Thai eatery FOLKS COLLECTIVE is now open at China Square Central—in refurbished 1920’s shophouse—serving classic Thai and Thai fusion recipes in a hip space outfitted with mismatched chairs, vintage posters and antiques (think slot machines from pre-war Germany and typewriters from 1900s Chicago).
Restaurant director Akira Monthienvichienchai says, “FOLKS COLLECTIVE was an idea I had after visiting a vintage market in Bangkok. Basically, there was a giant market that was super stuffed with old stuff from all over the world…with people chilling and having drinks over live music and sitting on furniture that’s probably changed hands time and again. I wanted to bring this concept over to Singapore, albeit in a miniaturized form.”
The place serves up value for money recipes like toasted rice crackers with minced pork dip ($6.90), mango salad ($6.90), tom kha curry ($8.90) and fusion dish Siam Spaghetti ($8.90). Mid-day, there are also five affordable lunch sets ($9.90) with items such as Thai fish cakes and creamy tom yum soup.
“For anyone with a sweet tooth, I’d vouch for both the ice cream kati ($4.90)—coconut ice cream with traditional Thai toppings—which is made in-house daily, and the mango with sticky rice ($4.90),” adds Monthienvichienchai.
Drink-wise, Monthienvichienchai says, “We aim to be fun and experimental with the cocktails. Two favorites are Yaowarat Burning ($12)—Belvedere vodka, lemongrass, ginger and rose—inspired by Bangkok’s Chinatown, and Even Thai Girls Cry ($18), Grand Marnier, campari, peach, lychee and pink guava juice. Both are very refreshing and great summer drinks.”
Find out more at FOLKS COLLECTIVE website.
