Mercedes-Benz Cafe takes cars and cookery seriously.
Mercedes-Benz Cafe German 1/F, The Emporium BTS Phrom Phong 10am-10pm 02-259-9551 www.mbcafe-thailand.com
The set-up
Given the long reputation of Mercedes-Benz as a maker of hi-so sedans, we’re very curious as to whether their first cafe in Bangkok will also fire on all cylinders (car pun intended).
It turns out Mercedes-Benz Cafe takes cars and cookery seriously. The modern-looking venue has a unique concept: combining a showroom, an activity area and a restaurant within a space of 510m².
Don’t worry, you won’t be sitting in a passenger seat while your dishes are placed atop the dashboard. There are comfy armchairs for you to settle in for a dignified dinner. You can also check out the latest models from Mercedes-Benz or buy other merchandise while waiting for your order to land on your faux marble-topped table.
The setting is made to be versatile enough for a quick lunch for housewives, a re-energising coffee break for shopaholics and even a casual dinner date. Guys, impress your girl with your manly knowledge about automobiles and such. Girls, imagine how many free rides your guy will give you in his new car.
The menu
Each item in the menu is listed in German and English. Kurbissuppe or pumpkin soup (B210++) doesn’t taste too creamy, but it offers a good balance between sweet and savoury with a hint of nutmeg for soothing sips.
For something to accelerate your appetite, try Krabbensalat or shrimp salad (B300). The sweet and juicy crustacean flesh goes great with the refreshing dressing. Bursts of sourness in the form of cubes of green apples are hidden underneath a heap of crisp cucumbers and romaine lettuce leaves.
Another dish that can rev up your culinary cravings is Schwarzwaldschinken or black forest ham sandwich (B300). It impresses with slices of smoked ham that are light as feathers, but heavy in flavour and crunchy toast containing sauerkraut. Small dollops of mayo mustard topped with pickled gherkins add a delicious contrast to the mix.
The highlight, Lachs schmorgurken (B440), is a salmon steak souped up with a herbal crust on top for extra aroma. The fish itself is cooked just right, remaining moist and tender, while the side of rosemaryinfused baby potatoes are creamy and aromatic.
End your meal on a sweet note with Rote grutze (B120). It may look like just random things being placed in a jar, but let us tell you that this dessert is wellthought-out because different components play off each other with their contrasting flavours and textures. Many goodies, such as chunky cookie crumble, sorbet, fresh strawberry and champagne jelly are put together to make this delightful dessert.
The Best or Nothing (B380) is a playful concoction, featuring gummy bear gin and juices of citrus fruits. The refreshing and sweet sensation makes it so easy to sip but it still can make lightweight drinkers feel tipsy. The cafe also offers selected wines by glass and an assortment of German beers.
Insider tip
Mercedes-Benz Cafe is a joint effort between two big brands: the German automobile maker that the venue is named after (duh) and Water Library, which takes the steering wheel of the kitchen. We think German chef Mirco Keller does a good job. The cafe is only open until the end of August, so you’d better hop to it.
Value & verdict
The dishes on offer here feel like well-calculated and well-constructed creations, reflecting well on the longstanding reputation of the automobile brand. MercedesBenz Cafe takes you on a flavourful ride, but at a cost that might make those who drive Japanese cars wince a little.