Interview with Birds in a Row 2/2

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Regan Suzuki and Somkiat Pairojmahakij-- also known as Joke-- the proprietors of Birds in a Row- Whole Food Catering and Delivery Service to talk about eating and finding vegetarian, whole and locally sourced organic foods here in Bangkok. This week’s Vegetarian Column features part two of our two part interview

by Julia Chinnock

How did you come up with the concept for Birds in a Row- Whole Food Catering and Delivery?

'As someone who gives high value to the relationship between the food we eat, our health, local communities and the wellbeing of ecological systems, I found it difficult to find food here that I could feel ‘good’ about. Food in Thailand is abundant and cheap, but how easy is it to really know where your food has come from, who produced it and what has gone into its preparation?

Don’t get me wrong, Thais love food. But the emphasis seems to currently be more on its taste, presentation and ‘trendiness’ in isolation from the background narrative underlying the production and market chains.

This might also be related to an alienation that is occurring in Thailand as it long has in many of the Western countries where farmers and farming communities are no longer directly connected to, or ARE, the consumers. Larger scale companies are taking over increasing market share and the Bangkokian public can relate less and less to the rural, farming communities.

In a nutshell I missed the whole food/ organic type of stores I was used to back home with their wholesome products, presentation and ethically driven values. While I was willing to pay more for it, there simply wasn’t this genre of store or restaurant.

Finally, vegetarian cuisine can be tough to find – especially if one associates vegetarian with healthy. The traditional Thai Chinese ‘jae’ cuisine is a variation of vegetarian cuisine (while restricting strong smelling foods and spices in accordance with Buddhist practice, but does not preclude the use of MSG or other additives that those seeking a healthful diet would choose to avoid.

Hearing similar feeling expressed by my friends and colleagues), my partner (who is a passionate cook and has had several restaurant/ bars) and I decided to take matters into our own hands.'

What types of vegetarian options do you offer?

'We have a monthly menu which includes a range of salads (all vegetarian) a selection of vegetarian mains as well as a variety of non-vegetarian mains (free range chicken and fish).

Sample vegetarian mains from our March menu include: Sicilian orange pistachio tofu, Provencal stuffed peppers, Eggplant with walnuts and feta and Pumpkin burgers with honey mustard sauce. A sample of the salads would include: Apricot squash couscous, Green peas, orange and hazelnut, Mediterranean vegetable medley, Barley with seasonal vegetables and Tahini lemon cauliflower.'

Does your food come ready to eat, or is there additional preparation involved?

'It comes 100% ready to eat.'

Can you briefly explain the “logistics” of Birds in a Row- Whole Food Delivery Service – for example, pricing, how to place orders, when they must be placed, and delivery service area?

'The two options we offer right now are ‘lunchboxes’ for delivery (in biodegradable, recyclable packaging) and small-scale catering services. The packaged meals we deliver twice a day (approximately noon and 5pm for dinnertime orders). In both cases we request orders to be placed by 10am.

Boxes consist of 2 possible combos: Vegetarian Main and two side salads (160 Baht) and Non-vegetarian Main and two side salads (180 Baht). There are no additional fees for delivery but as we are still in the early stages of developing this business, as a first step we are limited to offering delivery to the Rattanakosin (UN building) area.

For multiple orders and catering (15-50 people) we are able to deliver and offer catering services outside of this area.'

For further details, please contact:

Birds in a Row- Whole Food Catering and Delivery Service

• Telephone: 02-628 4588
• Mobile: 084-539 1819
• Email: birdsinarow@windowslive.com