Yok manee at Sri

Dan Bunnag whips up his family’s home recipes for scrumptious kanom Thai cooked the traditional way, with no preservatives added. Our fave would have to be the yok manee (steamed tapioca pearls): perfect texture and flavor.

B55. K Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26, G/F, K-Village. Open daily 8am-8pm. G/F, Central Chidlom, Ploenchit Rd. 089-923-5477. Open daily 10am-9pm

New York cheesecake at NYCC

Sure, they do a few other things, like Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake or black forest gateaux. But what really makes the trip to CDC worth it (and putting up with the shack’s no-frills decor) is the splendid New York-style cheesecake—hence the occasional queues. 

B205. Crystal Design Center, Praditmanutham Rd., 02-102-2065. Open Mon-Thu 10:30am-9pm, Fri-Sun 10:30am-10pm

Khao niew moon at Maewaree

Maewaree is the top place in town for moist and rich khao niew cooked in coconut milk: the sticky rice is tender yet keeps its shape and texture, while achieving ideal levels of creaminess and sweetness. 

B160 for a kg. 1 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-392-4804. Open 24/7, khao niew moon only available 5am-11pm. www.maevaree.com

 Tub tim krob at Tub Tim Krob Wongwienyai

With a great balance between the water chestnut and the flour coating, both in terms of flavor and texture, the tub tim krob here is just right. Note that there’s another branch off from Rama 2 Rd.

B30. Ladya Rd. (across from Robinsons), 02-438-2118, 02-437-8077. Open daily 8am-8pm

Chocolate tart at Opposite Mess Hall

Opposite’s desserts truly rely on whatever chef Jess Barnes can get his hands on, so if peaches are in season, you can expect to find them in beautiful tarts or decadent cups of mascarpone. Right now, Barnes is all over a chocolate he’s sourcing from Vietnam (Marou, www.marouchocolate.com). Have it in this tart, for a bitter pleasure with a seductive blend of textures.

B290. 27/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6330. Open Tue-Sun 7pm-12:30am

Cronuts at Amatissimo Caffe

Apparently we owe the cronut, the lovechild of a French croissant and an American donut to New York. The craze has finally made its way to Bangkok where Amatissimo, tucked behind Paradise Park, serves a beautifully layered version that goes perfectly with a cup of coffee. 

B150. 127, Seri Villa Soi 3 (behind Paradise Park), 085-482-9977, 081-898-0070. Open daily 9am-8pm

 Roti at Roti Na Poh Chang

These paper-thin, crisp roti sprinkled with sugar and condensed milk look and feel wonderfully light—but don’t let it fool you—they’ll still hit your waistband hard.

B30. Tripetch Rd., Pahurat, opposite Poh Chang College, 02-221-2084. Open daily 11am-6pm

 Kanom ko at Issaya Siamese Club

We won’t hold it against Kittichai that his kanom tang taek (Thai pancake with coconut) is a blatant rip-off of a dessert served at Chicago’s Alinea. In spite of that, he remains one of the rare people in this town to get creative with Thai desserts, such as his kanom ko (sticky rice and coconut) that is turned into an ice cream but still clearly references the flavors of the original. His kanom moh geang cha Thai (Thai custard, B220) is another reinterpretation that brings the flavors of Thai tea to a classic crème brulee.

B230. 4 Soi Sri Aksorn, Chuaphloeng Rd., 02-672-9040-1. www.issaya.com. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-midnight (kitchen close at 10:30pm)

 Egg tart at Kanom

The brown top, the flakey crust, the fresh egg in the flavors—what’s not to love?

B45. Try Siam Square Soi 3, Rama 1 Rd., 02-252-8520-1. Open daily 10am-8pm

 Millefeuille at Mocha & Muffins

With Le Notre down to a single venue in Langsuan, it’s getting harder and harder to find traditional French pastry in this town. Four Seasons, though, continues to serve up some of Bangkok’s best thanks to the talented chef Stephane Calvet. The best deal is their afternoon tea where you sample all of his wonderful pastries including the millefeuille, a delicate, buttery, layered dough that works so perfectly with crème patissiere and tart fruits like raspberries, apricots and peaches.

B110. Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, 155 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-250-1000. Open daily 7am-8pm

 Flourless chocolate cake at Eat Me

This cake predates Chef Tim Butler’s arrival. When asked if he’d considered tweaking it or taking it off the menu, Butler told us, “Some things you just don’t mess with.” Dark, decadent, bitter and sweet, it’s probably the best chocolate cake in town, despite its simplicity. Butler describes the cake as a simple ganache—meaning its pure cream and chocolate. Yum.

B270. Soi Phipat 2, Convent Rd., 02-238-0931. Open daily 3pm-1am

 Coconut cake at The Big Knit

Big Knit’s coconut cake is a true expression of its name: every layer of the cake is mixed with coconut juice and the coconut chunks are fresh, tender and fragrant.

B105. Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-260-5050. Open daily 9am-9pm

  Lemon tart at Cafe Tartine

We were cruelly disappointed by our last slice of tarte tatin at Café Tartine. Fortunately, the lemon tart remains impeccable, with its generous head of soft meringue, super-tart lemon custard filling, and wonderfully crisp base.

B120. Athenee Residence, 65 Soi Ruamrudee, Wireless Rd., 02-168-5464. Open daily 8am-8pm

 Tart magrood at Let Them Eat Cake

You’ve got a week left to try our favorite magrood (kaffir lime) tart before it goes out of season. This tangy burst of flavor in your mouth will be dearly missed. But you do have the Millefeuille Heritage (B195), to look forward to as its replacement, which is made with fragrant palm sugar from Samut Songkhram.

B145. G/F, Mille-Malle, Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-663-4667. Open Sun-Thu 10am-11pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight

 Tiramisu at Pala

We’ve had a lot of tiramisu—and we’re rarely that impressed. Except with Pala’s: It’s bitter, barely sweet, with fluffy dollops of rich cream and liquor-soaked biscuits that have retained some firmness. We can think of a lot of fancy fine-dining places that should intern here to improve their version of this classic Italian dessert.

B140. Room no. 1, MRT Sukhumvit Station, BTS Asoke, 02-259-1228-9. Open daily 10am-midnight

 Hot fudge brownie at Kuppa

Dessert is definitely a high point at Kuppa. And what makes it worth the trip is their hot fudge brownies served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The brownie comes slightly crisp on the top and with a dense, textured and rich flavor.

B195. 39 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-663-0495. Open daily 10:30am-11pm

 Bok kia at Bok Kia Thadindaeng

Hainanese bokkia  is steamed flour noodles with a mix of fruits and beans in syrup. And this place has the super chewy bokkia (noodles) that we love. The ingredients (such as khao tom nam woon [sticky rice] and coconut chunks) also happen to be very fresh and the syrup is not excessively sweet.

B25. Thadindaeng Market, 323 Thadindaeng Rd., 02-438-0574. Open daily 5-9pm

 Asian afternoon tea at Salon du The

Owned by the renowned florist, Sakul Intakul, who revamped this beautiful old house into a floral museum, the snacks here are made from his personal family recipes, which evoke a bygone era, such as kanom nga salad (sesame rice balls) or kanom pia with mung bean and eggs. Have it all with Love Pekoe Rose Tea (Assam black tea, Indian ‘hundred leaf’ pink rose petals).

B240 for a set. The Museum of Floral Culture, 315 Soi Ongkarak 13, Samsen Soi 28, 02-669-3633. Open Tue-Sun 11am-6pm

 Khao niew durian at Or Tor Kor

When durians are at their peak, what could be better than having them with the rich kati (coconut milk) and khao niew (sticky rice). This stall does this rich, powerful treat amazingly well—the rice is perfectly cooked—not too soggy and very fragrant.

Or Tor Kor Market, Kamphaeng Phet Rd. Open daily 8:30am-4:30pm

 Santol sorbet at Iberry

Their seasonal santol sorbet rocks! Period. Not in season? Try the mayom, durian, or something a bit less adventurous but yummy like the Horlicks.

B59. Try Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-7549. Open daily 10am-10pm

 Gulab jamun at Royal Indian

These little balls of browned milk solids, dunked in hot, rose-spiked sugar syrup are a dime a dozen at the city’s ten zillion Indian restaurants. But try them at Royal India in Pahurat, and you’ll see why this dessert is such a requisite addition to any Indian menu. Piping hot and springy, one bite of these will turn you into a gulab jamun snob for life.

B250 for a kg. 392/1 Chakphet Rd., Wang Burapha Phirom, 02-221-6565. Open daily 10am-10pm.

Vanilla ice cream with balsamic vinegar at Gaggan

Just because this gorgeous white house on Langsuan serves modern gastro-tinged Indian cuisine doesn’t mean Chef Gaggan doesn’t know the joys of simplicity. Try his homemade vanilla ice cream with 40-year-old balsamic vinegar from Modena (which, incidentally, also makes this sublime dish a whopping B300). If you don’t see it on the menu, Chef Gaggan will be happy to whip it up.

B300. 68/1 Soi Langsuan, Phloenchit Rd., 02-652-1700. Open daily 6-11pm

 Kanom krok at Kanom Krok Khao Wang

Balance is the key when it comes to good kanom krok (coconut pudding). This stall is plastered with pictures telling of royal visits, hence the name Kao Wang (“Enter the Palace”). The kanom krok is very light, fresh and crunchy, while the coconut milk is so superb you may just gobble everything up instead of taking some back to your office or family (it’s happened to us before). Get the original flavor and avoid bagging the hot box so it doesn’t get soggy.

B40 for a box. Across from Ratchawat Market, Nakornchaisri Rd., 081-916-0974, 02-241-3840, 02-591-5998. Open daily 5-11pm

 Banana pudding at Little Beast

If our next life includes this comforting mulberry bread pudding with homemade buttermilk ice cream (B220) then we can die happy and peaceful. While you’re there, more ethereal joy comes in the form of the banana pudding. It is a mass of banoffee, banana brulee, and caramel rice crispies that is so light, it manages to feel almost healthy. 

B150. 44/9-10 Thonglor Soi 13 02-185-2670. Open Tue-Sat 5:30pm-1am; Sun 11am-4pm

 Custard mooncake at Mei Jiang

We already long for next year’s Mooncake Festival and it’s only for one reason—the custard mooncake at the Peninsula’s flagship Chinese restaurant. It’s very delicate, rich and the custard stuffing is dense but not overly sweet. Smooth from inside to out.

B580 for eight pieces. The Peninsula Bangkok, Charoennakorn Rd., 02-861-2888. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-10pm

 Yuzu macarons at Masatomi Patisserie 

With the new opening at Silom Complex, Masatomi brings Tommy Rungnoppakunsi’s love of French and Japanese pastry traditions to new faces (his original branch is in Langsuan). Rather than just using a variety of jam fillings and food colorings, his macarons are infused with carefully picked ingredients, such as white chocolate, lavender or yuzu. As such, the flavors are incredibly intense.

B45. The Portico Langsuan, Soi Langsuan, 02-652-1977. 4/F, Silom Complex, Silom Rd., 092-267-1301

 Panna cotta cha Thai at Supanniga

We haven’t stopped going on about the amazing food at Supanniga ever since it opened. And yet, until now we’ve failed to mention their star dessert! It’s a combination of velvety panna cotta and fragrant Thai tea, and we love it just as much as everything else on the menu.

B85. 160/11 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-714-7508. Open Tue-Sun 11am-2:30pm, 5:30-11:30pm

 Tako at Maliwan

Head here before noon for a whiff of the fragrant coconut cream on top of the sticky and succulent tako (tapioca pearls with taro) before you tuck into kanom piak poon (coconut pudding, B25) and the subtle kanom mun (tapioca Thai pudding, B25).

B15. 2/9 Soi Aree 1, Paholyothin Soi 7, 02-278-1179. Open daily 8am-2pm

 Coffee eclair at LB Patisserie

Famed French restaurant Le Beaulieu also has its own patisserie. Our favorite Gallic gateaux? The classic éclair au café, both decadently creamy and sweet yet offered a touch of bitter balance by the coffee flavor.

B100. Le Beaulieu, Athenee Towner, Wireless Rd., 02-168-8222. Open Mon-Sat 9:30am-6:30pm

 Tua pab at Silapacheep 904

Both sides served with this tua pab are excellent—the fresh mung bean filling is moist, the flour chewy, light and aromatic. Perfect for an afternoon snack.

B40. Ratchawithi Rd., 02-356-0802. Open daily 8am-8pm

 Som chun at Nahm

Desserts at Nahm always strike a perfect balance. In this case, a dense, rich pudding is offset by the cold, lightly perfumed syrup and its crushed ice. The final touches: delicate fried shallots on the rambutan in the syrup. Perfection. 

B280. G/F Metropolitan. 27 Sathorn Rd., 02-625-3333. Open daily 10am-9pm

 Chocolate buffet at Salon (The Sukhothai)

The Sukhothai is the chocolate king in this town, thanks to its single-focus afternoon tea-time buffet devoted to this dark pleasure. First off, there’s the signature chocolate cake with confit ginger launched at the beginning of this year by pastry chef Laurent Ganguillet. But you’ve also got to sample a cup of the hot chocolate that’s made on the spot by melting chips of chocolate (16 types and origins available, from Cuba to Venezuela) and crème into a cup.

B900. The Sukhothai Hotel, 13/3 South Sathorn Rd., 02-344-8888. Available on Fri-Sun 2-5:30pm

 Apple tart at The Oriental Shop 

 

The Oriental Shop does this amazing apple tart with a very flat crust, layered with equally fine slices of apple. A simple and elegant delight.

B80. G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9845. Open daily 10am-9pm

 Scones at Scones

From the folks at Anotai, this charming store does scones in seven flavors with proper accompaniments like clotted or whipped cream, organic teas from all over the world and homemade jams.

B45 each. 2/F, Zone A, CentralWorld, Ratchdamri Rd., 081-869-9045. Open daily 10am-9pm

 

 Kanom inthanin at Somsong Pochana

Kanom inthanin (rice balls in coconut milk) has always been a pretty rare treat, even when we were kids. This place is one of the few shops still standing that takes the time to lightly smoke the coconut milk, lending them fragrant smoky notes before putting in the soft, chewy balls of tapioca starch and pandan. Only available on Mondays.

B25. 112 Soi Wat Sangwet, Phra Arthit Rd., 02-282-0972. Open daily 9:30am-4pm

 Banana cake with salted ice cream at Sra Bua

In spite of rotating seasonal menus, many of our meals at Sra Bua have ended with this winning combination of salted ice-cream, banana cake and caramelized milk sauce. We usually leave banana cake to the tourists at hotel breakfast buffets but Sra Bua’s delicate dessert is one exception to that rule.

B450. 1/F, Siam Kempinski, 991/9 Rama 1 Rd. 02-162-9000. Open daily 11am-2pm, 6-10:30pm

 Coconut ice cream at Nattaporn Ice Cream

Sure, it’s a bit out of the way, and a bit hard to find if you don’t know your way around Tanao Rd., but this half-century-old ice cream parlor is a sure bet for light and refreshing Thai-style frozen treats.

B25. 94 Phraeng Phutorn, Tanao Rd., 02-221-3954, 02-622-2455. Open Mon-Sat 9am-4pm

 Lemon jelly at Water Library

The set menu at Water Library is really whatever is in season and the chef is in the mood for that day. As we go to print, the chef was whipping up a lemon sake jelly with vanilla curd and chrysanthemum. Can’t afford the B5,300 set dinner? The apple tart (B320) at the Chamchuri Square branch is worth a try, too.

B5,300 set dinner. Grass, Thonglor Soi 12, 02-714-9292. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-1am

 Kanom bueng at Kanom Bueng Werng Nakorn Kaem 

The perfectly crispy crepes are sprayed with egg and filled with a foi tong (egg yolk threads) that doesn’t go overboard on the sweetness.

B15. Past Yaowarat Soi 6, Yaowarat Rd. Open daily 7-11pm

  Nutty brownie at Bangkok Bread Boys

On top of their homemade breads, Bangkok Bread Boys also serve up delightful macadamia nut brownies and awesome muffins. To taste it all for yourself, they recommend going sharesies with friends and placing a big order at chris@bangkokbreadboys.com or go grab some at Ari. Hurry, as the owner is going to sell off his business to spend more time with his children starting from this November!

B240 for six pieces. Rama 6 Soi 30, Ari Samphan Soi 3, 083-016-0877. www.bangkokbreadboys.com

  Milkshakes at Escapade Burgers & Shakes

Not that you’ll need the calories after the delicious burgers served here—some of the best in town—but Escapade also happens to be home to some amazing milkshakes. As for flavors, these guys are true mixologists, so just tell them what you like and they will whip up something rich, creamy and luscious. And yes, they can spike your drink if you’d like.

B70. 112 Phra Athit Rd., 087-363-2629, 081-406-3773. Open Tue-Sun 4pm-midnight

 Pumpkin ice cream at Farm to Table Organic Café 

The owners at Phu Chee Fah not only grow their own vegetables, they even make their own ice cream using their organic produce which is guaranteed by IFOAM (International Foundation for Organic Agriculture). The result? A pleasantly creamy, chewy, frozen treat with a beautiful pumpkin fragrance.

B35. Near Pakklong Talad, Assadang Rd., 02-115-2625. Open daily 8am-8pm

 Passion fruit and lime curd at Goodfood4uBKK

These guys do a variety of delicious sauces, sides and spreads. But their passion fruit and lime curd is like magic on your scone or tart. They deliver to central Bangkok with no delivery charge for orders over B400.

B160 for 170g. www.goodfood4ubkk.com. 084-149-0983

  Patongko at Patongko Savoey

We can’t think of a more classic way to start your day in Bangkok. And the deep-fried dough from this long-standing stall is the most classic of the classics. The patongko here is deep-fried then grilled for a crispier, more fragrant and less oily result. 

B4. 540 Tanao Rd., opposite Bangkok Bank, 02-222-2635. Open daily 6-10am, 4-10pm

  Mango Aloha at Mango Tango

The Mango Aloha is a rich milk (it tastes like Carnation’s canned milk) served with tapioca pearls, perfectly ripened mango and creamy mango sauce. Rich? You bet. Delicious, too, though.

B65. Try Siam Square Soi 5, 081-619-5504. Open daily noon-10pm 

 Homemade ice cream at The Local

Made in the simple Thai style, the ice cream at The Local comes in three flavors—mango, Thai tea and coconut milk—and all are refreshing, naturally flavored and wonderfully aromatic. 

B180. Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-664-0664, 02-664-3360-1. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30-11:30pm

 Puek hima at Jae Nee

The trick with this traditional Chinese treat (fried, sugar-coated taro) is to cook the sugar for as long as you can without burning it. And that’s exactly what they manage to pull off, here. Their use of soft, high-quality taro doesn’t hurt either.

B50. 303 Tanao Rd., 02-224-6526. Open daily 9am-5pm

 Crispy toast with garlic at Aroi

Around since before the mega-popular After You, this little factory-like place gets big queues for its Thai-style kanom pung ob (baked bread with butter) every day. Crispy, non-greasy and not overly sweet, this lovely snack is actually sold in some supermarkets, too.

B20. Near Prachan Pier, Maharat Rd., 02-221-2252. Open daily 7am-7pm

 Panna Cotta at Appia

After a long experience in luxury hotels, Chef Paolo Vitaletti has taken things to a more homey level at Appia. Not to brush aside the veteran chef’s own culinary expertise, but flying in a genuine Roman mom to teach your cooks how to make pasta by hand—and whip up her signature tiramisu (B300)—puts everyone else using buzzwords like “home-cooking” and “family recipe” to shame. Our favorite dessert here is the panna cotta, though, which comes with passion fruit and mango—it’s divine. But B300 desserts, seriously?

B300. 20/4 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-261-2056. Open Tue-Sun 6-11pm

 A Bar of Marou Chocolate at Ceresia

In 18 short months, French guys Samuel Maruta and Vincent Marou won gold, silver and bronze at the Academy of Chocolate, a global organization of chocolatiers and reaped more shiny accolades at the Taste Awards held in London. Their chocolate is “true bean to bar,” meaning they hand-source the beans and personally check the bags every 20kg. They even have their own fermentation stations for certain chocolates. Made only with sugarcane and cacao, this chocolate is pure pleasure. Added bonus: the hand-printed wrapping is stunningly beautiful.

B240. Ceresia Roasters (Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, 086-843-8235) or visit facebook.com/maisonjeanphilippe for the list of retailers.

Opposite Mess Hall

We’d turn vegetarian in a heartbeat if we had Chef Jess Barnes cooking for us round the clock. Needless to say, we are huge fans of his food, which is a blend of Mediterranean and Asian influences cooked up with a fuss-free approach by way of Australia. Fans of his irresistible roast carrots at previous gig Quince, we’ve found plenty more to love here; try the smoked eggplant (B180) or the irresistible buns with fried tempeh, kimchi and Sriracha mayo and scamorza cheese (B160).

27/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6330. Open Tue-Sun 7pm-midnight

Seven Spoons

With a new, larger venue comes an expanded menu (soon to include brunch); but, fear not, Seven Spoons remains a great place to drop by for a healthy and delicious homey and hippie American meal. For your meat-free fill, opt for the spinach pumpkin tortellini with pecorino and lemon butter sauce (B220), quinoa salad with mango and mushroom fritti (B210) and gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce and chickpea spinach balls  (B220).

24 Chakkaphatdi Phong Rd., 02-629-9214. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight

Quince

The chef may have changed, but Quince’s kitchen still retians its focus on sustainability, ethical eating and local produce. Sit amid the charming country-classic-themed space, similar to Casa Pagoda next-door, and nosh on the marvelous roast carrots with shallot, honey and poppy seed (B150) or the ricotta gnocchi with chestnuts (B250). 

Sukhumvit Soi 45, 02-662-4478. www.quincebangkok.com. Open daily 11:30-1am

Issaya Siamese Club

With its lovely garden that provides many of the fresh ingredients that go into its Thai dishes, Issaya continues to serve up some truly delicious vegetarian options. Enjoy dishes like kanom hua chai tao (wok-seared with bean sprouts and chives served with spicy sauce, B230), gang kamin pak (vegetable curry in Southern style, B340) and the lovely yam hua plee (banana blossom salad with heart of palm, B260), all while taking in the charm of the old house.

4 Soi Sri Aksorn, Chuaphloeng Rd., 02-672-9040-1. www.issaya.com. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-midnight (kitchen closes at 10:30pm)

Maya (NEW)

Many Indian restaurants cook up some delicious vegetarian dishes, but since the sky-high Maya is new, why not take a punt and try the fig and cottage cheese dumplings in a saffron cardamom sauce (B350) or potato and cauliflower tossed with cumin and ginger (B300)—truly dishes that can live with the fancy vibe and stunning views.

29/F, Holiday Inn Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-683-4704. Open daily 6pm-1am

Simple (NEW)

The young chef behind this organic grocers-slash-café-slash-restaurant, Natcha Chatlaong, uses some of the best produce sourced from local farmers and artisans to whip up appetizing vegetarian dishes including a delicious zucchini salad (B190) and bruchetta with zucchini and cherry tomato (B180), as well as meat-free pastas and lasagna. Wash it all down with one of their super-refreshing blended juices (starting from B90).

235/5 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-662-2510. Open Tue-Sun 7am-8pm

Appia

One of our favorite Italian restaurants in town, Appia is warm and cozy like a true trattoria should be, while the food is fittingly casual and sharing-friendly. Away from the wonderful rotisserie offerings, the place also does veggie dishes to die for, whether it’s just a piece of bread with a bowl of pickled vegetables (B90), roasted red beets with arugula and strachhino cheese (B350) or the homemade mezze maniche pasta with minted eggplant, pinenuts and ricotta salata (B350).

20/4 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-261-2056. www.appia-bangkok.com. Open Tue-Sun 6-11pm