Themed cafes are the latest craze popping all over the Big Mango and what's not to be crazy about? After all, would you rather sit in a quaint little cafe or would your rather be in a place with walls adorned with bright coloured-rainbows in a unicorn onesie, or wearing a mermaid fin while you feast on a rainbow cake and slurp on a rainbow slushie? OK, to each their own, I guess. But if you're one of the latter and want a more heightened cafe experience then you've come to the right place or should I say you're reading the right piece. Here are seven themed cafes to indulge yourself in Bangkok.
Unicorn Cafe
Tues-Sun, 12pm-8pm
Sathon 8
Photos: Unicorn Cafe
If you've ever wanted to go to a place where it seems like a unicorn threw up all over the walls and ceilings then look no further than Unicorn Cafe. This establishment has been an attraction for locals and foreigners alike so if you're planning to go there, don't be surprised if it's crowded and if you have to wait for a while for a table. Aside from the rainbow-y aesthetic, they've also got a number of similarly themed food and beverages for you to enjoy. You can get a frappé served in a star-shaped glass or you can opt for an ice-cream dish served with fruits and a side of rainbow waffles. They don't just have desserts or sweets but they serve dishes like pastas, as well. When you're done feasting or while you're working on finishing your dishes, it's a no-brainer of course, to snap a few photos. Cuddle the cute stuff toys strewn all over the shop but the one thing you must do is to take a pic wearing the unicorn onesies that they have.
Detective Conan Cafe
Daily 11am-10pm, Siam Center, http://fb.com/ConanCafeBKK
Photos: Conan Cafe
The famed detective, who is really a man trapped in a kid's body, has broached the shores of Thailand... sort of. Detective Conan is a well-known character in his native Japan and he's got his share of fans in Thailand as well, so it's fortunate that the first international version of the Conan Cafe has been set up here. Some of the themed dishes you can feast on include the APTX-4869 capsule curry and the Detective Conan special cake, along with beverages like the Detective Cona hot latte with a different character all foamed up on the top. It's a pretty simple pop-up cafe that any fan of the manga and anime will enjoy. Unlike the other establishments on this list, the Conan Cafe is a pop-up cafe for a limited time only. If you plan on visiting, get on it!
Hello Kitty House Bangkok
10am-10pm, Siam Square One, http://HelloKittyHouseBangkok.com
Photos: Pornprom Satrabhaya
If you want to be surrounded by all things pink and cute then this is the place. The titular character that's built up a popularity all around the world since the 70s is all around the cafe, whether it be the food, drinks or decor. Hello Kitty lovers are going to love it! While there are sweet servings available in the form of Tracy choco marshmallow cake and Rainbow crepe cake -- all designed in adorable Hello Kitty fashion, of course -- and desserts like bingsu and pancakes, they've also got Spaghetti tom yum goong and Teriyaki chicken rice. Of course, they also sell Hello Kitty merch.
Mermaid Castle Siam
12pm-9pm, Siam Square soi 2, http://fb.com/MermaidCastleSiam
A wise crab once said "Darling it's better down where it's wetter", and while that phrase may have a different meaning for a few, we know what Sebastian was talking about. Luckily, the Mermaid Castle in Siam is giving you the chance to be able to experience just that -- a life under the sea. Patrons will not just be surrounded by the blue-purple hues mimicking the sea but also get to wear fins. Yes, while Ariel wanted to be part of our world, you can be part of hers. They've got a bunch of "mermaid-y" and "princess-y" merch on sale to indulge your Disney fantasy.
May's Garden House Restaurant
Tue-Sun 12pm-7pm Sukhumvit soi 29, http://fb.com/MaysBangkok
Photos: May’s Garden House Restaurant
"My Neighbor Totoro" should be a familiar name to most, so it's kind of weird that May's Garden House Restaurant, a cafe themed around the beloved anime and licensed by Studio Ghibli, opened in Bangkok with a little fanfare. This is the first of its kind anywhere in the world, excluding the restaurant in the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, which makes it a pretty big deal and is a must-visit for fans of Studio Ghibli. Aside from seeing the forest spirit Totoro itself, you are also surrounded by a variety of other characters from the classic anime like Satsuki and Mei. The menu offers a bunch of local dishes like tom yum fried rice and fried chicken wings which, oddly enough, are actually the reason the cafe exists. Ghibli Stuido co-founder Toshi Suzuki on a visit to Nakhon Ratchasima met a streetside vendor selling chicken wings. He was so taken by how delicious they were and sympathised with how the vendor struggled to make ends meet. He felt the rural countryside reminded him of the forest in the anime and he put two and two together and came up with the idea for the cafe.
Coincidentally, the street vendor's name was May, similar to the character "Mei" in the anime, which is why the name on the restaurant is spelt as such. If you're planning on driving there, you should know that they've got no space for parking and if you're planning to come on a weekend, it's best to make a reservation two weeks in advance.
Moomin Cafe
Siam Center, 4th Floor, http://fb.com/MoominCafeThailand
The family of white hippo-like creatures that originated from the mind of Finnish artist Tove Jansson has a permanent home in Siam Center. Enjoy a number of Moomin-inspired dishes while being surrounded by figurines of the Moomins. You can even snuggle up to a large plushie if you're feeling all cuddly. Desserts and sweet treats abound on the menu like their Mango smoothies and the vast array of waffles and ice cream selections. They also have savoury selections like the Mymble stew with jasmine rice and local dishes that are familiar to everyone.
