Cover Anchilee Scott-Kemmis at Kay's (Photo: Instagram/@annscottkemmis)

Explore Thailand’s capital city with Miss Universe Thailand 2021

In a post-pandemic world, Bangkok is fast reclaiming its position as the top travel destination in Asia as we are reminded of what we love best about Krung Thep, the ‘city of angels’, from its magnificent architecture and robust culinary scene to its vibrant nightlife. 

But what is it like to live like a real local in Bangkok? Tatler checks in with our favourite girl about town, Anchilee Scott-Kemmis, to get her recommendations on what to do, what to see and what to eat in the bustling capital city. From her favourite food havens to must-visit shopping areas, Miss Universe Thailand 2021 curates a special neighbourhood guide for our readers. Read below for the full story. 

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Best restaurant: Ms.Maria & Mr.Singh

Founded in 2020 by the renowned chef Gaggan Anand and helmed by Hernán Crispín Villalva and Roshan Kumar, Ms.Maria & Mr.Singh is a casual fine dining restaurant offering innovative Mexican-Indian dishes, including pulled pork vindaloo tacos and grilled marinated wild snapper with mojo rojo, salsa criolla, and paturi masala.

Scott-Kemmis first visited Ms.Maria & Mr.Singh with her boyfriend, professional rugby player, Semisi Tupou, choosing the restaurant for its romantic concept, inspired by a fictional love story between a Mexican girl and an Indian boy. “What I like about this restaurant is the quality of the food and the consistency,” she comments, recommending the Keema quesadillas as a must-try dish.

Ms.Maria & Mr.Singh, 68/2 Soi Sukhumvit 31, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, +66 91 698 6688

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Best cafe: Kay’s

This New York City-inspired cafe in Bangkok is where you will find Scott-Kemmis on the weekends. She enjoys its spacious interior with minimalist decor, its famous French toast and fluffy pancakes, and most importantly, its pet-friendly policy so she can spend quality time with her two French bulldogs, Misu and Leo, and two Maltipoo puppies, Ruby and Lily

Kay's, Multiple locations, 49 99 ถนน Sukhum Vit 49, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, +66 95 859 4496

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Best restaurant for Thai food: Co-Limited

With “a vibrant atmosphere and flavourful Thai food”, Co-Limited is a go-to for Scott-Kemmis, especially after a busy day at work. She always starts her meal with a serving of her favourite Thai appetiser, Miang Kham, which comprises fresh kaffir lime, peanuts, dried shrimp and chillies wrapped in betel leaf. Whether it’s classic beef noodles, pad kra pao or grilled beef, she can always rely on Co-Limited for her favourite comfort food.

Co-Limited, Multiple locations, Velaa Sindhorn Village 87 Langsuan rd, ซอย, Lang Suan Road Lumphini, Bangkok 10330, +66 2 255 2799

See also: Beyond pad thai: 8 Thai noodle dishes you should know

Best bar: Iron Balls Distillery & Bar

Between photoshoots and public engagements, Scott-Kemmis rarely finds time to hang out with her close friends. “That’s why I prefer bars that are cosy and conversation-friendly,” she says. A night out at Iron Balls Distillery & Bar is ideal for Scott-Kemmis as she can catch up with her friends without shouting over the music (“the playlist features everyone’s favourite throwback songs”) while enjoying cocktails made with the bar’s own gin brand, Iron Balls Gin.

Iron Balls Distillery & Bar, G/F, Park Lane Ekkamai, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, +66 61 403 4000 

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Best beauty salon: The Hairett

Frequented by fellow Thai celebrities, such as Davika Hoorne, The Hairett has cemented itself as one of the top hair salons in Bangkok. “I get all my cuts and colouring done at The Hairett!” says Scott-Kemmis. “The hairstylists display a level of professionalism and know-how that can be hard to find anywhere else in Bangkok. They are also always up to date on the newest colours, the latest trends and cuts.” 

The Hairett, 15/3 Woodberry Common 3rd floor, Soi Ruamrudee Community, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, +66 99 156 4665

See also: The hair for an intimate affair: Messy low bun, curls, and more

Best place for luxury shopping: Shopbold.Me

This multi-label concept store stocks some of the world’s biggest fashion brands, such as Cult Gaia, Miaou, Gia Borghini and Jacquemus. Scott-Kemmis, who enjoys collecting unique and design-forward pieces to add to her collection, can spend hours browsing the impressive racks of clothes, shoes and accessories at Shopbold.Me.

While she loves shopping in Bangkok, the model and beauty pageant titleholder opens up about her difficulties finding clothes that fit as a “bigger Asian woman”. An advocate for body positivity and founder of the #RealSizeBeauty movement in Thailand, Scott-Kemmis shares her hopes that size diversity and inclusivity become a priority for all fashion stores in the region.

Shopbold.Me, Soi Sukhumvit 49/1, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, +66 92 558 4334

Related: Meet Asia's inspiring champions of diversity and inclusion

Best place for vintage shopping: Chatuchak Weekend Market

One of the world’s largest weekend markets welcoming over 200,000 people every weekend, this vast marketplace in Chatuchak is a beloved destination for both tourists and locals. “I love the variety,” says Scott-Kemmis, sharing how she often shops for everything from Thai silks and vintage clothing to unique home decor pieces at Chatuchak market.

The market is also easily accessible by Skytrain (BTS). It is only a five-minute walk from Mo Chit Station. 

Chatuchak weekend market, 587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900

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Must-visit tourist spot: The Grand Palace

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Photo 1 of 3 The Grand Palace (Photo: Pexels/Iconcom)
Photo 2 of 3 The Temple of Emerald Buddha (Photo: Pexels/Jo Kassis)
Photo 3 of 3 Phra Siratana Chedi (Photo: Pexels/Iconcom)

“The Grand Palace is everyone's favourite for a reason!” exclaims Scott-Kemmis. “The beautiful architecture executed at such a large scale is a true representation of Thailand and her rich heritage. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I guarantee you will be in awe of it.” 

A visit to The Grand Palace, which consists of The Temple of The Emerald Buddha, Phra Ubosot or The Chapel of The Emerald Buddha, Hor Phra Rajkoramanusorn and Hor Phra Rajphongsanusorn, Phra Siratana Chedi library, Prasat Phra Dhepbidorn or The Royal Pantheon, Phra Mondop and more, can be a full-day excursion under the sun. Scott-Kemmis reminds all visitors to adhere to the dress code (shoulders and ankles must be covered) and be prepared for the heat. 

The Grand Palace, Na Phra Lan Road, Grand Palace, Phranakorn, Bangkok 10200

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Hidden gem: Foodland

“When it’s 2am, and you just need to satisfy your craving for Thai food, Took Le Dee, a 24-hour restaurant in Foodland, gets the job done,” says Scott-Kemmis. “It's so good, quick, and affordable—one of the most underrated food spots in Bangkok.”

Foodland, Multiple locations, 629 Nawamin Rd, Nawamin, Bueng Kum, Bangkok 10240, +66 2 089 1620

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