Page 8 - Masala Lite Issue 176 August 2025

8 MUNCHING
Of

SMOKE,

SALT,and

SPAIN

Pura Brasa sets ablaze the culinary
glow of Spanish embers.

BY GRACE CLARKE

here are certain days when all you crave is the elegance

of simplicity: the flicker of open flame, the hum of low
conversation, and dishes that arrive with both smoke and
soul. It was on such a day that I found myself at Pura Brasa, a new
Spanish arrival in Bangkok with a pedigree rooted in Barcelona.
Known for its mastery of the Josper® charcoal oven, this culinary

import brings with it a parade of tapas, paellas, and fire-kissed
fare. With restaurants across Spain and Singapore, its Thai debut
speaks in the language of embers, flavour, and mastery.

THE AMBIANCE
Tucked into the Parade Building at One Bangkok, Pura Brasa
makes its presence known without shouting. The space unfolds
generously, with an inviting blend of indoor seating, kitchen-
front tables, and a breezy outdoor balcony perfect for golden-
hour grazing. Inside, the palette leans warm and earthen with
chocolate leather, blonde woods, a handsome deep red-tiled bar, and just enough
whimsy to keep things from feeling too serious. Look up and you’ll spot barrels cleverly
repurposed as ceiling lights, while neon cursive glows softly against the walls. There
are pickles in jars, empty wine bottles lining ledges, and a cheeky mural of a cow in
high-tops keeping watch. Just outside the entry, a glass-fronted display of dry-ageing

steaks and fine wines offers a nod to the house’s serious grilling credentials. It manages

to be elegant without pretence, delivering warmth and sophistication in equal measure.
THE CULINARY SELECTION

The meal began with a trio of starters that set a deeply savoury tone. The Jamón ibérico

(THB 790/30 grams), hand-sliced tableside, offered glistening ribbons of cured meat with
a whisper of nutty sweetness, paired elegantly with fresh tomato-slicked sourdough. The
Croquetas de jamón ibérico (THB 390) arrived golden and warm, breaking open to reveal
a silky béchamel laced with the unmistakable depth of ibérico ham. Rounding off the

appetisers, the Grilled caesar salad (THB 450) surprised with its smoky lettuce, crisp chorizo
shards, and briny Spanish anchovies.
The rhythm of the meal continued with the arrival of tapas and mains, each carrying the
signature smokiness of the Josper® charcoal oven. The Gambas al ajillo (THB 490) was a THE MASALA CHOICE
show-stealer, its plump tiger prawns luxuriating in garlicky olive oil, with a touch of heat
from chili flakes. Slices of grilled sourdough were used with abandon to mop up every For something deeply comforting yet wholly transportive, the Octopus potato

last drop. Of the paellas, the The Squid ink paella a la llauna (THB 1,550) served classic fare casserole (THB 580) is not to be missed. Tender octopus, gently braised and
with jet black grains enriched with the ocean’s essence, punctuated by tender morsels delicately smoky, nestles into a bed of garlic parsley mashed potatoes so
of seafood—ideal for sharing and perfect for creating warm, memorable moments with velvety they could be mistaken for silk. The warmth of pimentón lends a

friends or family. Available exclusively from 1 to 31 August 2025, the Tom yum paella (THB gentle smokiness, while a lashing of aioli brings a rich, garlicky finish that
599 for medium, THB 799 for large) delighted with its playful tang and chilli warmth, while ties it all together. It is rustic in spirit yet elevated in execution, the sort of
the Tom kha paella (THB 499 for medium, THB 699 for large) was gentler, coconut-rich dish that feels like a quiet indulgence.
and fragrant; a charming nod to its Thai surroundings. Fleeting pleasures on the menu,
do come savour it while the season allows.

To finish, the Dry aged wagyu ribeye (THB 650/100 grams) offered a final flourish of PURA BRASA

carnivorous pleasure. Cooked to a blushing medium rare, the meat was deeply flavoured,

lightly smoky, and marvellously tender, served alongside a buttery mash and soft, sweet One Bangkok Entrance 3, 3rd Floor, Parade Building, 1877 Rama IV

confit piquillo peppers. The Grilled broccolini (THB 250) provided a verdant counterpoint, Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
with its charred edges and piquant romesco. A glass of Red sangria (THB 320) and White Open daily: 10 AM – 11 PM
sangria (THB 320) kept things festive, fruit-forward with just enough bite. Dessert was
a lesson in contrasts. The Grilled piña colada (THB 320) played with warmth and ice, its Phone: 0645911424
caramelised pineapple meeting cool young coconut ice cream. But the final word belonged Instagram: @purabrasa.thailand

to the Pura Brasa Basque burnt cheesecake (THB 320), served with a tart passionfruit sorbet
and coconut crumble, both velvety and perfectly restrained.
MASALA LITE ISSUE 176 - AUGUST 2025