Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay Opens First Restaurant in Bangkok at Emsphere

Usually made from Ceylon black tea, milk, and sugar, Thai tea is popular in Southeast Asian nations and is commonly served in Thai cuisine restaurants. While the classic Thai tea is already a treat by itself, there are also other delicious variations that will excite your taste buds. These include additional ingredients or toppings, which you can enjoy for a little extra cost.

The Beat Asia has scoured the streets of Thailand, high and low, to uncover the best Thai tea stores. Here’s where you should make a stop.

Brown Cafe

Opened in 2017, Brown Cafe is a popular dessert store among Gen Z and millennials who have a hankering for all things sweet. One of its special menus is the Shake Shake menu, showcasing the classic Thai Tea served in a covered glass mug that you can shake to enhance its flavours before sipping. Additionally, other flavours such as Taiwan Green Tea, Milk Tea, Berry Tea, and Fresh Milk are also available. For questions and concerns, contact browndessert@gmail.com.

Location: Brown Cafe - Multiple branches across Bangkok

Cha Bar

Renowned for its guilt-free bubble tea and desserts, Cha Bar offers a delightful array of palate-pleasing treats with fewer calories compared to those found in other establishments. With a wide range of options including milk teas, shakes, juices, ice cream, chocolates, and fruit cakes, there’s something to satisfy every food enthusiast. If it’s your first time visiting Cha Bar, order its signature Classic Milk Cha. Feeling adventurous? Try out the Mixed Fruit Fresh Cha. Click here to see more drink options. For more information, call +66 90 926 0081.

Location: Cha Bar, Suanluang Square Bangkok, Thailand 10330

KAMUTEA

Founded in 2011 by Tan Sint, KAMUTEA sources tea from around the world to deliver the best-tasting tea drinks to its customers in Thailand. It offers various tea beverages, including the Ancient Thai Tea Black Pearl, Ancient Thai Honey Lemon Tea Aloe Vera, and Ancient Thai Tea Grass Jelly. If you love chocolate, you wouldn’t go wrong with KAMUTEA’s Dino Series, featuring drinks such as the DARK DINO, Kamu Dino, Raptor, and more. For more details, contact 02 027 7801.

Location: KAMUTEA, 333 Laksi Plaza Tower 1 Fl.9 TaladBangkhen Laksi, Bangkok 10210 Thailand

Guu Fusion Roti & Tea

Love roti? What if we told you that there’s a store specifically dedicated to it, where you can pair it with delicious Thai tea? Make your way to Guu Fusion Roti & Tea, with branches located at Nimmanhaemin, JJ Project, and Transit Number 8. The Guu Fusion Roti & Tea stores were designed to evoke a laidback and chill atmosphere, catering to customers who simply want to relax before or after a busy day.

One of the store’s “most famous” offerings is the Chakak Kuroti, which uses tea powder sourced from three countries and incorporates secret techniques in the Guroti style, making it a crowd favourite. We suggest pairing it with the Crispy Rotti With Thai Sweet and Whipped Cream for a much more enjoyable experience.

Location: Guu Fusion Roti & Tea - Multiple branches across Bangkok

ChaTraMue

With a history dating back to the 1920s, ChaTraMue is one of the oldest tea brands in the Kingdom. It offers a wide variety of drinks, from classic to premium teas, as well as coffee and cocoa options. These products are available in sachets, allowing customers to purchase them and prepare their beverages at home. This convenient option also enables customers to customise their drinks according to their preferences.

If you’re a huge Thai tea lover, make sure to order the Thai Tea (Original) Bag (starts at THB85), which offers a mild taste and addicting aroma that we’re all familiar with. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also get the Thai Tea (Gold Label) Bag (starts at THB110), which is a premium version of Thai tea that has undergone a special process to make it more aromatic with a stronger taste. Buy here.

Time to make plans for your next luxurious getaway, as Shangri-La Bangkok is bringing back its luxury five-star dining cruise, “Horizon Cruise!”

Sailing from Wednesdays to Saturdays from 7 PM to 9:30 PM, Horizon Cruise will take its guests on a dinner experience like no other, as it offers buffet dining, free beverages, and a fully air-conditioned cruise, all while navigating the scenic Chao Phraya River.

Aside from a delightful spread of international dishes, composed of seafood, sushi, Western and Thai salads, desserts, and many more, the package also includes a free welcome drink, free-flowing soft drinks, water, and chilled juice to kick off the cruise.

The cruise will pass through Bangkok’s picturesque landmarks, including the Wat Arun, Rama VIII Bridge, The Grand Palace, and Iconsiam, among others.

Reservations for the Horizon Cruise are available for THB2,900 nett per adult, while passes for children aged six to 12 years old come at a 50% discount. For those who would like to rent the wholeship, prices start at THB395,000 nett, which already includes food and beverage for a maximum of 144 guests.

To inquire or book, contact Shangri-La Bangkok at (66 2) 236 9952 or email them at restaurants.slbk@shangri-la.com. To learn more about Horizon Cruise, click here.

Stepping into Bangkok feels like immersing yourself in a culinary adventure like no other. Known for its street food scene and gastronomic delights, the city is also home to old restaurants that have been serving up tradition and flavor for generations. These places are considered culinary institutions that allow visitors to dine through time and experience history on a plate.

Each restaurant has an iconic dish of its own that has captured the palates of guests from around the world. Are you ready to dive into Bangkok’s rich culinary history? From savoring unforgettable servings of Mee Krob to relishing plates of sweet Mango Sticky Rice, you’re guaranteed a satisfying trip to these culinary time capsules.

Mee Krob Jeen Lee (also known as Tek Heng)

Mee Krob Jeen Lee, also known as Tek Heng, traces its roots to royalty back in the time of King Rama V. According to sources, the King was impressed with the smell and taste of the restaurant’s most famous dish, the Mee Krob, which the chef-owner personally served during his visit. Tek Heng might be over 131 years old, but the restaurant still follows the same recipe.

Iconic dish: The Mee Krob, a crispy noodle dish that highlights the flavours of palm sugar, tamarind, shrimps, pickled garlic, and beansprouts, among others.

Location: Mee Krob Jeen Lee, 326-330, Talat Phlu, Thon Buri, Bangkok

Prachak Pet Yang

Founded in 1909, Prachak is known for its roasted duck, considered to be one of the best in Thailand. Those who have visited the restaurant can’t get enough of its succulent duck dishes including duck noodles, duck rice, and wontons. As you can miss the shop when exploring the area, visitors suggest keeping an eye out for the roasted ducks hanging near the entrance.

Iconic dish: The roasted duck is served in tender slices highlighting juicy meat and served with savoury gravy.

Location: Prachak Pet Yang, 1415 Charoen Krung Road, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok

Ek Teng Phu Ki

A century-old traditional coffeeshop that used to attract Thai-Chinese elders, Ek Teng Phu Ki underwent a renovation recently and has since been attracting a younger crowd who love taking Instagram-worthy photos. Regular customers can’t get enough of the coffee and toasted bread that makes for a filling breakfast or snack.

Iconic dish: The traditional coffee drinks that can perk up your day paired with the soft breads.

Location: Ek Teng Phu Ki, 163 Thanon Phat Sai, Samphanthawong, Bangkok

Jok Prince Congee

A Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee that started out as a simple food stand, Jok Prince has evolved into a famous restaurant serving the best congee in Bangkok and is now over six decades old. Here, you'll find locals and tourists enjoying steaming bowls of congee while the staff stir huge pots of the hearty porridge. Regular customers suggest bringing enough cash for your visit as they don’t accept card payments.

Iconic dish: A filling bowl of porridge rice topped with minced pork balls and raw egg.

Location: Jok Prince Congee, 1391 Charoen Krung Road, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok

Mit Ko Yuan

Opened in 1966, Mit Ko Yuan boasts a menu that highlights Chinese, Thai, and Western influences. Many food websites in Bangkok list Mit Ko Yuan as one of the top-notch and must-visit eateries in the city, and for good reason. The place is famous not just for its Tom Yum but also for its unforgettable Ox Tongue Stew.

Iconic dish/es: Their creamy yet light Tom Yum Gung perfectly balances the sour and sweet notes. Aside from the Tom Yum and Ox Tongue Stew, many also can’t get enough of Stir-Fried Spicy Razor Clams.

Location: Mit Ko Yuan, 186 Dinso Rd, Sao Chingcha, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

On Luk Yun

Breakfast lovers will enjoy their visit to On Lok Yun known for its Thai-style Western breakfast. Established in 1933, the café is known for its shophouse vibe and traditional interiors that make visitors feel like they’ve stepped back in time. The Thai-style Western breakfast is served until 2 p.m. so you have enough time to savour a hefty meal before going on your way.

Iconic dish: A serving of International Breakfast featuring egg, bacon, and sausage. You can also order this with bread, French toast, and Thai tea.

Location: On Luk Yun, 72 Charoen Krung Road, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

Wattana Panich

A broth that has been simmering for 50 years? That's the main draw of Wattana Panich, a beloved family-owned restaurant renowned for its 50-year-old beef and goat soup. You can't miss the huge cauldron of soup being mixed near the entrance, nor the framed Michelin recognitions adorning the walls of the restaurant. If you're planning on visiting, be ready to wait for a while as the place can get packed.

Iconic dish/es: The Beef Noodle Soup that visitors can’t stop raving about and the equally savoury Goat Soup.

Location: Wattana Panich, 336 338 Ekkamai Road, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok

Kor Panich Sticky Rice

When it comes to desserts in Bangkok, you can never go wrong with Mango Sticky Rice! This delicacy is available on almost every corner of the city, but if you want a serving that’s rich in history, a visit to Kor Panich is in order. According to sources, the recipe for the sticky rice was passed on to the owner’s wife by her mother, who worked in the royal kitchen. Visitors claim that even now, members of the royal family still get their sticky rice from Kor Panich. In fact, the shop’s 80-year-old recipe for Mango Sticky Rice boasts such high quality that it was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

Iconic dish: The Sticky Rice that’s soft and chewy, served with sweet mangoes

Location: Kor Panich Sticky Rice, 431 433 Thanon Tanao, San Chao Pho Sua, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

After Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza, another pizzeria from a Michelin-starred chef is now in town—and it’s sure to delight New York-style pizza lovers!

Coming all the way from Brooklyn, the popular pizzeria Roberta’s opened at Siam Discovery in Bangkok last Friday, April 19. This marks the brand’s debut in Thailand and its second location in Asia, following Singapore.

At the new store, customers can get their hands on Michelin-starred chef Carlo Mirarchi’s famous creations, including his “Bee Sting” pizza, made with honey, fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, basil, and spicy cured meat.

Aside from pizza, the store also offers pastas, salads, entrees, beers, non-alcoholic beverages, and many more.

Known for being an artsy restaurant, Roberta’s newest Bangkok store is also adorned with young Thai artists Artty Rock and Anar’s works, painted across its concrete walls.

To reserve a table, you can message Roberta’s via Instagram. Walk-ins are also accepted.

First established in Brooklyn, New York, Roberta’s is known for its street-style atmosphere and wood oven-cooked pizzas. Today, the pizzeria has multiple locations across the United States and Asia.

Location: Roberta’s, 3/F, Food Lab, Siam Discovery, 194 Phaya Thai Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok

Operating hours: 10 AM to 11 PM daily

Indulge in an exquisite selection of baked goods at the La CabraCoffee Roaster’s newly opened bakery in the buzzing district of Silom. Joining the ranks of their beloved Talandnoi and Ari café branches, their latest expansion promises a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

The Danish coffee brand is well-known for its carefully chosen selection of seasonal coffee beans tailored to each country's palates and resources – and their bakery maintains the same blend of international standards and localized touches, which can be seen through their menu offerings.

One of the bakery’s must-try pastries is the Mango Sticky Rice Tart priced at THB250. You can munch on Thailand’s well-loved dessert with a twist or tickle your taste buds with their seasonal buns made with lemongrass and coconut.

With oven-fresh scent wafting through the air, guests are invited to explore the Scandinavian style of baking. Drop by their location today to try their amazing desserts.

Location: La Cabra Bakery, Sitthivorakit Building 5 Floor 1, unit 101, Silom Road Soi 3, Silom Bang Rak, Bangkok

Bangkok is a city rich in history, and Rattanakosin, or Old Town, stands as a testament to this. Within Old Town are temples and tourist spots that attract visitors all year round, along with a culinary landscape waiting to be explored.

From established riverside restaurants to trendy cafes, you're guaranteed to find a place where you can sample the distinct flavours of Thai cuisine. Each establishment has its own set of specialties, and if you're open to embarking on a gastronomic adventure, your palate will be challenged in a good way.

Be captivated by Old Town's charm and get ready to immerse yourself in its rich heritage one bite at a time.

The Deck by the River

Located along the Chao Phraya River, Arun Residence is a four-star hotel that offers comfortable accommodation coupled with unparalleled views of the Wat Arun Temple. Now, imagine dining with the same view – wouldn’t that be a treat?

The Deck by the River is the hotel’s famous Asian Fusion Restaurant serving classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yam Koong Mae Naam, and Kang KeawWhanKoong. If you’re not up for a heavy meal, the drinks are certified must-tries, too! Take your pick among the available drinks, mocktails, and special cocktails for a fitting nightcap.

Location: The Deck by the River, 36-38 Pratu Nokyung Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

Seven Spoons

Taking pride as a destination restaurant, Seven Spoons promises to deliver “simple, sumptuous, and Bangkok dining with an edge.” Seven Spoons is found in a restored Chinese shophouse so expect a cosy vibe when you visit and prepare to be enchanted by the interiors.

Known for its modern cuisine, including a plethora of Mediterranean-influenced dishes and kinds of pasta, the restaurant serves appetizing lunch and dinner menus. Some of the items available for lunch include sandwiches, tartines, wraps, and a couple of vegetarian options. For dinner, you can also sample the Bacon-Wrapped Pork Filet or the Filet Mignon with Melted Gorgonzola Cheese and Lingonberry Sauce for a hearty meal.

Location: Seven Spoons, 22-24 Thanon Chakkraphatdi Phong, Wat Sommanat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok

Sala Rattanakosin Eatery and Bar

Sala Rattanakosin Eatery and Bar is an award-winning riverfront restaurant that serves Western dishes and Thai favourites. Whether you’re visiting for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks, you’ll be treated to a filling meal you’d love to come back to.

For breakfast, you can choose between a Full English or a Chao Phraya Breakfast. Meanwhile, for lunch, there are rice and noodle dishes available as well as pasta dishes to choose from. If you’re ready to indulge, the dinner menu highlights delicious appetizers, seafood, and mouthwatering mains.

Location: Sala Rattanakosin Eatery and Bar, 39 Tha Tian Aly, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

Thipsamai Pad Thai

If you love Pad Thai, a visit to Thipsamai is in order! According to the restaurant’s website, the well-loved Thai dish traces its roots Thipsamai where you can relish a unique Pad Thai taste and quality like no other.

Here, you can order Pad Thai depending on your preferences. Aside from the basic version, there’s a vegetarian option, Pad Thai with shrimp oil and egg, and a Pad ThaiSong-Krueng, among others.

Location: Thipsamai Pad Thai, 313-315 Mahachai Road, Samranrat, Pranakorn, Bangkok

Krua Khun Kung

Fancy having lunch or dinner with a view? Conveniently located near the Royal Thai Navy Club, Krua Khun Kung is known for its relaxed, casual atmosphere and generous servings of dishes.

Frequent guests suggest going to the restaurant early so you can secure a table by the river. Some of the must-tries include the Spicy Zalacca Salad with Shrimps, Sea Bass in Coconut Soup with Seafood, and the Tom Yum Kung Shrimp in Sour and Spicy Soup.

Location: Krua Khun Kung, 77 Maha Rat Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

Old Town Café Bangkok

Need a quick break from wandering around Old Town? A quick stop at Old Town Café Bangkok is the best respite. The inviting café serves coffee and filling Asian-style baguette sandwiches that make for a filling afternoon snack or light lunch.

There are also other treats available such as Croissant Sandwiches, Cinnamon Rolls, Iced Teas, and Juices. Craving something sweet? You can also reward yourself with their Brownie Ice Cream.

Location: Old Town Café Bangkok, 130 12 Fueang Nakhon Rd, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

Ring the fire alarm, because five-star hotel Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok is bringing back its ChilliFest this April, and it’s guaranteed to give mouthwatering fares to spicy food lovers!

Happening on April 27 at the Urban Oasis in Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, Chilli Fest 2024 will feature hot and spicy eats from Michelin-calibre chefs and renowned restaurants, plus an array of fiery performances and activities for guests to enjoy.

One of the event’s highlights is the exclusive five-course dinner by acclaimed chef and Iron Chef Thailand winner Pongtawat “Ian Kittichai” Chalermkittichai.

The dinner, worth THB2,999+++ per head, will feature the chef’s exquisite culinary creations, including the Nua Yang Gor-Lae (charcoal-grilled beef tenderloin in spicy southern red chili paste) and the Pad Sam Hom Lobster (lobster with stir-fried glass noodles and three aromatic vegetables).

Guests will also get to taste a fine selection of spicy fares from renowned chefs like Le Du’s Chef “Ton” Thitid Tassanakajohn, Avant’s Chef Haikal Johari, and Coda Bangkok’s Chef “Tap” Supasit Kokpol, among others, in a roving marketplace setting at the event.

Adding to the excitement is the Chilli Eating Contest, where the bravest spicy food lovers are invited to compete in a game of munching on hot chili peppers for a chance to win the grand prize of THB10,000. Register to join here.

Visitors can also witness spectacular live music performances and DJ sets, as well as shop for local chili products and merchandise.

Learn more about what’s in store for you at Chilli Fest 2024 by visiting Kimpton Bangkok’s website. You can buy early bird tickets here.