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Bangkok is known as a food lover's paradise and - thanks largely to a certain Buddhist strain and the presence of increasingly enlightened expat communities - it's also a treat for vegetarians! You will find glorious eateries catering to all kinds of die-hard vegetarians. Some restaurants offer meat surrogates in the forms of soy chicken, tuna, bacon and the like, so non-vegetarian diners don't feel completely left out (it may just convert them). Whatever it is you feel like, there is no shortage of vegetarian choices in Bangkok. Here are a few of the best:
Tamarind Café & Gallery F-Stop
Truly gorgeous, this three-levelled venue has a relaxed art café feeling, while being both a high-end gallery and full-blown vegetarian restaurant. The first level with its couch-like seating is a space conducive to socialising. Overlooking is the gallery level, where you can dine surrounded by (or purchase) contemporary photography. And for the romantics, or those who prefer going al fresco, the dimly lit rooftop terrace is filled with music and plants. A decadent menu offers creative and tasty fusion dishes.
Some of the highlights for starters are Shashliki (satay of grilled vegetables and tofu squares), and Malay quesadillas (vegetables and melted cheese in creamy peanut folded in curry sauce). The main dishes from East and West reflect 'New World' vegetarian, are lavish and not shy of cheese. There is a selection of good wines and the most divine herbal tea infusions. The absolute is star anise and cinnamon, which is nothing less than heavenly. Desserts are not skimpy either. The crème brulee with ginger is out of this world. This is the place to come for an evening of feasting. Best come with a worthy appetite.
Also have a look at this detailed Thailand Tatler review of Tamarind Café.
Location: Sukhumvit Soi 20
Open: Mo- Fri 15:00 - 24:00, Sat-Sun 10:00 - 24:00
Contact: +66 (0)2 663 7421
Anothai Restaurant
An Asian inspired nouveau-style restaurant, this eatery focuses on lighter fare, with a healthy menu offering both Asian and Western style dishes - mostly organic options. Tasty appetisers include spicy roasted eggplant and sesame dip. All salads are made with certified organic produce. Noodle dishes and pasta (lasagne and spaghetti) come in various well-chosen flavours, such as spinach and shitake lasagne. The health-inducing herbal teas are listed according to their powers - and the variety is daunting. As I started eyeing the pastries long before dinner, I opted for the galanghal and tumeric infusion 'for indigestion'. The refreshing sweet sour tofu and vegetables (with the option of white or brown rice) is satisfying and leaves just enough room for a round of dessert. And the display in the bakery section will want to make you carry half of it home. Fig tart, rose petal scones and the most yummy cinnamon rolls, make it reason enough to go there!
Location: 967/17 Soi Rama 9 Hospital
Open: 11:30 - 21:30
Contact: +66 (0)2 641 5366
Whole Earth Restaurant
According to vegetarian dining aficionados, this old daddy has seen its heyday. It's a pity though, because the concept, of 'feeding the soul' is perhaps exactly what is needed in fast-paced city life. There is an oldish feel to the place and it is kind of empty - but the food is wholesome, tasty and filling. There are both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, mostly Thai and Indian dishes, with a lovely selection of Indian breads and curries. The vegetable Pakora curry (with baby corn, potatoes and cauliflower) is scrumptious - as is the sauteed heart of Coconut Tree with bay leaves. Here you will find an extensive vegetarian menu in a homely venue that is not concerned with the frivolous.
Location: Lang Suan Road
Open: Lunch and dinner daily
Contact: +66 (0)2 252 5574
Govinda Italian Restaurant
Yes, those Italians know their food. This place is buzzing and upbeat. It must have something to do with the gorgeous couple (Sicilian, I believe) who run the place. But the same could be said of the menu. Utterly fabulous, featuring all the cheese your heart desires. And real bread you can tear with your fingers. Pizzas drizzled in truffle sauce and a huge selection of salads. Not of the 'rabbit-food-salad' kind either! Behold the Govinda Salad, starring lettuce, carrot, tomato, cucumber, spinach, mozzarella, avocado, potato and olives. Yum! Home-made pastas, soups, risotto, gnocchi... all lavishly populated with veggies, herbs and the real formaggio.
How about Pumpkin Gnocchi (in gorgonzola and asparagus)? Or stick to the trusted pizza. Light crispy base, cheese you can taste but doesn't smother - the Mediterrenea (tomato, porcini mushrooms, truffle and parmesan) has a depth of flavour rarely found in pizza. To complement the authentic and inspired edible offerings, wines from Sicily (as well as Australia and South Africa) appeal. And as one would expect, Amaretto, Grappa and Campari make an appearance too. Coffees and puddings are traditional as we like them - tiramisu (alcohol- and egg-free, mind you), pannacotta, and our beloved affrogato al cioccolato (ice cream and chocolate sauce) are some of the favourites.
Location: Sukhumvit Soi 22
Open: 18:00 - 23:00
Contact: +66 (0)2 663 4970
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