“Looking for a Thai restaurant with an unexpected twist? Heard about one that even comes with condoms? Intriguing!”
Just got back from another quick 3-day trip to Bangkok – had to cram all our plans in due to time constraints. It was a whirlwind of shopping and eating, with a bit more eating and shopping thrown in! Bangkok’s no stranger to us Singaporean shoppers and foodies; it feels like a second home.
Bangkok is a foodie haven, from street stalls to fancy places, hardly any disappointments. We wanted to try something different, so we opted for specially themed restaurants. Not just about the authentic flavors, but also enjoying a bit of an exotic vibe throughout the meal. Found a gem there!
Located at the rear of a lane on a sub-road of Sukhumvit Soi 12, close to the Asok BTS station. Head towards Sheraton Hotel from the station, past Times Square, then take a left into a lane just past Times Square. The lane is dimly lit, but not eerily quiet, with some roadside stalls. Keep an eye out for a prominent sign that says “Cabbages and Condoms.” It’s just 30m away, approximately a 6–8 minute walk from the main road.
The C&C Restaurant (PDA)
Call (02) 229-4610 or send a Fax to (02) 229-4610
Open daily from 11:00 to 22:00. Adequate parking space is available.
Cabbages & Condoms, often featured in travel guides, lives up to its name with a unique interior design focused on, you guessed it, condoms! Quite an unconventional and memorable dining experience.
Upon entering the restaurant, my initial reaction was truly indescribable. This two-story establishment was a condom haven! From life-sized figures adorned with condoms to lamps fully decked out in them – it was a unique spectacle. Interestingly, despite the theme, it’s not an adults-only spot. Feel free to bring along your little ones; it’s more quirky than anything ‘grubby.’
Dining here is a two-fold experience for customers with a noble cause. The restaurant was established to promote better understanding and acceptance of family planning. All income generated is directed towards supporting activities by the Population and Community Development Association in Thailand. So, you not only enjoy a unique dining atmosphere but also contribute to a meaningful cause.
Without a doubt, the culinary experience is top-notch for all. If you don’t go with an empty stomach, you might regret it – the menu is diverse, and the selections we tried were undoubtedly some of the best. :)
Salad – Thai Papaya Salad
Surprisingly, the authentic Thai salad came with shredded papaya instead of mango. I enjoyed the spicy-sweet kick, making it the perfect appetizer to ignite the appetite for more. Though, I must admit, the spice level was a bit too much for my liking.
Soup – Tom Yum Goong
The friendly waiter smiled when I asked for my Tom Yum soup to be less spicy. I figured Thais might handle spiciness better than Singaporeans. No need for culinary heroics on my part!
True enough, the authentic Thai Tom Yum soup in Thailand is a whole different level from the Singaporean version. Brace yourself for extra Bird’s eye chilis – it’s a real heat-up experience!
We opted for the seafood Tom Yum soup, and it was a real winner with the fresh, chunky prawns. The soup’s flavor was perfectly balanced, blending the complexities of hot, sour, sweet, and salty. A truly satisfying experience.
Main:
(1) Crispy Seabass with Thai Sweet Peanut Sauce
Being realistic, after two rounds of super spicy dishes, our stomachs were practically on fire. We needed a break from all that heat, and this scrumptious fried fish dish came to our rescue. I debated whether to go for steamed or deep-fried fish, leaning towards the latter since the steamed version came in a spicy soup base. Deep-fried never fails, and this crispy fish was indeed the right choice. No sauce needed – it’s super crispy outside, yet tender and moist inside. A win-win!
The so-called spicy sweet peanut sauce turned out to be not spicy at all – not even a hint. Maybe our tongues were already numbed by the earlier heat? :D Nevertheless, the peanut sauce was delightful and added a pleasant touch to the meal.
(2) Green Chicken Curry
Contrary to its name, it wasn’t a spicy dish; a more fitting name would be “Delicious Diced Chicken in Thick Coconut Milk Gravy.” Surprisingly, it gave off a homely vibe. I might not be Thai, but yes, that’s the charm of green curry! :D
Surprisingly, it wasn’t crowded on a Friday evening, and our food arrived promptly. While the number of diners increased gradually, it was disheartening to see this excellent restaurant not shining as brightly as other notable ones, likely due to its somewhat hidden location.
For those planning to visit, making an advance phone reservation is a wise move, especially if you’re from another city. Opt for a weekend visit if possible; you might be fortunate enough to receive a free foot massage or enjoy Thai dance performances presented by training schools. The restaurant generously serves as a live training ground for these apprentices.
I was almost set on my favorite Thai dessert, sticky rice with mango, but alas, my stomach was near bursting! No choice but to forfeit it. Compensated with a refreshing coconut drink, at least. :)
As for the bill? Checked out at BHT1200+ = S$50+ for everything we indulged in. That’s the beauty of splurging in (most places of) Thailand – it won’t make a noticeable dent in your wallet, agreed?
Before leaving, we even received some freebies – not sweets, though. Each guest was offered one condom. Cool~
Hold on, the night wasn’t quite over! Before leaving, make sure to drop by the C&C Handicraft Shop, located right next to the dining area. You’ll find a variety of exquisite condom-related products perfect for souvenirs. Plus, most items are reasonably priced.
Last but not least, this charming restaurant goes all out to ensure you have fun in every way. Don’t miss their “Wheel of SEX Fortune.” It might just spark some exciting ideas for what to do with your spouse when the night comes. Hahaha.
Well, I spun the wheel, and it landed on… “No Sex Tonight Please”!
That’s so bizarre, but the food looks great!