There is no end to things to eat, drink, and do at this cool district in BKK
Ari’s streetscape has transformed into a vibrant enclave that’s bursting with top-notch restaurants, fancy boutiques, snappy bars, and even a badass food truck. Even if you’ve been, the Tiong Bahru of Bangkok, a hotspot for Bangkok’s yuccies and hipsters to unwind, is worth a trip every time you’re in the vibrant Thai city.
Casa Lapin x Ari
First established in 2012, Casa Lapin has now expanded from their Thonglor Art Village branch to Ari and Soi 49. Expect quality brews and delicious western breakfast such as pancakes topped with bacons and scrambled eggs at this glam café. Founded by Thai interior designer Surapan Tanta, Casa Lapin x Ari reminds us of quaint hipster cafés found in Perth: it’s decorated with beautiful blooms and repurposed hanging lights. The inviting café also offers a range of good reads including Frankie, Cereal, and Kinfolk.
Casa Lapin x Ari, 1/F, Noble Reform Condominium, Soi Phahon Yothin 7, p. +66 02 116 3308. Open Sun-Thur, 8.30am-10pm, Fri-Sun, 8.30am-11pm.
Summer Street
If you think food trucks can only manage simple delights like mouth-watering grilled cheese sandwich, then you will be truly blown away by Summer Street’s menu. The photogenic white-aluminium trailer actually dishes out fresh grilled seafood. There are tables propped outside, so you can sit down and have your meal immediately after. We recommend ordering their generous seafood set that comes with ginormous freshwater prawns, squids, clams, and more.
Summer Street, Aree Soi 2, Bangkok, Thailand 10400. Open Mon-Sat, 4pm-10pm.
Bin Bin Long
A Vietnamese bistro slash jazz club, Bin Bin Long is a great place to hang on weeknights. Catch the charming jazz trio as they keep you entertained while you dig into their signature Vietnamix – thai-inspired Vietnamnese grub. The cosy bistro is decked in leather chairs and mahogany tables, resembling pubs in London.
Bin Bin Long, 39 Phahon Yothin 11, Sam Sen Nai, Bangkok, Thailand 10400, p. +66 02 279 8665. Open Daily, 11am-10pm.
Mad Bar
Order a Mad Jamaican Mojito and chill out on the comfy beanbags scattered across this swanky bar’s garden – all while a live band serenades you.
Mad Bar, Soi areesamphan 4, Bangkok, Thailand 10400, p. +66 02 278 5325. Open Mon 11am-3pm, 5pm-10pm, Wed-Sun 11am-3pm, 5pm-1am.
Lay Lao
If you’re looking for authentic Thai Isan food in a modern setting, Lay Lao is the place to go. Frequent by locals; expect dishes to have a spicy kick, unlike typical joints that water down the spice for tourists.
Lay Lao, 65-67 Phahonyothin 7 Rd., Samsen-nai, Phayathai, Bangkok, Thailand 10400, p. +66 02 023 4521. Open Daily 10am-10pm.
Puritan
After studying in Tokyo for three years, chef-owner Purinat Tantinantana decided to turn his charming brick house into a bakery. Decorated with grandiose velvet European furniture, Greek statues, and taxidermies animals,this lavish café reminds us of an art collector’s house in 18th century Europe. While the desserts look sinful and something weight-watchers would totally disapprove of, they are actually made with wholesome, low-fat ingredients.
Puritan, 46/1 Soi Aree 5, Paholyothin Rd.,Samsennai, Phayathai, Bangkok, Thailand 10400, p. +66 02 357 1099. Open Tue-Fri, 1pm-10pm, Sat-Sun 11am-10pm.
Vick’s
Created by Bangkok’s high-fashion label Vickteerut, Vick’s features more laid-back pieces catered to younger clientele. Expect to find clean lines, knitted materials, as well as slouchy shapes.
Vick’s, Ari Soi 2, +66 02 279 1260. Open daily 11am-8pm.
Salt
Housed in a concrete structure boasting full-length glass panels, Salt is a classy wine and cocktail bar that serves delicious Italian, French, Japanese cuisine. We recommend trying their wood-oven pizzas and tuna tartar – it’s simply to die for. Take it outdoors and grab a table at their garden for a romantic night out.
Salt, 36/2 Phahonyothin Soi 7, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand, p. +66 2 619 6886. Open Mon-Sat, 6pm-12am.
Panary Café
We can’t get enough of Panary Café’s irresistible Dutch baby pancakes (cross between pancakes and popovers). Fill yourself up with their Prosciutto & Wild Rocket or their tangy Kimchi Cheese (our fave!), before ending it off with a sweet treat; try their Triple Berries, Strawberry and Lemon Curd, or Butter Bananas and Nuts. The interior is extremely quirky too. There’s an abstract tree that’s decorated with hanging mason jars sprouting from table.
Panary Café, G Floor, Noble Reform Condominium 8/1 Paholyothin 7, Samsen Nai, Payathai, Bangkok, Thailand 10400, p. +66 02 116 6889. Open Mon-Fri, 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat, 10am-9pm.
Numthong Gallery
Numthong Gallery boasts over 130 square metres of exhibition space and even a small library for art research. Art enthusiasts will be positively delighted by the intriguing array of contemporary pieces on display; a great way to have a peek into Bangkok’s art scene. Admission is always free.
Numthong Gallery, 72/3 Soi Ari 5 nua Phahonyothin 7, Phahonyothin Road, Bangkok, Thailand 10400, p. +66 2617 2794. Open Mon-Sat, 11am-6pm.
Jim’s Burgers and Beers
Burgers and beers can never go wrong. Swing over to Jim’s for greasy, sloppy burgers – their signature Jim’s honey beef burger is a must eat! The welcoming restaurant also stocks a fine selection of craft beers including brands like Holgate Brewhouse and Rogue Farms.
Jim’s Burgers and Beers, Soi Ari Samphan 3, Rama 6 Road | Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, p. +66 02 000 9585. Open daily, 5pm-12am.
PlaDib
Related to Singapore’s very own Kilo Lounge, PlaDib is Bangkok’s indie hangout. Treating food as an art, the chic gastrobar serves affordable fine-dining bites in a unique setting. There’s also a small urban farm out back that rears chicken (purely for their eggs) and grows vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms for their dishes.
PlaDib, 1/1 Areesampan Soi 7 Rama 6 Samsennai Phayathai, Bangkok, Thailand, p. +66 2 279 8185. Open Tue-Sun, 8am-11.30pm.
Porcupine Café
Located right next door to Salt, Porcupine Café is a rustic coffee house that’s designed with stone walls and tiles, pine furnishing and quirky decorations. Arm yourself with a good read and spend the entire afternoon here.
Porcupine Café, 2/1 Phahon Yothin 7 Alley, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand, p. +66 86 889 9210. Open daily 10am-10pm.