Fran’s Brunch & Greens: a Bangkok Brunch on Steroids

I think I may have found my absolute favorite brunch spot in all of Asia – Fran’s Brunch and Greens. Located a stone’s throw away from Lumphini Park (a spot that has become a daily staple for my walks) in the Northeast corner of Sathon, Fran’s is a brunch powerhouse serving up elevated takes on breakfast classics, creative and fresh Acai and fruit bowls, and open-faced sandwiches that will make your momma blush. 

In my ten-plus years in Asia, I am declaring Bangkok as the “top dog” gastronomically for affordable, high-quality, Western and local cuisine. In this past month that I’ve given myself in Bangkok, the city has kicked through the doors of my “Cuisine Constitution” and torn down the walls of what I thought I knew about food in Asia. 

Fran’s is the icing on the cake, the dot at the bottom of an exclamation point, the final stab by the orchestra to cap off the night (or start the day). Here’s why…

Velvet Egg Dreams & a Thick-Cut Bacon-Induced Stupor

As much as I’d love to lead with the “healthier” option of the two, I’m just too excited about Fran’s ‘Velvet Egg & Bacon’ open-faced sandwich that it needs to be said right away. This is the perfect bite. And I say this as someone who does not particularly eat a lot of breakfast foods these days (due to intermittent fasting).  

A healthy slab of salty, caramelized, fatty thick-cut bacon, combined with fluffy, luxurious scrambled eggs, rounded off with a sturdy sourdough with a clean, maple glaze. I find myself doing a little jig after every bite that I line up perfectly. 

The juicy, thick-cut bacon adds that chewy welcomed contrast to a tangy, sourdough crunch. I didn’t know that I preferred thick-cut bacon until I visited Fran’s (and visited it several times after that just to make sure). 

Pale Ale Travel Pro Tip: Inside is nice and all but what took Fran’s to that next level for me (besides the delicious food) was its sprawling outdoor garden area. This is the ultimate spot to post up on a Sunday to soak in some vitamin D while enjoying an espresso, digging into your favorite brunch foods, and spending quality time with friends or a significant other.

Healthy Bowls For Healthy Bangkokians

Now, I know what you are saying to yourself, “Big Body, I read an article that talked about how bad acai bowls are for you.” What I’d retort with is that you are probably right but why fixate on such a thing when you have this malty banana, almond milk granola bowl in front of you? 

I’m a firm believer that someone or something already holds my number for when my time is up – a Fran’s team member assembling my ‘Malty Banana’ is not that person. The reality of things is that they are saving me from whatever hardship I may face during the day. 

With slight nutty hints thanks to the almond milk and rich overtones accentuated by the malt base, Fran’s ‘Malty Banana’ is what I would refer to as a deconstructed banana milkshake. The combination of flavors in this bowl just hits right. 

Elevated by crunchy and slightly earthy pistachios, sweet walnuts, and bitter cacao nibs, these healthy bowl accoutrements offer up some additional texture to the viscous base and sliced banana adorning the top. Think of the antioxidants in this bad boy. You can’t miss.

You won’t need to worry about getting your potassium intake in for the day. 

If you aren’t a banana enthusiast like me, there’s a more traditional acai bowl on the menu and several mango-driven healthy bowls – which if any of them are like the ‘Malty Banana’, you are in for your new favorite brunch item.

Brunch Favorites Galore: Why Fran’s Should Be Your Next Bangkok Brunch Haunt 

Website, Address, & Details: https://linktr.ee/frans.bkk 

Location: Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120 58, Sathon, Bangkok 10120 

I would be remiss not to mention the iced caramel coffee I drank religiously during my countless trips to Fran’s. Sweet, salty, and packed to the brim with sugar – a nice change of pace from the typical black coffee diet I adhere to. I should just preface that Fran’s last order for food is anywhere from 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM, so just make sure that you arrive early enough to soak in 

As I’m a creature of habit I can’t speak too much about the other items on the menu. But just to give you a little preview, you can expect lemon poppy seed and ricotta pancakes, sand dollar buttermilk pancakes with caramelized banana and whipped butter, steak and eggs, and build-your-own breakfast options up the wazoo. 

Fran’s list of open-faced breakfast sandwiches will have you salivating before you even reach your seat, as they are visible on almost every table when walking in. For the higher rollers, take a crack at the lobster tail on toast with smoked paprika oil and let me know about each and every bite. 

I would be remiss not to mention Fran’s assorted pasta and salads which make this more than just a breakfast and brunch spot but a formidable lunch and early-dinner joint. From carbonaras and classic beef ragus to rocket anchovy and baby spinach and fig salads, Fran’s has a little something for everyone. 

Pale Ale Travel Pro Tip: Fran’s gets packed quickly. I tried to reserve by calling them several times but to no avail. I would recommend booking in advance over at this link or heading there during the week. I think one of the main reasons I was able to get in on the weekend is that I rolled up solo. But for bigger groups, I would definitely recommend making a reservation!

I’ve already made Fran’s a regular spot in my month-plus in Thailand this 2023 and will be sure to make one or two more visits before I head back to Saigon. I am declaring that my final item to tick off my list at Fran’s is their beef tartare open-faced sourdough sandwich with gherkins, mustard, and egg yolk – so expect an addendum shortly. 

If you have any favorite brunch spots in Bangkok, do let me know in the comments. I feel like I’ve mapped out the city pretty well here in this last month and have made a conscious effort to try at least one new restaurant per day (Western or Thai). 

Eat well everyone, 

Big Body