CHANGING THE WORLD, ONE LOAF AT A TIME
AMANTEE, THE BAKERY
The word “Amantee” is a combination of words from two different languages that come together to form the meaning “peace here,” and more than anything else, this is the concept that concerns the baker. Tucked away in the quiet upstairs of his simple bakery in Sathorn, surrounded by the intoxicating aroma of fresh bread, I listened raptly as he shared the long and interesting journey that has led him to this very moment. Before Gilles was Thailand’s most trusted ambassador of bread, he was a young shepherd who grew up to become a veterinarian, and then later a humanitarian. Through his work with the Red Cross and the ICRC, he worked to bring relief to the people left behind by war, traveling the world as a soldier of peace, working to help people regain their way of life and their dignity after war and famine threatened to destroy everything.
A LIFE-LONG DEVOTION
By this point you may be wondering how this French expat become the proprietor of the most famous bakery in Bangkok. The simple answer is love. Having spent more than two decades working to put lives back together, Gilles was inspired by this same love of humanity to relocate to Thailand, and introduce the people here to something else he loves: the art of beautifully, organically, sustainably made bread. Gilles expresses his love for the world around him by practicing every day to “be the change you want to see in the world.” These words from the famous philosopher are repeated often by Gilles, and it’s clear that he believes them simply because they are true.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Success for Gilles is not measured by profit over cost, instead it is the satisfaction of knowing that he makes a real, tangible thing that people share with their families, and every day is an opportunity to positively impact the lives of those around him through clean, honest, and organic bread that nourishes our bodies. Success is bringing people together around a table full of slowly and naturally made food that feeds more than just the stomach, and it is giving the tools to those around him to truly understand what Hippocrates meant when he said “let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.”
You can find Gilles at his main bakery in Sathorn (address), or at the Farmer’s Market. Wherever you find it, don’t miss a chance to share some Amantee bread with your friends and family.
2240/12-13 Chan Kao Road, Chong Nonsee, Yanawa, Bangkok 10120
Tel: 02 678 1300-1
COME AND VISIT US
Living in Bangkok, or anywhere else, is much more enriching when people come together to create strong communities. This is what we aim to do every year, by bringing local artisans and makers with the new and seasoned expats that call Bangkok their home.
Don’t miss your chance to engage more deeply with your community at this year’s Living in Bangkok event.