Singaporean Property Tycoon to Invest in Chiang Mai

 | Fri 13 Sep 2019 05:14 ICT

Spice Garden Chiang Mai sees significant inward investment in a new project in the heart of the old city.

International property developer and restauranteur Dr Stanley Quek is bringing an innovative lifestyle development into the heart of the old city. Recognised for breathing new life into numerous inner-city projects around the world, from Sydney to Dublin, Chiang Mai is the latest in his vision of cities of the future. Dr Quek’s Chiang Mai project is based on his successful redevelopment of Kensington Street, Chippendale a thriving food and cultural precinct that welcomes over 3000 people each day to downtown Sydney. Kensington Street is home to several award winning, innovative restaurants and chefs, including hawker food institution Spice Alley and the award winning Indochine restaurant, Mekong.

Dr Quek in Spice Alley, Sydney

“I call myself an accidental restaurateur,” Dr Quek told CityNews, “I have had a career working on mega-projects, but I am always interested in the smallest details of each space. I have always enjoyed working on projects in locations which cannot be replaced and Chiang Mai’s old city, with its many small streets and alleys, has roots and heritage which are irreplaceable. Through art, food, music, performance arts and our relationship with the local community, Spice Garden will be a place to come and spend an hour or a full day, enjoying yourself in this unique city.”

Set in the heart of the old city, Spice Garden will be a ground-breaking new venture featuring two restaurants, two bars, a brasserie and a boutique hotel. The centrepiece of the new quarter will be a lush tropical garden where residents and tourists alike will be able to relax and enjoy casual al-fresco dining.

Kensington Street, Chippendale in Sydney, is recognised as a centre for arts, music, food and community, hosting several cultural festivals each year. Dr Quek intends to bring the same energy and innovation to Spice Garden in Chiang Mai by engaging with both local and international artists. Singaporean artist Kumari Nahappan’s “chilli” sculptures will form the centrepiece of the garden, with many local artists to be featured in the future.

The jewel in the crown of the new development is the French-inspired Indochine restaurant, Mekong. It will feature the same cuisine that made its sister restaurant in Sydney, an award-winner. Mekong is being developed under the direction of Chef Tiw Rakarain who is from the north of Thailand and will be returning home to helm the Spice Garden kitchens.

“Our cuisine aims to bring innovation but without destroying what’s inherently already there,” added Dr Quek.

Spice Garden is currently under construction and expects to open in October/November. You can find out more information at spicegarden.co.th

An artist's impression of Spice Garden
An artist’s impression of Spice Garden
Mekong was awarded Best Asian Restaurant in Sydney
Mekong was awarded Best Asian Restaurant in Sydney
Kensington Street in Sydney is recognised as a centre for arts, music, food and community, hosting several cultural festivals each year.