Emperor? I hardly know her. These Chinese-themed cocktail bars in Bangkok will make you feel like Wu Zetien anytime you visit.
The bar industry uses a lot of ingredients you may not expect. As you walk into Chinese restaurants and herbal shophouses, you’ll see a lot of aromatic products, a lot of interesting herbs with unique flavour profiles and textures — a lot of things perfect to be used in a cocktail.
So, as you bask yourself in the red neon light and adore the lanterns overhead, here’s the Chinese-themed cocktail bars in Bangkok to check out.
Chinese-themed cocktail bars in Bangkok to gong xi your fa cai
Honest Mistake Bar
Picture it: China, 1930. The big cities’ underground activities are starting to pop up with more “honest” storefronts to cover up their shady biddings. Honest Mistake is a four-floor building with a dimly-lit pawnshop as the “front.” As you make your way through, you’ll see gambling tables, storage containers, and a beautiful wooden bar presenting cocktails made with Chinese herbs.
You can find more information at Honest Mistake Bar.
Ba Hao
An old shophouse transformed anew, Ba Hao offers a lively yet intimate experience in the Chinatown area of the city. Arrive on an empty stomach for the bar food, and stay for the cocktails that utilise Chinese ingredients as a twist to your usual order. They also have a lovely Negroni twist with Chinese ginseng.
You can find more information at Ba Hao.
Opium
Fun fact: This bar is named Opium because that room on the fourth floor of the shophouse used to be the room where they smoked opium after Chef-owner Pam’s ancestors came to settle in Thailand. Thereby, you get to sip complex, contemporary takes on classic drinks created by Matteo Cadeddu and the team as you adore the Chinese-inspired venue and enjoy the view from the terrace.
You can find more information at Opium.
Ang Yi
Named after a Chinese secret society that once existed in Siam, Ang Yi is located off Yaowarat road. As you enter, you’ll see remnants of the old shophouse that has existed for generations, and a dimly-lit bar that boasts a homey, intimate atmosphere. The cocktail menu also uses ingredients present in Yaowarat road, from Chinese liquors and teas to pork slices.
You can find more information at Ang Yi.
Julii Bar
The newly-opened Julii Bar is located in Sena Nikhom, and is the first speakeasy in that area. The Chinese-themed bar is basked in red hues, with fans and flowers adorning the place. Each drink is inspired by items Thai people are familiar with in Chinese culture. A highlight cocktail is inspired by Khnom Koh, a Chinese-style pancake made from rice flour.
You can find more information at Julii Bar.
Vichayuth Chantan
Digital Writer, Drinks and Dining
Writer by day and skinny legend by night, Vichayuth focuses on the hospitality industry of Thailand. You'll often find him at a bar finding new friends, discovering new drinks, and silently judging you from across the room.
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