[Bangkok] There is no lack of instagrammable cafes in Bangkok, but this hipster dim sum café located in the heart of Yaowarat Chinatown has fast become the latest hit spot.
While minimalist white, pretty-in-pink, industrial, and garden-themed cafes have been in the centre of attraction, Lhong Tou Café offers something on the plate.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
“Lhong Tou” 龙头 has an auspicious sounding name, literally meaning “dragon’s head”.
In a location near markets and Chinese eateries, it is quite convenient for tourists to head over. That is if you do not mind the long wait.
For those who are keen, there is another new outlet at The Market Bangkok, 111 Ratchadamri Road.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Opened from early morning 8am till late night 10pm, the neon-tinged oriental-decorated café is constantly packed.
You can get a reservation ticket from the machine outside and wait along with the rest – many of whom take countless photos. Estimated waiting time be anything between 30 minutes to an hour.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Here’s why: the café is modish-different and stylish, conceptualised by owners who are interior designers and food stylists themselves.
One of the key features is the double-decked bunk seats (be careful about wearing short, short skirts here).
You can sit on “level one” or the upper level after climbing a short ladder. (I felt for the service staff who had to climb up and down to serve and clear food.)
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
I happened to have a sit on top. While looking down, you get an entire bird’s eye view of the space like in a movie set.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
With dark green walls, paintings of proud peacocks and pink blossoms, and countless mirrors, you could almost do a Chungking Express style #ootd shot here.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Here’s talk about the food. Top-selling dim sum pieces include the Mini BBQ Pork Bun (49 baht), Lhong Tou Shu Mai (69 baht), Mala Fried Chicken (70 baht), Prawn Spring Rolls (59 baht), Egg Lava Bun (29 baht), Mandarin Orange Cake (80 baht), and Chestnut Tart (135 baht).
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Almost every table I saw ordered the Chinese Breakfast Set (129 baht).
I was amazed. Isn’t this just like Chinese porridge? This could be one of the last things you would typically order in an average Chinese restaurant, but they managed to ‘hipsterfy’ with neat presentation.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
But to be fair, I enjoyed some of the accompanying ingredients such as salted egg, pork floss, and
What can I say? This is comfort food well presented.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
The signature Lhong Tou Shumai (69 baht) which was essentially pork and chives dumpling tasted average at best.
With the pouring the mala sauce, the entire dish became elevated with the slight numbing quality.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
The Thai Milk Tea (75 baht) wasn’t cheap, and on its own might have been quite the same as the average. But with its presentation, foam, and peanut candy bits on top for that crunch, a simple drink becomes not so ordinary.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Lhong Tou Café has its unique charm and nostalgic-meets-modern vibes. To be fair, while food may not be of top notch dim sum standard, there is certain still quirkiness and quality.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Lhong Tou Cafe – Yaowarat
538 Yaowarat Rd, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
Tel: +66 64 935 6499
Opening Hours: 8am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Lhong Tou Cafe
Lhong Tou Cafe – The Market
111 Ratchadamri Rd,G Floor ,The Market Bangkok, Lumphini, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
10 Michelin Street Food In Bangkok
Sanyod (Bangrak, Bangkok)
Fire Tiger by Seoulcial Club (Icon Siam, Bangkok)
Hands and Heart (Thonglor, Bangkok)
Roast (ThongLor, Bangkok(
Click HERE for other BANGKOK Food Entries
* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. Daniel’s Food Diary paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.