The Viral Vegan: Bangkok City

Going veg in SGF isn’t as impossible as one might think. Look for vegan tips, reviews and more every Tuesday from the Viral Vegan.

By Alex Stocksdale for TAGsgf.com

When I first moved to the SGF just over four years ago, I had no comprehension of anything outside of the campus/downtown area. I was desperate to find a Thai restaurant inside my comfort zone, but just didn’ t know where to go. Then fate imparted unto me the holy-grail known as Bangkok City. The billing at the bottom of the sign “Thai Seafood Restaurant” initially made me question whether there would be anything on the menu that would accommodate my self-imposed dietary restrictions, but as it turns out I would have been remiss to have passed by without a quest inside.

The menu features an entire vegetarian section with six starkly different, yet equally satisfying dishes. I first, as is always wise, asked to be sure that the dishes were indeed completely “vegetarian” explaining the products that I choose not to eat. The server seemed in no way put put by this query, and even asked “so, you’re vegan?”She quickly went to check with the kitchen and came back bearing good news….. the items listed as vegetarian contain no eggs, no dairy, and vegetable stock is used. If it could only be as easy at so many other local restaurants, they too could have a four year repeat customer.

On this gorgeous Sunday afternoon the low key patio was the obvious choice. Service was quick as always, with our Singhas arriving within literally seconds of ordering. The lack of a veg appetizer choice is a little frustrating, but a complimentary and delicious Thai salad is a worthy consolation. After a couple more adult beverages it was on to the main course.

The eggplant with tofu and basil is the reason I continue to patronize Bangkok City… to me it is, in one word, perfect. Japanese eggplant, onions, basil, and tofu come together to make one of the most flavorful dishes I have ever tasted. My wing (wo)man Elizabeth ordered the mixed vegetable curry and wasn’t disappointed. This treat consists of a slew of braised vegetables in a spicy coconut milk-curry broth that, when put on a bed of white rice is pretty outstanding.

Our check came in at just over $40, with the inclusion of four import brews – not the least expensive meal that you’ ll find, but a totally worthwhile splurge. Bangkok City is a downtown staple that no one should pass up regardless of eating habits. The staff is attentive (aside from one time on Valentine’s day when, despite making reservations 2 days before, my date and I had to wait 30 minutes to have our drink orders taken, but that was an anomaly), the food is good, and the atmosphere inviting. See for yourself.

1129 East Walnut Street
(417) 799-1221

Hours:

Lunch:
M-F 11a-2:30p
Saturday 11:30a-2:30p
Dinner:
M-W 5p-9:30p
Thursday-Saturday 5p-10p
CLOSED SUNDAY