Can’t function without coffee? You’re in luck. In Bangkok you’ll find coffee on nearly every corner, whether it’s from a humble street stall or inside a swanky mall. To make things even easier, we’ve selected nine of the city’s most trusted cafes that are guaranteed to hit the spot for a refuelling session.
Gallery Drip Coffee
Drip coffee lovers, look no further. The two owners here are slow-bar supremos, with one of them even earning the title of “Drip King” at the prestigious National Thailand Brewers Cup Championship (NTBrC). From this cozy spot inside Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, they share their love of local coffee beans across aromatic cups of drip coffee and refreshing cold brew options. Those feeling adventurous should order the Shrek, an all-time favourite that combines coffee jelly with a scoop of green tea ice cream. Grab some beans to go, and shop the adorable handmade knickknacks which are also for sale.
G/F, BACC, 939 Rama 1 Rd.
Tel: +6681-989-5244
Open Tue-Sun 10:30am-8:30pm
Brave Roasters
One of Bangkok’s most-renowned coffee roasters, Brave is loved for its light-roast blends of specialty beans sourced from across Thailand. Order up the cold brew of the month or beat the heat with an iced coffee topped with housemade masala and vanilla milk foam and a drizzle of honey syrup. Alongside their creative caffeinated refreshments you can also enjoy sandwiches and other easygoing brunch dishes to go with an eye-catching view of the BTS Skytrain. Brave’s other nearby Samyan branch offers greener surrounds.
3/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd.
Tel: +6695-947-2813
Open daily 10am-10pm
Credit: Yelo Cafe
Yelo Cafe
This yellow warehouse beside the canal is barely a minutes’ walk from our hotel and is just the place to while away a whole morning or afternoon. Far from your ordinary art complex, this vast, airy space hosts everything from flower arrangement workshops to talks on sustainability. Take a break from the burning midday sun with an iced latte at the on-site Yelo Cafe and enjoy the slow-life by the water.
20/2 Soi Kasemsan 1, Rama 1 Rd.
Tel: +6698-469-5924
Open Wed-Mon 11am-8pm
Pacamara
A Chiang Mai-born roaster with branches across Bangkok, Pacamara is a name you can rely on for perfectionist coffee. The space itself a chic blend of navy blue and chromatic furnishings. Forget eggs Benedict and settle in for flavorful Thai green curry with grilled pork neck to go with your robust nitro cold brew.
Chulalongkorn Soi 64
Tel: 099-746-9582
Open daily 8am-9pm
Casa Lapin x Ratchathewi
The industrial-chic favourite of Bangkok students sits a five-minute stroll from S@S’s doors. Here, the food and coffee menus are equally as long. Pair your strong cup of Joe (made with one of the house-roasted blends) with a Big American Breakfast, some French toast or a salad, and let the day pass you by.
304/5 Phayathai Rd.
Tel: +6693-936-5451
Open 7:30am-10pm
Omotesando Koffee
This Tokyo-born coffee shop leapt to global fame in 2011 thanks to its backstreet location and exacting attention to detail. From a minimalist cubic wooden stall, a small team of baristas serve up the brand’s signature handshaken coffees made from single-origin selections or one of two house blends. Definitely worth the wait!
3/F, Siam Paragon, 991 Rama 1 Rd.
Open daily 10am-10pm
Red Diamond
Perched on the fifth floor of Siam’s busiest shopping mall, this cafe takes its coffee-brewing seriously. Have your cup prepared via hand drip or high-tech Mavam machine, and everything in between. Red Diamond’s headquarters are located somewhat out-of-town, but this mall offshoot doesn’t compromise on quality. Be sure to order beans with a 90+ point grading for a next-level buzz!
5/F, CentralWorld, 999/9 Rama 1 Rd.
Open daily 10am-10pm
Coffeelism
Perhaps not one for the purists, this petite stand is the place to hit up for a solid coffee at a wallet-friendly price. Coffeelism is owned by the same team as Red Diamond (see above) but don’t expect the same huge selection of beans and brewing methods. If the more-than-decent house blend doesn’t do it for you, try the crazy-popular iced black cocoa.
4F, CentralWorld, 999/9 Rama 1 Rd.
Open daily 10am-10pm
