Review

Located on bustling Sukhumvit Soi 11, Burapa is a tall, renovated shophouse with a striking dark colonial-style exterior. Although the restaurant occupies a narrow site, it spans three storeys, offering ample space for diners. The name “Bura- pa,” meaning “east” in Thai, hints at the Eastern and North-eastern flavours on the menu. As a sister restaurant to Sri Trat, Burapa serves thoughtfully prepared dishes in an ornate setting. The dining room resembles Eastern and Oriental express carriages, featuring button-back green leather booths, marble tables, brass rails, and velvet curtains. Overhead luggage racks enhance the ambiance without overshadowing the food. Light bites make for excellent starters, such as grilled sun-dried Koh Chang calamari paired with an original Koa Mak sweet fermented rice sauce. For larger groups, the spice-packed crab, crab roe, and pumpkin red curry bursts with flavour, served with fluffy jasmine rice. Other highlights include grilled red chicken with Chinese an-kak spices, accompanied by fragrant coconut rice topped with fried garlic. Many dishes showcase a lesser-known side of Thai cuisine, and the knowledgeable staff are happy to explain the ingredients and recommend options. Be sure to try the signature dessert, bun-dook, a traditional Eastern Thai treat that combines peanut brittle with sweet coconut and a sea salt brown sugar sauce for a satisfying crunch.