Mussels, Beers on a Rooftop and Michelin Star quality Fries at Belga

Bangkok’s first Belgian brasserie and bar opens at one of the city’s most popular and dynamic rooftop venues. Belga Rooftop Bar and Brasserie sits on the 32nd floor of the art deco inspired building located between Sois 13 and 15 on Sukhumvit road that is also home to the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel.

*Belga is a former unit of currency in Belgium that was the equivalent to five Belgian francs – the cost of a beer in local bars at the time.

Belga epitomises the very best and most popular aspects of Belgian cuisine with menus featuring dishes such as moles marinière with pommes frites (mussels and fries), carbonnade (Flemish beef and beer stew) and croquettes de crevette (North Sea shrimps deep-fried in breadcrumbs) as well as much-loved waffles and delicious chocolates.

The well-stocked bar specialises, naturally, in Belgian beer. The eleven draught beers include four that are only available at Belga. The Bar also stocks thirty bottled beers that represent the many different types that are brewed in Belgium.

Master of Beer and Ceremonies at Belga, Peter Laird, believes that the new brasserie and bar offers a compelling combination of traditional Belgian beer and cuisine that will attract a broad cross-section of local and international clientele. “It’s new, it’s different and, importantly, it’s unique in Bangkok.
Belgium may be a small country in northern Europe but it has made a major contribution to the global hospitality sector with its specialist dishes and amazing repertoire of beers” says Peter.

The décor combines dark wood finishes with impressive tapestries. The brasserie had 52 restaurant seats (including two Chef’s tables) inside and 94 seats seats on the panoramic terrace that provided guests with stunning sunset views over Bangkok.

Belga also features an open kitchen and copper beer taps positioned at the heart of the brasserie. Guests are invited to sample each month’s special beer as a complimentary welcome to the restaurant. “This is just one example of Belga’s stunning authenticity, adds Peter.

“Another example is the Maître Mayonnaise who mixes fresh, home-made mayonnaise with flavours chosen by our guest at each dining table. Belgians love to add mayonnaise to their favourite dishes and I am sure this trend will soon spread to Bangkok.”

Overseeing the culinary presentations at Belga is Nicolas Basset, a talented chef with a passion and flair for creative and innovative dishes prepared with style in the open kitchen. He is now presenting popular Belgian dishes that are influenced by his extensive background. “We have taken great care to select potatoes that produce the best fries. We experimented with a number of imported varieties before settling in the type of potato that produces the next texture and flavour. At Belga, we take our fries very seriously, said Nicolas.

“Mussels will be sourced globally to the prevailing seasons in the northern and southern hemispheres.” The Belga wine cellar is well-stocked with popular labels from new and old world vineyards. There is also an ample choice of cocktails. Make every evening memorable at Belga, a must-visit place in Bangkokใ