, Maldives and Sydney. Learn more at www.capellahotelgroup.com
About Chao Phraya Estate The Chao Phraya Estate enjoys a prime waterfront location in Bangkok’s heritage quarter on an unprecedented 14.2 acres of land. The project is valued at approximately USD 1 billion and development features 3 unique properties – Four Seasons Private Residences Bangkok, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok and Capella Hotel Bangkok. Construction started in Q3 2014 with expected completion in Q4 2018. The masterplan and design is by Hamiltons International with architecture by Dhevanand Architects Co., Ltd. and interior design by BAMO Inc. and PIA Interior Co., Ltd. The Landscape Designer is P Landscape Co., Ltd. Learn more at www.chaophrayaestate.com
About Country Group Development Country Group Development (CGD) is the Thailand-based, international real estate development and investment arm of Country Group. With a proven track record of delivering bold and complex asset transformations including Four Seasons Private Residences Bangkok, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok and Capella Hotel Bangkok; the company is a unique player in the market with a competitive edge from its diversified real estate strategy and ability to leverage from the Country Group affiliate network of companies. Learn more at www.cgd.co.th
For media enquiries, please contact:
Josephine Png Waraluck Wongwitdecha Director of Sales & Marketing Director of Marketing Communications Capella Bangkok Capella Bangkok T: +662 098 3888 T: +6682 645 4566 E: josephine.png@capellahotels.com E: waraluck.wongwitdecha@capellahotels.com