Delish Eats: Rangoon Tea House, All-Day Burmese Dining in Thonglor
Restaurant Story
Rangoon Tea House proudly opened its first international branch in August 2024, situated in the vibrant heart of Thonglor. Celebrated as one of the World’s Best Tea Houses by CNN and featured in the World’s 50 Best Asia Discoveries, this 550-square-meter reimagined mid-century style Burmese tea shop offers a stylish and engaging ambiance that beautifully reflects the charm of its original location in Myanmar, which has been a beloved establishment since 2014.
The tea house serves as a tribute to the rich culinary diversity of Myanmar, blending traditional Burmese staples with modern twists and promoting an all-day dining culture. As a cultural melting pot, Myanmar has been shaped by various influences over the years, including migrants from Bombay and Chinese communities who arrived in the early 1900s, along with contributions from various ethnic minority groups. This rich tapestry of flavors is perfectly encapsulated in the tea house, which emphasizes shared plates, layered flavors, and the joy of long conversations.
Beyond just a place to grab a quick bite, Rangoon Tea House is designed to be a community hub that combines the relaxed vibe of a café with the welcoming atmosphere of a casual restaurant. Its diverse menu features everything from snacks and main courses to scrumptious desserts, alongside a selection of teas and cocktails. One of the standout experiences here is the performance of Burmese tea pulling, a captivating theatrical technique integral to Myanmar’s milk tea culture, inviting guests to witness a delightful blend of culinary artistry and tradition.
Owner Story
Htet Myet Oo and Isabella Sway Tin, a husband-and-wife duo, established Rangoon Tea House in Yangon with a vision to modernize Myanmar’s cuisine and introduce its rich culture to an international audience. Htet Myet Oo’s journey began in Myanmar, but he moved to the UK at the tender age of four. After completing his studies in economics in London, he returned to his homeland, driven by a desire to celebrate and share its culinary heritage.
The Bangkok branch of Rangoon Tea House stands as a vibrant tribute to the all-day dining culture, embodying the spirit of an institution Htet is passionate about sharing with the world. Within its walls, guests are greeted by a charming ambience characterized by vintage floor tiles and evocative portraits of everyday Myanmar locals—familiar faces that might be found in tea shops or bustling markets, all of which beautifully encapsulate the essence of Myanmar. Furthermore, the restaurant showcases exquisite artworks by Sayar Nyan Da, rendered on traditional Shan lotus paper, adding an artistic touch to this cultural oasis.
What’s the Vibe and Venue like
Rangoon Tea House is a sophisticated reinterpretation of the classic Burmese tea house, nestled within a meticulously renovated two-storey heritage building on the charming Soi Saeng Chai, near Thonglor. With its rich antique dark green façade and elegant refurbished teakwood interiors, this inviting space embodies a warm and leisurely atmosphere, offering both indoor and outdoor seating for a delightful dining experience. Inspired by the cinematic splendor of Rangoon’s historic Cinema Row on Bogyoke Aung San Road, Rangoon Tea House celebrates the captivating allure of Art Deco architecture, vibrant neon signage, and a delightful blend of Hollywood, Bollywood, and Burmese films.
They also offer an exclusive range of branded merchandise, from chic caps to stylish tote bags, cups, and tees — perfect souvenirs to take a piece of Rangoon home.
How Much Does It Cost
This restaurant presents a refined and premium dining experience, reflected in its pricing, which tends to be higher than that of typical neighborhood eateries.
Dishes start at around THB 70 for parathas and go up to THB 750 for Grilled Rump Cap and THB 740 for Mutton Biryani. The menu features items as high as THB 990 for King Prawn Curry with Rice. If you're dining with 2-3 people, you can expect the total cost to range from THB 2,500 to THB 3,500.
What is the Menu About
The menu presents a refined exploration of both authentic and contemporary Burmese cuisine, artfully combining classic dishes with an array of regional specialties influenced by Indian , Chinese, and diverse Southeast Asian flavors. There's a great selection of offerings, ranging from traditional tea shop snacks and street food with international twists to grilled meats, salads, and noodles such as Khao Soi, fragrant one-pot biryani, and banana leaf rice sets, complemented by an array of enticing desserts.
Signature dishes — highlighting scrumptious dim sum, iconic Mohinga, Pennywort Salad, Rangoon Biryani, and delicious Chocolate Samosas — grace the menu in Thonglor, along with exclusive items curated specifically for the Bangkok culinary experience and for local tastebuds.
For drinks, there's an extensive selection of gin-based beverages, spritzes, house wines, cocktails, and mocktails.
One highlight is the impressive variety of traditional teas, with a dedicated menu offering sixteen different blends that combine various ratios of condensed milk, Ceylon black tea, and sweetness. The traditional tea itself is a fusion of Indian chai and Malaysian tea (teh tarik).
What Did We Order
Sipping the Ceylon Tea (THB 195) is an unspoken ritual when visiting Rangoon Tea House. This traditional Burmese milk tea, made with condensed milk and simmered milk skin, is like a warm hug, offering true comfort. The robust and creamy beverage has a strong, rich flavor of black tea, resembling a mix between Teh Tarik (Malaysian tea) and Indian tea, but without the masala.
One of the highlights is watching the tea being 'pulled' to create that frothy layer on top. As you drink, you can savor the velvety texture of the condensed milk tea, which is akin to malai (milk skin) and has a clotted cream consistency—a delicacy in its own right. Tea drinkers can customize their experience by choosing the amount of black tea, condensed milk, and evaporated milk to determine how sweet or rich they want their tea.
They have an extensive list of cocktails, and the Pegu Club (THB 360) comes highly recommended. This drink is a blend of bulldog gin, orange liqueur, tea liqueur, lime juice, and bitters. The Burmese gin-based cocktail has a bittersweet flavor with hints of black tea and zesty orange, served with a burnt caramel-glazed garnish on the side.
The Lamb Keemar Paratha (THB 230) is a deliciously spiced dish that features a light crunch and a juicy filling. This savory paratha is stuffed with spicy minced lamb, complemented by a flavorful cumin and tomato curry along with cabbage, all wrapped in freshly fried paratha dough. The paratha itself is quite light, offering chewy minced lamb that is juicy and sweet, with a spicy kick enhanced by chili flakes.
Rangoon Chicken Biryani (THB 640) is not only the signature dish at this restaurant but also a true showstopper. Known as ‘Dum Pauk’ in Burmese, this traditional cooking method brings together the richness of Hyderabadi biryani with the vibrant flavors of Burmese cuisine. As the staff lifts the lid off the tortilla roti, you're greeted with a flavorful basmati rice, beautifully infused with saffron milk and seasoned with an aromatic blend of spices, decked with tender, overnight-marinated chicken thighs. This dish is warm and comforting, surprisingly mild in spice, making it truly worth the hype. It is accompanied by Mint Rider, a cucumber mint raita; Balachaung, a condiment made from shrimp paste and chilies; and Gobi Chin, which is fermented cabbage. Additionally, it is served with a tangy acacia leaf soup.
Their Duck Empanadas (THB 210) are a bold fusion blending local flavors with traditional influences, creating a savory pastry filled with tender, chewy duck that offers a delightful sweetness. It features pulled duck sautéed with caramelized onions, all wrapped in golden pastry and served with sriracha yogurt. With hints of five spices, including star anise and cinnamon, the strong flavors come together beautifully.
One true Burmese classic and a household favorite is the Burrata with Mutton and Tea Leaf (THB 650). This dish beautifully combines Italian cheese with the bold flavors of Burmese cuisine — an unexpected combination. Watching the burrata burst open to meld with the fermented tea leaves is a mesmerizing experience, inviting you to indulge in a harmonious blend. The dish features fermented tea leaves combined with dried mutton and peanut oil, making for a taste that is both unique and memorable. It is garnished with chili, garlic, and lemon, adding an extra layer of flavor. Served with samosa skin, you can dive into this creamy dish, where the slightly bitter yet velvety cheese meets a spicy kick.
When it comes to dessert, going for something rich and decadent like the Burnt Cheesecake (THB 320) is a decision you won't regret. This signature Basque-style cheesecake is served with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream. Arguably one of the best cheesecakes in town, it is perfectly balanced in sweetness, with a subtle bitterness from the caramelization that truly melts in your mouth.
What We Liked and What We Didn’t Like
The food here is hearty and wholesome, beautifully capturing a small piece of Myanmar. Not trying the Ceylon Tea would be a missed opportunity, as it is absolutely delicious and a staple. A sip of this velvety tea brings pure comfort. The best part? It pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes, whether it’s cheesecake or duck empanadas.
One standout dish is the Burrata with Mutton and Tea Leaf, which is a household favorite that takes you by surprise. This combination is surprisingly bold; it’s spicy due to the chili flakes, creamy from the Italian cheese, and packed with umami flavor. The mutton blends seamlessly with the tea leaves, and when paired with the crispy samosa skin, it creates a perfect crunch.
We’ve seen lots of biryanis, but the Rangoon Chicken Biryani is an extraordinary delight that caters to every palate. It's perfect for all taste buds because it's mild yet packed with flavor from its spices, herbs, cashew nuts, and tender chicken, making it much lighter than the Indian version. Pair it with cucumber mint raita for a refreshing twist that helps balance the spices. Plus, you'll love how generously it’s served; expect more chicken than rice. For those who crave a touch of heat, just add some Balachaung to elevate the flavor even further.
The Duck Empanadas are beloved for good reason, whether enjoyed for breakfast or as appetizers at dinner. They offer a gourmet twist on a classic pie with a sweet filling within the savory pastry. The Burnt Cheesecake feels right to end your meal on a sweet note. It is creamy, moderately sweet, and decadent—truly the best way to end your dining experience. The portion is generous enough to be shared between two people, but honestly, after just one bite, you won’t want to share.
It’s truly an ideal spot for enjoying a variety of dishes with friends and family in a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for conversation. Their extensive menu offers many options, allowing you to explore different flavors and experiment with your taste buds. The service is friendly, attentive, and efficient. While they do offer a nice selection of wines, the prices can be a bit high, and some dishes also feel overpriced.
What You Should Order
Starting off with their Ceylon Tea (THB 195) is a no-brainer, which will surely warm your soul. Next, try the Lamb Keemar Paratha (THB 230), which is surprisingly juicy and has a soft filling that feels light despite being a paratha. —it will surprise you with its juicy, soft filling that feels delightfully light despite being a paratha. If you're leaning towards a vegetarian option, the Pea Paratha (THB 180) is a must-try. Its warm, flaky exterior encases an intense flavor of yellow peas that simply hits the spot.
The Rangoon Chicken Biryani (THB 640) is the ultimate comfort food—deeply satisfying and perfect for sharing. For a taste of Yangon’s street food, try the traditional breakfast dish, Four-Fish Mohinga (THB 280). This authentic regional dish features a mix of daggertooth, catfish, butterfish, and sturgeon, served with fermented vermicelli noodles. It’s topped with assorted fritters that add a sweet, bold, earthy flavor, enhanced by a splash of lemongrass that takes it up a notch.
The Burnt Cheesecake (THB 320) is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and is a must-try for cake lovers. But don't stop there — try the iconic Burmese dessert known as the Monster Falooda (THB 290). This dessert is not only a feast for the eyes but also an explosion of flavors. The Monster Falooda features layers of enticing ingredients such as rose jelly, pandan cendol, vermicelli sev, homemade egg pudding, and ice cream, all beautifully arranged in a glass. While it may seem overwhelming, it's a delightful indulgence that combines various textures and flavors in every bite.
For more information about Rangoon Tea House, visit their website, Instagram, or Facebook.
Location: Rangoon Tea House, 6 Soi Sangchai, Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
Operating hours: Sun to Thurs 9AM to 10:30PM, Fri to Sat 9AM to 11PM
Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous Delish Eats reviews here .
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