1st visit in 2008, in good company of three good Thai friends.
Reporter Phill Smith
We were dressed casual and threw ourselves into the mix, well actually they were auto drive and I was quickly consumed by the Thai social culture (a few drinks, food and music and away you go – the genuine smiles creates a happy fever and it’s so contagious).
In 2010 I visited again, this time in formal clobber after an AustCham members Sundowner. Our surviving group of 4 decided on a “roadie”, our Thai team delivered us here and we protested that our formal attire was not in sync (cultural difference).. we had a great time absorbing the happy fever!
I’m reminded "T.I.T." (This is Thailand) as long you smile and show politeness your welcome from anywhere and dressed in anything! (but be polite).
I'm back in 2015 and it's bigger and better, infact they just opened another branch with seats for 2,000 patrons .. what the !
Music
Patrons
Mainly conservative middle class audience fill the cavernous room, the younger guys had the right haircuts (look like Japanese cartoon characters) whereas the Thai folk and morlam singers looked either like poor or successful country bumpkins. Make no mistake: this was a good show. The delivery was akin to being in the ring with Mike Tyson in his prime, but without the risk of having your ear bitten off.
Entertainment
The audience was not allowed a moments rest and the amount of dunkels being downed did their bit to contribute to the party atmosphere. The Thais know how to enjoy their music, actually any music just the loud sound and seeing anyone smile is enough to get them jigging and it’s most contagious. The girls have an outstanding ability to be innocent yet so sassy in their dance moves, I'm not so sure if some parents would approve. Despite the slight disappointment in the not so authentic German taste of the viands and brew, I had a blast watching the people genuinely having inspired fun and could not help but laugh in wonder at the play list and the way it was put together. If you want to impress look no further for dinner and entertainment under one roof.
The centre room is bulked with Tables and the wing area is 2 storey all having good view onto the stage show which never ends. The night engulfs you and everyone us standing at their table jigging along to their favourite tune or they wonder to the narrow dance area in front the stage to dance more or offer rewards to the entertainers (free drinks).Food may be an afterthought to the 40,000 liters of lager and other beers brewed here each month, but the kitchen turns out decent Thai food, with some German and Chinese fare thrown in for good measure.
The taproom (which is really why you should come) especially boisterous when the Band is performing its fusion of Thai and Western music. On nights that the band's not playing, local singers perform Thai and Western favorites. Established 1999, Tawandang is a large venue and you guessed it: is very popular with the locals due primarily to the right kind of entertainment. There are three types of beer brewed on the premises, Lager, Dunkel and Weizen. They are available in containers that range from 0.33L to 5L.
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