T42 at the Siam Center in Bangkok

T42 (pronounced Tea for Two) is a quaint restaurant located at the topmost floor of the Siam Center in between the Siam Paragon and Siam Discovery Center. I loved the desserts they served here ever since I first set-foot in 2006 and the deep-fried fish with basil leaves and chili. They phased out the fish eventually, and replaced it with more affordable chicken that I ate in my last visit. It’s still good, but I do miss the crunch and the steam packed by the fish before.

What is immediately striking with T42 is the incorporation of a shabby chic interior that is done in mostly pristine white with touches of dark wood, black metal and green foliage in a sun-drenched space. It’s an interesting contrast to the BTS Train Station hovering outside the window, and the overwhelmingly modern space of the mall. It’s décor is calmingly pretty, and provides an interesting background to the food.

While T42 still serves traditional Thai dishes, a great deal of the dishes on their menu can be described as a somewhat experimental take on traditional food. The slices are smaller, hence easier to cook on the wok or skillet, and the flavors cover more surface area. There is a somewhat industrial feel to the food since T42 makes use of canned products, and they pull that off nicely. They also mix traditional Thai flavors with more global ingredients, something which I find uncommon in the area as Thai food is kept traditional for tourists. The mushroom salad I got, for instance, was served in a bed of greens that isn’t associated with anything Thai.


This is the chicken with basil leaves and chili. Not as pungent and crunchy as the fish which was deep fried with a batter of traditional Thai spices, but it's still good and flavorful.


The crowning glory to T42’s menu are their desserts. I kept coming back for their cheesecakes, and on this visit I tried their apple pudding (I’m not sure of the name but it is pudding with apples in it) and was delighted by it.


Other things to try are the drinks. I got myself tamarind juice and thought I might regret it but it worked with the pudding rather well.


T42 is found at the 4th Floor of the Siam Center along Rama I Road in the Pathumwan District of Bangkok.