Bangkok Foodies Review – The Raw Bar

Not sure how many are aware that this little place exists; situated between Thonglor Sois 14 and16. The Raw Bar is the younger, yet bigger sister to the original Belon counter at SeenSpace but with a comprehensive “raw” seafood menu.

The Raw Bar Bangkok #bangkokfoodies

This double storied town house has bar dining downstairs and table seating with small terrace upstairs.  It is tiny, but credit due for the clever use of space that doesn’t feel pokey. Chain curtains divide the room, shipwreck paraphernalia sit quietly along the walls, and ropes subtlety intertwine with the wooden beams. It’s rustic seafaring without the essence of smelly old pirate.

The Raw Bar Bangkok #bangkokfoodies

The Raw Bar Bangkok #bangkokfoodies

Their signature dish, Hokkaido Wild Scallops Capaccio (480THB) is offered with two choices: truffle vinaigrette or yuzu dressing. If you chose yuzu, then you’re correct! The taste is sensational and complex. At the beginning, it is light and delicate, but as you chew, it builds to a rich intensity. The Yuzu dressing permeates the scallop and the microscopic prawn eggs roll and explodes on the tongue. It’s a surprising little oceanic voyage in your mouth. The only adjustment I’d make is a buttery Oak leaf opposed to the bitter kind, which drags me unwillingly back to shore.

The Raw Bar Bangkok #bangkokfoodies

Luckily, we came on a day they were testing out their new shipment of French oysters. The Perle Blanc (250THB) was enormous, it engulfed my entire hand and the Silver Shell oyster (250THB), a little smaller, was incredible – mild, meaty and a dash creamy.

The Raw Bar Bangkok #bangkokfoodies

The infamous Dirty Oysters (990THB 1/2 dozen) were hit and miss. Too much wine shallot on a few took the dirt out of the dirty. I guess proportion is tantamount here. Above all, freshness never comes to question and with a name like Raw Bar, one would hope not.

The Raw Bar Bangkok #bangkokfoodies

For the seafood finale we ordered the blue clams with chorizo (780THB). The size of the clams were underwhelming, but as with most dishes here, it turns out, surprisingly potent. The tiny clam meat was tender and juicy, and the spicy chorizo also packs a punch. I only wished it arrived with it’s popular accompaniment – frites (fries),rather than two crusty bits of bread.

The Raw Bar Bangkok #bangkokfoodies

The Raw Bar clearly caters to a Thai palette, both in decor and dish. It goes slightly beyond my budget expectations on a range of items yet remains fair overall. But, if it’s supreme freshness you’re after, these oysters could grow sea legs and walk right onto your plate.

The Raw Bar
440/9 Sukhumvit 55 (Between Thonglor 14-16)
Tel: 02 713 8335
Opening Hours: Everyday 5.00pm-12.00am