Capturing the Spirit of Bangkok NightsVikarn Bangkok's Creative Spin on “Fun-Dining”
Delving behind the scenes with Prangboon Saengamphan, CEO & Founder, and Supakit Boonmuang, head chef of Vikarn Bangkok, offers a captivating glimpse into the heart and soul of Vikarn Bangkok. As the driving force behind the restaurant, Prangboon brings her unwavering passion for culinary innovation and hospitality to the forefront. Meanwhile, Supakit Boonmuang's expertise and creativity in the kitchen elevate the menu to new heights, infusing each dish with a harmonious blend of flavors and cultural influences. Together, their collaboration epitomizes the essence of Vikarn—an embodiment of Bangkok's vibrant nightlife, their dedication and synergy pave the way for unforgettable culinary adventures that leave a lasting impression on all who step through our doors.
Please share with us the story that started your career in this industry and the driving forces behind it.
My journey in the culinary world began with a deep-seated appreciation for fine dining experiences. Even during my college years, I found myself drawn to the ambiance and impeccable service of upscale restaurants. This admiration only grew stronger over time, becoming a cornerstone of my lifestyle.
However, it wasn't until a pivotal moment in my life that I seriously entertained the idea of venturing into the restaurant business myself. At the age of 28, I have received the unexpected news of my layoff due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Suddenly faced with uncertainty, I found myself reassessing my career path and priorities.
It was during this period of reflection that the seed of opening my own restaurant took root. Determined to turn adversity into opportunity. Leveraging my network and connections, I went on a quest to find a like-minded partner who shared my vision for culinary excellence.
That's when it led me to Chef Moss, whose passion and culinary expertise aligned perfectly with my own aspirations. Together, fueled by a shared commitment to innovation and quality, we set out to bring our dream to life. And thus, Vikarn Bangkok was created.
What's the inspiration of combining fine dining with the lively atmosphere of Bangkok's nightlife?
The decision to merge the elegance of fine dining with the vibrant energy of Bangkok's nightlife was born out of a desire to create something truly distinctive. During the opening our restaurant, we recognized the need to carve out a niche in an industry where established names often dominate. As newcomers to the scene, we understood the importance of offering an experience that would captivate our audience from the moment they stepped through the door. That's when the concept of 'Bangkok Nightlife' emerged as our guiding inspiration. It encapsulated the dynamic spirit of the city—a fusion of excitement, sophistication, and unbridled energy.With the vision of 'Vikarn' taking shape, everything fell into place. The name itself, with its evocative connotations, became the cornerstone of our identity. From there, our concept blossomed, informing every aspect of our brand—from the meticulously crafted menu to the carefully curated ambiance.
How do you define ‘Fun Dining’ and in what ways does it influence the overall dining experience ?
For me, as a person who thrives on social interactions and lively atmospheres, it was essential to create a space where guests could not only indulge in exceptional cuisine but also immerse themselves in a dynamic ambiance. Central to our 'fun-dining' experience is the interactive engagement we offer our guests. Throughout the course of their meal, our staff members, carefully selected for their infectious energy and outgoing personalities, will dance to a curated selection of multi-national tunes that complement each dish. This not only adds an element of entertainment but also creating an fining experience where guests can let loose and truly enjoy themselves. Our commitment to creating unforgettable moments extends beyond the dining room. Whether it's a birthday celebration, a company gathering, or even a wedding, we take pride in going above and beyond to ensure that every occasion is memorable and extraordinary.
What have motivated you to join the Iron Chef Thailand and what has been the key takeaways?
The decision to participate in Iron Chef Thailand was an unexpected but ultimately rewarding journey for both myself and the team at Vikarn Bangkok. When the opportunity presented itself, it was a new and somewhat daunting prospect, as none of us had participated in cooking competitions before. However, upon careful consideration, I realized that beyond the personal challenge, participating in Iron Chef Thailand held the potential to offer invaluable experiences for our team and elevate the visibility of our restaurant on a larger scale. With this in mind, we decided to seize the opportunity, despite the inevitable nerves and uncertainties that accompanied it. Throughout the competition, nerves certainly ran high, but the support and camaraderie among our team members fueled our determination to give it our all. And while the experience was undeniably intense, it proved to be immensely rewarding, opening doors of opportunity for both Vikarn and our team to step into new areas of culinary exploration and recognition.
How do you approach the creative process of the menu at Vikarn while keeping to the concept?
Crafting the menu at Vikarn is a dynamic and collaborative process that begins with a deep understanding of our overarching concept: Bangkok Nightlife. This theme serves as our guide, inspiring us to infuse each dish with the essence of vibrant energy and excitement that defines the city after dark. Within this framework, we explore sub-themes that resonate with our concept, drawing inspiration from diverse culinary traditions to create a unique Thai fusion experience.
Currently, just launched our second season, aptly titled 'Walk You Home.' This theme pays homage to the beloved tradition of indulging in Thai street food before calling it a night, where each dish is crafted to transport our guests to the bustling streets of Bangkok. Whether it's a familiar flavor that sparks a sense of nostalgia or a new twist that ignites curiosity, we strive to create a dining experience that resonates on a deeply personal level with each guest.
Are there any upcoming plans or exciting developments for Vikarn Bangkok in the near future?
Absolutely! While Vikarn Bangkok has established ourselves as a premier fine dining destination, we're thrilled to share our plans for expansion and evolution. One exciting development on the horizon is our vision to introduce a new concept—an everyday restaurant experience that caters to guests seeking a more casual dining atmosphere.
With this expansion, we aim to create a space where patrons can drop in and enjoy our signature blend of flavors and hospitality without the need for reservations. Of course, we'll stay true to our essence and uniqueness, infusing every aspect of the new venture with the same dedication to excellence that defines Vikarn.
Stay tuned as we go on this exciting journey to bring the spirit of Vikarn to even more discerning diners. The future holds endless possibilities, and we can't wait to share them with you!