Bo.lan: A Culinary Pioneer Preserving Thailand’s Rice Biodiversity
In a world where commercial agriculture is narrowing our palates and our choices, Bo.lan Bangkok stands as a quiet yet powerful advocate for biodiversity—one grain of rice at a time.
While most diners recognize only the fragrant Jasmine rice (Hom Mali) or its sticky rice cousin, Thailand’s rice heritage includes over 4,000 traditional varieties. Many of these have disappeared from supermarket shelves, casualties of industrial farming and policy decisions that favour uniformity over diversity.
But at Bo.lan, rice is much more than an accompaniment. It is a symbol of Thailand’s culinary heritage and a living link between farmers and the future.
“Without rice, there is no Thai meal,” says Chef Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava, co-founder of Bo.lan. “But beyond Jasmine rice, there are thousands of stories waiting to be told.”
At the start of every meal, Bo.lan’s guests receive the restaurant’s signature “first bite”—a simple yet profound combination of rice, toasted coconut, salt, and palm sugar. The rice variety changes regularly, sourced from organic Thai rice farmers and smallholder growers who preserve heirloom rice varieties from the North, Isaan, and the South.
This ever-changing offering highlights Bo.lan’s deep ties to sustainable agriculture and the restaurant’s broader mission: to use gastronomy as a tool for conservation. By featuring these rare grains, Bo.lan supports Thailand’s food security and offers diners an authentic experience of biodiverse Thai cuisine.
This ever-changing offering highlights Bo.lan’s deep ties to sustainable agriculture and the restaurant’s broader mission: to use gastronomy as a tool for conservation. By featuring these rare grains, Bo.lan supports Thailand’s food security and offers diners an authentic experience of biodiverse Thai cuisine.
This ever-changing offering highlights Bo.lan’s deep ties to sustainable agriculture and the restaurant’s broader mission: to use gastronomy as a tool for conservation. By featuring these rare grains, Bo.lan supports Thailand’s food security and offers diners an authentic experience of biodiverse Thai cuisine.
Dining at Bo.lan offers more than just a meal. It is a journey into Thailand’s natural abundance, culinary wisdom, and environmental responsibility. As Bangkok’s dining scene evolves, Bo.lan continues to lead with purpose, flavour, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability.
In a world where commercial agriculture is narrowing our palates and our choices, Bo.lan Bangkok stands as a quiet yet powerful advocate for biodiversity—one grain of rice at a time.
While most diners recognize only the fragrant Jasmine rice (Hom Mali) or its sticky rice cousin, Thailand’s rice heritage includes over 4,000 traditional varieties. Many of these have disappeared from supermarket shelves, casualties of industrial farming and policy decisions that favour uniformity over diversity.
But at Bo.lan, rice is much more than an accompaniment. It is a symbol of Thailand’s culinary heritage and a living link between farmers and the future.
“Without rice, there is no Thai meal,” says Chef Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava, co-founder of Bo.lan. “But beyond Jasmine rice, there are thousands of stories waiting to be told.”
At the start of every meal, Bo.lan’s guests receive the restaurant’s signature “first bite”—a simple yet profound combination of rice, toasted coconut, salt, and palm sugar. The rice variety changes regularly, sourced from organic Thai rice farmers and smallholder growers who preserve heirloom rice varieties from the North, Isaan, and the South.
This ever-changing offering highlights Bo.lan’s deep ties to sustainable agriculture and the restaurant’s broader mission: to use gastronomy as a tool for conservation. By featuring these rare grains, Bo.lan supports Thailand’s food security and offers diners an authentic experience of biodiverse Thai cuisine.
This ever-changing offering highlights Bo.lan’s deep ties to sustainable agriculture and the restaurant’s broader mission: to use gastronomy as a tool for conservation. By featuring these rare grains, Bo.lan supports Thailand’s food security and offers diners an authentic experience of biodiverse Thai cuisine.
This ever-changing offering highlights Bo.lan’s deep ties to sustainable agriculture and the restaurant’s broader mission: to use gastronomy as a tool for conservation. By featuring these rare grains, Bo.lan supports Thailand’s food security and offers diners an authentic experience of biodiverse Thai cuisine.
Dining at Bo.lan offers more than just a meal. It is a journey into Thailand’s natural abundance, culinary wisdom, and environmental responsibility. As Bangkok’s dining scene evolves, Bo.lan continues to lead with purpose, flavour, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability.
