Shell Shuan Shim, Thailand’s prestigious food column which gave accolades to noted restaurants via the iconic “green bowl signage” and (as some say) an equivalent to Michelin Guide, has once again presented award to noted restaurants for the first time since the column was halted in 2012.
The Bangkok entries for the award this year include Jay Oh, one of Bangkok late-night favorites known for hearty comfort food; Baannual, one of Bangkok’s toughest restaurant to get a reservation; and Rarn Kaw Neaw Ma Muang Pa Lek Pa Yai, an eatery praised for exceptional mango and sticky rice.
While the food column typically gave awards to local-style eateries, this year's Shell Shuan Shim offers recognition to upscale, international haunts such as Japanese chained restaurant Honmono; steak-specialist Cocotte; hip café Toby’s; and Sukhumvit’s popular Italian destination Pizzeria Limoncello.
Shell Shuan Shim inspectors also explored restaurant outside Bangkok vicinities and granted awards to the likes of Rarn Lung Liang Pa Mali, a local dining den in Chon Buri known for “jungle food”; Ruan Thai Goong Pao, a tourist draw popular for giant grilled river prawn in Ayutthaya; and Daeng Nam Nueng, an Isan-Vietnamese fusion place in Nong Khai.
The current Shell Chuan Chim inspector panel is led by ML Parson Svasti, the son of the recently-deceased MR Thanadsri Svasti, the iconic food critic and co-founder of Shell Shuan Shim who recently passed away.
It is said that plans are in motion to bring the awarded restaurants to Shell petrol outlets. It is also noteworthy that none of the restaurant with Michelin stars was awarded.