For those in Bangkok, the name Bei Otto (pronounced “buy” Otto) is very well
known, having been a part of the capital’s dining scene since 1984 when German
chef Otto Duffner first opened his own restaurant. Having now expanded and come
to Naklua, it was time for the Dining Out team to experience Bei Otto and see
just how and why this business has already celebrated its 25th
anniversary.
It is easy to miss the location, being in the back corner of
the Windmill Resort Plaza on the Pattaya-Naklua Road, taking up two shops. One
being the retail outlet, and the other a small, but comfy dining area. The sign
above the entrance also shows that this is not just a restaurant, but states
Delicatessen and Café. And indeed, if you wish to go to the sit-down dining
section, you go through the retail bakery and delicatessen first.
In fact, I feel that the bakery and delicatessen side of the
business outweighs the dining side of it all. The hours of 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
also shows that the main thrust is not towards the restaurant. Whilst we were
dining, there were more customers looking for bakery and delicatessen items than
diners. With the range of bakery and delicatessen items being as comprehensive
as they are, one can see why Bei Otto is so popular. In the refrigerated cabinet
I spied the good old fashioned European rum balls, a favorite item from my
childhood. Very tempting.
The restaurant/café side has two large cushioned booths which
will seat 8-10 people in each, so you can dine in the German style with large
groups if you wish, though there are also a couple of small tables. The ambience
is light and airy and the surroundings very clean.
The menu is not very extensive, but is photographic, so if
you cannot read German or the English sub-titles, you at least have an idea of
what you are ordering. It begins with breakfasts which are offered between 9
a.m. and 12 noon. The ‘small’ is B. 170 while the ‘large’ is B. 220 and there
are various extras you can add in, according to your appetite.
Breakfasts are followed by Soups (Suppen) ranging between B.
125 and B. 175, with the Black Forest Potato soup at the low end and a Hungarian
Goulash at the top end.
The next page has what are called “Small dishes” (B. 55-175)
and are in the main German staples with sauerkraut, sausages and meatloaves, all
made by Bei Otto.
Coffee, teas and beers are reasonably priced (B. 85 for a
Heineken for example), but German imports are naturally more expensive.
We began with a soup each, with Madame having a pea soup,
while I ordered the Hungarian goulash. The pea soup was very pleasant, but my
Hungarian goulash was, hot, spicy, chunky and wonderful. Definitely top marks
for that one.
For mains, Madame went for the German meat loaf with potato
salad and mustard, and the meat loaf took up almost half the plate. A filling
dish. I had selected the four Nurnberger pork grilled sausages with mustard,
sauerkraut and bread. Again this was a filling dish, without being of heroic
proportions, and we were both totally satisfied with our soup and main. We then
finished off a second bottle of beer before leaving manageress Ning to clean up.
We had enjoyed a very pleasant ‘German’ evening, so much so
that we could have sat longer, but we had already gone past the 8 p.m. closing
time (sorry Ning). The food was excellent and the Hungarian goulash was one of
the best I have ever tasted. The “Happy Hour” from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. for
rolls, pretzels and pastries is certainly a great way to ensure freshness in the
next day’s offerings. Despite the limited menu, there are enough choices for
everyone, and some “low season” prices are available on the a la carte items. An
interesting venue with some different dishes and well worth a visit.
Bei Otto, 665 Moo 5 Pattaya-Naklua Road (Windmill Plaza),
telephone 038 371 551, fax 038 371 550, open 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. every day,
email [email protected], www. beiotto.com
