We’re not going to bore you with historical facts about the Chinese New Year. We just know for a fact that the occasion is widely celebrated around the globe with loud fireworks and vibrant festivities.
Bangkok is no different. In fact, there are a lot of Chinese New Year events in Bangkok that will give you an authentic apprehension of the fascinating culture of China—especially in the city’s very own Chinatown.
If you don’t know where to start in this bustling ethnic enclave, here are a few suggestions on where to eat and drink in Chinatown to get you reeled up for Chinese New Year in Bangkok 2020.
Eat Authentic Chinese Food in Chinatown Bangkok
Start your Chinatown adventure at Lhong Tou Café. This popular Chinatown haunt may garner long queues, but its Instagrammable interior and undeniably satisfying dishes will make it worth the wait.
Lhong Tou Café went viral back in 2018 because of its unique seating arrangements. They made wise use of their compact space and created double-deckers with an industrial finish to cater to more people. To add to that, they did a little optical illusion by placing wall mirrors on the opposite side to make the place seem spacious and have enough breathability. It worked for them because, until now, its table set-up is unparalleled, and people still visit them frequently.
Although customers came for the ‘gram, they stayed for the food. Lhong Tou specializes in comfort dimsum dishes that give traditional bites a twist which locals and tourists can thoroughly enjoy. Their order staple is the Salted Egg Lava Bun (THB 29). It has a nice fried texture on the outside and, when you break it in two, comes a marvelous display of oozing, creamy salted egg custard; almost like the Forbidden gates of China opening right before you.
Other items are as surprisingly cheap like the Chinese Breakfast Set (THB 129), Lhong Tou Thai Milk Tea (THB 75), and Hot Flowers Tea (THB 160 – 180).
Literally translates as “number 8” derived from its shophouse number, this all-around restaurant is hard to miss with its neon-lit façade protruding right at the corner of the street.
Its bright-red glow illuminating the dark tones of the ancestral building gives it a beguiling demeanor that’s hard to resist. The same goes for their food offerings. Whet your appetite with bona fide Chinese food beautifully-plated in dashing porcelains at reasonable prices.
From starters down to desserts, you’ll fill your stomach with quality viands and nothing less. Order the Mala Tofu (THB 158), Tan Tan Noodle (THB 218), and Coriander Ice Cream (THB 158) for a no-fail full-course order!
Feel free to explore Ba Hao and visit their bar or even check-in at their newly-opened accommodation rooms ensuing a hearty feast.
After a day filled with endless chows and big gulps, now would be the best time to visit the Michelin-rated Nai Ek Roll Noodles.
From what started as a pushcart stall managed by an immigrant from China in the 1960s, its exceptional taste and long-established cooking method proved deserving of a restaurant of its own over time. Even up to this very day, people enjoy their soothing soup and ultra-tender meat that it became a classic along Yaowarat Road.
The hot, clear broth and peppery-heat of their classic Roll Noodles Soup (THB 50/80/100 – depending on size) will be the perfect after-thought of a heavy meal. Its warmth will envelop your body and invigorate your senses to enjoy more of its generous serving of minced pork, sliced pork, pork offal, and crispy pork, the latter which you could buy a la carte for only THB 100.
Most of the time, it’s true when they say that you eat with your eyes. However, at Nai Ek Roll Noodles, the simplicity of everything—place, food, and ingredients—will speak for itself.
Discover Trendy Neighborhood Bars for Nightcaps
Now that you’ve had your fill, it’s time to head out for drinks. Teens of Thailand gives a handful of reasons to be the first on your bar-hopping list.
Notably, Teens of Thailand is the first gin bar in the country. The owners noticed the state’s abundance in natural spices and got inspired from there. They played around with various botanicals and managed to create masterpieces, which earned them a spot in Asia’s 50 Best Bars consistently.
The menu changes daily but expect to score classic G&Ts and cocktails starting at THB 350. This erratic frolicking set in an intimate, grunge atmosphere makes it an exciting place to be frequented mostly by tasteful youth who have all the time in the world. I mean, their Facebook description reads as: “Welcome all useless teens and the useless mid-life crisis people who love to drink gin.”
Welcome to the club, my friend. Welcome to the club.
For those who prefer a more exclusive session, a little traversing along the ins-and-outs of Chinatown will take you to a hidden gem.
It’s not a speakeasy per se, but the way to Ku Bar makes it incredibly hard to find. It’s located on the 3rd floor of an abandoned building with a rickety staircase that looks straight out of a horror movie. Are you already thinking that the night will be filled with bad decisions? You bet.
The drinks served at Ku bar are potent and skillfully concocted by two bartending geniuses. They make use of mostly oriental flavors and give it a magical transformation that’s truly astounding. For one, they have 10 Herb (THB 360), a gin-based drink with a mix of herbal tea that has a smooth, sweet, and creamy finish with its use of honey, egg whites, lime, and burnt sugar on top as garnish.
They also have the Ylang Ylang Sour which comprises of mead, toasted sesame, and tamarind flower. Interestingly enough, they placed #49th on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2018.
Pro-Tip: Reserve ahead of time. They have a no-standing policy!
You might have a hard time finding this clandestine bar. Ask around and you’ll get there. Just be careful not to ask a supernatural entity at the spirit house beside it.
Sometimes, a good nightcap calls for a nice cityscape view and a refreshing evening breeze. You’ll get exactly that at Wallflowers Upstairs, a rooftop bar in Chinatown Bangkok.
Wallflowers doubles as a café and restaurant by day, and a quaint, chill hangout post at night amid Soi Nana. It combines rustic and natural elements that are easy on the eyes and are extremely suited for a laid-back vibe.
The drinks here are assorted; making it perfect for any kind of crowd. They serve cocktails, mocktails, gins, tequila, wines, and so much more. The price range is unexpectedly affordable despite its premium location near the old town’s roundabout.
Chinese New Year is bound to be a good one, especially with choices like these. From its busy morning market scene to its lamp-lit streets at night, you’ll get lost in the antique, local charm of Chinatown.
Go to TABLE to check out more venues and happening events.