AGAR RAGA Café, the creative vision of Sitapa Sakuldeelert, specialises in dishes that showcase the versatility of agar. This innovative café highlights the endless possibilities of agar in her family's business, Telephone Agar Brand, which has been a cornerstone of Thailand's food industry for 67 years, making it one of the country's oldest and most reliable agar producers. Located on Song Wat Road, just a few blocks from the Telephone Agar Brand's headquarters, the café occupies a charming old building. Its décor beautifully blends the nostalgic architecture of the 1950s with modern interior design, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Sitapa, with a Master's Degree in Food Studies from New York University and equipped with knowledge of food policy and systems, decided to return to Thailand to help her family's business. She first embraced her role to modernise the brand through content creation and highlighting delectable recipes in the brand's archive.
"After graduating, I returned to my family's business without a clear vision. However, I soon realised I hadn't fully utilised the knowledge I gained from my degrees," Sitapha reflected thoughtfully. "During my time at the Telephone Agar Brand, I produced recipe videos to showcase the culinary versatility of agar. Later, I found that very few viewers actually attempted to follow the recipes. According to our reports, most of our brand's revenue comes from business-to-business (B2B) sales rather than direct consumer sales (B2C). As a result, dedicating my efforts to creating content didn't significantly benefit the business. If our audience wasn't interested in making the recipes themselves, I decided to cook them these dishes instead."
Despite its numerous culinary possibilities, agar is often limited in perception to just pudding and jelly. Sitapha is determined to change this narrow viewpoint. "Many people don't realise that agar is more than just a dessert ingredient; it also has significant applications in medicine and scientific research," she passionately shared. "At AGAR RAGA Café, my goal is to illuminate the versatility of agar, demonstrating that it can be transformed into a variety of dishes beyond pudding and jelly. Plus, it's a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions—it's gluten-free, vegan, and halal, as it is extracted from red algae harvested from the Pacific Ocean."
AGAR RAGA offers a delightful fusion of Thai-Chinese cuisine with the majority of ingredients sourced from Song Wat Road, showcasing a diverse menu that tantalises the taste buds. One standout dish is their Pad Thai, which takes a creative twist on the traditional recipe. Instead of conventional rice noodles, this innovative version uses Agar, masterfully crafted into shapes that resemble Pad Thai noodles. The result is a dish that not only maintains the beloved tangy, sweet and savoury flavours of the original but also introduces a unique chewy texture and presentation, making it a must-try for adventurous diners.
Mapo Almond Tofu is another delectable twist on tradition. The key difference is the substitution of tofu with almond milk firm pudding. Instead of the usual tofu, this version features firm pudding made from almond milk, providing a creamy and slightly nutty flavour. The dish is generously topped with a spicy pork sauce that is rich and savoury. Each bite is complemented by the fragrant sesame aroma and a delightful numbing sensation from Sichuan pepper, creating a compelling experience for the palate.
Chwee Hueh consists of rice cupcakes typically topped with diced preserved radish and chilli sauce. The AGAR RAGA version offers a unique interpretation, as these rice cupcakes are generously coated with a rich, glossy black sauce and topped with a blend of daikon and shiitake mushrooms, creating a savoury and umami-packed experience. Each bite is a perfect balance of texture and flavour.
Faux Shark Fin Soup is a delicious plant-based alternative that captures the essence of traditional shark fin soup while promoting conservation efforts. This innovative dish skillfully replaces the distinctively textured shark fin with agar. This substitution not only replicates the delicate texture of the original dish but also ensures that no harm comes to sharks in the process. The soup is carefully crafted with a savoury broth infused with aromatic spices and herbs, creating a rich and satisfying experience that's both ethical and enjoyable.
Eggplant canapé is a delectable treat that showcases tender slices of aubergine, battered and deep-fried until they achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior. Each bite is a contrast of textures: the crunch of the coating juxtaposed with the soft, flavourful aubergine interior. To elevate this dish further, a luscious soy sauce agar jam is generously spread atop, imparting a rich, savoury depth that adds a touch of umami to each atom. To intensify the experience, a spoonful of Sriracha caviar provides a vibrant kick, adding an exciting burst of heat that enhances the overall flavour profile and leaves a lasting impression.
AGAR RAGA's dessert menu is a vibrant celebration of flavours and artistry. Each dish is meticulously crafted, showcasing a stunning array of colours that both entice and appeal. From its unique panna cotta to colourful shaved ice, every selection is designed to captivate not only the taste buds but also the eyes. The combination of textures and tastes invites guests to indulge in an unforgettable, sweet experience.
Coconut Panna Cotta with Panda Cream is an exciting and innovative reinterpretation of traditional Thai desserts, particularly Woon Kati and Khanom Piakpoon Baiteoy. This exquisite dish features a silky, creamy panna cotta infused with rich coconut flavour, evoking the familiar taste of Thai sweets. The addition of panda cream on top—an enchanting layer that incorporates the vibrant green colour and subtle hints of the panda's signature aroma—adds an appealing sensory experience. The marriage of these Thai elements with the elegance of Italian culinary artistry creates a refreshing dessert experience. It skillfully captures the essence of Thai flavours while catering to contemporary palates, making these cherished classics more accessible and inviting to a broader audience.
Thai Tea, Konjac Boba, Biscoff is a lovely dessert that artfully combines textures and flavours. The dessert's base is chewy brown sugar konjac boba, offering a satisfying sweetness with each bite. This is delicately layered with creamy Thai red tea almond milk agar, adding a rich, aromatic infusion that complements the boba perfectly. To finish, the dessert is topped with a light and airy Thai tea vegan cream, enhancing the flavour profile with its subtle spiciness. A generous sprinkle of crushed Biscoff cookies adds a satisfying crunch and a caramel-like flavour that beautifully ties everything together.
Matcha is a pudding crafted from the rich, earthy tastes of premium matcha green tea and the smooth creaminess of oat milk. This velvety dessert is beautifully crowned with a generous amount of airy vegan whipped cream, which adds a light and fluffy texture. Each spoonful is complemented by the subtle sweetness of tender azuki beans, while vibrant, juicy strawberries provide a refreshing burst of flavour that balances the dish perfectly.
Shaved Ice with Agar Balls is a delightful twist on a classic Thai dessert that combines texture and flavour beautifully. This refreshing treat features a mound of finely shaved ice, lightly drizzled with plant-based milk, and is adorned with ten vibrant agar balls that add a playful burst of colour. Each of these gelatinous spheres is unique, showcasing an assortment of local fruits that celebrate the tropical essence of the region. From the sweet juiciness of watermelon to the fragrant succulence of lychee and the tangy delight of pineapple, each bite offers a different experience. Also included are the exotic tastes of rambutan and mango, creating a harmonious medley of flavours.
The drinks menu at AGAR RAGA Café is a delightful selection that caters to all tastes, featuring an impressive array of options from rich, aromatic coffees to soothing, flavorful teas. Among the standout offerings are the Rose Plant-based Milk Tea and Match Plant-based Milk Tea, both of which have quickly become customer favourites. The Rose Plant-based Milk Tea is a fragrant blend infused with the delicate notes of rose, while the Match Plant-based Milk Tea showcases the earthy richness of matcha, making for an invigorating and creamy experience.
AGAR RAGA is the pioneering agar café in Thailand, offering a unique dining experience in the vibrant heart of Bangkok. This innovative eatery specialises in delicious agar-based dishes and beverages, showcasing the versatility of this intriguing ingredient. With its modern design and inviting atmosphere, Agar Raga invites guests to explore a creative menu that highlights both traditional and contemporary flavours, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers.
AGAR RAGA Café
Hours: TUE-SUN, 10:00 - 18:00 Hours
Tel: +668 6375 9659
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agarraga.songwat/
E-mail: info@agarraga.com
Location: 948 Song Wat Rd. Samphanthawong Bangkok, Thailand 10100
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