Bangkok always surprises us with its cafes. The Thai city is amazing. Despite the messiness and occasional chaos, Bangkok gives us many reasons to return – and one of them is its cafe trend.
Dessert cafes, coffee specialty houses, all-day brunch food… everything you desire, the Thai city probably has it. We consider ourselves lucky to be based in Singapore, and Bangkok is just a two-hour flight away.
For 2016′s edition, we bring to you some of our favourites, as well as the trending ones in the Thai City. Bookmark this list of Best Bangkok Cafes for your next holiday to the Land of Smiles!
#1 AFTER YOU
This dessert cafe should be no stranger to you by now. After You first started in 2007, and it has been synonymous with Shibuya Toasts ever since. The Shibuya Honey Toast (THB175) is what After You got famous for, and fast forward many years, queues still form outside its various outlets every day for this amazing dessert.
If you haven’t been, add this in to your itinerary. The biggest and prettiest outlet is the one at Siam Square One, but a queue prevails.
Siam Square One
991 Rama 1 Road
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 115 1949
Daily: 11am – 12midnight
Nearest BTS: Siam
#2 AUDREY CAFE & BISTRO
One of the prettiest cafes and among the most popular is Audrey, a predominantly monochrome cafe with cascading vines and fairy lights.
Audrey has a menu that serves both Western and Thai, and they have pretty decent desserts too. The one at Thonglor is our favourite one, but other outlets can be found at major shopping malls in Bangkok such as Central Embassy, Siam Centre and EmQuartier.
136/3 Thonglor Soi 11 Vaddhana,
Sukhumvit 55
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 712 6667
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo
#3 CASA LAPIN
Casa Lapin has this irresistibly inviting vibe that draws us back all the time. Apart from its fragrant brew and good third wave coffee, Casa Lapin X49 at an alley on Sukhumvit Soi 49 in Thonglor boasts an intimate space that is photogenic and cosy, and one where you can sit back and enjoy some quiet me-time at.
Soi Songphinong
Between Thonglor 13 and Sukhumvit Soi 49/7
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 81 261 2040
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 8.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 8.30pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo
#4 CERESIA COFFEE ROASTER
Owned by Venezuelan sisters Marian and Lucia Aguilar and Lucia’s husband Bret Asavaroengchai, Ceresia Coffee Roaster is a spot where you can drop by for a cuppa, and have a discussion about coffee with the passionate owners. This boutique roaster takes great pride in serving only the best coffee.
Case in point: They roast their beans in small batches so as to maintain the original flavours from their origins.
593/29-41 Sukhumvit Soi 33/1
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 843 8235
Tue to Sun: 8am – 6pm
Nearest BTS: Phrom Phong
#5 CODE (CAFE OF DESSERT ENTHUSIASTS
CODE (Cafe of Dessert Enthusiasts) in Bangkok has been making waves on social media for serving these gorgeous lava thick toast and flavoured croissants. While Shibuya-style thick toasts are not new, Code has reinvented it by coming up with a lava rendition.
CODE’s Lava Thick Toast (THB165 – THB175) are available in four flavours: salted egg yolk, Thai tea, matcha and chocolate. The cafe also has other desserts such as Bingsu and Thai Tea cake.
The original location at The Jas Ramintra is very inaccessible (it’s near to Don Mueang International Airport), so you will be glad to know that it has opened a pop-up cafe at Siam Paragon (G Floor, opposite Häagen-Dazs).
The Jas Ramintra
Ladplakhao Road
Bangkok, Thailand 10220
Tel: +66 2 041 0260
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
#6 D’ARK BY PHILLIP DI BELLA
D’ark is an increasingly popular spot among locals, and the outlet at EmQuartier is especially sexy with its dark interior. There are both alfresco and indoor seats, but either way, you are in for a treat. Of course they have good coffee, but what we really love is their desserts.
Try the Tiramisu (that is assembled in front of you) and the homemade sorbet in an assortment of flavours (the coconut one is the best!). They also have regular food menu that comprises salads, brunch items and pastas.
EmQuartier
651 Sukhumvit Road
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 269 1000
Sun to Thu: 10 am – 10pm
Fri and Sat: 10am – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Phrom Phong
#7 FEATHERSTONE BISTRO CAFE & LIFESTYLE SHOP
Featherstone Bistro Cafe & Lifestyle Shop is one of the prettiest finds in Thonglor. It is like an enchanted forest – of butterflies, stained glass and the dreamiest flowers hanging from the ceiling, Featherstone is a must-visit when in Bangkok.
Its food menu is not the most interesting, though. The pastas were pretty mediocre, but pizzas were not too bad and we enjoyed ours. What you must order is the signature drinks. We had the Purple Lullaby, and it really is a work of art; just look at the ice cubes!
60 Pridi Banomyong 31
Khlong Tan Nuea
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 97 058 6846
Wed to Mon: 10.30am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Ekkamai
#8 FILL IN THE BLANK
This is one of those residential and inconspicuous cafes, but Fill in The Blank is more than worthy of that special trip down. It is one of our favourites to be at; those quaint cafes with warm sunlight streaming in, and serenity that everyone needs.
The gorgeous space is one to relax in over a cup of coffee. Or maybe, for a change, go for the mega huge cup of Thai Tea that costs THB140. Oh, how we loved that!
28/10 Sukhumvit Soi 61B
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 000 4828
Daily: 10am to 8pm
Nearest BTS: Ekkamai
#9 GRAM
Located at Sukhumvit Soi 49, Gram is a favourite among the Japanese expats who live in the neighbourhood. Its menu is segmented into eggs, bagels, salads, burgers, pancakes, French toasts and pastas. Prices range from THB 120 to 340. As you can tell, it is a pretty affordable option.
Gram also has another outlet at EmQuartier.
Soi Sukhumvit 49 1/F, 49 Terrace
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 884 8554
Tue to Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo
#10 GREYHOUND
Greyhound Cafe is a pioneer in Bangkok’s cafe scene. The household name is popular even among locals, and despite its success, prices remain reasonable, and the food is consistent and reliable.
1F J Avenue Lifestyle Mall
Thonglor Soi 15
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 712 6547
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo
#11 HAND & HEART CAFE
This minimalist cafe is predominantly white and its signature frame is now a common sight on Instagram. Fuss-free yet cosy, Hand & Heart Cafe serves a small selection of cakes and drinks.
While nothing tasted exceptional, an afternoon here over coffee and some read is lovely.
33 Sukhumvit 38 Alley
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 81 442 7977
Daily: 7am – 7pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo
#12 INK & LION
A quiet haunt that sits unassumingly in the Ekkamai neighbourhood, Ink & Lion is a vintage-styled coffee shop that combines the simplicity of quality brew, vinyl on loop, and an art gallery. These guys here take their coffee very seriously, so you know you are in for the real deal.
1/7 Soi Ekkamai 2, Sukhumvit Soi 63
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 91 559 0994
Sat, Sun, Mon & Tue: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Ekkamai
#13 JONA WAFFLES
Waffle lovers have a new stop to make when in Bangkok. Sitting in the new compound of The Commons is Jona Waffles, opened by Le Cordon Bleu grad owner Songpon Wongpaisan.
There are 10 different waffles on the menu, including the Original Waffle with Strawberry and Kiwi (THB220), Green Tea Waffle (THB220), and French Toast Waffle (THB220).
2/F, The Commons,
Thonglor Soi 17
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 185 2472
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo
#14 KAIZEN COFFEE CO
This inconspicuous coffee outlet in Ekkamai has very good coffee. The latte art is consistent, and even better when you get a mocha.
It may not be the most comfortable cafe to rest your legs at, but Kaizen Coffee Co has to be a pit stop for some great cuppa when in Bangkok.
582/5 Soi Wkkamai 26-28 (Tai Ping Tower)
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 098 831 6009
Tue to Sun: 8am – 6pm
Nearest BTS: Ekkamai
Karmakamet Diner needs no introduction. This popular space is always at the top of mind when people talk about Bangkok cafes. The space is well-furnished with a rustic touch, with so much thoughts put into every detail.
The brunch items range from THB270 for a Egg White Fritata to THB490 for a Full Breakfast. The must-try dessert is the super photogenic Strawberry In The Clouds – strawberry shortcake with rainbow cotton candy (THB390).
30/1 Sukhumvit Soi 24
Bangkok 10230, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 262 0700
Daily: 10am – 11.30pm
Nearest BTS: Phrom Phong
#16 LIBRARY CAFE
We fell in love with Library Cafe at Sukhumvit Soi 24 as soon as we stepped in. Quaint and comfy, this is a place where you can hang out and chit-chat with friends, or to simply spend the afternoon reading a book while sipping a latte.
2 Soi Metheenivet, Sukhumvit 24
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 259 2878
Daily: 10am – 9pm
Nearest BTS: Phrom Phong
Contradicting its name, Mr Jones Orphanage is one whimsical bear-themed cafe with a dessert shrine that will take your breath away with its huge selection of homemade goodies.
We can never make up our minds whenever we come here, because how is one supposed to only pick one from this crazy selection?!
989 Soi Siam Center Building 3rd Floor
Rama 1 Road Pathumwan
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Siam
#18 NIKKO CAFE
Nikko is a Japanese cafe that sits along Ekkamai Soi 12. It offers a concise menu that caters to the Japanese community. The mains include Samurai Stew Pork (THB 180), Chachu Don (THB 200) and Tonkatsu Curry (THB 250).
On the desserts page, the Matcha Pudding (THB 165) and Passion Fruit Pavlova (THB 170) make lovely endings to your meal.
30/18 Soi Charoen Chai Ekkamai Soi 12
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 381 5291
Daily: 9am – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Ekkamai
#19 ONE OUNCE FOR ONION
Forget about waffles with ice-cream or soft serve. Try waffles with popsicles. This is revelation, and exactly why we love One Ounce for Onion. Contrary to its theme, this Japanese-influenced cafe has no onions, but a menu that is chockfull of art and creativity.
Flipping the menu on its own was a joy; we enjoyed browsing through their alternative selections while admiring the amazing photos.
19/12 Ekkamai Soi 12
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 046 6885
Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 8pm
Nearest BTS: Ekkamai
#20 PHIL COFFEE COMPANY
Tucked in a quiet alley on Sukhumvit Soi 61 which is in between Thonglo and Ekkamai, Phil Coffee Company is where coffee-lovers in-the-know flock to for their daily dose of caffeine. Here, coffee beans are sourced from all over the world, and roasted in small batches.
For those who want to learn more about coffee, Phil Coffee Company provides barista training which includes latte art and coffee tasting.
21 Sukhumvit Soi 61
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 001 5850
Tue to Sat: 9am – 6pm
Sun: 10am – 5.30pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo/Ekkamai
#21 ROAST
Roast, our favourite cafe in Bangkok, has relocated from its previous location at SeenSpace. It is no stranger to the cafe scene, and it is perpetually packed with brunch-goers.
Its new space at The Commons is nothing short of cosy too. Expect the usual fare – brunch items, a la minute desserts, great coffee, friendly staff, laid back vibes.
Soi Thong Lo 17, Khlong Tan Nuea
Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 89 152 2677
Mon to Thu: 10am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo
#22 ROCKET COFFEE BAR
Established in July 2013, Rocket Coffee Bar started as a hole-in-the-wall joint at Sathorn Soi 12, and the rest as they say is history. It has since expanded to other parts of the city, including this largest outlet on Sukhumvit Soi 49.
Rocket Coffee Bar is undoubtedly one of the most stylish coffee shops in Bangkok. The combination of good coffee, free wifi, simple and earnest wholesome food such as sandwiches, salads, and breakfast make Rocket Coffee Bar a place where we will always return to. And so will you after you’ve checked them out.
46, 21/13 Klang Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 6626 638
Sun to Thu: 7am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 7am – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo
Opened by Varatt Vichit-Vadakan (or Tae) who is also behind Roast Restaurant, Roots Coffee Bar has recently shifted from its original location in Ekkamai to The Commons – the hottest destination in Bangkok.
The coffee bar is positioned at the foot of The Commons.
Soi Thong Lo 17, Khlong Tan Nuea
Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 89 152 2677
Daily: 8am – 7pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo
#24 THE GARDEN OF DINSOR PALACE
This place has swans! ‘Nuff said, right?
The Garden of Dinsor Palace does not have an exceptional menu, neither does the food taste out of the world. But where else can you dine with swans? Well, sort of. And there are peacocks roaming around the compound too!
1217/2 between Sukhumvit soi 59 and 61
Klongtan-nue, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 714 2112
Daily: 8am – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo/Ekamai
#25 THE NEVER ENDING SUMMER
Step into this old warehouse and its astounding beauty will stop you in your tracks. The Never Ending Summer is one of the newer cafes in Bangkok, and the plants-filled space is airy and sophisticated. Complete with soaring ceilings and a hipster crowd, The Never Ending Summer sits across the river in Thonburi.
The menu is an interpretation of old recipes, so you can expect a good Thai meal here.
The Jam Factory
41/5 Charoen Nakorn Road
Bangkok 10600, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 861 0953
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Saphan Taksin/Thonburi
#26 TOBY’S ON SUKHUMVIT
Sukhumvit has no lack of cafes, but for somewhere with relaxing vibes and reliable food, go to Toby’s on Sukhumvit. The Aussie-style cafe offers good brew and a menu of interesting brunch items.
While we love our avocado toasts, this fairy floss brioche deserves all the attention. That pink floss kind of reminded us of Karlito – you know, that renown Fendi bag charm – but this edible beauty instantly lifted our spirits. And the brioche is pillowy soft with a buttery aftertaste. So worth every damn calorie!
Sukhumvit 38, Phra Khanong
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 712 1774
Tue to Sun: 9am – 10.30pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo
#27 (UN) FASHION CAFE
(Un) Fashion Vintage Collection is a shop that imports vintage items, including leather shoes, bags and accessories from the U.S. and Europe. Adjacent to the shop is a cute cafe that offers a simple menu of drinks and desserts – such as Waffle (THB185), New York Cheese Cake (THB 100), and Chocolate Cake (THB100).
Ekkamai Soi 10
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 726 9592
Daily: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Ekkamai
Nestled in a beautiful garden, Vanilla Garden in Ekkamai combines three concepts in one compound. Vanilla Cafe is a Japanese-style cafe; Vanilla Bakeshop with its freshly pastries and desserts; and Sauce is a library/bookshop that focuses on cookbooks. Vanilla Garden is a gorgeous space and while it can be quite inaccessible, you should make the trip to Ekkamai just for it.
53 Ekkamai Soi 12/ Sukhumvit Soi 63
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 381 6120
Daily: 7am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Ekkamai
WOW! What a nice, comprehensive list! Bookmarking this for my Bangkok trip next week.
Good food + Good interior = $$$$
Super love how these cafes really invest so much in their interior. You can easily attract potential customers if your cafes are instagrammable.