01. Vanilla ice cream with balsamic vinegar

Gaggan, 68/1 Soi Langsuan, Phloenchit Rd., 02-652-1700. Open daily 6pm-midnight
Just because this gorgeous white house on Langsuan serves modern gastro-tinged Indian platters 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 B400). If you don’t see it on the menu, Chef Gaggan will be happy to whip it up.

02. Cherry Tart

Le Blanc, 15 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-259-4353. Open Mon-Fri 8am-6:30pm, Sat 8am-5pm
This humble little bakery in residential Soi 39 packs some serious pastry surprises created by a serious, young Japanese couple. Among their baguettes and croissants is a selection of tiny round fruit tarts. The pastry is a crispy, flakey triumph of good ingredients and minimal kneading and the cherry topping (our favorite) with a touch of vanilla custard is bliss (B45 per piece, B199 for 5).

03. Vanilla Cream Puff

Beard Papa, G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., BTS Siam, 02-610-7534. Open daily 11am-10pm
We know it’s a chain, but this is a democratic round-up, and we have to admit we have a weakness for the soft cream puff pastry and the cold, vanilla-heavy custard inside. It’s cheap and plentiful around the city. Forget the special fillings and stick to classic vanilla, with the pretty little black specks of beans in it.

04. Scones with Jam and Clotted Cream

Scones, 2/F, Zone A, CentralWorld, Ratchdamri Rd., 081-869-9045. Open daily 10am-9pm
From the folks who brought us Anotai, this charming shop, now reopened after the fire last year, doles out this uniquely English tea treat. They come in seven incarnations (including prune, lavender, butterfly pea, B45 each) with proper accompaniments like clotted or whipped cream, organic teas from all over the world (B120 per pot) and homemade jams. A set with two scones, jam and proper clotted cream comes for B125 (drink not included).

05. Frozen Yogurt

Red Mango, 4/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1713. BTS Siam. www.redmangothailand.com. Open daily 9am-10pm
Red Mango was the first to bring frozen yogurt to Bangkok. Despite the name, you can top your cup of swirly iced yogurt with anything from cherries and candied fruits to chocolate chips and cornflakes. The highlight, though, is the frozen yogurt itself, which tastes like a delicious lassi that’s been left in the freezer. If the “S” sized bowl (B89) isn’t enough to quell your craving then you can also order a takeaway box.

06. Vanilla Waffles

Ohana Cafe, 50/4 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-661-1930. www.ohanafreshcafe.com. Open daily 8am-7pm
This idyllic, sun-drenched gem is a welcome haven on a busy soi. Its enormous glass panes, greenery, chic couches and travel/photography library make you want to linger for hours. Despite their excellent pastas and sandwiches, the real highlight, we think, is their eye-popping vanilla waffle with generous amounts of strawberries and ice cream (B160). Other treats include hot chocolate (B90), milkshakes (B140) and free Wi-Fi. And to make life that much easier, they now have parking spots a short walk away.

07. Carrot Cake

Sunrise Tacos. 234/5-6 Sukhumvit Soi 12, 02-229-4851. Open 24 hrs. Visit www.sunrisetacos.com for their other branches
Bangkok has no shortage of Oreo cakes and cheesecakes­—funny how a few US military bases in the sixties colonized our dessert culture forever. Unfortunately, the rarer carrot cake is often dry, bland and overly sweet. But not here! The one at Sunrise Tacos (B90) has bits of crunchy nuts to bring some oomph to its fluffy, flavorful dough—the ultimate sugar blast to end a meal of meat, cheese and corn shells.

08. Cup C

Summer, 199 Sukhumvit Soi 49 (Promsri), 02-392-2747. www.springnsummer.com. Open daily noon-midnight
The ever-so-stylish yet always welcoming restaurant off Soi 49 is the place for dessert lovers. Seat yourself on the open-air front lawn and gorge on a bowl of Cup C—their chocolate brownie best seller. Besides the extensive drinks menu that stretches from mojitos to hot malt, you can also order one of their house special sweet treats like the aptly named BTS (Better Than Sex) chocolate mousse for B140.

09. Red Velvet Cupcake

Dugong, The Avenue Chaengwattana, Chaengwattana Rd., 02-982-5229. www.dugongcupcakes.com. Open daily 10am-9pm
A sit-down café from the folks behind the Pandora cupcake booth at Emporium, Dugong is miniature and adorable, with just three tables, a white counter and a glass case displaying some 30 varieties of their mouth-watering, low-fat fare. Try the Red Velvet (B45) with its cream cheese frosting, or the Dutch Chocolate with gooey chocolate fudge topping. If you live across town, stock up on your supply by getting delivery, which is free for orders over B2,500.

10. Santol in Perfumed Syrup with Yellow Bean and Cashew Nut Pudding and Deep Fried Shallots

Nahm. Metropolitan. 27 Sathorn Rd., 02-625 3333. Open daily 10am-9pm
David Thompson’s partner and dessert chef, Tanongsak Yordwai, is a genius. We could have picked anyone of his sublime desserts, so we just picked the last one we ate. As always, it strikes a perfect balance. In this case, a dense, rich pudding is offset by the cold, lightly perfumed syrup and its crushed ice (280). The final touches: delicate fried shallots on the pudding, slices of santol in the syrup. Perfection.

11. French Toast

Gastro 1/6, RMA Institute, Soi Namthip 2, Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-663-0809. Open Tue-Sun 8:30am-3pm
We’re really fond of this little cafe in the front yard of the RMA Institute, with its hanging foliage and mismatched furniture. Pair that with strong coffee and their decadent plate of french toast topped with seasonal fruits and berries and syrup (B195), and you’ve got yourself a well-worth-it food coma. They also have pastries by Le Blanc and fantastic savory breakfasts involving organic eggs and homemade sausages.

12. Kanten-Jelly with Red Bean, Chestnut, Dumplings and Vanilla Ice Cream

Yumemiya, 6/F, Gochiso Street, Isetan, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-255-9894. Open daily 11am-10pm
Desserts take up nearly half the menu here, but we encourage you to experience the jelly with red bean, chestnuts, dumplings, and vanilla ice cream. It’s huge, it comes with a cup of authentic, thick green tea, and it’s such a weird mix of textures (B140).

13. Seng Sim Ee

Chula, Soi 5, Suan Luang Market, 02-214-0612. Open daily noon-midnight
Around for several generations, Sing Sem Ee remains the go-to nam khaeng sai (Chinese shaved ice and syrup dessert) place for Chula kids and neighborhood enthusiasts. While the recent changes to the area have meant a slight dip in customers, the place is still full to the brim most nights, necessitating table-sharing. If you’re anything like us, cover your head, duck and run past the bees swarming the dazzling display of over twenty sweet toppings out front to reach the safety of the back room. Here you can enjoy the range of rice flour balls, pickled plums, glass noodles, balls of ice and more. Prices for a bowl range from B20-40.

14. Tartelette au Citron (Lemon Tartlet)

Le Notre, G/F, Paragon. Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam, 02-129-4365. Open daily 10am-9:30pm
While everyone seems to be making big fluffy cakes, it takes a French patisserie to whip up a pastry with some backbone, in this case, a perfectly executed “pate sablee” (shortcrust pastry). The tangy lemon curd in the middle is perfect, too (B85). Of course, if you do like your desserts soft and tender, Le Notre’s is also our favorite eclair (chocolat or coffee, B75).

15. Mango and sticky rice

Mae Waree, Soi Thong Lor. 02-392-4804. Open 10am-9:30pm
A few steps into Soi Thong Lor and you’ll come across a fruit shop with a massive mango display out on the sidewalk, along with some gorgeous, purple mangosteens (as the season just started). But the mangoes aren’t just to take home. They can also fix you up a plate or box of delectable mango and sticky rice (B80).

16. Raspberry Tiramisu

Horse Says Moooo, 8/1 Nuam Complex, Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-662-0402. Open Mon-Fri 11am-midnight, Sat-Sun 10:30-midnight
One thing you would never complain about here is the size of the portions. The desserts are simply enormous—seriously we’d struggle to fit their raspberry tiramasu into our flat. Fortunately, its not as heavy as it looks, with a light creamy texture that’s given a nice twist thanks to the tart, fruitiness of the raspberries (B250).

17. Shibuya Honey Toast

After You, J Avenue, Thonglor Soi 13, 02-712-9266. Mon-Sun 9pm-midnight
It’s located in the hip and happening J Avenue on Thonglor, so you can expect the desserts to be hi-so crowd pleasers. The shop is run by a food writer, whose passion for Japanese-style treats makes After You the spot to sample the gastronomic goodies you see on Japanese TV shows. Try their super buttery honey toast topped with vanilla ice cream. It’s a hearty must if you’re not watching your weight (B165).

18. Banana Bailey’s Crepe

Crepes and Co., 18 Sukhumvit Soi 12, 02-653-3990. Open Mon-Sat 9am-midnight, Sun 8am-midnight
Bangkok’s favorite crepes place has been doing this dessert crepe for years now, but we’ve yet to get tired of it. A massive crepe is stuffed with vanilla ice cream, bananas and a slathering of Bailey’s Irish Cream, all dusted with icing sugar (B270). You can share it, but from a messiness standpoint, it’s more fun to have one all by yourself.

19. Custard Pudding

My Porch. 20/13 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-662-6313. Open daily 11am-11pm
Tucked away in a little alley on Sukhumvit Soi 39, My Porch is a cozy little place doing Japanese-Italian fusion. Our favorite dish here is not one of the pastas, though, but the revelatory custard, firm but soft, eggy but sweet, served with a berry jam and amazing, woody caramel that you pour on yourself (B75).

20. Tarte Tatin

Cafe Tartine. Next to Athenee Residence, 65/2 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02-168-5464. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-8pm
Tarte tatin is an amazing dish which, interestingly, is rarely found in its home country’s patisseries (bakeries) but is a huge restaurant favorite. It’s made by making some caramel at the bottom of a pan, pre-baking sliced apples in the caramel, than baking a crust on top. You then flip the tart (a delicate operation) and take the mold off, so that the apples end up on top of a perfectly crispy crust. At Cafe Tartine, the result is a pleasant combination of acidic apples and slightly bitter caramel. It is served with sweet caramel sauce and whipped cream on the side (B90).

21.  Egg Tarts

Kanom Fashion Bakery, 122 Sukhumvit Soi 49 (Soi Klang), 02-391-2428. Open Mon-Sat 9:30am-8pm, Sun 9:30am-6pm
Earlier this year, the egg tarts from Kanom (B35 for a small, B40 for a large) won our blind taste test. We love how the top is browned nicely and that the flakey crust is crunchy and you can really taste the egg in its thick filling. And, the branch on Sukhumvit Soi 49 is awash in sunlight and fashion magazines, making it a great place to spend the afternoon.

22. Gulab Jamun

Royal India, 392/1 Thanon Chakphet, Wang Burapha Phirom, 02-221-6565. Open daily 10am-10pm
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 a taste of the offerings 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 (B12 per piece, B220 per kilo).

23. The Trio of Desserts

The Garret, Rooftop, MINI Showroom, 6th floor, Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Ekkamai), 02-711-6999. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-midnight
You know one thing we always hate about picking a dessert is just that—picking just one. That’s why we love the trio option at this achingly hip gastro bar with it’s stylish prohibition inspired interior and great views over the Ekkamai skyline. The desserts follow the same theme as the pub grub in that they mostly focus on comforting classics, like apple tart and coffee pudding. Just don’t skip the wonderfully decadent molten chocolate dessert served with one scoop of ice cream: suitably crisp on the outside and wonderfully gooey on the inside.

24. Homemade Ice Cream

Nutthaporn Ice Cream, 94 Phraeng Phutorn, Tanao Rd., 02-221-3954, 02-622-2455. Open Mon-Sat 9am-4pm
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-cenury-old ice cream parlor is a sure bet for light and refreshing Thai-style frozen treats (B25 takeout, B22 eat instore). Make sure you order a slice of cake, too.

25. Sweet Toast

Mon Nom Sod, 160/2-3 Dinso Rd., opposite Bangkok City Hall, 02-224-1989. Open sun-thurs 2pm-11, fri-sat 2pm-midnight
This venerable café is overflowing with a crowd vying for tender tasty milk, toasts and steamed bread with sangkhaya. It’s difficult to get a seat and when you do, you can’t occupy it for too long before the servers give you an evil look. (B15 for toast with sugar and butter, B20 for everything else).

26. Boozy Ice Cream

Amaltery, G/F, The Urban Kitchen, Erawan Bangkok, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-250-7777. Open daily 10am-10pm
Over 30 flavors of frozen cocktail delights infused with five percent alcohol. Cheers!

27. Toblerone Cheesecake

Coffee Beans by Dao, 20/12-15, Soi Ruamrudee, Ploenchit Rd., 02-254-7117/-9. Open daily 10am-10pm
Prices are steep (B110 up) but Dao’s legendary white choc’ cheesecake, New York cheesecake and flourless chocolate cake are totally worth your money—and the time you will need to spend on a treadmill burning them off. The Toberlone cheesecake, in particular, combines two guilty pleasures: nougat and cream cheese.

28. Sweet Roti

Roti Pa Auan, Tripetch Rd., Pahurat, opposite Poh Chang College, 02-221-2084. Open daily 11am-6pm
Drop by wearing pants loose at the waist as the paper-thin crisp roti sprinkled with sugar and condensed milk is extremely addictive. It looks and feels light but don’t let it fool you. Also known as Roti Poh Chang.

29. New York Cheesecake

NYCC. Crystal Design Center, Praditmanutham Rd., 02-1022065. Open Mon-Thu 10:30am-9pm, Fri-Sun 10:30am-10pm
Sure, they do a few other things, like Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake (B179) or Black Forest Cake (B169). But what really makes the trip to CDC worth it (and putting up with the shack’s no-frills decor) is its splendid New York-style cheesecake (B179)—hence the occasional queues.

30. Flourless Chocolate Cake

Eat Me. Soi Phipat 2, Convent Rd, 02-238-0931. Open daily 3pm-1am
It’s ironic that since the talented New York pastry chef Tim Butler took over the kitchens of this long standing (and very cool) restaurant-slash-art gallery, he hasn’t changed the desserts. In particular, why mess with the flourless chocolate cake (B270)? It’s decadently divine.

31. 58% Dark Chocolate Drinks

Unit 204-206,  2/F, Exchange Tower, 388 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-663-4554. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-9:30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-9pm
Chu gets its name from its churros (B90/plate, add chocolate or dulce de leche for another B20). But we’ve really fallen in love with their chocolate drinks. The darkest one, made with 58% cacao French baking chocolate (as opposed to cacao powder) is wonderfully complex, bitter and creamy (hot B100, iced B120, frappe B130).

32. Premium milk ice cream

B Naturale, 3/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-129-4784. Visit www.bnaturale.com for other branches. Open daily 10am-9.30pm
Here, it’s all about ice cream served in freshly-baked waffle cones. Prices are steep, but only because the treats are made from imported Hokkaido milk (that’s supposedly better than regular milk). The menu is brief but delectable: Premium Milk, Organic Maple, Banana, Strawberry Millefeuille, Matcha Millefeuille, Belgium Chocolate and the exceptional Sea Salt Caramel. Additional toppings are available for those who like a bit of drama. (B85 per 90 grams)

33. Customized Ice Cream

Cold Stone Creamery, 6/F, Beacon Zone, CentralWorld, Rama 1 Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm
This premium American ice cream parlor is now several branches old in Thailand and lets you customize your ice cream, combining a flavor of your choice along with a choice of toppings. The components get slapped onto a frozen granite slab and manhandled until it’s all mixed in. In Bangkok, it’s been lovingly called i teem pat (ice cream stir-fry).

34. Namora

Beirut, J City Tower, Silom Rd., 02-632-7448. Open daily 11am-11:30pm
For those who don’t dig that dense, chococate-fudgey texture, the semolina cake here is a refreshing alternative and simply lovely. The cake has a soft, but grainy and crumbly texture and is fragrant with rose syrup (B50). Have a slice or two of this with a cup of mint tea.                   

35 French Chocolate Cake

Cherubin. 5/2-3 Sukhumvit Soi 31 (Soi Sawasdee), 02-260-9800. Open Tue-Sun 10:30am-7pm; closed Mon
Chocolate lovers can die happily after a single bite from one of Cherubin’s rich dark delights. The ultimate sins are brownies and French chocolate cake (B110).

36. Raisin Stuffed Bread

Pornchai (Kanompang Banglumpoo). Tanao Rd., Banglumpoo, across from Soi Bavornrangsri. Open daily 8am-6pm
You can’t miss Pornchai, better known as Kanompang Banglumpoo. Before it, a perpetual queue of hungry diners, hypnotized by the scented trail of freshly baked stuffed bread (B30), shuffles zombie-like towards their fix of sausage, shredded pork, ham and raisin stuffing.

37. Kluay Kaek Larn Luang

Larn Luang Rd. Available daily
Passing Larn Luang and Chakkrapatdipong junctions, you’ll see many kluay kaek sellers zigzagging between cars with their bags of banana fritters. Competition is so fierce that the police now fine buyers and vendors alike for causing massive traffic jams. So please, don’t buy from them. (Hey, listen, the fritters from the guy with the red apron are awesome. We never told you. Don’t get caught.)

38. Patongko

Patongko Savoey. 540 Tanao Rd., opposite Bangkok Bank, 02-222-2635. Open daily 6-10am, 4-10pm
If your morning coffee routine involves Starbucks and BK, fine, but on some mornings, you still need to try the deep-fried dough from this long-standing stall. The B20 set includes sangkhaya (Thai custard), or pay a mere B4 per piece.

39. Santol Sorbet

Iberry. Try its J Avenue branch (Thonglor Soi 15, 02-712-6054). Fri-Sat 9am-midnight; Sun-Thurs 10am-11pm. For other branches, visit www.iberryhomemade.com
Their seasonal santol sorbet (B49) rocks! Period. Not in season? Try the mayom, Durian, or something a bit less adventurous like the Horlicks.

40. Macadamia Soft Cake

Mousses & Meringues. 245 Sukhumvit Soi 31 (Soi Sawasdee), 02-261-4830. Open daily 10am-7pm
The décor of this little house is cute and inviting (at least for ladies who lunch) and the Macadamia Soft Cake is irresistible (even if you’re a hardboiled macho man). B95 per piece.

41. Hot Chocolate A-la-minute

Salon. Lobby, The Sukhothai Hotel, 13/3 South Sathorn Rd., 02-344-8888. www.sukhothaihotel.com. Fri-Sun 2-5:30pm
The Sukhothai is famous for its all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet. For B800, you’ll get to taste everything chocolaty from the fountain and mousses to cakes and choco drops. Don’t forget to order a cup of the signature hot chocolate that’s made on the spot by melting chips of chocolate (16 types and origins available, from Cuba to Venezuela) and creme into a cup.

42. Peach Tart with Flaky Dough

The Lobby. Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, 155 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-250-1000. BTS Ratchadamri. www.fourseasons.com/bangkok. Sat-Sun 8am-6pm
We’ve fallen in love with Stephane Calvet, the French pastry chef at Four Seasons. You could sample his treats at the Sunday brunch or Saturday buffet, but if you’re just going for the sugar high, you might as well stick to the B880 (with tea or coffee) high tea, which features all kinds of amazing desserts like ile flottante (a kind of light meringue floating on a whipped cream sauce). But we’re most impressed by Calvet’s handling of the pate feuillete, that delicate, buttery, layered dough that works so perfectly with tart fruits like apricots and peaches.

43. Brownie Cheese Cake

Cherubin. 5/2-3 Sukhumvit Soi 31 (Soi Sawasdee), 02-260-9800. Open Tue-Thu 10:30am-7pm; Fri-Sun 10:30am-8pm
The place’s name says it all: sweet decor, cutesy café and sugary treats that appeal to the girly clientele in the area. Cherubin keeps it light with a limited selection of cakes and chocolates, but you’ll want to hang around to enjoy the cozy setting, house special teas and fruit juices.Chocolate lovers can die happily after a single bite from one of Cherubin’s rich dark delights. The ultimate is the signature brownie cheese cake (B115).

44. Tia Maria Baileys Chocolate Mousse

Cakewalk. 21/3 Grand Heritage Bldg., Thonglor Soi 13, 02-390-0145. Open daily noon-midnight
This homey café is cast in white and purple hues, and outfitted with comfy couches, puffy pillows and soft easy-listening music. Artificial cakes scattered throughout the shop might throw you off guard, but the Tia Maria Baileys chocolate mousse (B95) hits the spot with its subtle Baileys fragrance and sinful chocolate sauce and icing.

45. Berry Surprise

Sugaroma. 60 Ekamai Soi 12, 02-381-9384, 02-713-3389, www.sugaroma.com. Open daily 11am-9pm
This small bakery shop is indeed imbued with a sugary aroma. Sweeter still is the color scheme that leans heavily to flowery pinks, whites and purples. Guys, if you want to come here, you’d better butch it up—especially as your order the Berry Surprise (B90), a sour berry mousse and berry cheese cake, with a sweet white chocolate sauce. (Make sure you call in and pre-order for the Berry Surprise).

46. Crepe Cake

Secret Garden. 117/1 Sathorn Rd. (in front of Sathorn Soi 5). 02-286-2454. Open daily 11am-9pm
Crepes are yummy on their own. Slather them in cream, stack up a hundred of them and douse in a wonderfully tart rasberry coulis and you’ve got BK’s favorite birthday cake (B125). The place ain’t bad either. Not only is it surrounded by a huge garden, the white house also resembles one inside, with pastel green walls, flower arrangements and decorative artificial vines clinging to chandeliers. Visual pleasures continue with cute diners to match.

47. Japanese-style Cheesecake

Visit Miki Ojisan No Mise at any one of its six branches. Try CentralWorld (7/F, Food Hall, 02-613-1610) and Esplanade (B/F, 02-660-9100)
Miki Ojisan No Mise does only one thing, cheesecake, so you can be sure they do it extremely well. The name means “Uncle Miki’s Shop,” and loong Miki already has a huge fan base judging by his six outlets (and counting) across the city. Soft, fluffy, yummy, freshly baked daily—this Japanese cake (B40/piece, B220/pound) has little in common with the rich, compact American variety. You will have to make one decision, though. Espresso, cacao, pineapple or original? For us, it’s original or nothing.

48. Taohuay

Bua Loi Nam Khing (no official name). Across from Watson’s, Yaowarat Rd.,08-7019-3170. Open Tue-Sun 7pm-2am
This dessert stall has enough mainland Chinese customer’s for the owner to have developed some broken Mandarin. They (and we too!) come for the hot and cold Chinese-style desserts. There are gingko seeds, black sesame dumplings and bean curd to be paired with your choice of fresh milk, ginger soup or longan juice (B40-80). Obviously the bua loi nam king is a big favorite but we prefer the taohuay in ginger syrup.

49. Lord Chong Noodles

680-682 Charoen Krung Rd., 02-221-5794. Open Fri-Wed 11am-10pm
Old men (and the occasional BK writer) can always be found here trying to beat the heat with light green lord chong noodles bathed in fragrant coconut milk and topped with shaved ice (B18).

Sui Sian

The Landmark Bangkok, 138 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-254-0404. BTS Nana. Dim sum available daily 11:30am-2pm.
The dark wood décor with deep red accents sets a elegant baseline to your Chinese New Year, which may be just what you’re looking for, instead of the usual, bustling insanity. Your urge to speak in hushed tones in this serene atmosphere will dissipate quickly when enjoying their fantastic dim sum deals which cover all the classics and accompanying rice, noodles or soup. Their year-round all-you-can-eat option (B420) covers 20 classic choices at lunchtime, and for the holiday, Feb 3-4, they’re doing an extra special set at B888 per person that also includes soup, noodles and a Peking duck for the table.

Man Ho

JW Marriott, 4 Sukhumvit Soi 2, 02-656-7700. Dim sum available daily 11:30am-2pm.
This will be a popular hangout for Sukhumvit hi-so family get-togethers this Chinese New Year, thanks to its elegant décor (wood paneling, large round tables and waitresses in quipao/cheongsam) and enormous, bright windows with views over Sukhumvit Road. They do two options: a B490 all-you-can-eat dim sum during the week, and a slightly fancier set for B720 (all week) that includes roast duck and shark’s fin soup (boo!). They also specialize in abalone and bird’s nest dishes.

Maria

50-52 Ratchadamnoen Klang Road, 02-221-5211. Dim sum available daily 11am-2pm.
Maria is like an old relative you see once a year for Chinese New Year. The rest of the time, you wonder if he’s dead: the doors hidden behind lotto sellers are always closed, but Maria is ever ready to welcome visitors. Step inside and find yourself in a large space decked out with simple 70s-style décor that can accommodate more than a hundred people all at once. The experience is old school and comforting, with lots of dim sum trucks and waving and pointing. A can’t-miss dish is the kha muu mantou (stewed pork knuckle served with steam Chinese buns). No set menus, but dim sum starts at a mere B40.

Silver Palace

4 Silom Soi 3 (Soi Phiphat), 02-235-5118. BTS Sala Daeng. Dim sum available daily 11:00am-14:00pm, 18:00pm-22:00pm
A two decade-old institution, Silver Palace is conveniently located in the heart of Silom, which also means that it’s crazy busy, thanks in part to its affordable prices. The vibe is of a laid-back and boisterous food hall, typical of this type of establishment: a large room, lots of round tables and maroon table clothes. We’re a little sad that they don’t do their B299 dim sum buffett anymore, but individual baskets range from B50-80, so no big deal. On Feb 2, spend over B2,000, and you get a 50% dining voucher for your next visit.

China House

48 Oriental Avenue, 02-659-9000. Dim sum available daily 11:30am-2:30pm
If you don’t mind having a slightly belated Chinese New Year celebration, consider spending Sunday afternoon at the atmospheric and fancy China House, where the dim sum brunch at B1,154 (or B1,650 with booze) is one of the more affordable offerings. If you want to celebrate with a date rather than grandma and grandpa, you’ll love the Wong Kar Wai-esque, smoking den feel of this place. As for the food, the dim sum are solid and fresh, being prepared a la minute, and there is an array of other Hong Kong-style dishes and Chinese classics. Get all you can eat from Mon-Sat for B888 (no drinks included). But for their legendary shrimps in wasabi mayonnaise, you’ll have to order a la carte.

Liu

Conrad Bangkok, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Rd.,
02-690-9999. Dim sums available Sunday 11:30am-2:30pm.
Unlike the vast sprawling spaces and starched tablecloths of many dimsum halls, Lui has a low-ceilinged cozy feeling and a colorful décor with delicate traditional furniture and lots of red accents and table settings, all of which work to make it feel more like a standalone than a hotel restaurant. The dim sum set lunch isn’t pricey either. For B980, you get all-you-can-eat privileges for dim sum and lots of table toppers like braised shark’s fine with crab meat, garoupa fish with shredded taro and fried Shanghai yellow noodles with duck. For B1,180, you can get a slight upgrade with more seafood-heavy dishes.

Ahyat Abalone

Ramada Plaza Maenam Riverside Bangkok, Charoenkrung Rd., 02-291-7781/3. Dim sum available daily 11am-2:30pm.
This Bangkok franchise of Hong Kong’s Michelin star-studded restaurant never fails to pack in hordes of dim sum lovers on a daily basis. While its décor could do with some updates (think noisy and chaotic air-con room with big round tables), the restaurant itself is lauded for cooking up abalones to perfection and an impressive selection of Hong Kong-style dim sum, which comes in 30 varieties. The highlights include steamed scallop dumpling (B86), baked char-siew (BBQ pork) bun (B74), baked egg tarts (B68), deep-fried crispy flour wrapped in rice noodle (B80) and steamed bun with custard (B64). If that’s too much to shell out for dumplings, go there on during lunch for a 50% discount off the dim sum menu. Booking is a must.

Crystal Jade

G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-129-4343.
For more branches, go to www.crystaljade.com. Dim sum available daily 10:30am-6pm
They may be a chain, but Crystal Jade is a hot favorite when it comes to democratic (haha) Chinese in our fair city. Not only do they do dim sum daily from 10:30-6pm, they’re also one of the few places in town you can get xiao long bao, those soup and meat-filled dumplings from Shanghai. And the Paragon branch is the least chain-y and most festive of the bunch, with its columns, dark wood and banquet style eating—perfect for a New Year’s brunch with your parents.

Xinn Tien Di

3/F, Gaysorn, 999 Ploenchit Rd., 02-656-2114. Dim sum served daily noon-2pm.
It’s hidden away on the top floor of Gaysorn, which means it’s often less than full, but it does come with the requisite high ceilings and a brigade of efficient waitstaff and knowledgable captain. We’re fans of the dim sum service here, as their light dumplings are delicately-made with thin skins and juicy flavors that avoid being too pork fatty. The chef also has a deft hand at seafood and their speciality Peking duck, which comes with light pancakes that are green with the addition of tea leaves. Dim sum ranges from B50-100.

We don’t know about you, but we know exactly how we intend to spend our time over the festive season. Aside from the feasting (that’s a given) and some light partying, we’re factoring in hours upon hours of sleep due to the colossal deficit we’re running. Make no mistake. When we finally muster up enough willpower to drag ourselves out of bed (possibly while battling the hangover of the year), the overwhelming, driving force will be hunger. These are just a few of the places we’ll be popping by to grab some grub after enjoying a good lie-in.

10 at Claymore
Lobby Level, Pan Pacific Orchard, 10 Claymore Rd., 6831-6686.
Ah, the quintessential Sunday brunch. Few things can top it, but one magic word makes it all the better: Buffet. 10 at Claymore’s is exemplary (from $48). So dig into a mind-boggling array of offerings, such as stir-fried US turkey breast and crispy tiger prawns with avocado and tomato salsa and a mango emulsion, boneless leg of lamb, roast Wagyu beef and fresh seafood including Boston lobsters, sashimi and sushi. And of course, those with a sweet tooth will love the sinful selection of desserts.

Barracks
8D Dempsey Rd., 6475-7787.
Despite the fact that Dempsey is sometimes a little too crowded, we still have a penchant for the verdant greenery. Certainly one of the most enticing spots around is Barracks, with its alfresco terrace overlooking lush surrounds. An afternoon spent here, in the company of some well-poached free range eggs, buttery brioche toasties and spears of asparagus doused with béarnaise sauce ($15), is a restorative one indeed. Other things to try include their seven-layer pancake which hides Nutella, hazelnuts, pistachios, raisins, dried apricots and maple syrup ($15), chargrilled figs served with a sherry vinegar reduction, walnuts and goat’s cheese ($19) and golden brown slices of French toast filled with a medley of fresh berries ($17). We suppose you should probably bring at least another ravenous soul along, if only because it means you can safely order up a storm for variety.

Cherry Garden
5/F Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, Marina Square, 5 Raffles Ave.,
6885-3538.
This elegant establishment specializes in Cantonese fare, carefully prepared and artistically presented by executive chef Hiew Gun Khong. It wouldn’t be a Chinese brunch if it wasn’t dim sum, and here you can pair it with Champagne at weekends ($118). With over 50 different items to pick from including mini abalone siew mai with pork and mushrooms, shark’s fin dumpling with dried scallops and shrimps, juicy xiao long bao and spinach dumplings with prawns, garlic and salted egg yolk, it’s going to be a long meal, so get comfortable. We’re partial to chef Hiew’s honey-glazed Kurobuta char siew, wasabi prawns with fresh mango and fish roe and steamed scallop atop silken tofu with a mildly spicy black bean sauce. Before you yield, which you inevitably will, ensure you’ve saved some room for the delightfully refreshing watermelon chutney with aloe vera, pears and lemongrass jelly.

Peach Garden Sichuan @ Miramar
3/F Hotel Miramar, 401 Havelock Rd., 6736-3833.
Much like their other outlets, you can expect to find some seriously delectable Cantonese yum cha classics being wheeled around in those charming little trolleys. Unlike the others, this one has an added bonus element: Sichuan cuisine. Dressed in warm hues of bronze and burnt sienna with tastefully restrained furnishings, this is an ideal spot for a hearty Sunday buffet ($33.80). Expect to find familiar dishes such as steamed BBQ pork buns, pan-fried carrot cake, spare ribs with black bean sauce and egg tarts. More unusual items include deep-fried soft shell crab with plum sauce, chilled chicken in a spicy chili paste and braised eggplant with Sichuan chili. You simply can’t pass on the sweet jelly royale; the softest-set coconut jelly served in a young coconut.

Privé
#01-01/04 Marina at Keppel Bay, 2 Keppel Bay Vista, 6776-0777.
This port of call has such a great laidback vibe, it’s hard to resist the temptation to wile away the entire weekend here. Fortunately, that attitude extends to the simple, fuss-free food, which provides instant comfort and satisfaction. Case in point: The Privé ultimate breakfast ($17)—a plate full of eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, toasted tomatoes, baked beans and arugula. They also offer chicken and mushroom béchamel pie ($15), grilled Cajun chicken wrap with mango and aioli ($14) and good old fish & chips ($17). Their bakery boasts a range of homemade goods including banana walnut muffins ($2.80), apple strudel Danishes ($1.20) and carrot and oatmeal cupcakes ($3.80). Top it off with a milkshake, in flavors such as peanut butter and jelly ($11), malted Malteasers ($12) and Kahlua with bourbon vanilla ice cream ($15), and you won’t want to leave. We suggest sitting outside by the water. The view doesn’t hurt, either.

Other Class Acts

PS. Café at ASH Park
Fine new space on the boutique street du jour.
45 Ann Siang Rd., 9797-0648.

Spruce
Wonderful verandah and killer Eggs Benny.
Phoenix Park, 320 Tanglin Rd., 6836-5528.

The White Rabbit
When was the last time you brought someone here and they weren’t impressed?
39C Harding Rd., 6473-9965.

Wild Honey
Beautiful breakfast for beautiful people.
#03-02 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd., 6235-3900.

Sure wine dinners, DJ gigs and afternoon Saturday brunches are fun, but we think mornings might also be where the good life is. Imagine waking up early (yes, early) and meeting friends in your yoga pants for coffee and a muffin at a rare spot that opens at 9am, not 11:30am. Or even grabbing a real breakfast before heading to work. Nice, right? Now set your alarm and go do it with the help of our round-up.

Ohana Cafe

50/4 Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-661-1930. Open daily 8am-7pm
Not only is Ohana Café open bright and early, their glass-box architecture offers the tranquility of the morning sun and lots of garden foliage. It’s also good both for groups and for solo internetting or book perusing from their small, charming travel book library. And the food lives up to the décor, with a serious coffee and tea list from all over the world, lots of baked goods and dishes for any sort of appetite.
Recommended: The decadent should get their waffles (B150), which are huge and come covered in strawberries and whipped cream. For something smaller get their croissants (B45), which are legit and made exclusively for Ohana, from French flour and French butter.

Le Blanc

15 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-259-4353. Open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm
A simple, family operation run by a Japanese couple with great enthusiasm for French baking, Le Blanc reminds us of a neighborhood bakery in Paris, drawing in families from nearby condos in the area. Their baking area is behind the display, which means everything is made in-house, so you canliterally have pastries fresh out of the oven. Their small eating area has a few tables and great light from their window wall facing the street. If you get there early, you can grab the one long couch with a friend or two. While they do breads and baguettes in the afternoon, mornings are for pastries and viennoiseries like croissants, pain au chocolat, little tarte and danishes.Recommended: They do a coffee and pastry set for B100. You can’t go wrong with any of their baby tarts (B40-45), with their amazingly firm and flakey pastry. Get the poire orange which has bits of chocolate in it. If you’re really attached to eggs, on weekends, they do an egg and bacon/ham set too.

Café Tartine

Athenee Residence, 65 Wireless Rd. (entrance from Soi Ruamrudee), 02-168-5464. Open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 9am-6pm
In your frantic, nighttime beeline for Hyde and Seek, you may have overlooked this little slice of Paris morning life. Café Tartine is perfect for a solitary breakfast or a group hangout, with simple birch wood tables and chairs and floral tiles. Its endless rows of Ricard and Perrier along the walls offer a soothing, austere ambience whose counterpoint is the array of lovely baked goods fit for breakfast or lunch.
Recommended: If you’re feeling particularly Francais, go for their traditional breakfast set of croissant, café latte and orange juice (B99). Or you can amp it up further by going for the extra large bowl of hot chocolate (B105) like a countryside schoolboy. Other simple breakfast options include the pain au chocolat (B70) and the toasted baguette (with jam and butter, B60). If you while away the whole morning here, the lunchtime croques, sandwiches and platters of cheese and cold cuts are also very atmospherically French.

Little Home Bakery

413/10-20, Soi Thonglor, Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-185-1485. Open Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat-Sun 8am-9pm
If being hip before noon is too much for you to handle, we suggest this modest little place on Thong Lor. Little Home Bakery is the sort of diner that time has forgotten, remembered mostly by long-time residents and expats who come here for their solid American breakfast offerings, including strong coffee, bakery goods and standard Thai dishes for lunch and dinner as well.
Recommended: They do a very cheap American breakfast set (B165) that includes two eggs, bacon, coffee, orange juice and pancakes. But since pancakes are their specialty, got for a whole plate of them (B90). They also do nice waffles with strawberries at B90.

Kanom Fashion Bakery

122 Sukhumvit Soi 49 (Soi Klang), 02-391-2428. Open Mon-Sat 9:30am-8:30pm, Sun 9:30am-6pm
The branch on Sukhumvit 49 is a great (and slightly rare) combination of mostly Thai dessert treats and savory pies, a beautiful, contemporary space and parking. The fashion theme suggested in the name is far from overwhelming, too, so no early-morning self-loathing. Instead, enjoy their enormous, bright windows and perhaps even their outdoor garden, where you can demolish their giant stack of fashion magazines with endless cups of coffee and pie.
Recommended: Their specialty is egg tarts, which they supply citywide. Mini ones are B35 for two, and the regular ones are B40 a piece. Also try their croissants which come plain, with ham and cheese, sausage and with spinach (B20-40). The mushroom pies (B35) are generously stuffed.