Quick Guide to Thailand’s Popular Themed Restaurants: From Dreamy Fairy Tales to Marvel Heroes

Text and photos / Excerpted from "Traveling in Bangkok Without Pitfalls with Old Money" by Old Money (Qian Zhenhao), published by CommonWealth Magazine Publishing House

▲ Once again, remember, safe sex is very important—listen to what Teacher Qian says, okay?

Have you ever had the experience of dining in an environment surrounded by condoms?

Bangkok has a very unique, long-established themed restaurant that not only serves authentic Thai cuisine but also hopes to help diners learn more about safe sex practices. The name of the restaurant, “Cabbages & Condoms,” implies that using condoms should be as common as eating cabbages—only when such an idea becomes widespread can we effectively reduce the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

The food served at the restaurant... to be honest, it’s pretty average—not a place you’d go for the taste (though it’s not bad either). But after your meal, you’ll receive a “mysterious little gift” that promotes safer sex. You could think of this place as a condom museum. The owners have hung all kinds of uniquely patterned condoms collected from various countries on the walls, used condoms to decorate the tables, and even placed mannequins wearing clothes made from condoms. I find it not at all vulgar but rather creative—please approach it with a healthy mindset.

▲ That’s right—those clothes are all made out of condoms.

▲ There’s also a souvenir shop here that sells a variety of condom-themed merchandise.

Cabbages & Condoms

10 Soi Sukhumvit 12, Bangkok
(+66)2- 229-4610
Mon.∼Sun. 11:00∼22:00
http://www.pda.or.th/restaurant/
Take Exit 2 of BTS Asok Station, turn into Soi Sukhumvit 12, and walk for about 3–5 minutes to arrive

▲ Every corner of the restaurant is a great photo spot—fans, come on in~

“Are you a fan of Batman or the Avengers?” If so, then you absolutely can’t miss this American superhero-themed restaurant. Here, you can meet Captain America, Wolverine, Superman, and more. In addition to wall paintings and figurines, there are also several life-sized hero models, along with plenty of cosplay props that allow fans to dress up as their favorite heroes and take free photos with them (I went all out with cosplay when I dined here and had a blast taking pictures).

How about that? Doesn’t it feel fun?

In addition to American dishes, the menu also offers some Thai items, but the flavors are a bit off compared to restaurants that specialize in authentic Thai food. It’s better to stick with burgers or fried foods—simple and satisfying... shh, don’t tell the boss I said that.

▲ Photo caption: These masks are props provided for guests to wear in photos.

▲ Become part of the superhero team and strike your coolest and most awesome pose.

Hero Food and Gathering

Sukhumvit 4, Bangkok
(+66)989-404-434
Tue.∼Sun. 11:30∼21:30
Closed on Mondays
http://facebook.com/herofoodandgathering
From Exit 2 of BTS Nana Station, walk straight northwest along Sukhumvit until you reach the entrance of Soi 4. Turn left and walk straight for about 8–9 minutes to arrive

▲ Follow the rabbit with the pocket watch and go on an adventure~

I believe everyone has read the fairy tale “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” as a child, but now, besides through books or cartoons, you can actually step into the story and dine in its magical world.

Next to Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok is a whimsical and adorable restaurant named after the “Mad Hatter” from “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” The first time I came here, I felt like I had transformed into an older version of Alice, traveling through a rabbit hole filled with clocks and pocket watches into a surprising “wonderland.” On the tables are potions that might make you grow or shrink, and the walls feature doors of various sizes that look like they could really lead to the places in the story—the hyper-realistic scenes are vividly presented before your eyes.

The server gives you two menus: one is framed and quite heavy to lift, while the other is a small booklet with photos of the dishes, thoughtfully provided for guests who aren’t proficient in English so they can order by looking at the pictures. Last time I ordered a Spanish paella, loaded with mussels, squid, and plump shrimp atop saffron rice—the aroma was captivating, and I enjoyed every seafood-filled bite. For dessert, I had the “We’re All Mad Here” signature cocktail, a sweet strawberry drink with a hint of intoxication and the coolness of mint—ah, it was simply perfect.

▲ The welcome drink is a bottle of blue liquid labeled “Drink Me”—find out what it is by visiting yourself.

▲ Photo caption: Crispy Mexican tortilla chips with gooey cheese and hot beef dip—this is my top-recommended appetizer.

The Hatter

3 Asok Montr1 Rd., Bangkok
(+66)2-664-0212
Mon.∼Sun. 11:00∼24:00
https://www.facebook.com/thehatterbkk
Exit via Exit 2 of BTS Phetchaburi Station, walk south along Asok Montri Road for about 4 minutes, cross the street to Sukhumvit Soi 21 on the opposite side to arrive