Review: Karmakamet Diner turns down-home brunch into a first-class experience

Once noted as Bangkok’s multi-purpose venue for aromatherapy products and quality brews, Karmakamet now goes on a full-on culinary venture with its new-ish restaurant, Karmakamet Diner, over at Soi Methi Niwet.

Helmed by the dexterous Chef Jutamas “Som” Theantae, the brunch-focused menu gets top-notch treatment here at the diner. The outlet translates down-home recipes into distinctive, quality ingredient-driven dishes – think buttery pancakes served with, not fried chicken, but braised, fork-tender duck and seared foie gras.

We had the privilege of indulging in their signature dishes recently. Read on for our full review to get a glimpse of Karmakamet Diner.

Ambience

Nestled on the leafy street of Soi Methi Niwet, the leafy lane that runs between The Emporium and Benjasiri Park, the restaurant reflects a mix of woodland design and old-school shophouse. The space is well-designed and the walls are studded throughout with vintage bottles of essential oils, hanging indoor plants and drug store’s antique cabinets. Hugged by a lush garden, the venue also boasts a warm and welcoming vibe – which will make diners feel as though they are dining out in the wild with delicious good food.

Food

Although Karmakamet Diner serves both a la carte and a tasting menu, the venue absolutely specialises in brunch dishes.

We first began the meal with the vibrant Avocado Mango Salad (THB 590) which totally screams summer thanks to its presentation and the bright, acidic tastes from the herby yoghurt dressing and seasonal mango. We didn’t think the dish was going to work regarding the totally different tastes of mango and avocado. But the fennel-spiked sauce in the dish does an excellent job in bonding the two ingredients together in order to give off harmoniously creamy slash tangy flavours to the dish.

Ncxt we had a cheese-on-carb-on-cheese dish of Croque Madame (THB 490). The look of this dish alone is already appetite-reviving but once the French-born ham and cheese sandwich gets crowned with egg and showered in a creamy béchamel sauce, the dish oozes out this gooey deliciousness that will make you feel awestruck by its richness.

Next up we were presented with a photo-ready dish of A-Can’t-Resist-Waffle (THB 890), featuring duck leg confit, seared foie gras, hash brown, buttermilk waffles, butter, mustard and maple syrup. Basically, here’s where heaven fits on a place, enough said.

Another star of the menu is the A La Sorrentina (THB 390). The spaghetti with the chunky house-made tomato sauce already packs an umami punch but the fried-then-baked meatballs totally bring the dish to new heights thanks to its absurd juiciness.

And as you already know, no meal is complete without a sugar-laden dessert and this next dish of Camembert Donut (THB 360) is also totally worth mentioning. The sound of vanilla-flecked camembert glaze might be odd but the cheese totally adds savoury scrumptiousness to the fluffy cake doughnut. Though it might not be a palate cleanser, this dessert sure gives pleasure to those who are absolutely wild for cheese.

Verdict

Serve as a lush sanctuary within the city, many have a pronounced tendency to come back to Karmakamet Diner just to unwind in its tranquil setting. But as much as we love the ambience, we would one hundred per cent go back there for the food. The diner offers a wealth of hearty and toothsome dishes so brunch fanatics who crave for brunch fare with a modern flair of fine dining elements (yes foie gras and such), here’s the perfect place that is bound to delight you.

Karmakamet Diner, 30/1 Sukhumvit Road, Soi Methi Niwet, Bangkok, +662 262 0700

Open: Mon-Sun, 10 am- 11:30 pm.