Erawan Tea Room

Erawan Tea Room is the tea room and Thai restaurant of the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, set on the second floor of the Erawan Bangkok building at the busy Ratchaprasong junction. Large windows look straight down onto the Erawan Shrine, one of the city's most visited shrines, where worshippers offer garlands and commission traditional dancers throughout the day. The setting is a calm contrast to the traffic outside, with interiors inspired by northern Thailand and Chiang Mai, polished wood, lacquerware, hanging lanterns and comfortable seating.

The room is best known for its Thai-inspired afternoon tea, served daily from 14:30 to 17:30. Rather than a purely British spread, the tiers mix Thai and Chinese savouries with pastries that use local fruit and flavours. Recent menus have included steamed prawn and water chestnut dumplings, pandan-wrapped chicken, Thai tea mousse, choux pastries filled with mango, coconut or passion fruit, and banana scones served with a pineapple and chilli marmalade. The menu changes from time to time. Outside tea time there is a full menu of Thai dishes, from noodles and curries to salads and desserts, and a long list of teas and coffees, making it equally good for a light lunch or an early dinner.

Erawan Tea Room is open daily from 10:00 to 22:00, with à la carte dining from 11:00. Reservations are made online through TableCheck or by phone, and are advisable for afternoon tea at weekends. Prices are subject to service charge and VAT, as in most hotel restaurants. Let the staff know about dietary needs when booking, as menus may change.

The tea room suits couples, friends meeting for a treat, families and shoppers who need a comfortable break, and it is a good alternative to the more formal riverside hotels for afternoon tea. Window tables give the best views of the shrine. Allow an hour and a half for afternoon tea.

Erawan Bangkok is at the Ratchaprasong intersection, directly linked to Chit Lom BTS station by the elevated walkway. The Erawan Shrine is just below, and Central World, Gaysorn Village, Siam Paragon and the shopping centres of Siam are all within walking distance. Lumphini Park is a short taxi ride south along Ratchadamri Road.