Ari Food Guide: A Full Day of Eating in Bangkok's Hippest Neighborhood
Last updated February 14, 2024
Cafe hopping is fun! And this neighborhood is perfect for it.
Welcome to Ari, a trendy neighborhood in Bangkok and a hidden gem for food enthusiasts. Located just a short train ride away from the bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market, Ari is often overlooked by tourists but adored by locals and long-term expats. What makes Ari so special? Well, it's all about the food!
As a local, one of my favorite activities is visiting the lively market in Ari to purchase food for my family. The vibrant stalls offer a wide range of options, from mouthwatering fish balls to delectable Thai sweets that my mom loves. But Ari isn't just about the market. It's also the perfect neighborhood for a lazy day brunch followed by cafe hopping. Picture yourself indulging in a scrumptious breakfast spread. Then, hop from one cafe to another, enjoying the unique vibes and culinary delights each spot has to offer. And that's exactly what my Filipino and myself did when he was in town.
The purpose of my plan was to help my friend maximize his local experiences without getting stuck in traffic jams from rushing from one spot to another. Since we had a lot to catch up (not seeing each other for many years!), finding one lovely neighborhood to spend a whole day together was our ideal plan. So, if you're looking for a relaxing Sunday break with tasty food, good vibe and great coffee, here is our itinerary to a one-day eating trip in Ari.
1. Brunch at Kopihub Prime
Forget about avo toast, start your day at Kopihub Prime. This trendy dim sum restaurant is a famous dim sum restaurant originated in Hat Yai, the largest city in Songkhla province. They opened a branch in Bangkok and Bankokians love it! The restaurant offers all of your favorite dim sum dishes, including steamed har gow, siu mai, xiao long bao, and shrimp wrapped in noodles. The prices are also wallet-friendly, with standard dishes starting at 25 THB only.
But if you are feeling fancy, you can order the premium menu such as Kopihub Prime Box. In my opinion, what sets this restaurant apart is its unique 90s-inspired ambiance, the trendy atmosphere and service. Make sure to reserve a table in advance, as it tends to get busy on weekends. My filipino friend enjoyed the food here so much, and I will definitely go back again.
2. Coffee at NANA Coffee Roasters Ari
After delicious dim sum, it's time for coffee! NANA Coffee Roasters Ari is a unique café run by Mr. Warong Chalanuchphong, a famous coffee expert in Thailand. The menu offers a wide range of flavors, including their famous Soi Ari coffee (coffee with coconut water) and delicious dirty coffee. My friend and I got ourself just drinks since we were already full from previous place.
But if you come here hungry, I would recommend you to try to the food and the desserts such as Cuban sandwich and fruit toast. I’ve come here more than a few times and I still think it’s one of the best spots in Ari. The café has indoor and outdoor seating. I personally prefer outdoor because of the lush greenery and the pleasant music. You’ll feel like you are away from the busy streets of Bangkok.
Another important factor why this place is unique is also the house which used to be an old house, but the owner kept the structure and renovated it to be the stylish and beautiful as we see today. Lastly, make sure to bring cash as they do not accept credit card.
3. More coffee at Bayaree
After enjoying the nature and waking up from food coma, head over to Bay Aree. It's just a quick 2-minute walk from the previous cafe. This trendy bar has a really cool vibe. As soon as you step inside, you'll be captivated by its lively atmosphere. What I love most is that they have a real DJ playing awesome music!
The decor at Bay Aree is a mix of modern and vintage styles, and their drinks are just as impressive as the overall feel of the place. I highly recommend trying the Buoy, a delicious coffee with salted caramel ice cream and frozen milk. If you have a sweet tooth like we do, you must try one of their cakes. My favorite is the blueberry crumble and my friend agreed that it was awesome! Definitely a place to visit again.
4. Dinner at Thong Smith
Is it Dinner time yet? If you're craving a boat noodle, Thong Smith is the place for you. This restaurant chain has a few locations in shopping malls but I think the one in Ari is the best because of the ambience. Boat noodle is a unique Thai noodle dish with a strong, flavorful broth made with a variety of ingredients, including pork, beef, meatballs, and pig or cow blood. Many foreigners I know go to Victory Monument for an authentic boat noodle experience which I think is not a bad idea.
However, I recommend Thong Smith because of the food standard and food safety. Thong Smith offers an upgraded version of boat noodle which I personally find to be tastier because of the premium ingredients. That said, Thong Smith is not cheap compared to regular boat noodle at regular shops. I recommend the boat noodle with sliced beef as your main. Don’t forget to add the raw bean sprout, basil leaf and some extra pork fat for the crunch and extra flavor. For appetizer, get crispy wonton and grilled meatball.
Ari may be under the radar for many tourists, but it's a destination that should not be missed by food lovers. With its independent cafes, Instagram-worthy restaurants, and diverse cuisine options, this trendy neighborhood offers everything for everyone. So, I do hope you include Ari in your itinerary in your visit. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!
Follow me for more recommendations in this cool neighborhood in the future blogs!
Tip: Tuk Tuk your way around!
If you want to avoid walking in the heat and sweating, the best way to get around is by using MuvMi, an electric tuk-tuk. You can easily order a ride through their app.
MuvMi operates in areas near BTS, including Ari. To use it, download the , enter your pickup and drop-off locations, and request a ride. The fare starts at 10 THB per person, and you can pay through the app's e-wallet. During my trip to Ari, I used MuvMi to go from Kopi Hub restaurant to NANA Coffee Roasters Ari. The ride was less than five minutes and cost me 33 THB for two people. MuvMi Tuk Tuk is spacious, clean, and comfortable. Give it a try!
