[Bangkok] Yaowarat, aka the Chinatown of Bangkok, is a food paradise known for many famous local eateries such as Raan Jay Fai, Nai Ek Roll Noodle, Lim Lao Ngow Fishball Noodle and Nai Mong Hoi Thod.
Thanks to the MRT blue line extension which makes traveling to Yaowarat even more accessible, that has also sprouted a new lease of life to the heritage neighbourhood.
Qilin 麒麟 is one of such of places.
An antique furniture store turned into a tearoom and dessert store, its store facade looks like a scene setting took straight out from Chinese wedding held in the ancient dynasties.
It is complete with vintage Chinese signages carved with Chinese calligraphy words, hung with bright red cloth and red lanterns decorations by the side.
The store is filled with mostly antiques pieces to create the oriental charm.
From wooden fixtures tinted with auspicious gold motif designs to Qing Hua Ci (青花瓷) vases and vintage Wan Shou Wu Jiang (万寿无疆) porcelain teacups.
To make things slightly quirky, they sneaked in a few of other mismatched-pieces, like Greek god-alike statues and modern objects such wooden piano and mahjong tiles to create the contrasting vibes.
Other than curating the space, a lot of effort also goes into their dessert and tea concoctions.
The most photo-worthy dessert goes to their Goldfish Tang Yuan (THB260, SGD10.10), which you get glutinous rice balls moulded into the shape of cute goldfish served on soymilk pudding.
Further decorated with edibles flower and herbs to mimic goldfish swimming in a pond.
How adorable.
The goldfish tang yuan came with black sesame fillings and interestingly mixed in with a pinch of salt for the sweet-savoury flavour.
I also had the Thai Tea Pudding with Mutant Coconut (THB200, SGD7.80) which came topped with a heap of coconut flesh and crunchy peanut sesame candy.
Unlike usual coconut meat which can have firm and crunchy or soft and jelly-like texture depending on its ripeness, mutant coconut flesh had a more thick and gelatinous texture.
I thought the pairing combination would be slightly sweet for my liking, but it turned out to be acceptable with peanut sesame candy carrying the dish with its nutty taste.
My only qualm was the Thai tea pudding which could probably use more tea infusion to bring out the tea aroma.
I was quite intrigued with their tea concoctions that came with fanciful names.
Think Kiss Goodbye (Oolong Rose Tea with Lime and Mint Leaves) (THB250, SGD9.80), First Sight Love (Jasmine Tea with Grapefruit Juice) (THB250, SGD9.80) and Golden Oasis (Oolong Tea with Orange Juice and Milk) (THB200, SGD7.80).
Feeling adventurous, I went for Raise the Red Lantern (THB200, SGD7.80), a tea mixer infused with Oolong Tea, Chili and Maple Syrup.
Surprisingly acceptable.
You can expect sweetened oolong tea, but with a hint of burning aftertaste sensation.
While Shanghai Club (THB180, SGD7) sounds interesting, it turned out to be a more ‘normal’ drink made from monk fruit and sour plum in herbal tea. Aka like Chinese liang teh.
But effort points given to the edible poker card which was made from glutinous rice flour.
Most of the antique pieces are available for sale, so their interior and menu may change in the future to fit its running theme.
Qilin 麒麟
1862 Maitri Chit Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Opening Hours: 11am – 7pm (Wed – Mon), Closed Tues
Google Maps – Qilin 麒麟
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* Written by Lewis Tan @juicyfingers, a self-proclaimed coffee addict. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
