Bakery options in Bangkok
Expats used to having bread and bakery items for breakfast may be initially disappointed to discover that bakeries are not a part of the Thai culture. Thais almost never eat bread and prefer rice soup or similar for breakfast. Travelers from Thailand who visit countries like Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos may be even more disappointed once they discover the thriving bakery culture that exists in these neighboring countries. While these former French colonies readily adopted French baguettes and tasty breads, this essential part of the European diet was never popular in Thailand. Outside Bangkok you will have a very tough time finding any kind of bakery at all. Inside Bangkok there are, however, plenty of options, though there’s no such thing as walking to the local bakery for fresh bread in the morning.
Like with most other expat specialties, you will have to look to expat-oriented stores and hotels for bakery items. There are some bakeries as well, but most are located in the central business district.
Most superstores and specialty stores carry bakery items. Tesco have some basic offerings, while Villa Market (http://www.villamarket.com), Tops (http://www.tops.co.th) and Foodland (http://www.foodland.co.th) have a wider selection.
Outside the superstores there are some good bakeries. The following are recommended when you need a bread fix:
- Saint Etoile – Siam Paragon, has additional locations around Bangkok and makes great French baguettes.
- Bei Otto – Sukhumvit Soi 33, German delicatessen and restaurant which has a good selection.
- Bangkok Bakery – Marriot Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 2
- Au Bon Pain – Multiple stores, http://www.aubonpainthailand.com/en/
Another place to look for bakery is in five stars hotels in Sukhumvit. The hotels usually have a good baker.
