I recently discovered a hidden gem in my neighborhood – a Wiccan eatery. Nestled between the bustling streets and busy cafes, this quaint little restaurant offers a unique dining experience that combines delicious food with the spiritual elements of Wicca. As I stepped inside the eatery, I was immediately enveloped in a warm and inviting ambiance. The soft lighting and earthy decorations created an atmosphere of tranquility and peace. The tables were adorned with candles and herbs, and gentle music played in the background, setting the perfect mood for a memorable meal. The menu at this Wiccan eatery was as enchanting as its surroundings.
In a society that loves the occult, Ace of Cups is the lone "witchcraft cafe" where you can grab a plate of fettuccine while having your fortune told.
Created by Wine Kongsorn and Nat Maitreemit to give the Thai Wiccan community a place to gather, Ace of Cups features spells, rituals, and cakes that match your astrological sign. We follow the seasons, and we source our products locally from small-scale farmers and makers like Äntu, Eesti Seenefarm, Saida, Kolotsi, Lauri Jaani farms.
The menu at this Wiccan eatery was as enchanting as its surroundings. It featured an array of dishes inspired by seasonal ingredients and traditional Wiccan practices. Each item on the menu was meticulously prepared with love and care, resulting in a burst of flavors that delighted the senses.
Get an Espresso and an Exorcism at Bangkok's Premiere Witchcraft Cafe
Created by Wine Kongsorn and Nat Maitreemit to give the Thai Wiccan community a place to gather, Ace of Cups features spells, rituals, and cakes that match your astrological sign.
Bangkok, TH May 30, 2015, 4:09amAll photos by Graham Meyer
Bangkok has a wide array of spiritual services for sale. Want to pump up your rack with "natural breast enlargement" courtesy of a chest-slapping shamaness? Can do. Interested in dropping $2000 on an illegal doll that houses an aborted fetus who predicts lottery numbers? Bangkok has you covered.
In a society that loves the occult, Ace of Cups is the lone "witchcraft cafe" where you can grab a plate of fettuccine while having your fortune told.
AdvertisementAce of Cups shares a design ethos with the bookstore in The Craft. Streamers and dried herbs hang from a candelabra chandelier and the walls are dotted with astrological charts and graphs. The wifi password is "witch," and the cats lounging on the spiral staircase are called Yule and Hobgoblin. The cafe is a favorite of Thai 20-somethings, all clad in black and wearing crystals. They sit around reading tarot, throwing the I-Ching, or studying quietly.
Two chalkboard menus hang over the pastry case: One lists cakes, pastas, and sodas that correspond to your astrological sign. The other catalogs more sinister offerings, like exorcism and curse-lifting. Spells start at 350 baht (about $10).
In the loft, there are amulets, stones, and candles for sale. A fake bookshelf hides an unfinished staircase that leads to the top floor, where an altar is set up to perform spiritual cleansings and love spells.
Intrigued by what magic might be purchased alongside a mochacchino, VICE spoke with cafe owners Wine Kongsorn and Nat Maitreemit about Wicca, exorcisms, and their unlikely business model.
VICE: Why did you decide to open a witchcraft cafe?
Wine Kongsorn: For a long time, the community of Wiccans had no place to get together in Bangkok. We needed a place to meet and perform rituals. We thought a cafe would be perfect to create community but it took us five or six years to make it happen.
How did you guys meet each other?
Kongsorn: We were in the same coven. The circle of Wiccans in Bangkok is small and we have both been interested or involved for more than ten years in the religion and witchcraft.
How did you get into witchcraft?
In my family, we have a long tradition with Eastern witchcraft. But, for me, it was like solving a math problem. I always felt like there was something missing and I didn't have all the information. For me, witchcraft is the same as working through an equation. If you do it right, you will get the right answer. So, I started to broaden the range of witchcraft I studied. That included the Western style, which became my preferred method. My family is supportive of me and the cafe, but they're conservative.
Conservative witches?
Yes. In Thailand, the Thai of witchcraft is acceptable, it's been around since before anyone can remember. It's like traditional medicine. They really don't understand what we do here, though.
What is Thai witchcraft like?
Nat Maitreemit: It's based on the animist belief that everything has a spirit. It relies on the power of nature, trees, forests, plants, animals, and the dead. It's primitive. Eastern witchcraft almost always focuses on ghosts; either asking for their help or removing their resistance. There is a strong belief that ghosts play a large role in our day-to-day life and that a witch needs to figure out what spirits have come to help and which to hurt.
How do people find the cafe?
Most people find us through our Facebook group, Thailand Wicca. They join because they have an interest, or they read about it in anime… or because they saw Harry Potter. We have to kick a lot of people out of the Facebook group who think it's all Harry Potter shit. They think they'll be able to come in here and throw fire from their hands or something.
What percentage of people come here knowing what they're looking for?
Sixty percent come in for the craft and 40 percent just open the door and want to take a look and get a cup of tea. A lot of people hear about us, come in, and want a spell, but we need to have a little discussion first. I can't perform a spell that's against my morals or ethics, like money or lottery spells. That's messing with destiny. If we were to make you super-lucky, or give you something that doesn't belong to you, the universe would take payback in some way.
I'd like to get an exorcism today. Can I do that?
Kongsorn: Are you possessed?
I might be.
That's not a good idea. That's a bit like going to the hospital when you aren't sick and asking for an operation just to see what it's like. How about a sacred geometry spell instead? That would be good for balancing you.
You told me in a Facebook message that I could get an exorcism.
Maitreemit: You can, if you need one. All spells and all people are slightly different. We need to make a diagnosis when we meet you, to get a feel for your energy and what's gone wrong.
What is the exorcism spell like?
It's a ritual, not a spell. We have several ways to draw an evil spirit out. We start with sound therapy like tuning forks and singing bowls and move on to using fire. Once the spirit is out, we have to do protection spells. It takes a long time and is really complicated. We don't get too many requests for the stronger spells, like curse-lifting or exorcism. It's not that they don't happen—they do! But when Thai people feel that they are haunted, they go to the temple and ask the Buddhist monks for help.
How do you diagnose if someone is cursed or possessed?
One of the first questions we ask is: "Where have you been?" and then "Do you have any enemies?" If they really have a curse on them, we have to figure out where the curse came from and why. We can do this by intuition, sensing the spirits or asking questions. Sometimes, nature can just curse a person. But if we can figure it out, we can reverse it or cleanse them.
Kongsorn: Some people curse themselves through negative self-hypnosis. They think they are haunted or cursed, but they've just talked themselves into it, it's the opposite of an affirmation. We had a client, a girl that thought someone had cursed her and given her cancer. I gave her a spirit cleansing and reassured her in a way that a doctor couldn't. But she was actually just making herself sick with negative feelings.
All photos by Graham Meyer
One of the highlights of my visit was the inclusion of ritual elements in the dining experience. Before my meal arrived, the staff invited me to participate in a small prayer to honor the food and express gratitude for the Earth's bountiful gifts. This simple act added a profound sense of mindfulness and appreciation to my dining experience. Moreover, the Wiccan eatery also offered a variety of herbal teas and potions that were specially crafted to enhance well-being and balance energies. These beverages were not only delicious but also served as a reminder of the holistic nature of Wiccan beliefs – nurturing both body and soul. Beyond the food and ambiance, the staff at this eatery were exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable. They were eager to answer any questions I had regarding Wicca and were passionate about sharing their wisdom with me. Their genuine passion and dedication to their craft were truly inspiring. Visiting this Wiccan eatery was a truly magical experience. It offered not only a delicious meal but also provided a glimpse into the rich and fascinating world of Wicca. Whether you're a practicing Wiccan or simply curious about exploring different spiritual practices, this eatery is a must-visit destination. So, if you're looking for a unique and enchanting dining experience, check out the Wiccan eatery nearby – I guarantee you won't be disappointed!.
Reviews for "Witchy Bites: A Culinary Journey Through Wiccan Eateries"
1. John - 2 stars
I was really excited to try out the Wiccan eatery nearby as I am always on the lookout for unique dining experiences. However, I was extremely disappointed with the food and overall atmosphere. The menu was very limited and the dishes were not well-executed. I ordered a vegan dish and it was bland and lacked flavor. The service was also quite slow and the staff seemed uninterested in providing a positive dining experience. I would not recommend this place to anyone looking for a delicious and memorable meal.
2. Sarah - 1 star
I had the worst experience at the Wiccan eatery nearby. The restaurant had a strong smell of incense, which was overwhelming for me. The seating was uncomfortable and the tables were too close together, making it difficult to have a private conversation. The food was a major letdown as well. I ordered a salad and it was served with limp, wilted greens and an overly sweet dressing. The service was also rude and inattentive. Overall, I would never return to this place and I advise others to avoid it as well.
3. Mark - 2 stars
I was intrigued by the concept of a Wiccan eatery nearby, but unfortunately, the execution fell flat. The decor was tacky and outdated, with poorly placed items that seemed more like clutter than intentional design. The food was mediocre at best, with unimpressive flavors and small portion sizes for the price. The staff also seemed disorganized and overwhelmed, resulting in slow service and mistakes in our orders. I appreciate the effort to create a unique dining experience, but it just didn't meet my expectations.