Lunch

I am not a lunch-is-for-wimps or sandwich-at-my-desk sort of person. I like to get out, walk around, do something other than work, read the newspaper or a magazine, usually for a full hour, often alone, occasionally with a colleague. Here's where I go:

- Chulalongkorn University refectory. In the airy basement below our office. Rice with a scoop each of meat and vegetables plus a fried egg on top. All for 26 baht (50p) and eaten on long wooden tressle-like tables with students and faculty. Busy, noisy and great if in a hurry.
- Noodle Bar. In a nearby arcade, 5 mins from the office. Zero atmosphere but good Chicken Khao Soi - chicken and noodles in a thick chilli soup. Not recommended when wearing a white shirt.
- Rice. Trendy Japanese cafe serving great rice dishes with unagi (eel) or tonkatsu (pork) plus a good lemon soda.
- Novotel cafe. Good for their tuna focaccia sandwiches with fries and salad. This is the hotel where we put up most of our visitors, so we get a 15% discount on everything.
- Starbucks. I make no apologies for occasionally having a chicken caesar or smoked duck wrap. I like the armchair atmosphere, even the music (currently Bowie, Massive Attack, Bryan Ferry etc).
- Inter. Typical Thai cheapo restaurant, always busy, good for lunching with colleagues. We'd share chicken with cashew nuts, morning glory, chillied prawns, maybe a beef dish and rice all round.
- Loft. Top floor of Central Chidlom department store, convenient if I've got an errand. Ten different food bars themed by country. I usually have tempura udon (Japanese thick noodles with battered prawns) or a soup & samosas.
- Vanilla Brasserie. Very occasionally go here for something more upmarket, sometimes with a guest. Nice French decor and ambience.

Lucky to have such a choice, although I did in London HQ and Tokyo too. Not sure if our Beijing office will be so well provided...