A small two-story house on Sukhumvit 53 (the soi that provides alternative dining options in Thonglor) has been converted into a restaurant that puts the spotlight on Spanish rice dishes.
Surrounded by a leafy garden that features al fresco seating, Arroz evokes a homey ambiance through rustic, wood-heavy decor complemented by vivid-colored glass windows, bright orange tablecloths and oil paintings depicting the Spanish countryside. There’s a cabinet that pays tribute to Spain’s best produce, displaying a variety of cured meat, hams, cheeses and wines.
Victor Burgos, the former chef of Spanish establishment Thyme Eatery & Bar on Rama III, helms the kitchen and churns out a menu that showcases various ways to cook Spanish rice (arroz actually means “rice” in Spanish). The paella (Spanish fried rice served in a pan) is made with your choice of proteins, including interesting options like black ink with clams and octopus (B1,200/B2,300) and premium unshelled seafood (B2,500/B4,800). Explorations into Spanish rice dishes venture further with arroz meloso, a creamier version of the paella that looks like Italian risotto at first glance. These are mixed in with premium ingredients such as pigeon confit with bird’s stock, truffle cheese and sautéed mushrooms (B825). Also on offer are common tapas dishes like grilled chorizo (B200), fried padrón pepper freckled with sea salt (B220) and Ibérico cold cuts served with cheese on a platter (B850/100 grams).
A broad selection of Spanish wine is sold at reasonable prices (starts from B165 by glass) as well as Spanish lager like Estrella Galicia, which is served in a bottle or from the tap (B100).