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 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 Bites7 best dessert spots at CentralwOrld

    7 best dessert spots at CentralwOrld

    CentralwOrld isn’t just a shopping paradise — it’s also a dessert lover’s dream come true. Whether you’re craving flaky French pastries, cloud-like cheesecakes, or the smoothest gelato in town, this mega-mall has it all. From sky-high views at COCOA XO to KUMO KUMO’s melt-in-your-mouth soufflé cheesecakes, there’s something here to satisfy every sweet tooth. If you’re ready to dive into…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Things To DoThe best Thai musical you’ve never heard of – Fah Jarod Sai

    The best Thai musical you’ve never heard of – Fah Jarod Sai

    Fah Jarod Sai: The Musical is now playing with English subtitles in Bangkok! What do you get when you combine a violent coup, a life-threatening love triangle, an arduous desert Odyssey, and an epic romance? Thailand’s smash-hit musical, Fah Jarod Sai: The Musical — now playing with English subtitles at Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre, Bangkok! For all you theatre lovers out…

  • 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…

  • 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…