Tropical garden-esque and village-themed, The Nine is a semi-outdoor complex with three sections: the Market Village, the West Village and the East Village. Seri Market dominates the Market Village and features the same concept food stalls as we’ve seen before at Paradise Park (out on Srinakarin Road). But while The Nine has numerous exciting options for eating and drinking, it just can’t complete on the shopping front.

The fashion options are a bit dull as most shops are just fancy brandnames, except for Dress Up(D106), Mr. & Mrs. Brandname (D108), All About Accessories (E101) and Korenya(F103), which sells imported fashion from Korea. You might also want to stop by at Abicus Art & Design (E111), Something Nice (C108/1),Toto (E190) or Daiso for home décor shopping, but don’t expect the same selection and variety as you get at CDC (Viphavadi Rangsit Rd.). There are also a couple of spas, nail and hair salons, a pet store, a dental clinic, and gardening-slash-outdoors stores, most on them on the top floor.

But food is what brings some spirit to this new mall. There are eight cafes with outdoor seating, five bars, 28 restaurants, 24/7 food and more. Once again, Japanese restaurants rule the plates. Tokyo Town (B201-B201/1), on the 2/F, is comprised of six restaurants serving sukis, sushis and of course, sake. Several ramen shops like Basaraka (D203) and Konaya (D101) are also worth a visit. For Thai, go to Reun Mae Louis (C204-205), Nai Meng Ba Mee Poo (D202), or Khun Nine (H204) which serves Thai stuff like spaghetti sai oua and roti with chicken curry filling. Toh Tiew Toon (A204) follows the deluxe sliced and steamed beef noodle soup trend, offering choices of meat from wagyu and angus, to premium sirloin pork. A simple bowl starts at B75 and can costs up to B350 depending on your selection of meat and toppings. (There are also shabu sets available.) Finally,King Pin (H101) serves American dishes 24-7 and Farm Design (D102) makes cheesecakes (starting B95 a piece) according to a recipe that originated in Hokkaido.

At night, beer lovers can party at the new branch of Est. 33 (G101-103) or the new beer-bar contestant, Einstein Café (C202) offering the typical Hoegaarden and Stella along with modern Thai dishes. But if wine’s more of your thing, make a choice between Club 99 (H201-203), or the tres chic Wine Bistro (G201).

Definitely more of a place to hang out, eat and drink than a shopping paradise, The Nine is nonetheless a welcome addition to the barren lands of Rama 9 Road.
999, 999/1-4 Rama 9 Rd., 02-716-7999. www.thenine.co.th. Open 24/7