With a name no Khon Thai can pronounce, EmQuartier is the latest shopping mall to join the developing EM District and simply screams wealth, luxury and conspicuous consumption.
It’s directly adjacent to Phrom Phong BTS Station and looks across the platforms to its similarly luxe sister, Emporium.
The mall is made up of three ‘quartiers’ (Ed: no word yet on where the fourth has got to…): the Glass Quartier, the Waterfall Quartier and the Helix Quartier. The latter is home to a three-storey helix of restaurants, cafes and dessert parlours. Established bistros like Wine I Love You sit next to emerging names like La Monita Urban Cantina – it’s unlikely anywhere else in Bangkok has this much choice concentrated into such a small area.
Word of warning – the helix structure necessitates a mild incline so hold on tight if you’re navigating downhill with a stroller or wheelchair!
The food doesn’t stop at the Helix either. Eateries are dotted around the mall – Dean & Deluca and Jones the Grocer on the ground floor of the Waterfall Quartier are joined by popular outlets like Pierre Hermé (the macarons king) and Croissant Taiyaki (err, a filled croissant in the shape of a fish).
Brunch favourite Roast is halfway down the Helix Quartier while the basement of the Glass Quartier is home to a cheap and cheerful food court and outlets like Hot Star, Bonchon Chicken and McDonalds.
High fashion also has a home at EmQuartier.
The huge glass panels of the structure provide the backdrop for heavyweights like Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Prada that can all be spotted from the outside. Further inside, Diane Von Fürstenberg, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Kate Spade are just a small handful of the brands you’ll find.
Ready to wear fashion is also in abundance with outlets like DKNY, Zara and Uniqlo all ready to sell you their wares.
There’s also a brilliantly expansive Kinokuniya store full to the brim with your favourite books, magazines and inexcusably expensive moleskine notebooks.
Relentless opportunities for shopping and eating aren’t the only entertainment EmQuartier offers though. If you need a break from the consumerism, why not head to the Water Garden on the 6th floor in the Helix Quartier? It’s easy to relax amongst the greenery and water features with relaxation pods and benches looking out over Sukhumvit Road and Benjasiri Park.
There’s also some pretty interesting modern art up there too…
More art can be found at the entrance to EmQuartier as you step off the BTS. A huge dog ornament and some smaller sheep companions are the perfect Instagram fodder for Bangkokians and posing is encouraged.
Downstairs at Quartier Avenue is the designated space for exhibitions and events with some recent happenings including Pet à- Porter (complete with 100 beagles), Welcome ‘Nadal vs Djokovic’, Japan Week and “Live Happily Ever Active” with Richard Branson.
EmQuartier certainly gives its all when it comes to the shopping experience and Bangkok is better off for it. There’s only one tiny problem – with so much going on, it’s difficult to find the exit!
What do you think of EmQuartier – love it or hate it?
And who can tell us in which Quartier you can find this HUGE Hulk statue?
