Birdhouse Cafe & Bar, recently launched in the vibrant Thong Lor neighbourhood by Nikhil Rattanaphas, the co-owner of Turquoise Truck Creative, provides a seamless transition from day to night. By day a cheery casual dining spot, in the evenings it becomes a lively community-centric bar.
Located within The Racquet Club on Sukhumvit soi 49, Birdhouse is the latest addition to the popular sports hub that includes a state-of-the-art gym and tennis, squash and badminton courts. It joins the area’s impressive array of Michelin-worthy dining spots, trendy coffee shops, spas and shopping outlets.
The Thong Lor neighbourhood has long attracted a steady stream of discerning residents and visitors, particularly in the evenings and on weekends when well-healed denizens are drawn to its eclectic mix of eateries and amenities. Birdhouse’s location capitalises on this environment, offering a varied menu catering to a broad clientele that ranges from local families to foreign tourists. Its decor features relaxed, organic elements and a neutral colour palette given pizzazz with modern highlights of neon and chrome.
Prior to this foray into the culinary business, Rattanaphas and his brother Sahil established digital marketing agency Turquoise Truck Creative, which specialises in photography, videography and F&B consulting services across Southeast Asia.
“At Birdhouse, our passion for the restaurant industry has driven us to build more than just a typical cafe and bar. We aim to be the meeting spot for Bangkok, part of the city’s cultural DNA. Our aim is to engender community spirit and conversation over food and drink. We wanted to create a space where the design and atmosphere blends seamlessly to offer a warm welcome for coffee by day and evening drinks by night.” Rattanaphas explains.
As Bangkok’s winter draws in, patrons will particularly appreciate the outlet’s cool and relaxed outdoor seating under a canopy of trees. This is a great spot to escape the daytime hurly-burly of the city, but during the evening the space morphs with communal tables alongside more intimate seating arrangements, making it an attractive venue for both after work group get-togethers and intimate date nights. The welcoming decor and ambiance of this new neighbourhood hangout encourages patrons to linger within its laid-back confines.
“Our vision extends beyond the traditional restaurant setting with interiors that maximise space to cater to different dining preferences: from cafe to a bar, Birdhouse fits seamlessly into our customers’ everyday lives. We also have free parking, which is rare in a high-traffic area,” adds Rattanaphas.
During the day the cafe offers a selection of coffees and light bites such as pastries, croissants, muffins and salads. In the evening the focus shifts to gourmet burgers, imported beers and a curated selection of wines. Don’t miss the signature Birdhouse Chicken comprising tender-fried chicken, smoked bacon, pickled red onion, Goodburg’s smoked garlic mayonnaise and lettuce (B260), or the Double Double of Birdhouse fried chicken, 100g beef patty, double cheese, pickled jalapenos, ranch dressing and bourbon barbecue sauce (B340). Created by Rattanaphas and his brother, both combine a delicious smoky aroma with caramel sweetness and oak notes.
The beverage offerings are a match for the burgers, featuring a curated selection of craft beers that includes Sierra Nevada–considered a pioneer in the craft beer space–as well as Belgian ales and Spanish lagers. If booze isn’t your thing though, you can enjoy non-alcoholic options such as iced Matcha Latte or specially blended Birdhouse Ethiopian coffee.
Managing a restaurant requires more than passion; it entails a keen understanding of the market and strategic decision-making. Rattanaphas is keenly aware of the significance of prudent expenditure and employs cost-effective strategies to streamline operations. He leverages personal networks for essential services and emphasises efficient spending to ensure sustainable growth.
However, success can’t be attributed solely to one individual and a key contributor to Birdhouse’s journey is investor and friend Thanit Apipatana, who has been instrumental in shaping the restaurant’s direction. The Bangkok-based entrepreneur, investor and startup advisor’s expertise and insights provide strategic guidance, helping Rattanaphas to navigate the complexities of the business landscape, and he is quick to acknowledge the value of a supportive network and a friend like Apipatana. Their partnership is built on trust, mutual respect and aligned goals.
“I see my role as a guide and sounding board for the founder and his team, without overshadowing their plan for the business. Nikhil and his team have a clear and compelling vision for their brand and my job is to help them realise that,” explains Apipatana.
Despite Bangkok’s hyper-competitive F&B landscape and the challenges of running a restaurant, Rattanaphas is optimistic and upbeat about the future of Birdhouse. “The food and beverage business is tough,” he admits. “But we’ve learned a lot from our experiences and we’re applying that knowledge here. Our goal is to keep growing and evolving based on what our customers want.”
Apipatana, who has advised and invested in companies that include Singapore-based prop-tech startup Mogul.sg and Thailand’s Life Below Labs, points out that success hinges on adaptability and responsiveness to market trends saying, “Success in Bangkok’s F&B market isn’t just about serving great food and drink – it’s about understanding your audience, optimising operational efficiency and building strong local connections.”
As the city continues to cement its position as a culinary destination, Apipatana is confident that Rattanaphas’s innovative strategies and his commitment to addressing the community’s needs will pave the way for long-term success. It is evident that Birdhouse is embarking on an exciting culinary journey and there will be much more to come.
Birdhouse Cafe & Bar, Prachankadee Soi 3 (Sukhumvit Soi 49/9). 092-589-7005. Open Daily 8am-midnight