You’ve made it to Bangkok, you’ve seen the sites, and now you’re dying to sit down for a meal. Despite all the great things you’ve been told about Bangkok’s street food, you’ve seen the flies swarming around the food stalls and you can’t stand to watch the barehanded handling of the food, especially after the vendor sneezed into his hands and continued serving without pause!
Though intrigued by the cuisine, the street food does not meet your sanitation requirements and you’re compelled to err on the side of caution, so why not head to Cabbages and Condoms, a restaurant that is also a firm believer in ‘better safe than sorry?’ Only, they aren’t just talking about food.
Better safe than sorry
Walking through the restaurant’s fairy light lined foyer, you’re met with a beautifully maintained restaurant, clean tables, a lively atmosphere, a kitchen that will satisfy all your Health and Safety Regulation needs… and a lifetime of supply condoms.
Yes, that’s right; Cabbages and Condoms doesn’t only acknowledge the importance of health, hygiene and ‘better safe than sorry’ mindset when it comes to food, but also in the bedroom… or wherever one chooses to get down and dirty.
A cause to protect
A project of the non-profit Population and Community Development Association (PDA), Cabbages and Condoms promotes sex education in its unconventional environment. It is decorated with condoms for a cause, and your meal at this quirky, condom covered, establishment goes towards helping a worthy initiative.
PDA - which also happens to be the fitting acronym for Public Display of Affection – uses the proceeds from Cabbages and Condoms to run outreach programs such as “Condom Nights” and “Miss Anti-AIDS Beauty Pageants” in Bangkok’s most popular sex districts, providing free condoms and sex education to Thailand’s most at risk groups – commercial sex workers.
Their motto? “Be fed and be sheathed!“ And that goes for everyone, without discrimination, you included!
Bangkok is notorious for its food and its sex trade, so why not educate yourself on both? A visit to Cabbages and Condoms allows you to enjoy Bangkok in a socially responsible way, while also gaining awareness of a serious problem in a humorous and entertaining way.
Décor to put you in the mood
It’s impossible to look anywhere in Cabbages and Condoms without being reminded of the importance to ‘protect yourself before you wreck yourself,’ and a camera is highly encouraged to capture the wonderful kitschiness of the place.
The décor is both hilarious and conversation-provoking, so if you are someone who keeps your clothes buttoned up tight and is easily offended, this may not be the place for you. On the other hand, if Salt and Pepa’s 90’s chart topper, Let’s Talk About Sex, puts a smile on your face, the restaurant’s condom covered lanterns and condom lined tables will be sure to please.
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Put it in your mouth
Cabbages and Condoms is better known for its eccentricity than its food, but that’s not to say the food doesn’t hold its own. With a menu that will delight vegetarians and meat lovers alike, there is something for everyone, even the sweet tooth wanting dessert.
While most everything at the restaurant is tongue in cheek, for those who enjoy curry, the Gang Kua Gung Supparot, shrimp red curry with pineapple - 270 THB (approx. 8 USD) - will leave you licking your lips.
Naughty souvenirs
Instead of after-meal mints, Cabbages and Condoms offers diners free condoms, but the buck doesn’t stop there. Just outside the restaurant is a souvenir shop filled with guaranteed giggles for your friends back home. Best of all, the proceeds from your condom clad purchases go towards supporting PDA’s outreach initiatives.
Feel like you’ve spent enough money on dinner? Grab a few free condoms and chopsticks along with Cabbages and Condoms business card and bundle them together for a fun memento.
Also, there are no rules against photography, so pose with the condom cloaked mannequins outside the shop to capture memories at no additional cost; the rubber fashion will be sure to provoke some riotous comments from your Facebook friends.
Guaranteed not to cause pregnancy
Bottom line? Bangkok’s street food is nearly impossible to beat, but if you want try the city’s best loved dishes in a ‘safe’ setting, Cabbages and Condoms offers a socially responsible “only in Bangkok” experience that is worth the cost of your meal.
Parting wisdom? Wear something comfortable, because while the restaurant assures customers that “food is guaranteed not to cause pregnancy,” a Thai food baby is likely!
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