The PUG Life: The Smokin’ Pug Review

PUBLISHED July 22nd, 2015 02:00 am | UPDATED April 22nd, 2016 01:35 pm

Every once in a while, an entity of glorious proportion is introduced, causing us to descend into a global meltdown. Some of you may be old enough to remember the pandemonium which unfolded upon the release of FURBY, or the swarms of gadget geeks who descended on Apple stores for the release of the very first iPhone. Perhaps you can relate more to the chaos which ensues at One Direction ticket sales or the mayhem of trying to acquire the latest Jordan sneakers that your grandmother so desperately needs. The latest obsession is finally here; and luckily for us, there’s enough for everyone!

Located in the heart of Bangkok, The Smokin’ Pug is an absolute MUST for anyone with an appreciation for high-quality food. Their meticulous attention to the finer details has catapulted them amidst Bangkok’s most sought after eateries in a miniscule period of time.

The Smokin’ Pug’s warm interior

Before even setting eyes on the mouth-watering menu, you’ll be greeted with a smile and warm welcome at the door. If you arrive during a rush, you’ll be shown a seat at the bar where a long list of craft beers, cocktails, and other whistle-wetters await you. The lights are low, the atmosphere is super-chill and the sounds of funky jazz reverberate throughout this loft-style hideaway.

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

The most difficult decision you’ll make this year comes in the form of The Smokin’ Pug menu, a list of deliciousness so vast it’ll make your head spin! The hospitality experts will explain how the meat has been painstakingly prepared for hours on end whilst being marinated in an array of lip-smacking sauces and tantalizing spices. The perfectly seasoned Brisket (495-625 bt) proved to be a popular option among my compadres as well as the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich (350 bt) and Pulled Pork Sandwich (350 bt). The chicken was so fresh I expected it to squawk when I wrapped my mouth around it and the pulled pork burger was simply sublime!

For the curious diner, I recommend the generously sized Slider Plate (brisket, buffalo chicken and pulled pork, 395 bt). I’m often too afraid to order sliders at a restaurant in fear that they’ll be too small and leave me unsatisfied. I fear the equivalent of the 10-pence jelly Trolli burgers (remember them?) will be placed in front of me along with a guilty look of ‘focus on the artistic presentation’ from the waitress. For many, quantity is every bit as important as quality when it comes to food. Fear not, with these sliders, you’ll get the best of both worlds.

Baby Back Ribs

Although I enjoyed the majority of food in equal measure, I feel compelled to single out the Baby Back Pork Ribs (595-825 bt). Full-flavoured, scrumptious and dripping with homemade sauce, they are undoubtedly the best ribs I’ve ever tasted. In fact, I’d go as far in saying it was one of the best dishes I’ve ever had.

All of the above come with sides such as baked beans, cornbread, potato chips, slaw and a variety of other American BBQ favourites. If you’re still feeling brave, the additional sides menu (75 bt) will undoubtedly satisfy your final needs. Go on, treat yourself! Get that creamy Mac n’ Cheese you undeniably deserve!

To conclude, if the packet of gummy bears I’m currently scoffing were Michelin Stars, I’d give this place the packet. 10/10, 5 stars and one and a half thumbs up (an unfortunate construction accident)!