Thainess with a Twist
As a former food critic, I was lucky enough to experience many great cuisines and five-star service from many fancy restaurants. When I visited Osha Thai Restaurant & Bar, it wasn’t just about the pleasure of my palate alone, but the interior decoration that captured my heart, as well.
Osha Thai Restaurant & Bar is no stranger to San Franciscans. Founded in 1997 on the beautiful San Francisco Bay, Osha started off as a humble small noodle shop which soon stepped up its game and became one of the most renowned Thai fine dining establishments on the US West Coast. In 2014, Osha finally took the ethnic Thai taste back home by opening a branch here in Bangkok.
Located on the corner of Wireless Road, the venue greets its patrons upon arrival with its lavish vibe at first sight: tall glass doors decorated with Thai-style patterns. On the outside you can see that the door frames add an authentic Thai touch combining traditional Thai stilt house patterns using modern materials creating an obvious contrast between the elaborate authentic Thai decoration and modern art that go along quite well together.
High-ceiling foyer with traditional Thai floral patterns
Credit: Osha Thai Restaurant & Bar
The interior’s choice of color is astonishing. Black is not a commonly used color for restaurants, but here at Osha, black is dominant and a perfect match with gold that creates a luxurious atmosphere. What I like most about this place is the foyer and how it cleverly uses the high-ceiling as an advantage to show off Thai crafting skills through the matte gold alcoves with traditional floral patterns carved on both sides of the wall and on the ceiling. The foyer acting like a gateway to a sacred shrine allows guests to feel like they are walking into another world. Once entering the main dining hall, one finds a 3-D mapping projector exhibiting images of mythical characters from the Ramayana across the hall, giving the place a dreamlike ambience.
Adding a modern twist, the main dining hall is decorated with transparent glass walls with high curtains across two floors and mirrors portraying Thai stilt house patterns. The designers have also added a casual touch with a hint of American dining through the black circular booths which are scattered around the main dining hall. They pair well with floral-print cushions and unique leather-clad elements.
The ginormous chada chandelier | Credit: Osha Thai Restaurant & Bar
Above the bar, Osha uses the sky-high ceiling to show off the golden spiral staircase which leads up to the theater-like second floor. The wall is adorned with traditional murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The gigantic custom-made chandelier – modeled in the shape of a traditional “chada” headdress – is placed over the bar to give its sense of Thainess a boost.
Thai-themed food and drinks served amid chada-inspired props
Credit: Osha Thai Restaurant & Bar
Thai-themed food and drinks served amid chada-inspired props
Credit: Osha Thai Restaurant & Bar
Besides the exquisite interior design, the theatrical concept also permeates the restaurant’s food presentation as well. Every dish is delicately served with fine decorations which not only give diners the pleasure of taste, but also excite all the other senses: sight, sound, smell, and touch. Osha Thai Restaurant & Bar is the place you wouldn’t want to miss.
Osha Thai Restaurant & Bar
99 Wireless Rd., Lumpini
Tel. 02 256 6555
www.oshabangkok.com
