The Wallpaper Guide to Bangkok led me to this stunning & somewhat secluded place in the Ekamai area in Bangkok. Vanilla Garden houses a restaurant called the Royal Vanilla Chinese Restaurant, the Vanilla Cafe & a Bookstore. The garden has a sort of Zen feel to it- sand, flat stones, water features, lush greenery & a minimalist vibe in general. When I first saw the bookstore, on the left as you enter, it reminded me of the Eames house with its steel frame & oversized glass windows. I loved the time we spent at Vanilla Garden today. The decor in the cafe is retro with incredible furniture, collectables & it’s outstandingly styled, with cosy nooks & crannies to relax in & absorb the charm of the interior with its Japanese influences here & there. I didn’t try the food this time which is Japanese retro fusion cuisine- but I can vouch for one of the out-of-the-ordinary patisserie, all of which are works of art; lovely to look at & lovelier to eat. The dessert I mean is the delish strawberry daifuku, a Japanese confection consisting of a small round mochi (glutinous rice cake) stuffed with sweet filling, most commonly anko, sweetened red bean paste made from azuki beans. The pancakes, like the peanut butter brownie, were dry & bland sadly. Lateral Paul said the coffee was quite smooth- his best yet in Bangkok – I nearly fell off my 50’s chair! I am booking for dimsum at the main restaurant next week, after our return from Hua Hin. And now, say hello to the Vanilla Garden….
The interior, one corner of a charming space….
Earl Grey tea please…
The Strawberry Daifuku upstaged the bland double layered pancakes…
Japanese influences….the garden is gorgeous….
A peanut butter brownie…
Address: 53 Soi Ekamai 12, Sukhumvit Rd., Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok. Take the BTS to Ekamai & then a cab to Soi 12… quite straightforward, so you have no excuses…