Shuba in Bangkok: where to find a real "shuba" salad in Sukhumvit
This article was originally written in Russian and translated for CreativiTeaHaus.
I went in planning a single taste and walked out having polished the plate. On Sukhumvit Soi 31, in the same building as GlowUp Beauty Haus, CreativiTeaHaus serves a shuba that tastes homemade — not a museum piece or a gastronomic stunt, just honest, filling food. It’s a tea house with sensible portions, clear flavours, and a couple of dishes that rescue a hungry expat after a long day in Thonglor or Ekkamai.
How shuba arrived in Bangkok and why it doesn’t feel out of place
The shuba at CreativiTeaHaus is properly layered: beetroot, fish and mayonnaise in the expected order. Unlike the odd “experiments” you sometimes see on Sukhumvit, this one keeps the textures intact — the beetroot isn’t pureed into oblivion, the eggs are chopped so they read as eggs, and the fish brings salt without stealing the show. The portion costs about 220 THB, which feels fair for a café on Soi 31.
The tea selection works well with the food — a cold морс (cranberry or blackcurrant) is 120 THB, and there are herbal and Russian teas on offer to round the meal. CreativiTeaHaus is open from 12:00 to 24:00, so it’s a handy stop after a neighbourhood stroll or before meeting friends further down Sukhumvit.
Taste, texture and aroma — what really matters
Shuba lives in its layers and the way they interact. The beetroot keeps a touch of earthiness instead of becoming cloyingly sweet, and the mayonnaise is tucked between layers rather than dumped on top, which preserves the salad’s structure. You have to dig in rather than scoop everything at once — that makes eating it feel a little ceremonial in a nice way. Pairing tip: a hot Russian or herbal tea plus a glass of морс brings out the fish’s density and balances the beetroot’s sweetness.
It’s presented plainly, almost like something from a family table — comfortable, not flashy. The texture stays soft without collapsing, and the aromas of beetroot and fish arrive together instead of one masking the other.
Who it’s for and what might surprise you
If you miss Soviet holiday spreads, like hearty salads, and don’t hate mayonnaise, this shuba will hit the spot. It’s also a gentle introduction to Russian food for first-timers: portions are comforting and the flavours are straightforward. Nearby desserts include сырники for 180 THB or блины with tvorog if you prefer something familiar.
Thai palates may notice the fish’s pronounced saltiness more than others. If you prefer milder seasoning, ask the staff — they’ll use less fish or bring the dressing on the side. You can also order extra portions if you’re especially hungry; it’s a satisfying option when you want to load up.
Mini-scene: Olga from Thonglor wanted to pop in before her flight
Olga, a hairdresser from Thonglor, dropped by CreativiTeaHaus after a client and before heading to the airport. Her plan was short: eat a shuba, grab a морс to go, and catch a taxi to Don Mueang. I told her to allow at least 90 minutes from Sukhumvit to the airport — the ride plus check-in can eat time, especially during busy periods. She gave herself 90 minutes, calmly finished her shuba, took a морс, asked for блины with tvorog to go for her husband, and booked a taxi. Olga’s verdict: “That was enough — no pre-flight hunger.” It was a small reminder that realistic timing makes travel less frantic.
Handy life hack
Ask for the dressing separately if you want the layers to stay distinct until the last bite. With mayonnaise on the side the salad won’t get watery, and you can control how moist each layer becomes. Same thing if you take it away: keeping the mayo separate prevents the shuba from “melting” in the container. One small ask to the kitchen, and the result feels noticeably fresher.
An honest take: what feels overrated
Not every item deserves the fuss. The блины with salmon and cream cheese (320 THB) look the part, but some guests will think the price is high for a straightforward dish; it’s a solid salty option, but not essential. I usually pick сырники or блины with tvorog instead — simpler, cheaper, and just as satisfying.
FAQ — answers to three common questions
- Can I take the shuba to go? Yes. It’s recommended to ask for the mayonnaise separately so the salad keeps its texture during the trip.
- What are CreativiTeaHaus’s hours? The tea house is open daily from 12:00 to 24:00.
- Where is it located? CreativiTeaHaus on Sukhumvit Soi 31, in the same building as GlowUp Beauty Haus; phone for inquiries +66 98 276 1802.
Vasya approves: the shuba at CreativiTeaHaus is honest homemade food in central Sukhumvit, not a culinary stunt. If you’re in Bangkok and craving layered salads with mayonnaise, drop by — evenings here are cosy, the tea is strong, the морс is bright, and the portions leave you satisfied. https://taverna.creativiteahaus.online — +66 98 276 1802. You can reserve a table on the website https://taverna.creativiteahaus.online or by phone at +66 98 276 1802. Walk-ins are possible, but it’s better to book ahead.