Introduction
I recently visited the soup pasta & izakaya restaurant “Thonglor Rumba”, located about a 19-minute walk from BTS Thong Lo Station, and I’d like to share my review.
About the soup pasta & izakaya restaurant “Thonglor Rumba” in Thonglor
Thonglor Rumba, a soup pasta & izakaya, is located about a 19-minute walk from BTS Thong Lo Station. To get there, head north along Thong Lo Road (Sukhumvit Soi 55) from BTS Thong Lo Station, turn left at Thong Lo Soi 13, and it’s about a 2-3 minute walk. Since it’s a bit far from the station, I recommend using the red bus (songthaew) or motorcycle taxi from the start of Sukhumvit 55, or using Muvmi. It’s about a 24-minute walk from BTS Phrom Phong Station.
Thonglor Rumba operates as a soup pasta specialty store during the day and an izakaya (Japanese pub) at night. Their signature dish is soup pasta, which is also available in the evening.
Thonglor Rumba opened in October 2025 and has already created a soup pasta craze in Bangkok, with many reviews appearing on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after its opening. All of these reviews are highly positive, welcoming the arrival of soup pasta, a dish previously not common in Bangkok.
Incidentally, Thonglor Rumba is run by the same owner as “Thonglor Yokocho” and “Hokkaido Soup Curry” located nearby. Indeed, the menu structure at Thonglor Rumba, with its emphasis on adding toppings to main dishes, feels similar to that of the soup curry restaurant.
To talk about Thonglor Rumba, we must first discuss “soup pasta.” Soup pasta is said to have originated in Japan. While there are various theories about the origin restaurant, a famous one for soup pasta is “Holmes Pasta” in Shibuya, Tokyo. Their signature dish, “Spaghetti of Despair,” is said to be a masterpiece symbolizing the history of Holmes Pasta.
Then there’s the “preparation.” The golden broth used in the soup pasta is made by simmering chicken legs, aromatic vegetables, and kelp for a long time, resulting in a clear, umami-rich soup without any off-flavors. The pasta noodles, specially adapted to match the soup, are first boiled, then carefully marinated in a homemade roasted kelp oil, and left to rest to develop their flavor. The natural umami from the “glutamate” in the roasted kelp permeates the noodles, giving them a deep richness and chewy texture that cannot be achieved with freshly boiled pasta.
Thonglor Rumba’s Menu (Photos, Prices, Reviews)
I tried the “Passionate Arrabiata 280 THB”. According to the chef, Arrabiata starts with preparing a spicy diablo sauce containing Japanese pepper, chili peppers, and rosemary. The Arrabiata, generously incorporating the diablo sauce, has soup overflowing from the plate… the aroma is wonderful. When I tasted it, the spiciness… it’s addictive… truly passionate… When I visited, it was right after opening, so the pasta was too hot and the diablo sauce seemed to evaporate and catch in my throat, but they mentioned they would adjust the temperature going forward. Still, it’s truly addictive.
I also had the “Classic Bolognese 300 THB”. It was rich! Bolognese is a favorite of mine, so I finished every last drop with the baguette (20 THB).
Apparently, after my visit, they added a new menu item inspired by Holmes Pasta called “Rumba de Despair 350 THB”. This is a must-try!
Thonglor Rumba’s Recommendation Score
To be helpful, I’ll assign a score based on Tabelog’s system. For the soup pasta & izakaya “Thonglor Rumba” in Thonglor, I personally feel it corresponds to a Tabelog score of around 3.6, so I’ll note that down.
The signature soup pasta is exceptional and a major point of high praise. Furthermore, while it’s a soup pasta specialty store during the day, it transforms into an izakaya at night. They also offer pizzas and side dishes, which builds anticipation for those as well.
Thonglor Rumba Introduction Video
~ From the “Bangkok Documentary Channel” on YouTube
Conclusion
Thonglor Rumba, the soup pasta & izakaya in Thonglor, is likely the only place in Bangkok where you can enjoy soup pasta. It’s recommended for those who love soup pasta and pasta in general.
| Name | Soup Pasta & Izakaya “Thonglor Rumba” |
| Category | Soup Pasta, Izakaya |
| Budget | 280–370 THB (per soup pasta dish) |
| Hours | 11:30–15:00, 17:30–22:00 *Closed Mondays |
| Access | Approx. 19 min walk from BTS Thong Lo Station, Approx. 24 min walk from BTS Phrom Phong Station |
| Phone Number | 084-265-2091 |
| Address | 38/1 Thong Lo 13 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok |
| Web | Instagram X |
