Bangkok Cafe Guide: Best cafes and best coffee in Bangkok
While Bangkok is famous for their delicious street food and classy fine dining, there has been a growing number of cafes that are sprouting out to cater to the growing need for good coffee and desserts, for coffee lovers, lovebirds who need a place to date, group of friends to chill together or travelling foodies who love to Instagram beautiful desserts and coffee places ~~ From third wave coffee places to pet cafes to dessert places – here are the must visit cafes in Bangkok! Remember – the BTS Sky Train is your friend and Google Map is your guide (though sometimes they can fudge up and you rely on your foodie instincts). This will be your ultimate guide to café hopping in Bangkok!
For this post – I had fun café hopping with mr Aroimakmak (who provided some of the good pictures and guidance for this post) as well as Bangkok Instagrammer @eatateeatenbkk – one of the fun things you can do during café hoping besides instagramming is to actually collect coffee cups ~~ as I did for my coffee loving friend on instagram @des_coffee
Foodie Tip: For places near Siam Area – they are usually open daily but for some cafes – they are usually closed on Mondays (which I learned the hard way of arriving at cafes after cafes walking under the hot sun only to realize they are closed!)
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Siam Area
Siam area has plenty of good cafes especially around Central World, Siam Square One, Siam Paragon, Siam Centre and MBK. This is a good place not only for shopping but also for you to sit down and have a nice cup of coffee, cake and snacks. These areas are within walking distance from BTS Siam (Siam Centre, Siam Square One and Siam Paragon) or BTS National Stadium (closer to MBK) and BTS Chidlom (Central World)
Petite Audrey
Located at a convenient location at the fourth floor of Siam Centre, Petite Audrey is a branch of the famous Audrey café in Thong Lor. They adopt a white French theme where the waitresses wear French Maid uniforms.
Besides being famous for their Thai Milk Tea Crepe Cakes~~ a lot of people are crazy about their Milo crepe cake which is oozing with milo goodness!
They have quite a good variety of other desserts such as this molten looking brownie as well as some other popular mains like their Tom Yum pizza which can be a treat for the guys ~~ so girls ~~ tempt them with the delicious pizzas if they’re not so into desserts (or just mention French Maid Uniforms ~~ LOL)
Petite Audrey, 418 4th floor. Siam Center, Opens daily 10am to 10pm.
Kyo Roll En
A Kyoto Lifestyle Café where they are famous for their cake rolls and matcha soft serve ice cream. There’s a good reason why so many flock over here.
They have quite a few selection of cake rolls to choose from as well as other soft serve ice cream and desserts! I have to say the rolls are really light and delicious! A good place definitely for good Japanese style desserts! The best part? They are available in many popular shopping malls!
Kyo Roll En, Siam Square 1 – 1st Floor, Siam Paragon – Ground Floor, Central Embassy – 5th Floor (BTS Siam)
The Emporium – 5th Floor , EmQuartier – Basement Floor (BTS Phrom Phong)
Opening hours: 10 am till 10pm.
After You Dessert Café
When you see a café that’s always packed with people and always a queue, you know there’s a good reason for it. After You is famous for their Shibuya style honey toasts with many flavours for you to choose from but they also serve pretty good coffee! While the original branch is located in Thong Lor, After You’s success has opened up many branches in Siam Area much to the delight of tourists who visit Bangkok ~~ you would have to queue most of the time though ~~ it’s THAT popular! Picture of toast from AroiMakMak
I must say I am impressed with their chocolate sphere dessert! A good dessert that’s pleasing on the eyes and excites the ladies or foodies like me ~~~ *swooooons*
After You Dessert Café, Siam Paragon Ground Floor BTS Siam, Central World 7th Floor BTS Chidlom
J Avenue, Thonglor 13 (original branch) BTS Thong Lor
Opening Hours: 10am till 10:30 pm weekdays, till 11pm weekends.
Gallery Drip Coffee
Located at the ground floor of Bangkok Arts and Cultural Center (just at BTS National Stadium and right opposite the entrance of MBK), Gallery Drip Coffee is a great hipster café especially for those who appreciate art and retro cosy décor. The shop is opened by photographers who are serious about their coffee. You will see them taking their time to prepare single origin or blends, freshly grounded and made using drips or pour over coffees. Coffee takes more time here but I assure you it’s worth it! I enjoy watching them make pour over drip coffees as a coffee lover and foodie. #coffeejunkiewannabe #hipsterwannabe #sibehhipster
I have to say the place feels very comfortable and I can sit around here all day, reading a book while enjoying the drip coffee and desserts!
I must mention that besides good drip coffee they’ve quite a good green tea latte and delicious macadamia cheesecake! Oooo so good!
Gallery Drip Coffee, Ground Floor Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre, BTS National Stadium. Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:30am to 9pm
MONT
I must admit when Aroimakmak tells me about a certain café which serves toast and jam, I was skeptical whether I should visit but since I was shopping for MBK and needed a break, I decided to check it out ~~ and was surprised by the long queue! Foodie Tip: When there’s a queue, it’s usually good! (or it could be a tourist trap ~ lol)
Mont Nom Sod was established in 1964 and started selling toast from the streets using a truck. They were so good and started opening their first branch then expanding throughout Bangkok! I checked out their toast with original custard and coconut custard, which is quite similar to our kaya but stronger fragrant of coconut! The bread was pretty soft with a good crisp bite on the toasted sides.
They are also popular with their choice of milk ~~ go for their chocolate or Thai Milk Teas ~~ ooooh yeshhh!! A good affordable café for toast and milk ~ though it doesn’t have comfortable settings as you would need to squeeze with a lot of people who love their toasts! It’s a place where you eat, drink and then go on with your shopping ~~
Mont Sod, 2nd floor of MBK (BTS National Stadium)
Opening Hours: Daily 11 am – 9pm
Coffee Beans By Dao
Coffee Beans By Dao serves main courses but most of the patrons I’ve seen walking in are here for their desserts and coffee. They have a few branches but the most convenient ones are located at Siam Paragon and Central World, each having it’s own unique ambience.
I have to say I quite like their menu design ~~
There’s soooo much desserts to choose from and I’m sure you will find something that you like ~~ I quite like their Baby Boom Strawberry Cake and Their Chocolate Napolian (which has a crisp wafer and rich chocolate mousse~ oh my!)
Coffee Beans By Dao, Central World 2nd Floor (BTS Chidlom), Siam Paragon Ground Floor (BTS Siam)
Opening Hours: Daily 10am – 10pm
Yingdeaw Homemade
Located at 4th Floor of Siam Square One, Yingdeaw Homemade is popular for their chocolate based desserts and waffles. I must say their presentation of desserts especially their waffles can be pretty instagram worthy!
Yingdeaw Homemade, Siam Square One 4th Floor (BTS Siam)
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm
White Flower Factory
Located just right opposite Yingdeaw Homemade is White Flower Factory, which was pretty packed and most needed to queue for a table. They specialize in Thai food and of course, Thai inspired desserts and beverages! You could try out the main Thai dishes here but I was pretty full from my dinner so decided to have some snacks and dessert for supper!
These small pieces of Thai style fried chicken were quite delicious! Om Nom Nom Nom Nom!
I tried out their Thai Tea latte which was pretty fragrant and smooth, while I quite enjoyed their coconut cake, which have a good textural contrast between the soft spongy cake, creamy coconut filling and chewy shredded coconut strings on top.
White Flower Factory, Siam Square One 4th Floor (BTS Siam)
Opening Hours: Daily 11am – 10pm
Farm Design
Farm Design specializes in desserts and drinks made using Hokkaido Milk – the story of how Hokkaido cows produce superior quality milk. They are pretty popular for their cheesecakes which I think are pretty good and their range of milky beverages. I quite like their concept and cute cow packaging.
Besides cheesecakes, they do have lava cakes such as this strawberry lava cake ~~ and you gotta love that cow with sunglasses logo of theirs!
My good Thai friend, Jule, instagramming the cute drinks ~~~ I had a brownie cheesecake smoothie ~~ which was quite yummy!
Farm Design, Central World 7th Floor (BTS Siam) 7th floor, Terminal 21 4th floor (BTS Asoke), Emporium 5th Floor (BTS Phrom Phong)
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm
Mr Jones’ Orphanage
When you walk into Mr Jones’ Orphanage, you might actually be thinking you’re walking into a teddy bear store! The concept of the restaurant features wooden classic furniture and accompanied by cute teddy bears!
While the original branch is situated at Thong Lor, they have branches in Siam Centre and Central World for you to get up close and personal with their teddy bears while enjoying a good cup of coffee and delicious dessert!
They have pretty decent desserts but I think quite a lot of people come here mainly for the ambience and teddy bears. To be fair, I don’t blame them! Pics from AroiMakMak
Mr Jones’ Orphanage, Siam Centre 2nd Floor (BTS Siam), Central World 7th Floor (BTS Chidlom)
Opening hours: 11am – 10pm
Hello Kitty Café
Hello Kitty Café might not be my kinda café as it’s more about the ambience and packaging allure of Hello Kitty but I’m sure there are many Hello Kitty fans who would love to check this out. Expect to take a selfie with the cute Hello Kitty Vehicle and lots of props!
Are you in Hello Kitty Heaven? More like Hello Kitty Hell to me ~~ LOL (I am so getting killed by my Hello Kitty loving friends)
As I say – there are many Hello Kitty shaped desserts and snacks but don’t have too much of an expectation from them. They are beautiful to look at definitely ~~~ Pics by AroiMakMak
Hello Kitty Café, Ground Floor and First Floor Siam Square One (YES TWO FLOORS OF HELLO KITTY HELL,, oops I mean Heaven!) BTS Siam
Opening Hours: Daily 10 am – 10 pm
Thong Lor Area
Take a BTS to Thong Lor – then depending on how far the café is from the BTS – you can either walk or take a cab to the café. Sometimes, I would take a cab directly to the café from my hotel but ended up getting stuck in traffic. The best and fastest way is through BTS then take a taxi when you’re in the area.
Audrey Café and Bistro
This is the main branch of Audrey Café, which is much bigger and the ambience is of course even more splendid than the Siam Centre branch. It’s located along Thong Lor Soi 11, which is a quick taxi ride from BTS Thong Lor
The garden décor outdoors – during December – it was pretty cooling in the early morning and late evening. Not advisable to sit outside during hot months like March-April
Beautiful interior décor and definitely a good place to chill and snap your instagram pics!
Audrey Café and Bistro, 136/3 Thonglor Soi 11
Opening Hours: Daily 11am till 10pm
Roast
Roast Café is located at 2nd Floor of Seenspace at Thong Lor Soi 13. Tall ceilings and spacious settings make this place a pretty comfortable place to have brunch while enjoying good coffee.
Their menu is like the food section of a newspaper/magazine and are pretty enticing! So much to order and so little tummy space!
They have hearty savoury dishes as well as beautiful desserts. Coffee is not bad but I expected better especially since they used the very good Beans from Roots Roasters. The winner here is their food and ambience! A brunch and lunch place I would say.
Roast, 251/1, Sukhumvit 55 Road (Thong Lor Soi 13) | 2nd Fl., Seenspace Center
Opening Hours: Weekdays 10am – 11pm, Weekends 9am – 11pm.
Taper
From Thai restaurant Le Du, chef Thitid Tassanakajohn has teamed up with his ex-classmate from the Culinary Institute of America, chef Tatchapol Choomduang (formerly of Tribeca) to open a breakfast and brunch place at Thong Lor. Expect unique Asian inspired breakfasts with a twist when you dine in here.
TAPER’s pureed brown rice 'congee' is served with sous-vide egg, deliciously thick slice of pork belly bacon, fried ginger, chunky mushrooms and puffed rice for that added crunch! Surprisingly good and I enjoyed this.
Waffles and Duck Confit!! I was going to order their famous duck confit Bahn Mi but decided to order this instead. It looks good and the honey butter works well with the waffles but my duck was slightly dry so I hope this will improve in future. Waffles were yummy though. They also have quite a selection of fusion desserts so do check them out. Good place to check out unique fusion brunches.
Taper Restaurant, 44/11 Thonglor Soi 13
Opening Hours: Opens Tuesday to Sunday 9am – 4pm
Casa Lapin x49
Casa Lapin x49 gives a new meaning to hideaway coffee place as it took me quite a while to find it! It’s hidden along Sukhumvit Soi 49, (Opposite Smitivej Hospital), Casa Lapin has a few branches for you to find but I’ve only managed to cover this one. They have a newly opened branch in Ari and Thong Lor Village.
It’s a good place to enjoy a cup of mocha ~~ or latte ~~ or if you love drip or siphon coffees, they have those too. They are a good place to enjoy coffee and lovely hipster ambience!
Casa Lapin x49 Sukhumvit Soi 49, (Opposite Smitivej Hospital), (BTS Thong Lor)
Casa Lapin, Thonglor Art Village, Thonglor Soi between 17 and 19 (BTS Thong Lor)
Casa Lapin x26, Sukhumvit Soi 26, (BTS Phrom Phong)
Casa Lapin (Ari), 1/F, Noble Reform, Phahon Yothin Soi 5, (BTS Ari)
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 8:30 am – 8:30 pm, Sat – Sun 10:30 am – 8:30 pm
Rocket Coffee Bar
Rocket Coffee Bar has two branches – one near BTS Chong Nonsi and one conveniently located near the cafes of Thong Lor. I managed to visit the branch in Sathorn but I’m sure the Thong Lor one is more convenient for you to café hop! They are famous for their unique blend of drip coffees, cold brews and delicious breakfast or desserts to match them! I tried their unique coffee+tea brew and it’s really a special drink!
I must say – besides a good selection of coffees and special coffee-tea drips, they do serve beautiful and delicious brunch items here! Look at that beautiful rocket eggs benedict (with lots of rocket leaves – my favourite!)
Rocket S 49, 1/F, Grease building, Piman 49, Sukhumvit Soi 49, (BTS Thong Lor)
Rocket Coffee Bar, 149 Sathorn Soi 12 (BTS Chong Nonsi)
Opening hours: 7am – 11pm daily
Purr Cat Café Club
I was going to visit quite a few cat cafes but my cat loving friend who has visited most of the cat cafes advise me to just go to Purr Cat Café club for the most beautiful cats by celebrity Ploy Rattannarat. There’s quite a lot of cats and the place is pretty kid friendly!
Here’s a video of some of the cats you will meet ~~ they are so adorable aren’t they!
Some of them can be quite attention seeking while some just want to sleep ~~ you can pet them but you’re not allowed to carry them ~~ so do read the rules of the cat café ~~
Purr Cat Café Club, Sukhumvit Soi 53 (BTS Thong Lor)
Opening Hours: Close Mondays, Tue-Thu 11am-8pm. Fri – Sun 11am-9pm
Ekkamai Area
Some would say Ekkamai is quite a hipster place and there’s quite a few cafes for you to hop around here. As usual – take the BTS and stop at BTS Ekkamai, then use google map to walk or use the taxi according to your distance. My favourite Roots Coffee is in this area!
Ink and Lion Cafe
Ink and Lion serves a good cup of coffee! You need only to look at their coffee machine and the beans on display to know that they are serious about their coffee. The ambience is pretty hipster as well for your instagram pleasures ~~
They have a James Hoffman Coffee Atlas and as you noticed – their cakes are pretty tiny ~~ specially supplied by Size S Bakery – quite cute and delicious actually ~ to go with the excellent coffee here!
Ink and Lion, 1/7 Soi Ekkamai 2, Sukhumvit Soi 63 (BTS Ekkamai)
Opening Hours: Close on Wednesdays – Open 9am – 6pm Weekdays and 10am – 7pm Weekends
One Ounce for Onion
One Ounce for Onion is a fashion café – combining a fashion boutique selling clothes and accessories with good coffee and food. You won’t find much space to sit here but at least there’s a balcony outdoors if you can brave the heat (it’s quite cooling during December)
The girls might enjoy a little bit of shopping in their Ekkamai café hopping spree here ~
They use beans from Brave roasters and serve quite a decent cup of coffee. They are famous here for their Lemon Yoghurt popsicles and waffle popsicles as well!
One Ounce for Onion, 19/12 Ekkamai Soi 12 (BTS Ekkamai)
Opening Hours: Daily 9am-8pm
(Un)fashion Vintage Cafe
Run by Thai Japanese couples who have an eye for vintage fashion, one can only marvel at the quirky design of this vintage café! A good place to check out leather accessories and bags as well as enjoy a good cup of coffee
You can choose to sit outside the café which is okay if the weather is cooling ~~
Or sit on the 2nd floor, which is a pretty cramped space but I really adore the really cosy space and gives a bit of a hobbit’s dwelling kinda feel ~~ don’t you think!?
(Un)fashion, Ekkamai Soi 10 (BTS Ekkamai)
Opening hours: Daily 12pm – 9pm
Roots Coffee Roasters
Roots holds a special place in my heart and in my opinion serves the best coffee in Bangkok. They are only open two days a week from 12pm – 6pm during the weekend so they can be pretty packed ~ as you can see in my picture!
They have quite a good selection of pastries to match their already excellent coffee ~~ so go ahead ~~ grab them and enjoy with your coffee!
Ahhh doesn’t that look good for a good afternoon coffee ~~~
Another unique feature of Roots is the HONESTY BOX – they don’t have cashiers so you actually just put money into the jar ~ I usually pay more than usual as I really love their coffee and pastries!
Be sure to grab some of their cold brews and bag of beans back home to enjoy! I personally tried the Thailand blend which has a good hint of dark chocolate!
Roots, between Sois 15 and 17, Ekkamai Rd (BTS Ekkamai)
Opening Hours: Sat-Sun 12pm – 6pm
Edit: Roots Ekkamai has been closed but the good news is that they are now relocated to Commons at Thong Lor 17. Opening daily from 8am to 8pm (335 Soi Thonglor 17, Klongton Nue, Wattana)
Take BTS to Thong Lor - then take Uber or taxi to Commons (a new hip area for foodies! Thanks Aroimakmak.com for the pictures)
Phrom Phong Area
BTS Phrom Phong is now popular for two upscale malls: Emporium and EmQuartier Fashion District as well as good Japanese restaurants but they are also some good cafes to be found around this area.
Wonderwall the Kaffebar
The owner for Wonderwall is a coffee lover and has quite a selection of beans to choose from for the pour over drips, French press or espressos. The place is a cosy place to chill and relax ~~
Some fancy art on the wall might be the reason for their name “Wonderwall”
Wonderwall Kaffebar, 28 Sukhumvit Soi 31 (BTS Phrom Phong)
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am – 7:00pm – Close Weekends.
Ceresia Coffee Roasters
Ceresia is a popular coffee roaster that is run by a Thai-Venezuelan family, serving good quality coffees, cakes and selling coffee beans! The staff is very friendly and there’s a variety of ways to enjoy your coffee here. This is another serious coffee place. Be careful when you use Google Map as they might lead you to a dead end – it’s just behind Villa market!
The smell of coffee is in the air as you enter and you will welcomed by the friendly staff and the pastries ~~ mmmm ~~
Fresh roasted beans for you to take home and make good coffee ~~ make sure to ask what’s the best method for preparing each bean: Espresso, French Press or Pour overs ~~
Ceresia Coffee Roasters, 593/29-41 Sukhumvit Soi 33/1 (just behind Villa Market)
Opening hours: Close Monday, Tuesday till Sunday 8:00am – 6:00pm
Other Areas
This will cover most of the other popular cafes in other BTS Stations like BTS Ari, BTS Asoke or some areas that requires you to take a cab direct to there.
Unicorn Cafe
If you are into Unicorns, the Unicorn Café as introduced by Aroimakmak is an interesting café to check out. It’s a café dedicated to Unicorn lovers – and I must say – this is the first time I’ve heard of such a café. Located near to BTS Chong Nonsi where you can also visit Rocket Coffeebar
You will see displays of unicorns as dolls or paintings on the walls ~~~
They are famous for their rainbow cake ~~ to match the magical theme of this café ~~ a visit to this café is good for your instagram but I am unsure about the quality of the cake and drinks ~~ if you’re into Unicorns ~~ this is a place to check out.
Unicorn Café, Sathorn Soi 8, 44/1 Sathon 8 Alley. (BTS Chong Nonsi)
Opening hours: Close Monday, Tue – Sun 12pm – 8pm
CHU Chocolate Bar
Chu chocolate bar is conveniently located just five minutes from BTS Asoke, (pictures by AroiMakMak)
According to Aroimakmak, this place is a must go place for chocolate lovers and one must try their chocolate churros with a good dust of cinnamon and caramel! Their milk chocolate and chocolate brownies are the go to desserts here as well!
Chu, Room 204-206, 2/F, Exchange Tower, 388 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Asoke)
Opening Hours: Daily 8am – 9pm
The Fabulous Bar and Dessert Cafe
If you’re into hidden gems, look out for this one at Khao San Road as recommended by Aroimakmak. It follows a similar theme to Mr Jones’ Orphanage Teddy Bear theme and has quite a good selection of drinks and desserts. Located just along Khao San Road, which is a popular backpacker spot, it will be a good place to unwind while walking around the Khao San Road markets ~ (pictures provided by Aroimakmak)
Huggable teddies and hipster looking café ~~~
Now that’s a beautiful looking rainbow crepe cake! Now this place opens up till quite late and you can actually order alcoholic drinks from their black menu if you’re in the mood!
.The Fabulous Bar and Dessert Café, 32 Khaosan road. Grab a taxi to Khaosan Road
Opening hours: Daily 10am – 12:30am
True Love Cafe
One of the exciting pet cafes of Bangkok is True Love café around Ari area where you can come face to face and even selfie with around 17 or more Huskies!
They have quite a selection of cakes, drinks and main courses for you to choose from while you wait for the petting time (where you can meet and greet the huskies). There’s a minimum charge of one set per person at the café which will go towards the maintenance of the well being of the huskies. About 300 baht minimum per set.
Take note of the petting times around 1:30-2:15pm, 4:30-6pm, and 8-9:15pm (do call this phone number in advance to make your reservations and to confirm petting times as this may change : 090-101-9669 ) . As you can see – they are very friendly and aren’t camera shy!
Awwww ~~~ do you wanna take a selfie with me? So adorable!!
You will get to mingle and socialize with the huskies but there are some rules to follow – such as not trying to be overly aggressive with the huskies or too rough when handling them.
At True Love cafe, I met Panda, a fluffy laid back husky that doesn't move around so much and will let you hug, pet and take selfie with it. Watch this video where they will let these beautiful huskies run back to their house for dinner. Panda, being the most laidback.. took its sweet time and naturally stood out as the cutest fluffiest husky of them all! I WILL MISS YOU PANDA!! Will keep looking at this video and remember you! Watch the video and you will FALL IN LOVE too!
True Love Café, 153 Paholyothin Soi Ari Samphan 2 (BTS Sanam Pao then take a taxi from there)
Opening Hours: Close Mondays, Tue – Sun 12pm – 9pm
What? It’s the end? Yes – that’s what you must be thinking – there are indeed some good coffee places that are not listed here and are pretty popular as well. Due to the shortage of time for both Aroimakmak, Eat Eaten Bangkok and I, we did not get to cover some other great gems – but if you happen to have more time – here are some other good cafes to check out that are not listed here ~~ have fun and happy café hopping!
Hundred Children Cafe and Gallery , Sukhumvit Soi 14 (BTS Asoke)
Kuppa, 39 Sukhumvit Soi 16 (BTS Asoke)
Agalico, 20 Sukhumvit Soi 51 (BTS Thong Lor) Opens only Friday and Saturday 10am – 6pm
Gram, 1/F, 49 Terrace, Sukhumvit Soi 49 (BTS Thong Lor)
Pacamara, 2/F, Rainhill, Sukhumvit Soi 47 (BTS Phrom Phong)
Another Hound Cafe 1/F, Emporium, (BTS Phrom Phong)
Grey Hound Café Branches http://www.greyhoundcafe.co.th/greyhoundcafe/greyhoundcafe-branch/
Click on the stacks of prawn or here to read about the best places to eat in Bangkok!
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