Friends, let's talk about Bangkok. When we travel, we’re often on a mission: find the best tom yum, the perfect pad thai, the spiciest som tum. But I've learned that on any good trip, you must save room—and budget—for dessert.
In a city glittering with culinary gems, one name is whispered among travelers and locals with a kind of sweet reverence: After You.
You’ll find this dessert heaven in many spots, but today, we’re visiting the branch in the spectacular, futuristic mall that is ICONSIAM. Tucked away on the Ground Floor in the incredible SOOKSIAM zone (an entire indoor floating market!), it feels like finding an exclusive club. You’ll almost always spot it by the queue, a digital ticket machine humming patiently out front.
The big question, especially for us folks who value our time and travel budget, is simple: Is it worth the wait? Is it really that good?
I grabbed a ticket, settled in, and did the delicious research for you. Here’s the scoop.
The Legend: The Shibuya Honey Toast
If After You had a flag, the Shibuya Honey Toast would be on it. This is the dish that built the brand, and let me tell you, it's an architectural marvel.
It’s not just "toast." This is a thick, golden cube of brioche, perfectly scored and toasted so the outside is a crisp, buttery shell. But the inside? It’s a wonderland of soft, fluffy, steamy bread that has been completely soaked in butter.
It arrives warm, crowned with two perfect scoops of vanilla ice cream and a tiny pitcher of honey or maple syrup.
The First Bite
This is where you understand the hype. You get the crunch of the crust, the cool creaminess of the ice cream, and the impossibly rich, pillowy bread all in one spoonful. It’s sweet, yes, but also a little salty from the butter. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a warm, comforting, and utterly decadent experience. My advice? Share it. This is a glorious, wonderful monster of a dessert, and it's best enjoyed with a friend (or two).
The Surprise Star: Thai Tea Kakigori
I came for the toast, but I’d come back for the Kakigori.
This isn’t your grand-auntie's ice kachang. This is a Japanese-style shaved ice, and After You has turned it into a Thai masterpiece. We went for the Thai Tea Kakigori, and it arrived looking like a perfect, velvety orange mountain, drizzled with a thick, creamy foam.
A Mountain of Flavor
The ice itself is shaved so impossibly fine it’s more like snow—not a crunchy crystal in sight. It’s deeply infused with the unmistakable, fragrant flavor of cha yen (Thai milk tea). It’s light, refreshing, and melts in your mouth instantly.
The Hidden Treasure
But here’s the magic, the part that made me grin like a local. As you tunnel your way to the center, you discover "hidden treasures." Tucked inside that mountain of tea-flavored snow are two secrets: chewy, dark grass jelly (our beloved cincau) and soft, sweet cubes of bread that have soaked up all the delicious, melted goodness. It’s this surprise, this wonderful combination of textures, that elevates it from a good dessert to a great one.
The Final Verdict: Is After You at ICONSIAM Worth It?
Let's circle back to our 'Real Value' question. After You isn't the cheapest dessert you’ll find in Bangkok—you’re paying cafe prices, not street-stall prices.
But here’s my take: Absolutely, yes.
This isn't just about a sugar rush. It’s a wonderful, memorable part of the modern Bangkok experience. It’s a place to sit down in the air-conditioned comfort of a beautiful mall, rest your feet after exploring, and share something truly delicious.
It's the kind of place you'll tell your friends about back home. You won't just say, "I had dessert." You'll say, "Oh, you have to go to After You." And that, my friends, is the mark of a journey well-spent.
Your Questions Answered (FAQ)
What is After You's most famous dessert?
Without a doubt, it's the Shibuya Honey Toast. It's a thick, buttery block of toast served with vanilla ice cream and honey. However, their Kakigori (shaved ice), especially the Thai Tea flavor, is just as popular and a must-try.
Is there always a long queue at the ICONSIAM branch?
It's very popular, so you can expect a wait, especially during peak weekend hours. Go to the front and take a number from the digital queue machine. The turnover is quite fast, so it's usually not as long a wait as it looks.
Is After You expensive?
It's more expensive than street food, but it’s a great value for the quality, portion size, and experience. Prices are similar to a specialty dessert cafe in Singapore (e.g., $10-15 SGD for a large dessert). The portions are very generous and easily shareable between two or three people, making it a very reasonable treat.
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