Aina Rita Swartz

Rita Swartz is a Thai-American writer who grew up in Thailand, Australia, and the US. After graduating with a degree in History and International Relations from King’s College London, she moved back to her hometown of Bangkok and now writes on a variety of topics including food, culture, and film. When she isn’t writing, Rita can be found baking Scandinavian pastries or reading murder mysteries.
  • Best BitesCan’t-miss international fine dining restaurants in Bangkok

    Can’t-miss international fine dining restaurants in Bangkok

    If you thought Bangkok was all street food and sizzling woks (which, let’s be honest, is already pretty fantastic), think again. This city is also a world-class playground for globe-trotting gourmands, with international fine dining spots that whisk you from the Italian Riviera to modern-day Tokyo — all without ever leaving the city limits. Can’t-miss international fine dining restaurants in…

  • Best Bites9 chocolate shops in Bangkok you have to try

    9 chocolate shops in Bangkok you have to try

    Bangkok might be known for its spicy street food and A+ dining, but let’s not forget — it’s also a haven for chocolate lovers. From bean-to-bar artisans to luxurious dessert lounges, this city is brimming with chocolate shops that spin cocoa into pure magic. 9 chocolate shops in Bangkok you have to try Duc de Praslin Belgium Chocolaterie Tempered Co.…

  • Best BitesWhere to eat at Gaysorn Village

    Where to eat at Gaysorn Village

    If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience in Bangkok, Gaysorn Village is the place to be. Spanning three buildings — Gaysorn Amarin, Gaysorn Tower, and Gaysorn Centre — this luxury lifestyle destination isn’t just about high-end shopping; it’s also a dream come true for restaurant-goers. My aunt and I have undertaken the arduous task of scouting out the best…

  • Best Bites8 can’t-miss restaurants at CentralwOrld

    8 can’t-miss restaurants at CentralwOrld

    If there’s one mall in Bangkok where foodies can truly feast like kings, it’s CentralwOrld. Whether you’re in the mood for sky-high surf & turf, a big stack-o’-pancakes, or a comforting bowl of Taiwanese dumplings, this shopping centre has it all. Trust me, I would know — the number of times I have dragged my aunt to this mega-mall to…

  • Best Bites6 best non-dairy ice cream places in Bangkok

    6 best non-dairy ice cream places in Bangkok

    There is little better than a scoop of ice cream on a hot day. And let’s be honest — every day in Bangkok is a hot day, even with this “cool draft” we’re going through. Luckily, we’ve got the cure — though Bangkok’s heat may be relentless, there’s no better way to beat it than with a scoop (or three)…

  • Best Bites6 best spots for Scandinavian food in Bangkok

    6 best spots for Scandinavian food in Bangkok

    Craving a taste of Scandinavia without leaving Bangkok? For all you fellow Nordics experiencing a touch of the homesick blues this winter, look no further: Bangkok has got you covered with these 6 spots for Scandinavian food. 6 best spots for Scandinavian food in Bangkok Whether you’re in the mood for a refined fine-dining experience or a casual fika with…

  • Food6 Wicked-themed desserts in Bangkok worth holding space for

    6 Wicked-themed desserts in Bangkok worth holding space for

    Wicked fever has swept the media-consuming world. If you’ve been online at all recently, you’re sure to have seen the myriad reels, memes, and tiktoks that are all talking about this film. To get you in on the hype, we’re bringing to you a list of six Wicked-themed desserts to try in Bangkok — so, leave a little room after…

  • Things To DoBangkok’s 2024 Baturu Cultural Festival: what you need to know

    Bangkok’s 2024 Baturu Cultural Festival: what you need to know

    The 2024 Baturu Cultural Festival started this weekend in Bangkok — but what is it? This one-of-a-kind festival is more than just an event; it’s a movement that uses art as a tool for tackling big issues like gender inequality, mental health, and social justice. Whether you’re here to catch a heart-stirring film, join a fascinating panel discussion, or just…

  • Best BitesWhere to eat at One Bangkok?

    Where to eat at One Bangkok?

    Bangkok’s newest mega-mall, One Bangkok, has finally opened in Lumpini, and to the delight of shoppers and foodies everywhere. Easily accessible by MRT (MRT Lumpini, Exit 3), One Bangkok is the newest swathe of uncharted territory for the Bangkok food enthusiast. But where to eat? Filled to the brim with dozens of new and familiar restaurants to try, this huge…

  • Best BitesWhere you can try Dubai chocolate in Bangkok

    Where you can try Dubai chocolate in Bangkok

    The viral Dubai chocolate craze that has overtaken social media has finally reached Bangkok — and thank goodness for that! Popularised on social media, Dubai chocolate bars have become a must-try staple for chocolate lovers all over the world. So what is Dubai chocolate? Well, they’re giant, Willy-Wonka-looking chocolate bars that are filled with a mixture of pistachio cream and…

  • Best Bites10 best noodle restaurants in Bangkok

    10 best noodle restaurants in Bangkok

    Bangkok is nothing short of a noodle lover’s paradise. Whether you prefer rice noodles or egg noodles, clear broth or creamy, this city has something for everyone. Noodles in Bangkok is a cuisine in and of itself, with hundreds of noodle restaurants catering to every imaginable fancy. With so many options, it can be difficult to know where to even…

  • GuidesPosh places for a relaxing afternoon tea in Bangkok (2025)

    Posh places for a relaxing afternoon tea in Bangkok (2025)

    Today we give thanks to Anna Maria Russel, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. For those of you who don’t know, the Duchess is credited with the invention of afternoon tea in Britain sometime during the 1840s — a tradition as longstanding as it is enjoyable! Beginning as a way to curb hunger between lunch and dinner, it naturally became quite…