Tucked in a narrow soi, the blue barn that houses Lampada is hard to miss. A farmhouse in the middle of Thonglor may sound ridiculous, but this art showroom, chandelier store and cafe manages to avoid outright kitsch. The café on the second floor is a welcoming space that’s reminiscent of a kitchen in an American country home. To one side is the kitchenette complete with hanging oven mitts and wire-meshed cupboards. You can take a seat on one of the comfy couches, wicker chairs or at the counter with high stools set in front of the floor to ceiling window. The service is excellent with the one charming waitress, pleasantly courteous, well informed and never without a smile. Lampada serves simple food from Thai to pastas and steaks, but not street side prices, so go for the sets. Set A is a choice of six Thai dishes plus a drink and dessert; set B lets you pick from three pasta dishes plus a drink and dessert. Aside from the sets, the not-to-be missed starter is the deep-fried spring rolls stuffed with mixed mushrooms. With a golden hue, they come served with basil and are crispy, juicy and aromatic. Another worthy appetizer is the punchy yaam wun saen muu saab (spicy glass noodles with minced pork). The standout main has to be the spicy chicken stew served with rice (available with a set or a la carte). The rich stew is flavorful and delicately spicy while the chicken melts right off the bone. Unfortunately, the western dishes disappoint. The spaghetti beef ragu sauce is tasteless and the pasta is overcooked. Worse it was definitely left in the fridge and wasn’t even microwaved properly. The desserts, brownie, and banana cake are simply boring. Steer clear of western dishes and stick to Thai for a tasty and affordable meal complete with a country feel. Corkage B200.
