Best Chinese-themed bars in Bangkok

Good for: Couples in the mood

Ba Hao, which means “number eight” in Chinese (eight is considered a lucky number in Chinese culture), spreads over four floors that include a cocktail bar as well as a small hotel. A blinking neon-lit logo radiates a red glow that’s evocative of the lights and gritty feel of Shanghai’s red-light district. Home-style Chinese furniture, however, takes away any brothel notions by injecting the intimate vibe of an old-school coffee house. The bar offers a selection of craft beer in bottles and on tap, as well as a number of Chinese-inspired cocktails. Don’t miss amazing bar chows that implicate Chinese-style street bites like duck dumpling and Chinese scallion pancakes.

Good for: Ladpraoians that are bored

Situated in a converted shophouse that's steps away from Phahol Yothin MRT station, Ninetails Bar @ Booster attempts to immortalize the ancient Chinese tale of the nine-tailed fox, a creature that possesses magical powers and can take on a human form. Its interiors are reminiscent of an old Chinese tea house, featuring oriental elements like Chinese lanterns, vintage wooden furniture and a portrait of an Asian women that may just be a depiction of the legendary magical fox. Asian ingredients like black grass and chrysanthemum take centerstage in signature cocktails that's designed to pair with bold-flavored Chinese-style bar chows and appease the Lad Phrao crowd. 

Good for: City explorers who just finished their day in Chinatown

Situated atop Potong, Yaowarat’s newest fine-dining establishment, Opium Bar pays tribute to the hedonistic practices that took place on the very same spot decades past. Climb several flights of stairs (there’s an elevator, though) and step into a cozy room that blends vintage charms with modern decor. Try to snatch a corner spot for your best chance at privacy. There are over 100 cocktails to choose from, but if you’d rather not deal with choice paralysis, get the bottled cocktail to share.

Good for: Beer-loving individuals

Pijiu, which means “beer” in Chinese, is the newest brainchild of the guys behind craft beer-importing pioneer Beervana. Located a few steps away from Teens of Thailand, this Thai-Chinese shophouse is decorated much like a hotel lobby bar in 1950s Hong Kong. Five taps on regular rotation offer imported brews. Bottled labels afford more options including the legalized Thai brew Happy New Beer from Khao Yai. Bar snacks are also a star at Pijiu like the Chinese Cold Cuts, a platter that puts together shrimp crackers, smoked duck, kun chiang (traditional Chinese sausage), moo wan (sweet pork with coriander and spices).

Good for: Those waiting to get a table at Jay Fai or that famous pad thai place

Everyone knows that the waiting time can take hours if you didn’t book a table before visiting Michelin-starred street food eatery Jay Fai or legendary pad thai restaurant Thipsamai. Luckily, you can just cross the road and grab a quick pint of premium craft beer at Tai Soon Bar, which has a wide variety of brews on tap. After all, getting some good booze down before a scrumptious meal is always a great idea.