AGAR RAGA

About AGAR RAGA

AGAR RAGA calls itself Thailand's first agar café. It is at 948 Song Wat Road in Chinatown, run by the third generation of the family behind Telephone brand agar powder. It is in a restored 1950s Song Wat building that mixes Thai-Chinese shophouse details with a modern interior, telephone motifs, an open bar and several seating areas. Reviewers say it is spacious and well air-conditioned.

Every dish uses agar, both savory and sweet. Try Liang Fen cold agar noodles cut in front of you (฿240), agar pad thai (around ฿200), hollow tube agar noodles (฿310), mapo almond tofu, a fried eggplant canapé with sriracha caviar, and desserts like the Agar Ispahan (฿190), pandan panna cotta and shaved ice with agar balls. Most dishes come vegan. Wongnai puts it at ฿251-500.

It makes a fun, unusual stop on a Song Wat walk, since you can share several small, light dishes and talk about something neither of you has tried before. The cool, roomy interior is a break from the heat of the street. Visit late morning or early afternoon on a weekday. It closes around 6 pm and is shut on Mondays.

Why it works for a date

• One-of-a-kind concept with agar in every dish
• Spacious, cool, well air-conditioned room
• Friendly, helpful staff
• Strong vegan options

Good to be aware of

• Small portions for the price
• Some mini desserts have a jelly-like, crumbly texture
• Closes early and opening days vary between sources

What to order

Agar Ispahan ฿190A dessert inspired by the rose, lychee and raspberry Ispahan, made with agar. It is one of the popular items on Wongnai.