Thai food for a good cause!
It’s not always easy to find a good restaurant on your first visit to Bangkok. A place that comes highly recommended for sampling authentic Thai food whilst doing a good deed at the same time is tucked away in one of Bangkok’s many side streets. The restaurant has a striking and unusual name: Cabbages & Condoms.
The restaurant was founded by a Thai legend, Meechai Viravaidya. He is a former politician and philanthropist who decided to tackle social issues such as sexual health, sustainability and anti-corruption. Meechai often drew attention to these serious issues in a light-hearted way.
Cabbages & Condoms regularly places mannequins decorated with condoms outside its restaurants to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS. It sounds strange to say this. In fact, it sounds a bit gross. But fear not, because this is a restaurant that serves delicious food whilst promoting family planning, and all proceeds go towards supporting the work of the PDA.
The restaurant’s motto is “our food won’t make you pregnant”, one of the most unusual slogans you’ll see in Bangkok.
The menu features traditional Thai dishes, so there’s plenty of choice for everyone.
There’s also a craft shop selling products made by villagers from Thailand’s poorest regions.
The PDA (Population and Community Development Association) was founded in 1974. It is one of Thailand’s most established and diverse non-governmental organisations. The organisation operates from Bangkok, 16 regional development centres and branches across rural Thailand. The PDA’s programmes are based on the belief that local people are best placed to shape and sustain their own development. The PDA was a pioneer in grassroots development characterised by a high level of involvement from villagers, not only as beneficiaries but also as planners, managers and leaders.
The PDA initially focused on promoting family planning. Nowadays, it organises AIDS prevention campaigns and runs sex education courses.
Cabbages & Condoms is open every day from 11 am to 11 pm. The restaurant is located on Sukhumvit Soi 12, a five-minute walk from Sukhumvit Road and within walking distance of Asok Skytrain Station and Sukhumvit MRT (underground). You can sit either indoors or outdoors. It’s usually busy, but you don’t normally need to book.
Why not pop into Cabbages & Condoms for a meal and discover this unique restaurant in Bangkok!
Which hotel to stay in Bangkok?
Check out our main article on Hotels in Bangkok. In addition to our favourite hotels and info about the Bangkok neighbourhoods, you will also find all the information about transport, the best booking times, the best booking platforms and our selections in 3-star, 4-star and 5-star hotels.
See the Best Hotels in BangkokAll Thailand Travel Tips