News and Views
A new trend of fancy food court operators can be seen in the Siam Paragon Mall and newly opened EMQuartier Mall in Bangkok.
The Rise of Upscale Food Courts in Bangkoks Shopping Malls
While traditional shopping malls in the United States face decline, Bangkok’s malls are redefining the shopping and dining experience, driven by a new wave of innovative, upscale food courts. On a recent trip to Thailand, I explored this trend firsthand at Siam Paragon Mall and the newly opened EMQuartier Mall, both owned by The Mall Group. These food halls are transforming communal dining spaces with cutting-edge design, diverse culinary options, and an elevated experience that merges local and international cuisine.
Design Evolution in Food Courts
EMQuartier’s food hall stands out for its forward-thinking approach to food court design, reflecting global trends toward creating more sophisticated and immersive dining environments. Gone are the days of sterile, fast-food-only spaces. Instead, these food halls are designed with contemporary aesthetics, incorporating sleek, open kitchens, elegant seating areas, and stylish lighting that gives each section a distinct identity. This focus on design, combined with thoughtful zoning of food stations, offers a more comfortable and curated dining experience.
EMQuartier’s food hall stands out for its forward-thinking approach to food court design, reflecting global trends toward creating more sophisticated and immersive dining environments. Gone are the days of sterile, fast-food-only spaces. Instead, these food halls are designed with contemporary aesthetics, incorporating sleek, open kitchens, elegant seating areas, and stylish lighting that gives each section a distinct identity. This focus on design, combined with thoughtful zoning of food stations, offers a more comfortable and curated dining experience.
Variety and Freshness
The Heart of the Food Hall - Unlike older food courts dominated by global fast-food chains, EMQuartier offers a carefully curated mix of local vendors and international brands. While you can still find familiar names like McDonald's and KFC, the real stars are the diverse range of unique food purveyors that emphasize fresh ingredients and made-to-order dishes. Some standout brands include:
The Heart of the Food Hall - Unlike older food courts dominated by global fast-food chains, EMQuartier offers a carefully curated mix of local vendors and international brands. While you can still find familiar names like McDonald's and KFC, the real stars are the diverse range of unique food purveyors that emphasize fresh ingredients and made-to-order dishes. Some standout brands include:
Swensen's – Popular for its ice creams and desserts
Partyland – A haven for snack lovers
The Dessert Club – An innovative dessert spot by Chika Tillman, serving artisanal treats in an intimate, open-kitchen setting
Bon Chon Chicken – Famous for its Korean-style fried chicken
Bella Ducci Café – A trendy café serving European-inspired dishes and drinks
The inclusion of such specialty vendors reflects the growing consumer demand for more varied, high-quality food options at affordable prices, a key trend in food court retailing today.
Partyland – A haven for snack lovers
The Dessert Club – An innovative dessert spot by Chika Tillman, serving artisanal treats in an intimate, open-kitchen setting
Bon Chon Chicken – Famous for its Korean-style fried chicken
Bella Ducci Café – A trendy café serving European-inspired dishes and drinks
The inclusion of such specialty vendors reflects the growing consumer demand for more varied, high-quality food options at affordable prices, a key trend in food court retailing today.
Immersive and Tech-Driven Experiences
A notable trend in Bangkok’s food courts, including EMQuartier, is the integration of digital technology to enhance the customer experience. Interactive screens, self-order kiosks, and mobile payment systems make it easy for diners to browse menus, place orders, and pay without long wait times. These innovations not only streamline the dining process but also appeal to the tech-savvy consumer who values convenience alongside quality.
A notable trend in Bangkok’s food courts, including EMQuartier, is the integration of digital technology to enhance the customer experience. Interactive screens, self-order kiosks, and mobile payment systems make it easy for diners to browse menus, place orders, and pay without long wait times. These innovations not only streamline the dining process but also appeal to the tech-savvy consumer who values convenience alongside quality.
Comfortable and Communal Dining Spaces
The shift from the traditional fast-food setup to more upscale communal dining spaces is another key trend. At EMQuartier, diners can choose from a variety of seating options, from communal tables perfect for groups to cozy corners for individuals or couples. The emphasis on creating comfortable, stylish environments encourages longer stays, making the food hall not just a quick stop for food, but a place to relax and socialize.
The shift from the traditional fast-food setup to more upscale communal dining spaces is another key trend. At EMQuartier, diners can choose from a variety of seating options, from communal tables perfect for groups to cozy corners for individuals or couples. The emphasis on creating comfortable, stylish environments encourages longer stays, making the food hall not just a quick stop for food, but a place to relax and socialize.
Sustainability and Freshness
Another emerging trend seen at EMQuartier is the focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. Many of the food vendors emphasize organic, eco-friendly ingredients, aligning with the global movement toward healthier, more sustainable dining options. The use of recycled materials in design and packaging is also a nod to the growing consumer awareness around sustainability.
Another emerging trend seen at EMQuartier is the focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. Many of the food vendors emphasize organic, eco-friendly ingredients, aligning with the global movement toward healthier, more sustainable dining options. The use of recycled materials in design and packaging is also a nod to the growing consumer awareness around sustainability.
The Future of Food Court Retailing
EMQuartier Mall and other high-end shopping centers in Bangkok are redefining what a food court can be—moving away from the outdated, mass-market model to something much more aligned with modern consumer desires for variety, quality, and experience. The combination of thoughtful design, diverse food offerings, and digital integration positions these food halls as not just places to eat, but destinations in themselves.
EMQuartier Mall and other high-end shopping centers in Bangkok are redefining what a food court can be—moving away from the outdated, mass-market model to something much more aligned with modern consumer desires for variety, quality, and experience. The combination of thoughtful design, diverse food offerings, and digital integration positions these food halls as not just places to eat, but destinations in themselves.
As Bangkok continues to lead the way in retail innovation, these food courts provide a blueprint for the future of mall-based dining. Whether you’re a shopper looking for a quick bite or someone seeking a more immersive dining experience, these upscale food halls cater to every need.
If you're interested in discussing the latest trends in retail design, food court concepts, or digital branding strategies, feel free to reach out to us. We specialize in helping brands and developers craft cutting-edge experiences that resonate with today’s consumers.
