Bangkok may be known for its street food, but the vibrant city is in the midst of developing itself into one of the best places in Asia for cafe hopping. Some of the cafes are inspired by local traditions while others are infused with foreign cultures and ideas brought back from overseas trips.

It is truly amazing to see how concept cafes and restaurants pop up one after another these few years and most of them boast incredibly beautiful interiors. These dining spots are great for a coffee break, to munch on some pastries or to indulge in full meals.

We came up with a list of 12 Most Beautiful Restaurants And Cafes In Bangkok for you to include into your itinerary. Remember to take lots of photos!

#1 AUDREY CAFE & BISTRO

Are you a fan of everything monochrome? Then you should head to Audrey Cafe & Bistro which is a predominantly monochrome cafe with cascading vines and fairy lights.

Audrey has a menu that serves both Western and Thai, and they have pretty decent desserts too. The one at Thonglor is our favourite, but other outlets can be found at major shopping malls in Bangkok such as Central Embassy, Siam Centre and EmQuartier.

136/3 Thonglor Soi 11 Vaddhana,
Sukhumvit 55
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 712 6667
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Thonglor

#2 BLUE DYE CAFE

Blue Dye Cafe is a captivating coffee spot in Thonglor district with photogenic spots at every corner of the cafe. Situated in an old two-storey house, the first floor of the cafe is dedicated to serving wholesome brunches and excellent coffee while the second level is where you can do some retail shopping.

The cafe also has a mini gallery featuring porcelain tableware, coffee making machines and pottery. If you are undecided about the food, we recommend trying their Moo Nam Tok (THB220/S$9.05).

40/1 Soi Sukhumvit 36
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 94 156 6166
Tue to Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest BTS: Thonglor

#3 DEXTER CAFE & BAR

A cafe by day and bar by night, Dexter Cafe & Bar along Sathon road is an aesthetically pleasing dining establishment in Bangkok. Their innovative coffee menu, calm ambience and availability of free WIFI make it great for those who are looking for a place to do some work.

When you are at the cafe, you cannot skip their coffee beverages inspired by international flavours around the world.

56 Sathorn Soi 8
North Sathorn Road
Silom, Bangrak
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 636 6222
Mon to Fri: 9am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Chong Nonsi

#4 EKKAMAI MACCHIATO

Ekkamai Macchiato is a homey cafe located along Ekkamai Soi 12. While there is no lack of good coffee shops in Ekkamai district, this cosy cafe ranks high up our list for making us feel completely at home.

Those who are looking for a simple place to have great coffee will not leave disappointed. You can also spend some time browsing through magazines that are provided on a rack near to the coffee counter.

6/2 Ekkamai Soi 12
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 83 785 9090
Mon to Fri: 8am -10pm
Sat to Sun 9am – 10pm
PH: 09am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Nana

#5 FACTORY COFFEE

As one of Bangkok’s pre-eminent coffee venues, Factory Coffee is centrally located near to Phaya Thai BTS station and offers a straightforward menu featuring their signature coffee drinks and a selection of baked goods.

35/18 Phayathai Rd
Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10440
Tel: +66 085 145 4184
Daily: 8am – 6pm
Nearest BTS: Phaya Thai

#6 FEATHERSTONE BISTRO CAFE

Both a cafe and a lifestyle shop, this cafe is one of the prettiest finds in Thonglor. It is like an enchanted forest—think butterflies, stained glass and the dreamiest flowers hanging from the ceiling.

Its food menu is not the most interesting, though. The pasta was pretty mediocre, but pizzas were not too bad and we enjoyed ours. What you must order are the signature drinks. We had the Purple Lullaby, and it really is a work of art; just look at the ice cubes!

60 Pridi Banomyong 31
Khlong Tan Nuea
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 97 058 6846
Wed to Mon: 10.30am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Ekkamai

#7 KARMAKAMET DINER

Given its popularity, Karmakamet Diner needs no introduction. The space is well-furnished with a rustic touch, with so much thought put into every detail.

Brunch items include Egg White Frittata and Full Breakfast. The must-try dessert there is their super photogenic Strawberry In The Clouds—strawberry shortcake with rainbow cotton candy.

30/1 Sukhumvit Soi 24
Bangkok 10230, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 262 0700
Daily: 10am – 11.30pm
Nearest BTS: Phrom Phong

#8 ONE OUNCE AT CHANGCHUI

One Ounce For Onion at Ekkamai district in Bangkok is a popular hipster cafe that opened their second branch at the popular ChangChui night market.

You can expect nothing less from the creative minds behind this concept cafe who converted an old warehouse container into a rustic-looking cafe adorned with glittering chandeliers, dark wooden furniture and a bookshelf filled with books of many genres.

460/8 Sirindhorn Road
Bangpld, Bangkok
10700 Thailand
Tel: +66 2 050 5533
Nearest BTS: Victory Monument

#9 THE BLOOMING GALLERY

The Blooming Gallery Tea Cafe & Bar is a rustic cafe hidden in The Ei8ht Thonglor shopping mall. Walking into the cafe is like wandering into a mini secret garden where you will be surrounded by colourful flowers and lush greenery.

A Path In The Forest (THB380/S$15.63) and The Blooming Garden (THB350/S$14.40) are two gorgeous desserts to order when you are there. While the taste is nothing amazing, they are a visual feast for the eyes.

LG/F, Eight Thonglor
Sukhumvit Soi 55, Thonglor
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 063 5508
Sun to Tue: 10am – 10pm
Wed to Sat: 10am – 12 Midnight
Nearest BTS: Thonglor

#10 THE COMMONS

The Commons at Thonglor is Bangkok’s Hottest Destination. With 28 restaurants, cafes and shops to boast, it is an enchanting space in Thonglor that opened its doors to the public in January 2016. It is not “just another mall”; it is a community and a way of life to the guys who envisioned and built The Commons.

Soi Thong Lo 17, Khlong Tan Nuea
Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 89 152 2677
Nearest BTS: Thonglor

#11 THE GARDEN OF DINSOR SUMMER

This place has swans! ‘Nuff said, right?

The Garden of Dinsor Palace does not have an exceptional menu, neither does the food taste out of the world. But where else can you dine with swans? Well, sort of. And there are peacocks roaming around the compound too!

1217/2 between Sukhumvit soi 59 and 61
Klongtan-nue, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 714 2112
Daily: 8am – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Thonglor/Ekkamai

#12 THE NEVER ENDING SUMMER

What used to be a rundown riverside warehouse has since transformed into a rustic industrial-themed Thai restaurant called “The Never Ending Summer” under the hands of local architect Duangrit Bunnag and partner Naree Boonyakiat.

We recommend trying their local Thai dishes as every dish we ordered was mouth-watering and deserving of high praises.

41/5 Charoen Nakorn
Khlong San
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 861 0953
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Saphan Taksin

Read: 28 Best Cafes You Must Visit In Bangkok

Nestled within Thaniya Plaza, FLAIR The Espresso Bar is a mere three-minute walk away from Sala Daeng BTS Station. Specialising in espresso based drinks, the coffee bar is more of a takeaway kiosk than a cafe for those who are craving for a cup of coffee to go.

The coffee place’s small structure makes it easy to go unnoticed unless you are keeping a look out for it but it has been building a steady reputation through positive word-of-mouth by their loyal patrons.

Those who cannot survive the day without some caffeine boost can drop by Flair The Espresso Bar for their excellent range of coffee that are mostly priced below THB65/S$2.67. 

Since they open from early morning during weekdays to cater to the working professionals, you are likely to see office workers flocking in for their morning cuppa.

Besides their splendid brews, it is also worth mentioning that the staff is friendly and accommodating to our requests.

Those who have no clue on what to get can ask the barista for her recommendations. Their hot coffee menu features Espresso in single (THB50/S$2.05) and double shots (THB60/S$2.47), Americano (THB55/S$2.26) Cappuccino (THB55/S$2.26), Caffe Latte (THB55/S$2.26) and Caffe Mocha (THB60/S$2.47).

Since it was a hot day, we decided to chill with a cup of Iced Caffee Latte (THB60/S$2.47).  The freshly pulled espresso was rich and full-bodied, balancing perfectly well with the creamy milk that was poured into it. We were able to taste the espresso in its true form as no sugar has been added into the beverage.

Those who prefer something sweeter should inform the barista beforehand. Otherwise, you may find it too bitter for your liking.

FLAIR The Espresso Bar also has non-coffee drinks including Assorted Hot Tea (THB45/S$1.85), Thai Iced Tea With Milk (THB50/S$2.05), Hot Matcha Latte (THB70/S$2.88) and Hot Cocoa (THB55/S$2.26).

FLAIR The Espresso Bar
G/F, Thaniya Plaza
Soi Thaniya, Silom Road
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 95 245 4942
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 6pm
Nearest BTS: Sala Daeng

One Ounce For Onion at Ekkamai district in Bangkok needs no further introduction but did you know that this hipster cafe has opened another branch at the popular ChangChui this year?

You can expect nothing less from the creative minds behind this concept cafe who converted an old warehouse container into a rustic-looking cafe adorned with glittering chandeliers, dark wooden furniture and a bookshelf filled with books of many genres.

Head over to One Ounce For Onion for their handcrafted house brews and delightful range of light bites.

Their straightforward menu offers little besides their signature espresso based drinks, smoothies and ChangChui specials (food and drinks that are exclusive to this outlet).

It is not the place to go to if you are looking for a wide range of mains on the menu but somewhere to chill and catch up with your friends over coffee.

Their Iced Latte (THB100/S$4.12) is prepared with the right balance of espresso and creamy milk. The refreshing drink came with a slightly bitter aftertaste just the way we like it.

If you are looking for a drink to cool off from Bangkok’s sweltering heat, you cannot go wrong with an Iced Latte at One Ounce For Onion.

Not keen on having coffee? There are other non-caffeine choices too. After getting to know our preferences, the friendly barista recommended a smoothie with a whimsical name—Summer Is Getting Better (THB140/S$5.76).

The ingredients found inside include pineapple, pumpkin, ginger and green basil. It sounds like an odd combination but we were pleasantly surprised that the flavours actually went well together. The rich pineapple drink came with distinct hints of ginger that was not too overpowering for our liking.

Feeling peckish, we decided to order it’s sound jap crab (THB220/S$9.05) which is a small portion crab meat salad with green apple, avocado, miso herbs and spicy mentaiko. While we think that it is rather pricey for such a small plate, the intense flavours got us hooked onto the dish.

Have the crab meat and avocado together with toasted bread given at the side. It was so delicious that we finished it within minutes!

Alternatively, you can also get the Bollywood Baller (THB280/S$11.52), Pasta Thai Garlic Bacon (THB180/S$7.40) and Porkball Gnocchi (THB180/S$7.40).

One Ounce at ChangChui
460/8 Sirindhorn Road
Bangpld, Bangkok
10700 Thailand
Tel: +66 2 050 5533
Nearest BTS: Victory Monument

Read: 7 Reasons Why You Must Visit ChangChui Night Market In Bangkok.

What used to be a rundown riverside warehouse has since transformed into a rustic industrial-themed Thai restaurant called “The Never Ending Summer” under the hands of local architect Duangrit Bunnag and partner Naree Boonyakiat.

Boasting an elegant vibe, the classy restaurant’s hip clientele consists mainly of young professionals, fashionable youths and tourists. At the same time, the addition of greens hanging around the restaurant makes it a welcoming interior.

You can expect beautifully plated dishes at The Never Ending Summer to be a feast for both your eyes and taste buds—the dining experience there is certainly well-deserving of an encore.

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The modern industrial interior features concrete walls, aged red brick walls, vintage lamps and teak timber furniture. The large seating also provides ample space for those who are visiting in groups to sit together without having to squeeze with others.

At the back of the restaurant, you will notice an open concept kitchen where you can watch the chefs live in action through a polished glass partition.

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It is impossible not to find something that would suit your preference there as The Never Ending Summer’s menu is more than 15 pages long. We recommend trying their local Thai dishes as every dish we ordered was mouth-watering and deserving of high praises.

Ko Mu Yang (THB390/S$16.04) is an excellent grilled Kurobuta pork collar dish that was masterfully executed. Not only was the meat juicy, it came with the right proportion of fats and lean meat. Dip it into the sauces given at the side for a spicy kick.

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Another star dish we have to give special mention to is the Pla Yang (THB390/S$16.04). The grilled barramundi filets are covered with turmeric paste and topped off with crispy fried garlic.

The soft barramundi meat was incredibly delicious; all the distinct flavours from the turmeric marinade and fried garlic bits combined together was like a wild party in our mouths.

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If you are looking for something more filling, why not try their Khao Pad Gaag Muu (THB240/S$9.87)? It is essentially pork crackling fried rice and the generous portion makes it great for sharing among your dining companions.

You can choose to mix all the ingredients together and have it in one bite or try them separately.

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We are definitely not leaving out the Peek Gai (THB190/S$7.82) in this review too! The fried chicken wings may look nothing extraordinary but it was one of the best chicken wings we tried—there was a perfect balance between both sweet and savoury tones in the marinade.

The Never Ending Summer
41/5 Charoen Nakorn
Khlong San
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 861 0953
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Saphan Taksin

For more recommendations, read our guide on the best Thai restaurants in Bangkok.

The Blooming Gallery Tea Cafe & Bar is a rustic cafe hidden in The Ei8ht Thonglor shopping mall. Walking into the cafe is like wandering into a mini secret garden where you will be surrounded by colourful flowers and lush greenery.

Imagine having beautifully plated desserts while sipping on premium tea or aromatic coffee in a glasshouse where sunlight is able to filter in during the day—this is the perfect gathering spot for high tea with your girlfriends.

If you are looking for a place to rest your tired feet after doing some shopping in central Bangkok, drop by The Blooming Gallery Tea Cafe & Bar in Thonglor district.

The founders of the cafe were inspired by a famous French artist, Oscar Claude Monet and you can see that being reflected on the menu itself. Do not be surprised to see that many of the dishes in The Blooming Gallery are named after this artist’s impressionist paintings.

 A Path In The Forest (THB380/S$15.63) is their signature dessert and this four-layer dessert is made up of cheesecake, matcha mousse, crumbles and fresh cream. Get your cameras ready when they serve this dessert to you because the staff will sprinkle Matcha powder imported from Kyoto on the top most layer.

It is highly recommended to dig into the base of the dessert and have all the layers in one mouthful to taste all the different flavours and textures. While we enjoyed the light and fluffy cheesecake with earthy Matcha powder, there was nothing outstanding worth raving about.

Another gorgeous dessert that caught our attention was The Blooming Garden (THB350/S$14.40). The warm chocolate pistachio lava cake was served with pistachio gelato atop a layer of pistachio powder.

The rich molten chocolate was slightly overwhelming for us as it masked most of the pistachio flavours but fans of chocolate will definitely enjoy this sinful dessert!

The Blooming Gallery
LG/F, Eight Thonglor
Sukhumvit Soi 55, Thonglor
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 063 5508
Sun to Tue: 10am – 10pm
Wed to Sat: 10am – 12 Midnight
Nearest BTS: Thonglor

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/08/the-blooming-gallery-bangkok/feed/ 0 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/08/pee-aor-tom-yum-goong/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/08/pee-aor-tom-yum-goong/#comments Thu, 03 Aug 2017 03:37:11 +0000 Editorial http://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=140874 Continue reading →]]>

Tom Yum Goong is a local favourite in Thailand and there is no lack of restaurants and eateries offering this classic dish. While we were on the lookout for the best Tom Yum Goong in Bangkok, we decided to go ahead and try the famous Pee Aor Tom Yum Goong which is located near to Phaya Thai BTS station.

Pee Aor offers a massive bowl of Tom Yum Goong which is good for two or three people to share. On top of that novelty factor, the established eatery also sources for premium ingredients such as lobsters and crabs.

If you are curious to find out whether Pee Aor’s Lobster Tom Yum Goong Noodle (THB999/S$41.11) lives up to its hype, read on to find out!

There is nothing spectacular to shout about when it comes to Pee Aor’s simple interior design but that is precisely why we love the place. The Thai eatery focuses all its attention on whipping up excellent local dishes which are comforting and reminds us of home.

Lobster Tom Yum Goong is available in two sizes—regular (THB999/S$41.11) and large (THB1200/S$49.38). We went for the latter and it came in a giant bowl filled halfway with  lobster, crabs, mussels, a large piece of salmon, fresh squid, an egg and silky rice noodles.

The tangy and spicy broth was extremely flavourful and reflects the true Thai-style tom yum soup. We could taste a hint of the lemongrass which they added into the soup—an essential ingredient found in all authentic Tom Yum Goong dishes.

There were hits and misses when it comes to the ingredients. The lobster and salmon boasts good flavour, but we felt that they were a tad underwhelming when compared to the rest.

On the flip side, we loved the fleshy crabs most as the meat was tender and came with a decent amount of roe. The mussels also left a deep impression on us as they were not just fresh but incredibly plump as well!

So is Pee Aor’s Lobster Tom Yum Goong Noodle worth the hype? It is not bad, but at THB999, we find it too expensive for a local Thai eatery. We’d say that it is a dish that you can consider trying once for the novelty. And if you are feeling rich.

Pee Aor
Soi Phetchaburi 5
Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi
Bangkok 10400
Daily: 10am – 9pm
Nearest BTS: Phaya Thai

Read: 12 Best Thai Restaurants in Bangkok To Satisfy Your Thai Food Cravings

Ask your parents what they think about being served by a robot in a restaurant, cuddling a fennec fox in a cafe and enjoying a Hello Kitty-themed spa after a Hello Kitty-themed meal. Chances are, they will think you are out of your mind. But hey, it is year 2017 and all these fantasies are actually now made possible in the capital of Thailand.

From Japanese Hajime Robot Restaurant, Asia’s very first fox cafe Little Zoo Cafe, Sanrio Hello Kitty House to The Rome Restaurant, here are 15 Best Themed Cafes In Bangkok that you have to check out during your next trip.

Source: Eat And Treats

#1 CHOCOLATE VILLE

Escape the maddening chaos of Bangkok and escape into a fantasty realm at Chocolate Ville. Do not let its name fool you – this ain’t a Chocolate Factory! Instead, it is a gorgeous restaurant housed in a European-style park. Get your cameras ready, because you will want to snap this ethereal setting.

351, Khan Na Yao, Khet Khan Na Yao
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10230, Thailand
Tel: +66 83 077 3738
Daily: 4pm – 12am

Source: Hajime Robot Restaurant

#2 HAJIME ROBOT RESTAURANT

As its name implies, Hajime Robot Restaurant will have you served by robots. There are two life-size waiters at this restaurant and they will serve you food, clear your trays and even dance for you. This unique experience is certainly not to be missed.

3/F, Monopoly Park, 59/27 Rama 3 Rd, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 683 1670
Daily: 11am – 10pm

Source: 27 Begin

#3 KAETHY THE WITCH

It’s Halloween every day at Kaethy The Witch. The cafe is decked out in spooky decors and the food served here are simultaneously cute and eerie. How does an Eyeball Jello and Spider Cupcake sound?

Nak Niwat 41, Lat Phrao, Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 81 916 8447
Daily: 9am – 8pm

Source: Little Zoo Cafe

#4 LITTLE ZOO CAFE

Little Zoo Cafe is Asia’s very first fox cafe. Over here, you get to come upclose and personal with exotic animals such as fennec foxes, meerkats and racoons! This is a dream come true for animal lovers.

Bond Street, Tambon Ban Mai
Pak Kret District, 11120, Thailand
Daily: 10.30am – 7pm
Tel: +66 92 448 1116

Source: Maidreamin

#5 MAIDCAFE MAIDREAMIN

Maidcafe Maidreamin hails from Japan and the concept will teleport you back into your toddler days – yup, you will be treated like one here. Young women dressed in cosplay will serve you exceptionally cute dishes and force you to mimic their actions. Most reported a great time albeit the confusion on what exactly is actually happening.

MBK CENTER 7Floor 444 Phayathai Rd
Pathumwan Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 003 1616
Daily: 11am – 10pm

Source: Lolo-Eatable

#6 MR. BEAN COFFEE SHOP

Most of us grew up watching the hilarious British sitcom Mr. Bean and now there is a full-fledge restaurant dedicated to fans. In fact, there are three outlets across Bangkok today! Pose with the iconic red London telephone box and devour an English Breakfast.

Soi Thonglor 55, BKK
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 92 472 0971

#7 MR. JONES’ ORPHANAGE

Mr. Jones’ Orphanage is certainly a glorified impression of what an orphanage is. The sheer number of teddy bears, splendid selection of cakes and a gigantic wooden clock looming over – this is a wonderland located right in Siam Center!

989 Soi Siam Center Building
3rd Floor, Rama 1 Road
Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Daily: 11am – 10pm

Source: Iconographix

#8 PERHAPS RABBITS

Set foot into Perhaps Rabbits and you will find yourself in the setting of Alice In Wonderland. Think abnormally small chairs and poker card themed desserts. Stop suppressing the child-like wonder in you andl let your imagination run wild!

5/1 Ekkamai 10 Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea
Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 96 616 3314
Daily: 9am – 9pm

Source: Cafe Rabbito

#9 RABBITO’ CAFE

We are pretty certain that a trip Rabbito’ Cafe could brighten almost anyone’s day. We mean, just look at how adorable these bunnies are?! It’s so fluffy, I’m gonna die. Play with these cute rabbits whilst having a meal – no, you’re not going to be served rabbit meat.

9-29/1 Sukhumvit Soi 101/1
Di Wavery Community Mall
Bangkok 10260, Thailand
Tel: +66 61 632 2365
Closed on Mondays
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 8pm

#10 SANRIO HELLO KITTY HOUSE

Located within Siam Square One, Bangkok’s Sanrio Hello Kitty House is a multi-concept destination that will make all Hello Kitty fans go weak in their knees. The compound comprises a Hello Kitty Cafe, Hello Kitty Shop and even a Hello Kitty Spa. Yep, for real.

SiamSQ1, Bangkok
Tel: +66 2 115 1335
Daily: 10am – 10pm

Source: Suvarnabhumi Airport

#11 SHEEP VILLAGE

Sheep Village is not a true-blue village, but a man-made attraction instead. There is a Duch-style windmill, a mini farm area with real sheeps, waddling ducks and an inviting al-fresco dining area boasting vies of Chao Phraya River.

The River South Tower, Khwaeng Somdet Chao Phraya
Khet Bang Phlat, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10700, Thailand
Tel: +66 85 777 5544
Daily: 4pm – 2am

Source: The Rome Restaurant

#12 THE ROME RESTAURANT

We take our hats off to the Thais. Bangkok is home to so many wonderful creations and The Rome Restaurant is another new addition not to be missed. The Roman-themed restaurant is incredibly spacious and you can dine under the stars whilst gazing at an artifical Colosseum.

Phetkasem, Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 444 1088
Daily: 5pm – 12am

Source: The Rome Restaurant

#13 TRUE LOVE CAFE

True Love Cafe is the exceptionally popular Husky Cafe that many Singaporeans frequent. Approximately 17 huskies live here and you will be allowed to play with them. Each admission ticket (350 baht) includes a complimentary beverage and cake.

Watch our video of True Love Cafe here.

153 Soi Ari Samphan 2, Samsen Nai
Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 90 101 9669
Closed on Mondays
Tue to Thu: 12.30pm – 4.30pm
Fri to Sun: 12.30pm – 7pm

Source: Unicorn Cafe

#14 UNICORN CAFE

Unicorn Cafe is way over the top with its colourful decorations – and that is exactly what the hype is about. The wall, ceiling, pillar, floor are splashed in rainbow pastels. Cuddle with a unicorn plushie whilst indulging in unicorn-themed food and drinks.

Watch our video of Unicorn Cafe in Bangkok here.

Sathorn Soi 8, 44/1 Sathon 8 Alley
Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Tel: +66 86 397 9262
Closed on Mondays
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 8pm

Source: Villa De Bear

#15 VILLA DE BEAR

Villa de Bear is a Thai-fusion restaurant that resembles an European-style teddy bear factory. Yes, by now you would have noticed that the Thais seriously dig all things European. Do take note that Villa de Bear accepts no reservations and is especially packed on weekends.

5, Ratchapruk Rd.
Bang Ramat, Taling Chan
Bangkok 10170 Thailand
Tel: +66 98 496 6245
Daily: 11am – 12am

For more recommendations, read our guide on 28 Best Bangkok Cafes.

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards was held in Singapore tonight, with Narisawa from Tokyo securing top spot in the list. I am delighted to see that there are ten representatives from Singapore: Andre (5), Iggy’s (9), Waku Ghin (11), Les Amis (14), Jaan (22), L’atelier Joel Robuchon (24), Shinji (32), Osteria Mozza (35), Gunther’s (43), Imperial Treasure (49). Award winners also announced include pastry chef Janice Wong of 2am: Dessert Bar for Asia’s Best Pastry Chef, and Jaan for ‘One To Watch’. Congrats Singapore!

Continue after the jump for the full listing.

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2013

1. Narisawa, Tokyo, Japan
2. Nihonryori Ryugin, Tokyo, Japan
3. Nahm, Bangkok, Thailand
4. Amber, Hong Kong, China
5. Restaurant Andre, Singapore
6. 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, Hong Kong, China
7. Mr & Mrs Bund, Shanghai, China
8. Ultra Violet, Shanghai, China
9. Iggy’s, Singapore
10. Gaggan, Bangkok, Thailand

11. Waku Ghin, Singapore
12. Caprice, Hong Kong, China
13. Lung King Heen, Hong Kong, China
14. Les Amis, Singapore
15. Bo Innovation, Hong Kong China
16. Quintessence, Tokyo, Japan
17. Dum Pukht, New Delhi, India
18. The Chairman, Hong Kong, China
19. Eat Me, Bangkok, Thailand
20. Wasabi By Morimoto, Mumbai, India

21. Hajime Restaurant, Osaka, Japan
22. Jaan, Singapore
23. L’atelier De Joel Robuchon, Hong Kong, China
24. L’atelier De Joel Robuchon, Singapore
25. 28 Hubin Road, Hangzhou, China
26. Bukhara, New Delhi, India
27. Sushi Mizutani, Tokyo, Japan
28. Indigo, Mumbai, India
29. Sra Bua By Kiin Kiin, Bangkok, Thailand
30. Varq, New Delhi, India

31. Aronia De Takazawa, Tokyo, Japan
32. Shinji by Kanesaka, Singapore
33. Kahala, Osaka, Japan
34. Franck Bistro, Shanghai, China
35. Osteria Mozza, Singapore
36. Bo Lan, Bangkok, Thailand
37. Robuchon Au Dome, Macau, China
38. Nihonbashi, Colombo, Sri Lanka
39. Sushi Saito, Tokyo, Japan
40. FU1015, Shanghai, China

41. Indian Accent, New Dehli, India
42. Ishikawa, Tokyo, Japan
43. Gunther’s, Singapore
44. Karavalli, Bangalore, India
45. Jade on 36, Shanghai, China
46. Yardbird, Hong Kong, China
47. Don’s, Hanoi, Vietnam
48. Fook Lam Moon, Hong Kong China
49. Imperial Treasure, Singapore
50. Mozaic, Bali, Indonesia

Since it was my first visit to Bangkok Thailand after many years, everything had to be perfect. I wanted to see, shop, and eat all the things that are special here. I did a bit of research by reading blogs and getting tips from friends who go to Bangkok every year.

We arrived in Suvarnabhumi International Airport with an empty stomach. Throughout the three days, we ate our way through the capital city of Thailand.

As we had limited time, we decided to avoid the tourist-y things like visiting the palace and river market. I was okay with missing it since I went there on my previous trip (many years ago). After we put our things at the hotel, we quickly made our way to town. We passed by Platinum Mall, and although shopping was tempting, we were very hungry and food was the only thing on our minds.

Sadly, we couldn’t find any food after walking around and Starbucks was the only place we saw. I told myself there was no way that I’m going to “eat” my first meal at Starbucks. We walked further down, and to our delight, we found a street lined up with food stalls!

Bangkok street food is amazing, it is one of the best in Asia, if not the world. Food stalls are scattered throughout the city, and they serve cheap and good freshly-cooked food.

From popular dishes like Pad Thai and Mango Salad; to sinful-but-oh-so-delicious Deep Fried Chicken and Chicken Skin; to Thai-style BBQ meat on skewers; and stalls selling fried insects like grasshoppers and cockroaches – there are so many things to eat.

This is the best Wanton Mee that I had during this trip. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you where it is because we stumbled upon it and I had no idea where we were.

… And I also ate insects.

I stared at the insects and they stared back. “Am I really going to eat them? Why am I doing this to myself?” It was quite unnerving to face something so exotic and creepy, so I got two bottles of Coke to “prepare” myself.

Memories of eating Balut in Philippines flashed across my mind. Meanwhile, my friend was trying to convince me NOT to eat it. After struggling for ten seconds, I thought: “oh what the heck, I’m not going to die from eating insects, right..?” *Gulp*

I ate all of them. Are they tasty? No. Am I going to eat it again? No. Do I regret eating it? Definitely not. Eating insects is one of those things that you must try at least once in your life.

Besides street food, we also ate at several restaurants. Among them, Greyhound Cafe (Siam Centre, ground floor) is probably one of the most well-known restaurants in Bangkok. It is a fashion boutique-cum-cafe, offering a similar concept to Singapore’s PS Cafe. I love the ambience, and they serve good food at reasonable prices (by tourists’ standards).

It has recently opened its first outlet in Hong Kong, and I had the chance to try it when I was in the land of dim sum last month (that’s another story next time). In any case, Greyhound Cafe in Bangkok is definitely worth a try, make sure you go there when you are in Bangkok for a holiday.

Another place that we were recommended is Thon Krueng Restaurant (239 Soi Thonglor 13, Sukhumvit 55) which is located in Sukhumvit – a high end district, home to fancy apartments, restaurants, bars and clubs. The area was quite far away from where we were staying, and it took us one hour to brave the traffic jam to get there. Luckily, the food was worth the while. I can’t remember the name of the dishes that we ordered, but they were very good, and we couldn’t finish as we *cough* over-ordered *cough*.

Across the road from Thon Krueng, is After You Dessert Cafe (J Avenue Thonglor 13) – a popular chill out place for desserts after dinner. Try their signature toast with ice cream.

We proceeded to The Iron Fairies & Co (394 Sukhumvit Soi 55 Wattana North-Klongton, Bangkok) – an antique bar with an electrifying atmosphere. A must-visit place in Bangkok if you are looking for a nice bar for drinks.

We also had our meals at several small Thai eateries at the lovely Siam Square area. We had popular dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, Mango Salad, Tom Yum, Thai Pandan Chicken and Mango Sticky Rice. Everything was so yummy (for the lack of a better word).

Three days passed very quickly, and we had a great time eating and shopping. I finally understand why all my friends go to Bangkok at least once a year. Bangkok, see you next year!