Can Srisawat

While northern Thailand’s coffee industry has been brewing up a storm for two decades, coffee is not the only drink on the menu. Thai chocolate is quietly making its mark on the world stage. From rich dark bars to sweet drinks, the unique flavours of single-origin Thai cacao are now a must-try. Check out our list of the city’s top chocolate-centric cafes.

Believe it or not, winter is just around the corner for the capital – perfect for stepping out and relishing a cosy cuppa. Thankfully, the city is brimming with elegant venues, each offering a unique twist on this classic experience, from lavish high tea sets to innovative fusions of local and international flavours. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional English spread, a decadent chocolate indulgence, or a tea experience infused with a touch of Thai flair, we’ve curated a list of Bangkok’s finest afternoon tea spots that are sure to become your new favourite “cup of tea”.

Every November, Bangkok transforms into a city of light and serenity as it celebrates Loy Krathong, one of Thailand's most magical festivals. Under a luminous full moon, people gather along the riverbanks to release their beautifully crafted krathongs – delicate vessels made from banana leaves, adorned with flickering candles and vibrant flowers. The ritual symbolises letting go of past misfortunes and making wishes for the future. Bangkok offers the ideal backdrop for a memorable Loy Krathong celebration. Whether you're looking for an evening of cultural immersion or a modern riverside feast, here’s where you can soak up the festival spirit this year.

If you had to subsist on dessert for the rest of your life, you’d survive comfortably in Bangkok, though your dental bill might take a hit. This city is a haven for the sweet-toothed, with bakeries serving everything from classic croissants to curry-filled doughnuts. For those on the hunt for their next pastry fix, Bangkok’s bakers are pushing flavour to new heights with organic sourdough, fusion desserts, and pillowy Japanese cakes.

Thai food holds a special place in our hearts – and in our stomachs. But why just eat it when you can learn to make it? From the fiery heat of tom yum goong to the rich creaminess of panang curry, these Bangkok-based cooking classes go beyond recipes and delve into the heart of Thai cuisine. Whether you’re aiming to impress dinner guests or just looking for an unforgettable cultural experience, these culinary schools will have you chopping, tasting, and wok-frying your way to deliciousness.

October’s been eventful, so why not celebrate in November with even more? From smooth jazz and thrilling art exhibitions to festivals and Dua Lipa’s electrifying concert, Bangkok has a packed calendar waiting. Here’s a roundup of must-see events to make this November unforgettable.

Her humble roadside eatery in Phra Nakhon, famous for its sizzling crab omelettes and fiery seafood dishes, has become a national treasure, earning a Michelin star in 2018, a title it has proudly held ever since. Jay Fai’s one-star status not only showcased her exceptional talent but also elevated Bangkok’s street food to global fame, making her a culinary ambassador for Thailand. Nearing 80, who could blame her for wanting a break? But if this Bangkok institution does indeed close its shutters, we’ve cooked up several plan-B options featuring equally stellar street food.

In Bangkok, you're spoiled for choice, from timeless street food to more refined dining experiences. For those who appreciate genuine, time-honoured recipes, we’ve put together a selection of our favourite restaurants where you can enjoy classic Thai dishes prepared with care and local flair, any time of day.   Recommend: The best new restaurants that opened this year

Whether you’re wandering through bustling markets or braving the daily commute, these juice bars are here to keep you hydrated and energised. From vibrant smoothies to nutrient-packed cold-pressed juices, here’s where to grab a healthy boost around town.

Luckily, Bangkok’s booming book cafe scene lets you do just that. These spots combine the joy of finding your next literary obsession with the simple pleasure of a well-made drink.

From stomach-filling Western classics to quick Thai favourites, here’s our list of places you can fill up for the day.  RECOMMENDED: The best new restaurants that opened this year

Bangkok is a city of rooftop spaces where you can drink under the moonlight. From riverside bars to Sukhumvit, each rooftop dining and wining outlet offers a unique vibe, ensuring you’ll never get bored of hopping from one to another. Refresh yourself from a lond day, it’s always a great idea to rise to the top, feel your feet above it all and toast to the last light of the day as you welcome the starry sky.

Kad Kokoa champions locally sourced Thai cacao from four regions – Chiang Mai, Chantaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Chumphon – with a range of delicious single-origin chocolate bars and beverages. Each region boosts its own unique flavour, from floral notes to coconut, brown sugar, and even a hint of citrus. A box of their chocolates (starting at B220) makes a thoughtful gift for any occasion, while their hot drink made from cacao powder (B450) offers a fragrant way to kickstart your day. For something a little more hands-on, Kad Kokoa also offers chocolate-making workshops. 1076 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Soi 17, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon. 083-684-3921. Open daily 9am-6pm

Originally an online chocolate bar shop, Square 2 in the Samyan area brings Thai craft chocolate to life. Start with a cacao drink (from B120) with two intensities: pure dark or dark 80%. Try their nama dark chocolate from Nakhon Si Thammarat, which offers fruity notes with a rum raisin undertone. Or, for a twist, their nama chocolate Thai tea will satisfy those craving a fusion of flavours. 4/14-15 Chinda Thawin Soi Maha Phruttharam, Bang Rak. 098-991-9971. Open daily Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm. Closed Sun

Take a break from exploring the arty alleyways of Talat Noi and discover this hidden chocolate bar. With nine different cacao origins, 32Bar offers a range of flavours from classic nutty to tropical fruit. The hot creamy drink (B140) offers a smooth texture and aroma that pairs perfectly with milk, while its chocolate bar (B140) makes an ideal sweet treat. Don’t forget to snap a few photos of their striking orange brick wall and broken rusting Fiat 500.  294 Wanit Soi 2, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong. 063-898-9891. Open Mon-Fri 11.40am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10.40am-7pm

Located at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, this chocolate cafe sources its ingredients directly from its Chiang Mai farm to craft a tempting range of chocolate beverages and fusion bars. Choose the classic dark milk chocolate bars (B195) for a comforting taste, or try something more adventurous, like the 44% strawberry white chocolate bar (B195), which pairs a fruity tang with the creamy smoothness of milk chocolate. Their colourful drinks, including iced dark mint (B120) and iced milk choco float, are sure to delight. Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre LG/F Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khlong Toei. 095-951-1183. Open daily 8am-8pm

Ari’s buzzing cafe scene has a new contender: Darq Ari. This chocolate specialist features single-origin beans from Chiang Rai, Tak, Phitsanulok, Lop Buri, Kamphaeng Phet, Rayong, Chantaburi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Chumphon. Their creations boast a smooth, natural chocolate flavour, free from syrupy sweetness. Go for the na ngua dark 80% (B145) or thang kwean dark 80% (B145) for a warming drink or try the doi larn dark 75% cold beverage to cool off on a hot Bangkok day. 1/1 Ari Samphan Soi 4, Phaya Thai. 02-001-0161. Open daily 11am-10pm  

At the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), Paradai serves up a trio of chocolate origins from Phuket, Nakhon Si and Trang. Their signature dark chocolate (starting at B120) recently won an International Chocolate Award this year. While you’re there, pick up a chocolate bar (B250) or check out their seasonal boxes for Halloween and Christmas, available around festive times. 3/F Bangkok Art and Culture Centre 939, Rama I Rd, Wang Mai. 091-185-6254. Open daily 10am-8pm

Next up is an open-view lunch spot where you can socialise over an afternoon tea set for B1,600 per person. This bundle of goodness includes fusion savouries, such as balik of salmon sphere with beetroot orange cream and smoked duck foie gras with apricot and cherry compote. Plus, you can enjoy sipping tea along with homemade sweets. The shirasu with passion fruit cream, dashi and tozasu crystal will enhance your meal, paired with your drink of choice. Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River 300/1 Charoen Krung Road, Yan Nawa. 02-032-0888. Open Daily 2pm-5pm. 

If you’re shopping in the Ratchaprasong district, why not make a pit stop at the Intercontinental Bangkok and treat yourself to their afternoon high tea (B1,100)? With over 30 teas on offer, you can savour everything from the comforting warmth of a classic English breakfast to the calming notes of chamomile. For a touch of the exotic, try the refreshing Moroccan mint or the fragrant grand wedding tea – both pair perfectly with Smoked Tuna and Capers on Brioche. InterContinental Bangkok 973 Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphini 02-656-0444  Open Daily 2.30pm-5.30pm 

Whether you’re a mango sticky rice devotee or a scone enthusiast, this restaurant impresses afternoon tea buffs with both Thai and Western sets (B1,450). Discover local flavours with thung thong sai moo – a deep-fried pastry pouch stuffed with minced pork and vegetables – or a zesty spicy crab meat salad served in a crispy pastry cup. Meanwhile, the classic afternoon tea set tempts with offerings like lobster roll sandwiches, chocolate macarons, and berry jam scones. The Sukhothai Bangkok 13/3 S Sathon Rd, Thung Maha Mek. 02-344-8888 Opens Mon-Fri 1pm-4.30pm, Sun 1pm-4.30pm. Closed Sat

This B3,000 health-conscious afternoon tea set is designed for two – so bring your bae or best mate. Sip on fragrant teas, such as green tea infused with orange, lemon, ginger, and mint, or black tea blended with lime, lavender, star anise, and organic honey. Tuck into a blue swimmer crab petit sandwich or cured ora king salmon before finishing your meal with berries and rose choux. Park Hyatt Bangkok, Central Embassy, 88 Witthayu Rd. 02-012-1234 Open Daily 1pm-5pm  

Enjoy a seafood lunch in style at this claw-some colonial house with Paii’s Heritage Afternoon Tea Set (B1,690). Pair a fusion of popular Western dishes with local ingredients for a unique culinary experience. Kick things off with a baked oyster, showcasing the freshness of Thai coastal cuisine, while the crisp and rich salmon mousse on a dashi biscuit delivers a whole different flavour sensation in one bite. The House on Sathorn 106 N Sathon Rd, Bang Rak. 02-344-4025. Open Daily 2.30pm-5.30pm

This boulangerie steals the show, serving up handcrafted sweets and savouries alongside tea or coffee. At B1,090 for two, you can indulge in classic French favourites like macarons, opera cake, mille-feuille, caramel-hazelnut choux, canele, and both plain and whole wheat scones. Pair these treats with Dilma’s refreshing drinks to round off the experience. Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, 189 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei Nuea. 02-126-9999 Open Daily 2pm-5pm

Watching movies in the open air was part of Thai culture right up to the 1980s. With the advent of movie chains in retail centres the custom faded, but we can now relive those bygone days, and watch all-time classics in the greenery area of BITEC Buri Fest in Bang Na. Bring your blankets and picnics to BITEC’s outdoors for a retro-culture movie experience as you watch 12 films nang-klang-plaeng style – traditional outdoor screening – from November 29 to December 15.  Romantic favourites feature Before Sunrise, Lost in Translation, Notting Hill, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and About Time making you wipe a tear as they tug at your heart-strings once again. Legendary award-winning favourites include The Shawshank Redemption and Fight Club; and Home Alone brings the Christmas spirit to Bangkok. This two-week outdoor screening opportunity under the stars, presents a chance to watch these classics one more time with your friends and family and to take you back to those pre-internet streaming days.  Hideout Film Night, Nov 29-Dec 15. 6.30 pm onwards. BITEC Buri Fest. Book your ticket via Ticketmelon.

After a much-welcomed major restoration Erawan Bangkok, adjoining the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel and the famous Erawan Shrine, has re-opened as a vibrant dining and wellness lifestyle experience. A mixture of new and previous tenants, mostly upscale restaurants and wellness outlets, are housed in the sparkling white interiors of the iconic Thai-designed facade. The Erawan Tea Room is back with its classic take on Thai cuisine and afternoon teas, as is Nara Thai Cuisine with their much-loved interpretation of Thai favourites. New eateries such as Jharokha by Indus and Chisana Nami, serve contemporary Indian and Japanese dishes respectively. Coffee lovers are also well-catered for as they can sip Turkish slow-bar coffee at Shaloba or a traditional espresso at illy Caffe.  Erawan Bangkok’s wellness tenants occupy the health-centric third and fourth floors. Soma Health Clinic and PAPILLA by KIM LIM tailor their services to your personal needs for truly revitalising experiences. The cultural offerings of Scene Erawan – an art gallery and screening space on the first floor – combine Thai heritage with modern aesthetics, complementing the mall’s fresh-yet-Thai-colonial design and eco-conscious ethos.

Bangkok’s heat is relentless, and when the sun’s beating down, a little refreshment can go a long way. Introducing Festilia — an Italian juice that feels like a cool breeze from the Mediterranean, now available in Thailand. Festilia hails from the sun-soaked orchards of Sicily, where every bottle starts its journey. The fruit is hand-picked, ensuring that each sip is packed with natural, pure flavour. Whether you're craving the sharp kick of shogun orange, the zing of white grapefruit, the refreshing blend of sweet lemon and mint, or the smoothness of Valencia orange, Festilia brings an authentic slice of Italy right to your hands in Thailand. But this juice isn’t just about flavour — it’s also about what’s left out. Festilia is free from added sugars and preservatives, so what you're getting is as close to the orchard as it gets. Plus, it’s loaded with vitamin C, making it not only a thirst-quencher but a health-boosting companion for those long, hot days. No plane tickets to Sicily are required. You can pick up Festilia at retailers across Thailand, including Tops Supermarket, Villa Market, and The Mall’s Gourmet Market, or grab a bottle online via Shopee or Lazada. Discount alert: from October 26 to November 27, you can snag a bottle for B75 (down from B85) at Villa Market and The Mall’s Gourmet Market. It’s a great time to dive into flavours you won’t forget anytime soon.

K-streat is a newly-opened Korean street food hub that has taken Samyan Mitrtown by storm. Opening its doors on October 3 as the newest spot for Korean cuisine lovers, the hub gathers 11 new eateries originating from South Korea. Covering many things from bibimbap and rice rolls to fruit tea, there’s no better time to relive your favourite K-drama scenes and enjoy authentic food with your friends.  Korean street food has rocketed its popularity in Thailand for more than a decade. This food hall on the fourth floor of Samyan’s shopping mall offers a variety of menus. You can try chewy Korean instant noodles from Nongshim Shin Ramyun, where you can get service from a noodle-making machine. Blended into Thai flavour, their ramyun also have tom yum flavour from Jay Fai, a Michelin-starred street food. Craving for Korean classics, Bbja serves bibimbap with toppings of your choice (Korean rice bowl, B169). Moogyodoong Yoojung Nakji might please spicy food lovers with their spicy stir-fried minor octopus (B260) and you can choose the level of spiciness too.  Not limited to traditional dishes, many fusion foods from Platter 7 also present Thai and other ingredients on their fried rice menus. Grab your finger food at 77Kentucky as they give you many options for their fried chicken from original to spicy flavour.  An egg bread set (B169) from Eggseoul might be a dessert in which you can savour sweetness and creaminess in one bite. Don’t forget to refresh yourself with beverages from Te

After closing for three years, Bo.lan finally reopens its kitchen to serve Thai samrub-style fine dining experiences to Bangkok foodies once again.  Once featured in Netflix's Chef’s Table, chef Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava and chef Dylan Jones, founders of Bo.lan, focus on elevating Thai cuisine in a home setting. Different from the typical fine dining format, samrub courses – a set of Thai food including soup, curry, meat and rice served at the same time – promote a culture of eating together like a Thai family dinner. Try it for yourself by booking a seat for either the Bo.lan Brief (10 servings; B3,980), the Bo.lan Balance (13 servings; B4,600) or the Bo.lan Feast (15 servings; B4,800), each set equally sure to impress. Local cuisines of Thailand show their characteristics in this restaurant, from dishes using salty cured fish from Isan (northeastern) to southern Thai curry and central Thailand’s chilli jam-coated rice, inspired by a recipe from the early 1900s.  Pair the food with a menu of signature drinks, each with its own rustic flair, such as taking flavours from ya dong – a woody, spicy Thai liquor. Finish off the experience with a generous serving of Thai-style desserts that you can pick and choose from. The wooden home in which Bo.lan is set is a warming change of scene from the busy Sukhumvit Road. It is adorned with classic local decorations that further help to set the scene. There’s even crafted souvenirs at the front door if you’d like a take-home memento. In 2

Save some room on your bookshelf as Book Expo Thailand 2024 returns to Bangkok on October 10-20. To celebrate the build-up to Halloween, this year's theme is 'Read Until the Next Life'. On Oct 19, from midday to 2 pm, you can dress up as a ghost and enter the 'Ghosts from Books' costume contest for a chance to win a total of B45,000 in prizes. With over 300 publishers expected, you can expect to find mountains of Thai nonfiction and fiction in every genre imaginable. For global bookworms, there will also be international stalls offering books in English, Chinese and many other languages. Grab some discounted books and hopefully finish them before the next year’s fair. As well as books, you can queue up to have your favourite authors sign your books or listen to talks by writers and Thai thought leaders. The full line-up is not yet available, but stay tuned here. Taking place at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.