TeaTime

First it was wine bars, now it seems tea cafes are the "it" place to be seen. Sure, it's still about 30 degrees Celsius out there, but with the cool breeze teasing us every now and then, what better way to chillax (and stay sober) than sitting quietly with a cup of hot tea in your hands. Here's a round-up of interesting tea rooms in town.

PEONY TEA LOUNGE

The place: Less than a 50-metre walk from BTS Chong Nonsi station, Peony Tea Lounge, with its light-coloured furniture and warm yellow lights, is a nice place to have a quiet cup of tea with your boo or a small group of friends.

The brew: There are over 50 kinds of tea to smell before you finally get to choose one. But don't worry, there's always knowledgable staff waiting to help you pick the right one. There's also Peony Tea Lounge's signature tea-flavoured scones to line your stomach.

Go there if: You want food to complement your tea because there are quite a few dishes to choose from.

(7am-10pm. Peony Tea Lounge, G/F, Glow Trinity Silom Hotel, Soi Pipat 2, Silom Road, 02-636-8630, www.peonyhouse.com)

AGALICO

The place: A colonial-style tea room with mostly bright and white elegant furniture to match the elegant crowd. The highlight of Agalico is of course the garden at the back where you can take your tea sitting at an outdoor table under the shade of a tree.

The brew: Along with various selections of tea, there are authentic scones as well as cakes that could make the tea taste even better.

Go there if: You want to relax with a cup of tea in an ambience that might make you forget you're actually in Bangkok, and you don't mind spending quite an amount of money for a cup of tea with cakes.

(Fri-Sun, 10am-6pm. Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-5857, www.agalico.co.th)

LET THEM EAT CAKE

The place: Decorated with French-style interiors and a light backdrop, the place's wide selection of colourful pastries stand out even more. It's always packed during weekends, so hurry up because they do run out of their cakes quickly and often.

The brew: Keep it simple by opting for cha-yen which goes rather well with French pastries. Or go for Fauchon and Dammann Freres tea for an authentic French feel.

Go there if: You want to sip tea and at the same time learn some French by trying to understand some of the menu items like "tartelette au citron" and "St Honore a la Rose-Framboise."

(Sun-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. G/F, Mille Malle, 66/4 Sukhumvit Soi 20, 02-663-4667, facebook.com/letthemeatcakebangkok)

VIENG JOOM ON TEAHOUSE

The place: The Bangkok branch of the famous tea house in Chiang Mai is decorated with a mix of Morrocan and Indian styles. The pink decor is kind of relaxing, but in a way that is not too girlish.

The brew: Vieng Joom On's teas are divided into two main groups - traditional Chinese and blended. Apart from the high tea set to go along with the place's signature vegetarian roti, the signature tea blend of white tea and black tea is popular with regulars.

Go there if: You want to try the place's unique tea blends or if you're a girl (or man) who wants to escape reality into a serene and beautifully pinkish world.

(11pm-8pm. 93/332 The Emporio Place, Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-160-4342)

TWG TEA SALON BOUTIQUE

The place: A sparkling gold glass room, TWG is fittingly set amidst all those elegant brand name shops on the ground floor of The Emporium. It's a perfect place for lunch or afternoon tea before continuing on your shopping spree, and its Emporium's current place to be seen. If Phrom Phong is not your area, visit the newest branch at Twinings Tea Boutique (1/F, Atrium Zone, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road, 02-613-1230-1).

The brew: With over 450 varieties of tea, you may be overwhelmed. But they're serious about their tea, because coffee isn't an option here. Also be prepared to spend, as you're not allowed to share a pot of tea with your friends - it's one pot per person.

Go there if: You're not only looking for tea but a full breakfast (or you need energy to hold your girlfriend's shopping bags) as they have an extensive menu of breakfast and brunch items.

(10am-9:30pm. TWG Tea Salon Boutique, G/F, The Emporium, 622 Sukhumvit Road, 02-259-9510)

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Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2012/12/15/teatime/