Podkova - From Russia with Love

There is something about Podkova, Bangkok’s only Russian restaurant, that makes you feel like you are being subjected to forces beyond your control, similar to the plot in Dr. Zhivago, but with a much better ending.

Go to the Podkova profile ...

The dazzling light bulbs of the giant horseshoe set around the door flanked with topiary horses is totally Russian, kitsch, slightly gaudy and fabulous. The restaurant décor is pleasant and the food is different but after a pickle, a shot of Russia’s finest vodka and a hearty bowl of borsch, you will have the best eating out experience you have had in a long time.

It might take a little time to warm up to the idea of Podkova. On the surface it is nothing fancy with a simple but honest feel. However, with the welcoming Russian hospitality, the wonderful gold, fairytale inspired wall murals and the traditional style food you cannot fail to feel like the diner who came in from the cold, regardless of the searing Bangkok heat. It is sometimes easy to forget just how passionate different cultures are about their own food and if a trip to Russia is not on the immediate travel plans then a visit to Podkova is a good Bangkok bound option.

One bite of raw herring with sliced potato and onion and you are transported from the Bangkok block to the Eastern bloc. Popular with the Russian population of the city is a given but Podkova has also won over the local Japanese community who apparently cannot get enough of Ukrainian dumplings and stroganoff.

The crepes with meat are a nice enough appetizer but the borsch, cooked up by the restaurant’s Russian chef is full of rich, hearty beef and beetroot. By the time you reach the main course and dig into the Russian hotpot you have relaxed and reminded yourself how good it feels to eat home-style cooking.

It is not always the fanciest décor or the most exquisite food that makes eating out a joy; being part of a cultural and culinary journey can often make things more interesting, adding some spice to the otherwise conventional restaurant visits. Pork, potatoes, mushrooms, butter, sour cream and cheese, the Russian hotpot is not what might be classed as a dieter’s delight but robust, hearty eating Russian style is about hearty enjoyment too.

The prices will not freeze over your finances either. A set dinner is 700 thb with a lunchtime special at 350 is good value. Most main courses are around 150-300 thb. Upstairs a wonderfully over the top Oriental private dining room provides luxurious, floor style eating for around ten people, with silk cushions and drapes. Heading further upstairs, there is a quirky little bar and another private dining room with a balcony, aptly called the vodka room because of the shelves lined with Russia’s national drink. Of course, Russians like to eat, drink and be merry, so the private karaoke room at 300 thb an hour should come as no surprise either.

Podkova is the heart and soul of Russia with a menu that comes from Russia with love.