VIVIN Asok - café grocery bistro - Local Organic Natural Artisan — Restaurant in Khlong Toei Nuea Subdistrict

Bangkok’s Cheese Heaven

After mentioning I was in Bangkok, I got an enthusiastic invitation from Samantha Proyrungtong, the powerhouse behind Bangkok Foodies, to visit VIVIN Grocery in Asok. The mission? To taste Thai artisanal wines and cheeses. Yes, you read that right—Thai cheese. I didn’t know it existed either, and my Dutch instincts kicked in. Cheese is from the Netherlands. And France. Maybe Italy. Spain too. Alright, fine, Denmark. And then there’s Cheddar… but Thailand? Okay, okay—I’ll give it a shot, as long as they don’t call it Camembert from Chiang Mai.

I’ll admit it—the tasting was more than just decent. It was damn good.

VIVIN is a blend of a grocery store and bistro, founded by Nicolas Vivin, a Frenchman with a deep culinary background, and Samantha, a Thai-Australian PR expert who took her love for food and turned it into something undeniably impressive. They don’t just sell products—they curate an experience. Everything here is local, artisanal, and sustainable. This isn’t just another overpriced expat deli; it’s a love letter to Thai produce and the people behind it.

Before me sits a towering étagère of cheeses and charcuterie, proudly Thai but without the false pretense of trying to pass as something it’s not. A Camembert is called Camembert because it’s from that region, with its own terroir. You can copy the recipe, but not the land, the air, or the centuries of history. Nicolas and Samantha get this. They don’t produce the cheese themselves, but they sure as hell know what makes a good one.

The variety is surprising—goat, cow, bleu—each cheese has its own character, bold and unapologetic. The bleu varieties are particularly intense, the kind that punch you in the face with personality. My favorite? An orange-hued bleu with an earthy, almost primal depth. My companion, less accustomed to strong cheeses, stared at me in horror, muttering “pervert” under their breath. Maybe that’s what makes cheese so beautifully divisive—you either worship it or fear it.

But VIVIN isn’t just about cheese. The duck confit with mashed potatoes is the kind of comfort food that makes you want to hug the chef. And then came the fluffy omelet, stuffed with four kinds of Thai cheese, a dish Samantha was visibly proud of. A golden, cloud-like bite that felt like an angel just took a divine dump on my tongue.

And here it all is, in a quiet corner of Asok, in the heart of Bangkok’s concrete chaos. Like a small bistro in Lyon—if Lyon was bathed in tropical heat and lined...

I'm not sure why I don't have any photos to share but it must be because the cappuccino here is so good and the Viennese Smoked Salmon sandwich is super tasty. Something about the creamy sauce with the salmon and onions and squishy bread makes my mouth water and melt. The owners are super friendly and nice as well as all the staff. Even if they cannot understand my Californian accent they always make up for it later.

The man of the house who is French treated me to a hot Cappuccino today which was really awesome. Whoever the barista was today was on point because the milk foamed with the espresso beans was so rich and creamy it was also the bomb diggity dang!

The female owner is very cool as well. She is Thai and Australian. She has the coolest Aussie accent. Her and her husband run a lovely restaurant, cafe, and coffee shop. It was pretty busy today but usually not too many people midday. I'd say it is best experienced in person but they also have good takeaway and are on Grab and Food Panda.

It is one of my favorite places for cappuccino in Bangkok.

It reminds me of a small cafe you might find in Santa Barbara or Ojai, California. Definitely reminds me of home or my former home and has feel-good California vibes.

I love the cashier's funky style and tattoos. They are always nice and relaxed and chill.

Also, their brownies are off the chain! So tasty! Everything tastes really good here and I am excited to try the full menu since I usually order the same thing.

But the other day I used Food Panda and tried out a Ham and Cheese sandwich (I usually don't eat pork but was feeling like a Ham & Cheese) and no joke... Was one of the best I have ever tried!

I like that they bring quality and organic offerings to the neighborhood. For an expat who is a picky eater, it can be hard to find stuff I like here, but I never have that problem here. Vivin Grocery - Cafe & Bistro - is always on...

Vivin Bistro is a hidden gem that truly captivated my senses with its charming atmosphere, delectable cuisine, and exceptional homemade cola. Nestled in the heart of our community, this cozy bistro has managed to combine local flavors with French culinary techniques, resulting in an unforgettable dining experience.

The atmosphere at Vivin Bistro is simply enchanting. As soon as you step inside, you're welcomed by warm, rustic decor that exudes a comforting ambiance. The soft, dimmed lighting and tasteful artwork create an inviting and intimate setting perfect for any occasion, be it a romantic dinner or a casual get-together with friends.

Now, let's talk about the food. The menu at Vivin Bistro is a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation. What struck me most was their ingenious use of local cheese with French culinary techniques. The fusion of these two worlds results in dishes that are both familiar and excitingly new. I highly recommend trying their cheese platter; it's a delightful journey through the flavors of the region.

The star of the show, however, is their homemade cola. Unlike anything you'll find in a store, this cola is a testament to their dedication to crafting unique beverages. It's refreshing, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it an ideal companion to any meal.

In conclusion, Vivin Bistro is a culinary haven that shouldn't be missed. Whether you're a food enthusiast, a cheese connoisseur, or just someone looking for a fantastic dining experience, Vivin Bistro will exceed your expectations. With its inviting atmosphere, innovative use of local ingredients, and outstanding homemade cola, it's a true gem in our community's dining scene. Make a reservation and savor the magic of Vivin Bistro – you won't be...