Cabbages & Condoms

Thai restaurant · Khlong Toei Nuae ·

Cabbages & Condoms

Thai restaurant · Khlong Toei Nuae ·

Thai cuisine served with a unique family planning theme

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6 10 Suk Chai Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Get directions

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Cabbages & Condoms – Bangkok, Thailand - Gastro Obscura

"Eccentric theme restaurants dot the Asian landscape, focusing on everything from cats to toilets to robots, but only Bangkok’s Cabbages & Condoms brings an obsession with prophylactics to the table. Founded by politician and family planning activist Mechai Viravaidya (who is also known by the nickname “Mr. Condom”) the large restaurant was opened next to one of the few family planning clinics in Bangkok that offers abortions for the impoverished women in the community. While pregnancy termination is allowed by law in the city, it is often thought to be illegal and contraceptive measures, in general, are often seen as taboo, thus Viravaidya started his restaurant with the intention of raising understanding and acceptance of birth control (as well as to serve food). This devotion to the titular form of protection can be seen in the ubiquitous condoms decorating almost every corner of the eatery. From the small gift area near the entrance featuring informational pamphlets on family planning and a visual guide to varieties of condoms to mannequins covered in dresses made of prophylactics and studded by birth control pills, diners are surrounded on all sides by rubber reminders of safe sex. Lampshades, wall decorations, and even Christmas tree trimmings are constructed out of the proverbial raincoats, giving guests no place to rest their eyes that doesn’t have some playful new use for the protective device. Then at the end of the meal, diners are given their own condom in lieu of dinner mints. While the almost cartoonishly overblown presentation of condoms in the restaurant seems silly, the purpose is to make the otherwise taboo item more mundane and less exotic, and the gambit seems to be working. Along with a number of other initiatives begun by Viravaidya, Cabbages & Condoms has contributed to a staggering decrease in children being born to Bangkok families. In addition, the restaurant itself has become so successful that the brand has been expanded to include a hotel and franchise locations reaching as far as the United Kingdom. None" - esmetravels, Catexboom, Rachel, EricGrundhauser, Blindcolour, amaranthine

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/cabbages-condoms

Cabbages & Condoms

Kate C.

Google

I first came to C&C nearly 25 years ago - like a lot of people coming because of the reputation. It’s a fantastic ngo that’s done a lot of good work. I wanted to come again with a friend. The place is fantastically set up - lovely staff, lots of sexual health educational material that’s both funny and tells a message. The location is just off the hustle and bustle of the main road with a large garden, cafe and inside to see it. So far so good. The problem is the food. It’s really not that good and is at a comparator higher price. When you can get a bowl of noodles for 60baht elsewhere that’s infinitely better you wouldn’t bother coming here. In fact if I got this Thai food in my home country (the UK) I’d be disappointed. This is a huge huge shame. I’m sure people will go for the novelty but would they come again for the food - probably not. Up your food game C&C - to ensure people will come back!

Rachit C.

Google

Cabbages & Condoms – Unique Theme, but Veg Food Didn’t Work for Us We visited Cabbages & Condoms out of curiosity and ordered only the vegetarian options. Unfortunately, we didn’t like the taste and ended up leaving most of the food. This was our first time trying something with a Thai touch, so it may simply not have suited our palate. The coffee was extremely strong—so strong that we couldn’t sleep that night. The food overall felt quite expensive for the taste and portions we received. As expected, the entire place is decorated with condom-themed art and displays, which definitely stands out and makes the environment unique. They even offer a condom along with the bill, which adds to the quirky concept the restaurant is known for. Overall, it’s a good place if you’re looking for a different or unusual dining experience. The food might be tasty for others, but for us it was a neutral and expensive experience.

Chiu

Google

Honestly, I have no idea how Cabbages & Condoms gets a 4.2 rating on Google. The quirky theme might draw people in, but the food itself is a huge letdown. We ordered classic Thai dishes like Som Tum, Satay, and Panang Soft Shelled Crab, and honestly, none of them hit the mark. For nearly 1,700 THB, the quality is just not there. Verdict: It feels like a total tourist trap. Save your money and stomach space for better food elsewhere. Definitely skip it!

Emily H.

Google

Worth a visit as not only is it a "all for the 'gram" restaurant, they have a story behind the creation. The founder believes that “birth control should be as accessible and as easy to buy as vegetables in the market!” The restaurant uses jokes and fun visuals to overcome reluctance to discuss issues such as sex, family planning, and HIV/AIDS. The food is delicious and despite being busy, service is prompt. It's a little pricey compared to other restaurants in the area however it's tasty and was worth it. Staff are friendly and on hand and there's also a cute little souvenir shop on site where you can get all your condom merch!

Erica A.

Google

5/5 STARS BECAUSE THE FOOD DID NOT GET ME PREGNANT 🌟👍🏼 Normally, after dining out at other establishments, I have to buy Plan B afterwards to ensure I do not get pregnant. However, after eating dinner at Cabbages and Condoms, I was informed that the meal had a 0% chance of getting me pregnant, which made me very relieved. Jokes aside, Cabbages and Condoms is a non-profit organisation aimed at public sexual health education and reducing the spread of HIV and AIDS. Its mission-based outreach program has achieved remarkable success and international recognition. The name comes from the idea that sex health and protection (condoms) should be discussed as openly as buying vegetables from the market (cabbages). If you have a night to spend in Bangkok, this is a worthwhile establishment to support. The food is decent - nothing fancy but a very enjoyable and unique experience. It is best to view your visit as supporting a good cause over satisfying culinary expectations. There is also a cafe and gift shop alongside the main restaurant, that sells on-brand merchandise at affordable prices. Remember to pick up your free condom!

Kathy

Google

We ate here 1 night in recommendation from someone who had been here years ago. Glad we did as the food was amazing, that we ate here 3 times. Large variety to choose from and service was great. Would recommend trying this place as it is hidden down a small street. Cashew Nut Chicken was my favourite dish.

Kulaya Jirapaet G.

Google

Unique style Thai food restaurant. The atmosphere was great. This was the new experience having dinner in health literacy promotion restaurant. The foods seemed quick and tasty. There was a nice Thai traditional dance which was really lovely. Service was great.

Mark B.

Google

This thematic restaurant is very unique. The cause it stands for decorates everything there. It is large, has an impressive variety of Thailand food. Food was delicious. And the atmosphere very welcoming. I do recommend it.

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4,908 Postcards · 2,019 Cities

Cabbages & Condoms – Bangkok, Thailand - Gastro Obscura

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/cabbages-condoms

Cabbages & Condoms

Kate C.

Google

Rachit C.

Google

Chiu

Google

Emily H.

Google

Erica A.

Google

Kathy

Google

Kulaya Jirapaet G.

Google

Mark B.

Google

Cabbages & Condoms

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Cabbages & Condoms – Bangkok, Thailand - Gastro Obscura

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Cabbages & Condoms – Bangkok, Thailand - Gastro Obscura