True Coffee gives Thai desserts a cool form
Ice cream isn't an acquired taste - everybody likes ice cream! However, I must admit that not everybody likes or is familiar with Thai desserts. With funny textures and names like khanom mor gaeng or khanom sod sai, they could be slightly intimidating for foreigners. At the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, however, True Coffee has turned traditional Thai desserts into ice cream of many flavours.
Now, for those sceptics out there who never venture out of their usual vanilla and the occasional frozen yoghurt, try this with an open mind; and if I may say so, it was absolutely delicious.
The 10 flavours include khanom mor gaeng puek foy thong (taro custard with sweet golden thread), khanom bueng chao wang (palace-style crispy crepe), khao tom mud (sticky rice cooked in coconut milk with banana and black beans) and tako haew maphrao on (water chestnut and young coconut pudding).
Priced at 55 baht per scoop, these ice creams don't just taste of such desserts, they offer tidbits of them made according to traditional recipes and original methods.
The chao guay boran, or authentic black jelly, my personal favourite flavour, has an icy texture with the crunchiness of crushed ice and sprinkling of brown sugar - it offered the true taste.
Now, True Coffee has various branches scattered all over the city, as well as in Hua Hin and Chiang Mai, but the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall branch is the only one that has the liberty of selling these Thai dessert-inspired ice creams. This is mainly due to its location. So much of our country's history is buried in Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue and the coffee shop cultivates aspects of Thai culture and food together in one place.
The main coffee shop is located on the first floor of the museum while the "sky cafe" on the fourth floor is where you can enjoy the ice creams as well as get a great view of the Phu Khao Thong, Wat Ratchanatda and the stunning Loha Prasart.
Apart from the ice creams, the selection of iced coffees, Thai iced tea and hot chocolate is enough to make you want to lounge on the couch while taking in the beautiful view.
My favourite was probably the Peru Hot Chocolate; it's a kind of 'do it yourself' beverage; the warm frothy milk is served alongside a dark chocolate stick, and depending on your personal taste, the chocolate is dipped into the milk, making your very own authentic cosy drink, perfect for this rainy season.
This place is definitely worth a visit; you will find yourself enjoying the sweet treats they have to offer, and find yourself placed right in the middle of a historic town within a busy city. Just like what True Coffee has done with ice cream and Thai desserts, it really is the best of both worlds.
Full review at: /entertainment/entertainscoop/192016/best-of-both-worlds
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