Pang Cha Thai Royal Cafe (Central World) — Restaurant in Pathum Wan Subdistrict

We've been to this place several times over the years. Finally getting around to doing a review, which I will base on my accumulated experiences (including my most recent one just 2 weeks ago).

There can be times when this place is packed so be warned. On this occasion, it was low season in early Oct, and lunch time so we were the only customers. Go figure! Their system is to order first, and then you will be given a sign with a number to place on the table so that they can bring your order. You are not meant to sit down first and claim a table. I've seen plenty of people attempt to do that, and the staff will ask them to leave and line up if they notice it, in order to make room for other customers who have already lined up. It's a fair system, although I do notice that the staff do not seem very focussed on cleaning tables and getting them ready for the steady stream of customers (when busy), thereby making the wait not as efficient as one may like.

We always have the Thai Milk Tea Bingsu, with the pearls and bread. It is consistently excellent, although there has been occasions when the bread that is buried inside the Bingsu tastes a bit stale. We've tried the lemon sorbet Bingsu and it was very tart and nowhere near as nice as our favourite, the Thai Milk Tea version. For our family of 3, it is a perfect size to share.

The drinks are ok. They look and sound great, but never seem to match expectations in terms of flavour. They are decent or good, without being great.

One thing I don't like is their deceptive pricing. Whatever is printed on the menu is NOT the price you will be paying as they add a 10% service charge automatically, and importantly, also a 17% VAT charge. This means that the 380 Baht Thai Milk Tea Bingsu is actually 482 Baht. This is the only place I've seen in Thailand where they do not include VAT in their pricing (other places do slug you with the Service charge at the end...

Wow you can have Thai Milk Tea in the Michelin's list? I read about this randomly as I was searching for other stuff online and decided to give it a hype to see what it is about. Sad to say they have already dropped out from the Michelin's list and so it wasn't much under the radar anymore. I was quite disappointed with the service at the branch. I was standing at the counter waiting to take my order the lady just ignored me and continued to make the desserts. I don't know why was there the inconsistency where the person in front of me ordered the item and went and sat down at a table, while for me she just asked me to go sit and wait for someone to take my order. It took quite some time before another staff came out to take my order. Since I was alone though I wanted to try the snowflake mountain, I thought it would be too big for 1 person to finish so I only ordered the milk tea. Had the tea and thought it was pretty average, not sure why it is the "No. 1" drink of the shop. Just as I was about to pay, I waved at the staff and then was told they would bring the bill. I saw the bill and took out the money wanting to give her then she told me to go pay at the counter. So irritated by all the messy procedures. And also I feel the drink is too overpriced and not worth having. Just...

Not worth the price

Service & Price - Charge exorbitantly 10% as service charge while the place was designed as a 'self service' bar. Could not justify when you have to go to the counter to order and pay. Servers have very minimal interaction with customers and not very attentive when called. These additional charge was not clearly displayed on the menu (additional 10% service charge with 7% VAT on top over the food price. Only 'food' price exclusive of these charges are prominently found on the menu.

Food - Dessert order (Thai tea shaved ice ฿447) is not as expected and quality does not match the high asking price. 2.1 🍞 Texture of the bread is quite harsh, soaking in liquid cannot mask the coarse composition of the bread. 2.2 🥜 Almond topping having strong smell found in unwell kept nuts or older products. 2.3 🧋Jelly ball topping is on the hard side and does not pair well with the whole dish.

Atmosphere - Location is conveniently located. Air conditioner does not flow well within the premise of the place, it is a bit hotter than the rest of the mall even in night time. Table could be more clean, while no stain or streak of food is visible, table surface emit some...