Bangkok: Bei Otto – German Restaurant

My dad has gone through some difficulties concerning the transition from his traditional Danish diet with gravy and potatoes to papaya salad and rice noodles. Last night he had enough and vetoed anything eaten with a spoon and fork (i.e. most Thai food).

It was partly my fault that it came so far, as I accidentally had mentioned that there was this German restaurant, Bei Otto, only 5 minutes walk from our hotel. The damage was done, and the whole family was thus in for a night of Deutsche Spezialitäten.

The last two times I ‘ve visited to Bangkok, I have stayed at a hotel just opposite Bei Otto on Sukhumvit Soi 20, but the thought of visiting a German Kneipe in the middle of Bangkok didn’t really appeal to me, and I’ve never considered venturing inside.

Though, after last night’s visit, I must admit that Bei Otto really turned out to be a positive surprise.  First of all, the clientele was not as sleazy sex-tourist-like, as one might fear. In fact, the people were surprisingly well dressed, and a substantial fraction consisted of Japanese business men (!). One of the evening’s highlights was watching how they, deeply focused, cut out their Schweinshaxe in bite-sized pieces as if it was a Bluefin tuna.

As a starter, we got a selection of cold cuts and different kinds of Leberwurst served with freshly baked bread. I don’t really like Leberwurst, but the cured ham was terrific and the salad with shredded ham was amazing with the warm bread rolls. We ate so much that none of us were hungry, when the mains arrived. However, the smell of the food was mouthwatering, and I managed to try the Currywurst, the Schweinshaxe and the Wienerschnitzel, before I had to give up.

I like German food, and the food at Bei Otto is authentic and tasty. Bei Otto is a really cozy place and I wouldn’t hesitate stopping by for a Bratwurst next time I’m in Bangkok. In fact, I regret that it took me so long before I finally went.

Read more about food and restaurants in Bangkok on my Bangkok Blog

Bei Otto, 1 Soi 20 Sukhumvit Rd., Klongtoey, Bangkok