NONTHABURI (Thailand) - After the floods of Thailand, a riverside restaurant has turned into a popular dining spot for fun-loving foodies.
The Chaopraya Antique Cafe has a full bar and is now able to offer what the owner of the Chaopraya Cafe calls "hot pot surfing".
This is the place to go if you love your food accompanied by lots of water.
The first diners arrive shortly after the parapet is filled with water. Soon, the deck is filled with happy customers who enjoy eating on the deck as if it were a deluge.
The wait staff, some wearing rubber boots, move slowly through the swirl. It quickly increases to over 50 cm (20 inches)
The restaurant is located in Nonthaburi, near Bangkok. It opened in February at a riverside spot that perfectly compliments its antique architecture.
However, a severe tropical storm and heavy monsoon rainfalls have combined to raise river's level. The tides are also a factor, resulting in daily flooding.
It could have been disastrous, coming right after a long-running coronavirus shutdown. It's now so well-known that customers must make reservations.
This is a wonderful atmosphere. This has been the restaurant's most popular attraction since the flood crisis. Siripoj Waiinta, 24, said that he wanted to try something new and challenge himself. He was enjoying his meal with water rushing up his legs.
Hot-pot surfing is the owner's favorite term. Watch as a passenger boat passes you to find out. Everyone waits eagerly to avoid getting soaked by the wave. One passes every 15 minutes so no one is disappointed.
Titiporn Jutimanon, a TV presenter, has opened his first restaurant. He said he was concerned about what would happen to the restaurant when the floods hit.
It turns out that customers respond positively to the products. They are happy. It is easy to see customers enjoying the pleasure of eating in the water. A crisis turned into an opportunity. This encourages us keep the restaurant open while keeping customers happy.
He says that it allows him to keep his staff happy and keeps them working. Even in difficult economic times, the restaurant is still the most important thing.
