Bangkok: The bustling streets of Bangkok are home to a vibrant enclave known as Little Arab Town, home to the sights, sounds and flavors of the Arab world.
This cultural hub is home to a number of restaurants serving authentic Arab cuisine and attracts patrons from across the diaspora.
Arabic letters decorate the storefronts, and the enticing aromas of shawarma, falafel, and freshly baked bread fill the air.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, you can hear the melodious rhythm of Arabic conversation, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the streets of Riyadh, Dubai and Cairo.
For many Arabs living in or visiting Bangkok, this area, known locally as Soi Arab, serves as a second home, reconnecting with their culture through food, language, and community. It’s a place where you can.
Hamad Al Badr, a Qatari national who came to Bangkok with his Saudi wife, said he had heard about the area from a friend and wanted to explore it.
“On my first day here, I used Google to familiarize myself with the area before embarking on a tuk-tuk journey to my destination,” he told Arab News.
“The large number of Arabic speakers here is an advantage, minimizing potential language barriers.”
Saleh Al Yafi, a Yemeni investor who runs a restaurant in Indonesia, came to Bangkok with ambitions to grow his business. But he was surprised by the “very high” rents for stores in the area.
“I spoke to some shop owners around here and they told me that renting a 100 square meter shop can cost up to R70,000 (more than $18,600) per month,” he told Arab News. Told.
However, with the charm of this cultural paradise lies a troubling problem. Some stores in the area have adopted the names and brands of famous Arab restaurants and shops, such as Al-Sada Restaurant and his chain of Saudi fast-food restaurants, Albaik.
Al Baik restaurant in Bangkok is reportedly run by South Asians and has not only recreated the Saudi chain’s logo and visual identity, but also They use their popularity to attract customers.
This practice not only raises intellectual property rights issues, but also risks damaging the reputation of established brands.
“The perfume and oud shops nearby seem to be copying well-known brands that are popular in the Arab world,” Al Badr said.
“Notably, our Thai peers stand out in that they also offer footwear, along with a selection of oud and perfumes.”
Al Badr said he does not buy from these stores, preferring to buy oud and perfumes from authentic stores in his home country.
Visitors to Little Arab Town may unknowingly patronize these knock-off stores, only to be disappointed by the lack of authenticity and quality they offer.
Arab tourists are divided over whether to eat at these imitation restaurants. Some companies prioritize food quality above all else, while others prioritize respect for intellectual property.
Yazeed Bamarouf, a Saudi tourist, told Arab News that he has never been to Albaik because “I don’t support people who copy popular brands.”
Wissam Al Furqani, an Omani tourist, said the allure of Albaik’s name attracted him and his friends.
“We quickly realized that it was not a real restaurant,” he told Arab News. “While the food was satisfying, it lacked the unique flavor of the original restaurant. Additionally, the menu was different.”
Although he opposed unauthorized copying, Al Furqani said he would not hesitate to revisit the restaurant as long as it served good food in a clean environment.
Saeed Al Marri, an Emirati national who has been visiting Thailand frequently for nearly a decade, told Arab News: “Some Thai restaurants now serve Gulf cuisine as the area is frequented by a significant number of Gulf tourists.”
Regarding imitation of brand names, he said that when he comes across a branded restaurant, he assumes it is a branch of the original chain.
“People usually accept what they believe to be true at face value without digging into the details. At the end of the day, people want good service, regardless of the brand name,” he added.
“Individuals often stick to established habits and regular patterns. For example, when traveling to a new country, they look for familiar foods and places.”