LUKA Western Comfort Food Siri House, No.14/2 Soi Somkid, Phloen Chit Road 8am-5pm www.LukaBangkok.com, 09-4868-2639
THE SETTING
I'm not a morning person, I would rather much stay in bed until 10am and miss breakfast. Yes, it's the most important meal of the day -- allegedly. Unless, of course, breakfast is worth getting out of bed for. That's pretty much the case for what Luka serves, although it is served until 5pm. Luka has been around for three and half years and they have three locations around the city. The first one was at Sathon, the second in Thong Lor and the latest one is at Siri House near BTS Chit Lom. This latest location is nothing short of an oasis in Bangkok, a haven for those who want to relax and chill. The light pours in through the windows and the space, though small, offers enough room so that you're not bumping elbows or knees with other diners. Besides, there's a bigger dining room that you can opt to sit in. While the atmosphere and the place seems to be optimised for those who want maximum chill vibes, I'm glad to say that the menu compliments the atmosphere.
THE MENU
While Luka does have three locations, each is similar yet unique in their concept and design. The same for the menu, so a few dishes at Luka at Siri House are not available at other locations.
Luka prides itself in serving modern Western comfort food but don't be deceived by the term "comfort food". The food isn't smothered in cheese or deep-fried in oil (there is a time and place for those) but Luka's dishes are healthy and light.
I started off with the Beef asada salad (B590++). I am not into salads, but putting soft, medium-rare beef in a salad is definitely a great way to entice me. It was definitely a change to be pairing beef solely with vegetables and no fries or mashed potatoes, but it's a good change. There's a slight spice to it and the crunchy veggies are a nice contrast to the tender beef.
The DIY avocado on toast (B390++) is a no-brainer. It was no surprise to see it on the menu because if you're serving all-day breakfast then avocado on toast has to be there. Having said that, the dish is delicate and delicious and also available at all three Luka locations albeit different iterations of the same dish.
One of the best-sellers is the Tarte flambee salmon (B320++) which is thin, crispy and light with just the right amount of saltiness that makes it a sort of "breakfast pizza" that will satisfy yet not make you feel overly full. Luka's take on a classic breakfast dish is the Ricotta pancake skillet (B270++), which is served piping hot on the actual skillet and topped off with sour cream to help cool it off. It's soft, delectable and makes you fall in love with pancakes all over again. Finally, there's the Mango & passion trifle (B290++), which is the right amount of sweet.
Aside from its dishes, Luka also serves a variety of beverages. Their coffee beans are locally sourced but they opt for a more darker, traditional roast. One of my favourites is the Salted caramel latte (B120++) because let's face it, you can never go wrong with salted caramel. Finally, a refreshing respite from the heat is the Oolong lychee and lime (B100++), which is a great summer drink.
At the end of the meal, I was left very much satisfied but not bloated, a good indication that the meal you had was truly healthy perhaps.
INSIDER'S TIP
Luka has a number of coffees and teas. But if you want something out-of-the-norm, give the Turmeric latte (B130++) a go. It is milky and mixed with a bunch of spices to give it a unique flavour that's just right and not too overpowering.
VALUE & VERDICT
If breakfast was always like Luka's then perhaps you'd see me energised, awake and alive as early as 10am (is 10am early?). Sadly, that's not the case. Fortunately for me though, Luka is serving up this goodness for early birds and is still available all the way until 5pm. With dishes worthy every penny, I'm definitely brunching it up here soon.
