THE HIPSTER HAVEN THAT IS ARI

For years, the to-see-and-get-seen F&B scenes in Bangkok have been both Thonglor and Ekkamai, arguably the city's trendiest and hot spots. But now, the buzz has spread to Ari, Soi Ari to be exact. Hipster cafes and watering holes worthy of a million Instagrams have sprung up over the last two years and even more are opening as we speak. 

I recommend going to Ari in the early evening, when it's not so hot and you can just wander about and play spot-the hipster-resty within the few lanes that branches off Ari Soi 7. 

Directions:

Take the BTS to Ari station. Exit on the opposite side of the mini mall La Villa, go down the stairs and walk backwards for maybe 200 meters. You will then see the start of Ari Soi 7 on your left and it looks like this (the green stretch of building is a no-brainer to recognise):

As you walk inwards, there is a side lane just a couple of feet on your left. Upon entering, you will find a small public place filled with small restaurants and food kiosks:

Further down the street, there are a few lanes that branch sideways. Do explore them cos they are where I find many of these achingly-hip joints, as well as the others along the main street. 

Lay Lao is Thai Isan food in a modern setting. As it is frequented by Thais, you can expect a spicy kick in the cuisine.

Porcupine seems to be the place to kick back and relax with their refreshing ice lattes and cakes. They also offer pastas, hamburgers and salads. Being new, I spied food photography taking place as I walked by.

Near the entrance of Ari Soi 7 are these two cubical-sized cute shoppes - Witty Ville and Sis & Me - selling some lovely cakes and pastries.

Fatbird (left) is set inside a vintage townhouse that serves both Thai and Western dishes. It has a great selection of cocktails too.

Salt (right) has been around a tad longer than most. It's a wine and cocktail bar that serves Italian, French and Japanese cuisine. You should try their wood-oven pizzas and tuna tartar. My Thai friends swoon over their desserts but their 400 Baht cocktails seems a little pricey to me.

Judging from what I have seen online, there are more I didn't get to spot on that particular afternoon. As well as some that are being built. I didn't even find the husky cafe my Thai friend told me about (no, the waitress don't speak in a husky tone! They have huskies inside!)