Xīnnián kuàilè to all Bitesize readers. We wish you a very happy Chinese new year and a big welcome into the year of the ox. Now, for those with Chinese heritage and roots, you are most likely bound by strict traditions, and have probably woken up since the early hours to prepare to pay respect for ancestors ahead of new year’s day tomorrow. For those who are without traditions or are simply just wanting to join in the fun, we have curated a list of where to go for Chinese food in Bangkok.
Bear in mind that some of these places will be fully booked up this week, but there’s always time for dimsum after the festivities have passed.
Hong Bao (for those who really didn’t plan ahead)
You probably scrambled to make reservations for this coming weekend, and realized you called a couple of weeks too late. Therefore, you’re stuck with the department store option. You could do a lot worse than Hong Bao though. The restaurant chain is widely recognized for its steamed lava buns, and an all day dimsum menu that sources only the best ingredients.
The restaurant is well received by Thais, that’s why the queues are so long.
Central Embassy/Icon Siam/Sukhuvmvit 39/Mega Bangna
Nan Bei (for authentic cuisine in a photogenic setting)
As you step onto the Rosewood compound, contemporary luxury greets you pretty much by the door. Nan Bei is arguably the most recognizable thing to come out of the hotel, further propelled by its stunning landscape and view of Bangkok. A true occasion venue.
This is where to come when you’re hosting clients, or simply wanting to get together with friends. The restaurant is bright, colourful and feels airily contemporary with art deco interior, which is rare for Chinese restaurants. What more, the Northern-Southern cuisine is authentic. Spring for the Peking duck, or sample different things like wagyu short ribs and the honey glazed bbq kurabuta pork. We’re also fans of the clay pots, from snow fish to pork neck.
Rosewood hotel, Ploenchit
Fei Ya (for a monthly family get together)
A family favorite and a typical go-to for Sunday dimsum. Fei Ya is a dimly lit, cozy and consistent restaurant that you feel comfortable everyone from your ah ma to business colleagues. This restaurant is easily most people’s top three favorites when it comes to accessible, digestible Chinese food.
Fei Ya is where we would bring a family that doesn’t know Chinese food well, but are comfortable enough to enjoy rice and noodle dishes, with sides of pekking duck and approachable dimsum. It really can’t go wrong here, unless you didn’t call ahead to make a reservation at least a week in advance.
Renaissance hotel, Ratchaprasong
Yu Ting Yuan (for the latest dinner hot spot)
The newly opened Four Seasons Hotel is all people are talking about. Staycations, a nice outdoor brunch at the French brasserie and of course, the arrival of Yu Ting Yuan, an upscale Cantonese dining experience where people are reportedly booking over a month ahead.
This one, you can probably keep in your list for a special occasion, or whenever they free up for availability. We think there’s a possibility pekking duck tastes better whilst looking over the glass facade and the reflection pond. Roam the hotel’s partially outdoor grounds and end the afternoon with an iced americano from the lobby, it’s recommended.
Four Seasons hotel, Charoenkrung
Liu (for upscale authenticity)
Authentic, proper cantonese cuisine in a wonderfully upscale teahouse setting. It’s not too overwhelming, and it’s not too pretentious. Plus, you can rest assure that you’ll be able to pronounce all the things in the menu. Gather your family around the cosy, round tables and soak in the contemporary dining experience.
There’s also all you can eat dimsum.
Barbecued crispy pork, stewed pork belly with black soy sauce (served with buns) are among regulars’ favourites to order.
Conrad hotel, Witthayu Rd
Ba Hao (for people who just want to join in)
This is purely for the snapshots and snacks. Ba Hao, a converted shophouse that lives on the same street as nightlife haunts like Teens of Thailand and Asia Today bars (now on a quiet streak due to the government’s alcohol ban) offers a China Town experience that transcends beyond pork buns and platters.
The comfort bar food hot spot is known for its dimly lit shophouse interior, with the bar counter filled with eclectic vintage souvenirs and round tables that the older generation probably sat on to drink tea.
Ba Hao is mainly known as a bar, but it currently sells snacks, small plates and probably some mocktails. This is where you go when you probably want to get in on the festivities but you actually don’t really celebrate.
8 soi Nana (Chinatown) Mitrichit road