Sparkles

The number of Bangkok dessert shops specializing in cupcakes has exploded in line with the global surge in demand for these little pieces of sugary bliss. And with usually disappointing results. 

Writer and food critic Tim Footman says there's really only one venue that offers the real deal -- Sparkles -- earning it a spot on our Best Dessert list.

“American-style cupcakes have erupted like a rash over Bangkok in the past few years, but Sparkles is one of the few places that gets them right, using the best ingredients and eschewing excessive sweetness," he says. 

"Lemon and vanilla are particularly good, but you’ll have to work your way through 40 plus varieties to find your favorite.” 

Sparkles is owned by Thai-U.S. Khun Sophie, who started out with just six varieties of cupcakes. Now she's even dappling with liver. Duck liver, that is.

One of her latest creations is the foie gras cupcake, which features a chocolate espresso genoise and a butter cream topping made of duck foie gras and pinches of black pepper, sea salt and chili. Sorry guys, this one is available by special order only.