November 22, 2008 | Bangkok
Issue #263: Live Music

Sweet Spots: A dessert shop for every day of the week!

Cakewalk

21/3 Grand Heritage Bldg., Thonglor Soi 13 02-390-0145 Open daily 11am-10pm

The Setting

This homey café is cast in white and purple hues, and outfitted with comfy couches, puffy pillows and soft easy-listening music. Artificial cakes scattered throughout the shop might throw you off guard, but this is a great place to gnosh away an afternoon.

The Selections

About 10 kinds of cakes daily with prices ranging from B70-110. If you prefer to try a bit of everything,
opt for a set of seven bite-sized cakes (B150) that includes Cakewalk’s bestsellers like blueberry
cheese crumble and orange Bavarian. There’s also a small selection of sandwiches (B40-50) and Thai dishes.

The Highlights

Tia Maria Baileys (B95) hits the spot with its subtle Baileys fragrance and sinful chocolate
sauce and icing, while strawberry shortcake (B110) deserves high marks for its fluffy texture.

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Cherubim

Sukhumvit Soi 31 02-260-9800 Open Tue-Sun 10:30am-7pm.

The Setting

Brightly lit single storey loft-style shophouse in the heart of a busy soi. Comfy living room-style furniture contrasts with an oh-so-girly shelf choc-a-bloc with teddy bears. More easy-listening music!

The Selections

In addition to its famous brownies (B50), there are 12 cakes (B85-90) some light lunch selections (B120), six flavors of ice cream (B50-90/scoop) and a 20-item beverage list (B50-90).

The Highlights

Don’t miss the signature Brownie Cheesecake (B90). For choco-lovers, the pure hot chocolate shot (B60) is a must-try. We also like Caramelly Monkey (B90): layers of soft sponge cake, banana slices and extremely full-bodied caramel cream.

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Coffee Beans by Dao

20/12-15, Soi Ruamrudee, Ploenchit Rd. 02-254-7117/-9. Open daily 10am-10pm.

The Setting

Draped in black-and-white modern designs, this spacious branch is a favorite haunt of the expats and hiso crowd. A big TV screen shows the latest fashion trends off the runways. Service can be indifferent.

The Selections

The display showcases over 20 kinds of Dao’s sinful treats with Chocolate Souffle (B90) and Blueberry Cheese Pie (B90) as the main staples. Prices here are steep compared to its competitors,
but you are less likely to be disappointed.

The Highlights

Smooth and rich, Chocolate Fudge (B90) and New York Cheesecake topped with sherries (B110) are Dao’s secret weapons. We also love the big juicy strawberries on White Strawberry (B135).

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Kakao Cafe

Sukhumvit Soi 24 (next to President Park) 02-661-1777. Open daily 10am-10pm

The Setting

This haven for chocaholics sits right in the middle of swanky Sukhumvit 24, so throw on your designer dessert bib. The first floor welcomes you with a massive glass display case of takeaway choco bites. If you have time to kill, you can hop upstairs and relax in a cozy seating area, with owner-designed furniture.

The Selections

Chocolates, chocolates and more chocolates (for B35 a piece). There are also desserts such as Frozen Mousse Brownie (B110) and fresh strawberry with chocolate dip (B120).

The Highlights

If you fear death by chocolate, try the smooth white choc matcha shake (B180). Or try one of the eight milkshake flavors. If you have problem choosing, we recommend the chocolate cookie smoothie (B160).

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Lenôtre

G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. 02-129-4365 Open daily 10am-10pm

The Setting

Modern surroundings, lots of glass and an inviting well-lit pastry case displaying some of the most eye-catching treats we’ve seen anywhere. Catch a table by the windows if you’re into people-watching, or, weather permitting, opt for a table on the outdoor terrace.

The Selections

The selection here is extensive—almost 30 kinds of cakes and pastries (B75-135) rotating daily. You’ll also find chocolate, ice cream and thirst-quenching smoothies. The closest thing to a French patisserie we reviewed.

The Highlights

Featuring three scoops of ice cream, a sugar-glazed biscuit and white chocolate served in a shot glass, Palette de Trios Glaces (B160) is the winner. The best-selling Moelleux au Chocolat (B195), a chocolate pudding served warm with Pistachio ice cream, requires a 10-minute wait—but it’s worth it.

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Sugaroma

60 Ekamai Soi 12 02-381-9384, 02-713-3389, www.sugaroma.com. Open daily 11am-9pm.

The Setting

This small bakery shop is indeed imbued with a sugary aroma. Sweeter still is the color scheme that leans heavily to flowery pinks, whites and purples. Guys, if you want to come here, you’d better butch it up. Free wifi.

The Selections

Every day Sugaroma bakes 20 kinds of cake, plus a variety of breads and cookies. (Far less dainty sandwiches, salads and lasagnas are now available as well). Portions, though not large, are reasonably priced; B60-90 for a piece of cake, B40-90 for a drink.

The Highlights

Berry Surprise (B80), sour berry mousse and cheese berry cake, with sweet white chocolate sauce. Don’t miss the melt-in-your-mouth créme brûlée (B90).

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T42

4/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd. 02-251-6197 Open daily 11am-9pm

The Setting

A nice spot to enjoy a “tea for two,” T42 makes you feel right at home with its clean white décor, comfy seating and peaceful ambiance. Get a table by the windows for glimpses of the Skytrain.

The Selections

T42 offers a dozen of cakes (B50-65), most of which are rich and hearty. New cakes are introduced
every few months. The café also takes pride in its Thai dishes. Try the larb muu tord and tom klong pla salid.

The Highlights

Chocolate takes center stage here; try the Chocolate Meringue (B55) or Choc Cheese Brownie (B65) served with custard sauce. The Russian Cheesecake (B65) has subtle lemony hints to cleanse your palette.

 

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