Madi Paidi Bangkok
Stay at Madi Paidi Bangkok and enjoy a hotel that is Exactly Like Nothing Else, the motto from the Autograph Collection Hotels global brand. Madi Paidi translates to ‘wishing you a pleasant arrival and pleasant journey’ and this is ever present from the warm welcome when we checked in, until the heartfelt goodbyes that we received when we checked out. Quite simply, from the start to the finish of our stay we were treated like family, with customer service and hospitality at its finest. This 74 room gem in the Thong Lor area of Bangkok is truly one-of-a-kind in every single aspect and we loved it.
Our check in experience was handled by the lovely Khun Naomi, her infectious smile and passion for her work was clearly evident. She greeted us with “Kin Kao Rue Yang” which translates literally to ‘have you eaten yet’, the Thai phrase that is used to welcome people into your home, instantly making us feel welcome. En route to our Topaz Deluxe King room we enjoyed learning about the bespoke agamography art installations, an art form where you can see different images depending on your point of perspective. Upon arriving in our room we were given a ‘chalew’, a Thai Lucky Charm to wish us good luck. The rooms at Madi Paidi are seriously cool, with colour coded accents to match the room type throughout. These included various room amenities such as plates, cups, upholstery, menus, wardrobe panels, bathroom amenity boxes, soap and even the way the tea bags are placed. So much thought has gone into the design of this unique property, with seemingly nothing overlooked in their efforts to be Exactly like Nothing Else.
The rooftop pool offered far reaching vistas of residential Bangkok, and the perfect place to watch sunset with a cold drink of your choice. The ‘gym with a view’ at Madi Paidi was well appointed with modern machines and equipment, but we’re going to have to be honest with you, other than popping our head in we didn’t go anywhere near the gym (or the pool) during our stay. The reason being is that we were way to busy eating and chatting to our new Madi Paidi family to find any time for exercise!
The Vegan Food
EKKALUCK is the hub of all things culinary at Madi Paidi and it’s where we enjoyed breakfast during our stay. When your day starts with almond milk lattes made with their very own beans from the north of Thailand, you know it’s going to be a good day. There are various items to select from on the buffet, including a selection of locally sourced organic jams and freshly baked ciabatta, rye or pumpkin bread, also salad leaves, pickles, dried fruit, nuts and cereals. The a la carte menu had a number of options that were either vegan, or could be easily adapted. These included homemade granola with soy yoghurt upon request, a flavourful noodle soup which was made with veggies and vegetable stock, Thai fried rice served with a spicy vegan sausage, and quinoa fruit salad which we enjoyed with soy yoghurt instead of honey. Chef Teerathep also prepared a duo of ‘off menu’ creations including avocado on sour dough, with roasted tomatoes, vegan cheese and balsamic glaze, and his own take on a vegan ‘full English’ breakfast complete with vegan sausages. The beauty of staying at a relatively small boutique property like Madi Paidi is that the staff team get to know all of their guests, so when you tell them that you’re vegan they are more than happy to make some exciting changes to the existing menu!
The menu at EKKALUCK includes the eponymously named EKKLAUCK Salad. This beautiful platter of plant based goodness is served with a delightful dressing made from calamansi oranges which are grown on site, zero miles ingredients at their best. The salad comprised mixed leaves, tomatoes, apples, mango, pomegranate, cucumber and a seaweed caviar and it was quite simply perfect. Chef prepared an ‘off-menu’ mixed mushroom risotto, with truffle aromas and packed with the earthy mushroom flavours, which was certainly not missing the addition of dairy. Next up was a steaming bowl of tom kha, and pad Thai with tofu and kale for that added superfood goodness and a nutritional boost. Again from the menu, ‘Tao Hoo Klong Ngae’ (tofu from Hat Yai) which were pillows of fried tofu with a DIY dipping sauce made by mixing the finely chopped shallots, chilli flakes, Thai parsley, crushed peanuts and plum sauce with tamarind that were served in the accompanying bowl. Last but by no means least, was a delightful pasta dish with mixed tomatoes, Italian basil and a rich tomato concasse, topped with sour dough and oven baked cherry tomatoes, was ‘just like mamma cooks’ and would impress most with its flavours and presentation. Again, with a small hotel and a team that are eager to please, the concept at EKKALUCK allows guests to require menu changes and alternative dishes to be prepared upon request, as vegan guests this is just perfect!
The Vegan Essentials
There were alternative pillows available upon request at Madi Paidi, meaning that a feather free sleep was possible, and the bathroom amenities from Thai brand ‘Erb Wellness’ were in planet friendly refillable dispensers. Their products seem natural, but we were unable to be sure if they were vegan friendly. Straws from natural plant fibre have replaced plastic straws, and glass water bottles have replaced their plastic predecessor, all part of the Marriott International commitment to sustainability. The team at Madi Paidi are also continuing their efforts to source locally wherever possible, this includes their very own branded coffee from northern Thailand, and a selection of delicious and organic jams and spreads.
The Vegan Food Quest Verdict
Madi Paidi is a modern, stylish and an exciting new addition to the Thong Lor area of Bangkok. Madi Paidi is a small hotel with a big heart, where the gracious and friendly staff team welcome you as part of their extended family. Madi Paidi is a vegan friendly luxury hotel in Bangkok, with Chef Teerathep and his team at EKKALUCK will create delightful vegan food during your stay. As the first Autograph Collection hotel in Thailand, Madi Paidi are certainly leading from the front, embracing the Exactly Like Nothing Else concept of this distinctive brand.
We were guests of Madi Paidi Bangkok but please rest assured that their generosity in hosting us didn’t influence our views.
Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection
22 Sukhumvit 53 Alley
Watthana
Bangkok 10110
Telephone: +66 2 127 5953
Email: auto.bkkbh.ays@autographhotels.com
Cost From: £160 / $200 (May 2024)