Vegan-friendly
Lacto
Ovo
Thai
Western
Delivery
Take-out
Bakery
Gluten-free
Casual eatery cafe near Khaosan Rd, in alley behind Burger King. Extensive menu consisting of Thai and western dishes. Its is part of center that includes a small travel agency, yoga studio, juice bar, computer stations, and massage. Open Mon-Sun 7:30am-11:30pm.
333 Reviews
First Review by Lek
Nikki1801
Points +963
A world away from KSR.. - Edit
I've just had a quick scan through the reviews on here,and I'm wondering if I ate somewhere else!
Read moreWe've been here several times (in June 2010 & sept 2012)and always really enjoyed it here. The staff were a bit miserable the last couple of visits, but apart from that I really like it here.
They use red & green font for veg & vegan, it's the clearest menu we encountered in Asia.
We met the owner- he sat and chatted to us for ages with another customer, he was very knowledgeable on veg/vegan and fermentation- I think he was a biologist of sorts but I could be wrong!
The location is perfect- close enough to the action (if er, KSR is your 'thing'!!) but on a quiet back street- it's a nice quiet haven away from the bustle.
They've got so much choice for both food & drink- it IS expensive for Asia (£3 a dish) but they're huge portions and delicious!
The vegan apple crumble and custard is one of my favourites- I had it back in 2010 and wouldn't shut up until we went back and had it again! :)
Also the chocolate & coconut shake is amazing- definitely worth a try!
Pros: big portions, varied menu, vegan desserts
Cons: expensive
Guest
SonjaCPA
Points +5270
varied menu - Edit
We stopped by Ethos on the day we arrived in Bangkok as it was close to our hotel. We definitely needed the good food and refreshment. The menu is very varied with Thai, Middle Eastern, Italian, gluten-free, pancakes, etc. The vegetarian items are marked in red and the vegan ones in green. English is spoken as well as on the menu. Most customers appeared to be tourists or ex-pats.
Read moreWe ordered hibiscus iced tea and a papaya shake to start. For dinner, we got the veggie noodles and lasagna. For dessert, a mango and banana pancake. The entrees were very good, but the pancake was a bit dry as it was gluten free too. Overall, we had a good experience and would go again if in the area.
Pros: varied menu, vegan options, English
Cons: no A/C
Guest
LMNaturel
Points +45
#1 best place to eat - Real Food- vegan-veg-raw - Edit
Our family ate at Ethos. It is our favorite place in Bangkok. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. We were never disappointed . The freshness , kindness and love from that kitchen. We are world travelers and that is our best place. We can not wait to be back in Bangkok to go to Ethos.
Read morePros: organic food, presentation, freshness
Guest
freeprincebandar
Points +305
Great food - Edit
First, let me state you are not required to take your shoes off though many people do. Beyond that, nothing else is bad about the place. The food was great, we went several times in 2 days.
Read morePros: convenient location, western baked goods, fresh made to order food
Cons: no A/C
Guest
leon48
Points +102
My favorit - Edit
Very nice place, good food, too little spece for people who do not want to sit by the low tables.
Read morePros: exellent food, friendly staff, wifi
Guest
kamikazekid
Points +134
Excellent experience!! - Edit
I'm sitting in Ethos right now and having read some of the negative reviews posted here felt I should add my opinion. The food has been excellent with a really wide choice-it was pretty difficult to choose what to get to be honest!! Service is no better or worse than the majority of places we've visited throughout Thailand and if anything was a bit faster. The only thing I'd say be aware of is that the portions are huuuuge, particularly the Thai dishes so if you're planning on trying the chocolate cake or pancakes don't order too much beforehand!! I just had the noodle soup plus tempeh and basil (without rice) and seriously cannot manage anything else. Also really good if you're craving a soya latte and don't want to patronise Starbucks :) Also hella cheap (70 baht for a huge bowl of noodle soup, 80 fir the tempeh dish)
Read morePros: Great choice of excellent food, Relaxed atmosphere, Low prices
Cons: Not the easiest place to find
Guest
Cathy P.
Points +53
Yes, Go - Edit
It was a challenge to find this place but worth it. Remember it's in the alley behind Burger King on Khao Sen Rd. (Good news is that one of the May Kaidee's is right across the way.) Warm, comfortable atmosphere, great music playing the two times we ate there, also the opportunity to sit on cushions on the floor to eat at the low tables. It was a relief to have a variety of veggie foods and I especially enjoyed the meatless balls and spaghetti one evening.
Read moreGuest
amy sledge
Points +32
headed down hill - Edit
First time at Ethos was great! So pleased to find a veggie place to relax and enjoy Thai food. Ginger stir fry was good. Pancakes are standard. But it went down hill quickly, ending with a mouse in the bathroom. The mouse was motionless, and probably dead. They removed him but didn't clean up his mess. All a bit disturbing. The staff didn't apologize, but there isn't much apologizing in Thailand. They just say ok, even when it isn't.
Read morePros: cozy
Cons: dirty?
tiptopcat
I think mice and rats are all part of the course for many restaurants in Bangkok. I've been to some quite fancy places only to have a rat run by a few feet away.
Read moreGuest
PatriciaRobinson
Points +36
Tempeh exciting, staff not so much - Edit
We loved finding ethos. Wifi while you eat, Tempeh, amazing chocolate coconut milk shakes!!!!!! The portions are huge-I had to get my husband to help me eat the salad I ordered-it was bigger than my head.
Read moreWe went there almost everyday for a week. Our only complaint was the staff. The first 2 times we went there they were polite. After that, not so much. Lots of ignoring, giving us dirty looks, plopping our food down and stomping away. We were really taken aback by the attitude we received. We had to check ourselves to see if we were in the wrong. We always ordered a good amount of food when we were using the wifi (definitely over the 100 baht stated in the menu for wifi usage), we always tipped, we weren't there during the busy season, tables were always open, so we weren't taking up space. We just couldn't figure it out.
Whatever, I don't know if we'll go back there when we head back to Bangkok. It's a tough call because their food is so good-the atmosphere is a drag.
Updated from previous review on Monday October 03, 2011
Pros: Tempeh instead of only tofu, huge portions, An actual salad
Cons: super attitude waitstaff
Guest
ncandlp
Points +37
Avoid - No concept of veganism or health - Edit
[edit by staff] The three of us sat down and salivated over the mouthwateringly enticing menu. The waiter couldn't tell us if the pasta was eggless, they brought the wrong meals to two of us, all three of our meals were dry and more than forgettable, and using the bathroom we saw them heating everything in a microwave! Enough said, the owner is clearly not the real deal and is in it for the money. Mai Kaidee's a few doors down is light years ahead.
Read morePros: Extensive menu
Cons: No concept of veganism, Microwave, Poor service
Guest
ital_vita
Points +42
excellent! - Edit
very tasty and delicious! many choices! i absolutely loved noni juice shots there!
Read morePros: excellent food, rare juice shots, fresh
Cons: locals was selling meat in front of
Guest
eatinggreen
Points +608
Surprisingly good - Edit
We've been in Bangkok for over 10 days now and had been avoiding Ethos based on the reviews here. But we figured today we'd give it a go, since we're running out of new places to try. We figured if it was really bad we could always just move on to May Kaidee's down the road.
Read moreWe arrived to find the vibe quite relaxed, quiet and comfortable. Enjoyed the simple but effective decor - gives it a cosy, slightly Oriental (but not overly so) feel. There was mention of the chairs not being comfortable.. we sat at a table but I'm guessing that comment relates to the Asian style tables.. well you know, you *are* in Asia. That kind of set-up is standard in Japan where I live. Can't help but feel that they are part of the cultural experience of traveling in Asia, no?
Anyway, I digress. So we open the menu, expecting a really random mix of average dishes and probably only some token local offerings. But no - nothing of the sort. What we found was a well rounded offering of plenty of salads, Thai curries, Thai soups, stir-fries, interesting looking appetisers, etc etc. They make their own tempeh and kombucha - nice! And you can choose what oil is used in your cooking - either rice bran or coconut oil. Awesome!
Having spent *way* too much time wading through the interesting drink menu we settled on some coconut shakes and a kombucha. My partner noticed them using packaged coconut milk. Bummer. There are some real issues with packaged coconut milk - often bleach goes is used to whiten it and is not noted on the labels. We never use it at home, always squeeze our own from dessicated coconut (can't get it fresh in Japan). Anyway they did taste ok I must admit.
As for the food - well, lots and lots of veges, which is a great thing when you're a VEGEtarian. And portion sizes - surely larger than the average in Bangkok. We ordered the same amount as we do in other places and it was almost too much.
And as for food quality - not bad at all. Nothing so amazing that it bowled us over (although I really liked their version of tom kha soup, a bit sour as i like it, tho my partner disagreed). but all fresh, healthy and tasting good, if slightly on the sweet side and not very spicy (obviously adjusted for foreign tastes).
The dessert menu was pretty limited and since they use packaged coconut milk we opted for May Kaidee's down the road for that (love her mango banana sticky black rice!).
All in all, would totally come again. A pleasant surprise. Oh yes - service was fine too.
Pros: healthy, varied menu, cosy vibe, large portions of veges
Cons: tastes adapted for foreigners, packaged coconut milk
Guest
msvegan
Points +377
Average - Edit
I've eaten here a few times and found the food average and overpriced for the quality/portions. Also, the staff isnt very friendly or helpful. They dont seem to understand what vegan means so I would not recommend this place. I seems they are more profit oriented than ethical. Often gets crowded and the seating is uncomfortable/limited.
Read morePros: okay food, free wi-fi
Cons: overpriced, unfriendly staff, dont understand vegan
Guest
Ianthewander
Points +237
Great place. - Edit
Went there many times Oct and Dec 2010. Enjoyed chatting to the owner. Love the range of food and the effort that goes into the place. Was always busy, I do like a quiet place where I can sit and skype and internet (I read the review complaining about 'old folk' like me sitting for hours using the net-- well, sonny!). Plan to return in 2011. And use the net for hours, just to annoy the young people.
Read morePros: range of food., good taste
Cons: busy busy.
Guest
Liam Wilson
Points +58
Personal and Memorable Service, and an Education. - Edit
Following some friends back to one of their staple spots in Bangkok, right off Koahsan road, to Ethos. The layout was laid-back and comfortable, the menu was full of local favorites as well as some more typical (and welcome after weeks in SE Asia) western vegetarian options like veggie burgers and tempeh sandwiches done right. The real clincher was the Kombucha. I hadn't had a Kombucha in weeks, and the fact that their stuff was brewed in house, and flavored with some really dramatic stuff, it was impossible to pass up. I'm not sure what about the order caught the attention of the owner, Phil, but nevertheless he came over to chat with our table, and soon we were discussing all things Kombucha, as well as a lot of other things on the menu, his origins in Melbourne and the vegetarian community there and eventually, about an hour-long discourse over dessert that we started by asking his opinion of the Red Shirts as an ex-pat vs. a Thai native...Etc. Etc. - the service and sense of community remind me why I eat as consciously as possible. Great establishment all around. The menu, location, staff, even the wifi was blazing fast! Highly recommended.
Read morePros: Price, Menu Variety, Location
Guest
kool_kitchen
Points +875
Adequate - Edit
Mixed Thai and Western fare, all average, but the drinks are really good and, tucked away on a quiet backalley, it's a nice place to sit and relax. The free wifi is a bonus. My favourite dish is their falafel/hummus/tahina pita.
Read morePros: Comfortable place, Peaceful, Free wifi
Cons: Average dishes
Guest
tash
Points +72
... - Edit
if you are vegan and have any taste buds at all you MUST go here. they serve the best pancakes i have ever had (which are also wheat free). the ones i ordered came with coconut cream and loads of fresh strawberry sauce. perfect if you are craving something that isn't rice, morning glory, or tofu (ie. stodgy western food). on one of the many other times we visited i had the meatballs which were really good too. some of the western dishes are more expensive but just because of the imported/expensive ingredients - you can't knock them for that. also have amazing banana porridge with coconut milk which is huge and fills you up all day. yuuuuuuuum.
Read moreGuest
Eacampbell
Points +43
OK - Edit
Ethos is a laid-back, typical Thai/Western restaurant more similar to something you'd find on the islands with cushion seating and relaxing music.
Read moreWe ordered the Tom Yum soup with noodles. Asked the waiter if it would be "Thai spicy," because many restaurants tone down the spices for westerners. He assured us yes, but unfortunately it was not. Very mild taste, but not bad despite the lack of chili.
The fruit shakes are delicious and fresh. The staff are friendly. The customers are happy.
Pros: Relaxed atmosphere
Cons: Not enough spice
Guest
tiptopcat
Points +29
mmm... falafels! - Edit
I've walked by Ethos many times but it had often been quite full (of crusty backpacker types!). However the other day I strolled past and it was empty and so, with a rumble in my belly, decided to pop in. I'm glad as I ordered a falafel and it was lovely! I think it was about 130baht and included a big bowl of humous, a dipping bowl of tahini, a pitta bread, 4 tasty falafels and a big salad. This considering if you go to FoodVilla supermarket a small pot of humous costs 150baht alone!
Read moreI look forward to going back to Ethos sometime soon.
Pros: Good food, Good options, Relaxed atmosphere... when not busy
Cons: Sometimes full of tie-dyed wearers
Guest
enRoute
Points +1413
great, fun place - Edit
When I first came around the end of April, the place looked like it was shut down... apparently it was just a bit of remodeling, as it's open again now.
Read moreLots of controversy in these reviews, but I'm in the camp who really enjoyed the place. Had some fantastic pad thai with very fresh veggies, the vegburger was... slightly odd but still fun. I'm giving it five stars for being open late (sometimes past midnight) and having a super fast hassle-free wifi connection.
One funny thing, I had the opposite experience than a couple of people here... I was at a small table, and when the waiter saw that I was with computer and ordering a lot, he offered to move me to a bigger one! This wasn't the owner, but just a staff member who, to be honest, was otherwise a bit listless.
Oh... the coconut milk cocktails here are better than anything I've had in the city.
Pros: pretty delicious, open late, fast wifi
Guest
dimitri
Points +129
good food-bad enviroment-random staff behivor - Edit
what i don't like about ethos is the enviroment,i don't like that japanese type seats,not very relaxed in my opinion,and those forgoten farnags with the lptop seating for hours!this is restaurant not a skype center! and all in the close distance! the prices is more than the similar vegs restaurant around the area, the food is nice, the staff is not that friendly,i guess is random days in all the restaurants around how they behive to you
Read moreGuest
batski
Points +34
My favourite - Edit
This restaurant soon became my number one choice in Bangkok. Very friendly staff that speak fairly good English and know the meaning of the word vegan, laid back athmosphere and tasty food. Many vegan choices that are clearly listed on the menu in red letters (ovo-lacto dishes are listed in green - personally I think green would be more suitable for the vegan dishes, but that's just a little detail). Their Thai Green Curry is delicious, as is their Morning Glory. We had breakfast there twice as well. The porridge with dried fruits and coconut cream was really tasty. They also have several vegan deserts on the menu. My advice: if you visit Bangkok don't miss Ethos.
Read morePros: Friendly staff, Many clearly listed vegan choices, Great food
Cons: Occasionally mild odor from the street
Guest
tbonesf
Points +98
fun - communal vibe - Edit
Everyone seemed to know each other kind of vibe. People from all over the world, but I guess since there aren't that many dedicated Vegetarian places, everyone eats at the same places. haha.
Read moreFood was good and cheap. Sat on the floor while dinning. Free wifi. Close to everything.
Pros: good food, cheap food, Free wifi
Cons: none :)
Guest
Jacob Matthews
Points +17
Bad customer service from owner - Edit
I have eaten a few times at Ethos and had a bad experience on the last occasion that I visited. When I arrived at the restaurant there was only one table available. As I walked towards this table the owner asked me abruptly if I was alone. When I said yes he became flustered and then instructed me to share different four seater table with another man as I could not have a four seater table to myself. After about one minute this man left so I decided to go and sit at the empty table as it had more comfortable seating. As I went to sit there the owner shouted "no" loudly across the restaurant in a rude and authoritarian manner. When I explained that it would make no difference which table I sat at as both were 4 seaters and that this a terrible way to treat a customer, he said that he is running a business and has to do it this way. I informed him that I would take my business eslewhere and he told me to do that without offering any kind of apology. It's a shame that I had this experience as the food has always been good when I have eaten there before. However I am not prepared to eat somewhere where the owner doesn't value individual customers because I he is thinking about maximum profits. I would personally recommend that people (particularly if they are dining alone)eat at Number One or Mai Kaidee's, which are both vegetarian restaurants on the same street with delicious food and excellent customer service.
Read morePauPau
Jacob, i have eaten there about ten times and had TWO unpleasant experiences with the owner. One like yours, with being redirected to another table, which just isnt nice. Its like squeezing the joint to make an extra buck with little regard for your customer. Second encounter, when paying i asked for the receite because i want to take it home, sounds pretty normal, right ? well, turns out that "he needs it for his administration" so he refuses to give it, instead starts a very unpleasant argumentation. I just want the receite, its very normal to give your customer the receite. Its just unbelievable the rudeness that he actually starts arguing with his customer and makes his customer feel bad. I NEVER will visit that phoney place again. Better go to May Kaidee next door.
Read moreJacob Matthews
Hi Ethos owner. You've clearly missed the point of the above posts. My main issue was with the rude and abrupt manner in which you spoke to me, for which you offer no apology. If I were in your position I would be concerned that two customers had had a bad experience in my restaurant and that they had been unhappy with the customer service. Instead you try to put the blame on the customers by labelling them as 'anti-social' and suggest that they are somehow selfish for wanting a decent table when it is free. Once again, I can only reiterate that customers would be better seeking good quality vegetarian food in May Kaidee's or Number One Restaurant next door.
Read moreGuest
chillin
Points +87
Vegan heaven in Bangkok! - Edit
I've now been to Ethos on 4 separate occasions and have always left full to the brim. Highlights off the menu include the falafels, banana coconut shake, apple crumble and custard ... mmmm! It has a homely feel, but could do with a new coat of paint so that the interior matches up to the quality of the food. Can't wait to go back!
Read morePros: Large portions, Friendly staff, Filling food
Cons: Interior needs a revamp/ lick of paint, Takeaway was in polystyrene containers
Guest
killianH
Points +126
best thing about ko shan - Edit
good vegetarian and vegan options, in a really quiet street that helps you forget about ko shan. really helpful staff and also really cheap cocktails (100 baht). get in there early for the hummous, i keep missing out!
Read morePros: good vegan, good cocktails
Guest
VeganGirls
Points +44
Delicious, amazing, well priced place- five star! - Edit
Ethos is one of the highlights of eating in Bangkok, for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters alike.
Read moreLocated in a quite, charming alley near the hub of Khao San Rd, it is a scrumptious escape with delicious food, great variety, good value, a lovely atmosphere and free Wifi.
The food is an oral orgasm! We've been there many times on multiple trips, and the highlights definitely are:
- The Vegan Lasagna: made with silky tofu and richly-flavoured vegetables, and served with...
- Garden Salad: sure, it's just lettuce, cucumbers, tomato and cabbage; but what makes this the best salad in Bangkok is the drool-worthy dressing. Ask for extra dressing!!
- The Banana/Coconut Cream Shake: Oh. My. Goodness. This is the most mind-blowing drink on the menu. Simply amazing.
- The Arabic Iced Mint Tea: Cool, refreshing, unique and cheap. What more could you ask for?
- The Chocolate Cake with Vegan Coconut Cream: moist, rich and mouth-watering. Enough said.
- The Apple Crumble served with Coconut Custard: WOW! The crumble is crumbly, the apple is perfect, the coconut custard is creamy and smooth... in a nutshell, this dessert is to die for. In fact, it's worth travelling across Bangkok for, if not the whole of Thailand!
Whether or not you usually eat vegetarian/vegan food, go to Ethos. It's worth it. Your taste buds will be doing a happy dance for the rest of the day!!
P.S. In response to some of the negative comments from the past: the owner of Ethos has since changed and turned the whole place around. It has an amazing menu, is a great place to relax, and offers free internet to boot without the pressure of having to order. If you find the service is slower than you'd like, simply go up to the waiter, manager or any other staff member and tell them what you want! A big smile and friendly attitude will get you everywhere, as with anywhere in Thailand :-)
Pros: Excellent Food & Great Value, Fantastic Variety, Free Wifi & Lovely Atmosphere
Cons: Occassionally slow service
Guest
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