ladyironchef » Bangkok Best Coffee

Luka – Trendy, Chic Café Concept In Bangkok Offering An Eclectic Menu At Every Location

Natalie Teo — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 01:00:38 +0000

Bangkok is well-known for its beautiful cafés, and Luka is no exception. If you’re craving for a hearty brunch at an idyllic spot, this café is more than perfect for you. It is not only aesthetically pleasing to the eye; the food they serve will also excite your tastebuds.

Luka’s laid-back ambience will keep you coming back for more. Having multiple branches around Bangkok will certainly make it easier for many tourists and locals alike to dine at this tranquil café.

Luka has branches in Silom, Thonglor, and Soi Som Kid. In every Luka café, their concept is unique and innovative. That makes them stand out from other cafés in Bangkok.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/lukabangkok/

In Silom, their first branch, Luka shares its space with a furniture shop called Casa Pagoda. It is no surprise that one can easily feel the warmth and cosiness emitting from the all-day brunch joint.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/lukabangkok/

In Thonglor, they are known as Luka Moto. This branch is in the heart of Sukhumvit. Teaming up with the luxury brand BMW, they have motorbikes decorated around the café - something else to feast your eyes on, other than the delectable brunches and treats served.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/lukabangkok/

The last Luka branch is located in Soi Som Kid. More specifically, in Bangkok’s favourite “at-home” hangout spot, Siri House. Whenever you need a spot to chill out, or a short getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, Luka Siri House is your best bet.

Luka is well-known for its all-day brunches and homemade sweet treats. One of our favourites is the Luka Breakfast Burrito (310 baht), and for good reason.

The burrito boasts a substantial amount of sausage, black quinoa, avocado, capsicum, sour cream, grilled corn salsa, and special Luka spices, all wrapped in a flour tortilla. Imagine enjoying the homely feels of the cafe while indulging in a homemade burrito. It sounds like heaven to us.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/lukabangkok/

What pleasantly surprised us was the Acai Bowl (280 baht). The acai berries are blended with coconuts and banana milk, contributing to the dish’s milky and wholesome taste. Add fresh fruits such as bananas and kiwis, pomegranate seeds, house-made granola, toasted almonds, and you have the perfect bowl.

Luka Bangkok
64/3 Thanon Pan, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Nearest BTS Station: Surasak
Mon to Sun: 9am to 6pm

12 Restaurants And Cafes In Bangkok So Beautiful You Won’t Want To Leave

Editorial — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 15:27:18 +0000

Bangkok may be known for its street food, but the vibrant city is in the midst of developing itself into one of the best places in Asia for cafe hopping. Some of the cafes are inspired by local traditions while others are infused with foreign cultures and ideas brought back from overseas trips.

It is truly amazing to see how concept cafes and restaurants pop up one after another these few years and most of them boast incredibly beautiful interiors. These dining spots are great for a coffee break, to munch on some pastries or to indulge in full meals.

We came up with a list of 12 Most Beautiful Restaurants And Cafes In Bangkok for you to include into your itinerary. Remember to take lots of photos!

#1 AUDREY CAFE & BISTRO

Are you a fan of everything monochrome? Then you should head to Audrey Cafe & Bistro which is 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, 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: Thonglor

#2 BLUE DYE CAFE

Blue Dye Cafe is a captivating coffee spot in Thonglor district with photogenic spots at every corner of the cafe. Situated in an old two-storey house, the first floor of the cafe is dedicated to serving wholesome brunches and excellent coffee while the second level is where you can do some retail shopping.

The cafe also has a mini gallery featuring porcelain tableware, coffee making machines and pottery. If you are undecided about the food, we recommend trying their Moo Nam Tok (THB220/S$9.05).

40/1 Soi Sukhumvit 36
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 94 156 6166
Tue to Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest BTS: Thonglor

#3 DEXTER CAFE & BAR

A cafe by day and bar by night, Dexter Cafe & Bar along Sathon road is an aesthetically pleasing dining establishment in Bangkok. Their innovative coffee menu, calm ambience and availability of free WIFI make it great for those who are looking for a place to do some work.

When you are at the cafe, you cannot skip their coffee beverages inspired by international flavours around the world.

56 Sathorn Soi 8
North Sathorn Road
Silom, Bangrak
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 636 6222
Mon to Fri: 9am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Chong Nonsi

#4 EKKAMAI MACCHIATO

Ekkamai Macchiato is a homey cafe located along Ekkamai Soi 12. While there is no lack of good coffee shops in Ekkamai district, this cosy cafe ranks high up our list for making us feel completely at home.

Those who are looking for a simple place to have great coffee will not leave disappointed. You can also spend some time browsing through magazines that are provided on a rack near to the coffee counter.

6/2 Ekkamai Soi 12
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 83 785 9090
Mon to Fri: 8am -10pm
Sat to Sun 9am – 10pm
PH: 09am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Nana

#5 FACTORY COFFEE

As one of Bangkok’s pre-eminent coffee venues, Factory Coffee is centrally located near to Phaya Thai BTS station and offers a straightforward menu featuring their signature coffee drinks and a selection of baked goods.

35/18 Phayathai Rd
Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10440
Tel: +66 085 145 4184
Daily: 8am – 6pm
Nearest BTS: Phaya Thai

#6 FEATHERSTONE BISTRO CAFE

Both a cafe and a lifestyle shop, this cafe is one of the prettiest finds in Thonglor. It is like an enchanted forest—think butterflies, stained glass and the dreamiest flowers hanging from the ceiling.

Its food menu is not the most interesting, though. The pasta was pretty mediocre, but pizzas were not too bad and we enjoyed ours. What you must order are 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

#7 KARMAKAMET DINER

Given its popularity, Karmakamet Diner needs no introduction. The space is well-furnished with a rustic touch, with so much thought put into every detail.

Brunch items include Egg White Frittata and Full Breakfast. The must-try dessert there is their super photogenic Strawberry In The Clouds—strawberry shortcake with rainbow cotton candy.

30/1 Sukhumvit Soi 24
Bangkok 10230, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 262 0700
Daily: 10am – 11.30pm
Nearest BTS: Phrom Phong

#8 ONE OUNCE AT CHANGCHUI

One Ounce For Onion at Ekkamai district in Bangkok is a popular hipster cafe that opened their second branch at the popular ChangChui night market.

You can expect nothing less from the creative minds behind this concept cafe who converted an old warehouse container into a rustic-looking cafe adorned with glittering chandeliers, dark wooden furniture and a bookshelf filled with books of many genres.

460/8 Sirindhorn Road
Bangpld, Bangkok
10700 Thailand
Tel: +66 2 050 5533
Nearest BTS: Victory Monument

#9 THE BLOOMING GALLERY

The Blooming Gallery Tea Cafe & Bar is a rustic cafe hidden in The Ei8ht Thonglor shopping mall. Walking into the cafe is like wandering into a mini secret garden where you will be surrounded by colourful flowers and lush greenery.

A Path In The Forest (THB380/S$15.63) and The Blooming Garden (THB350/S$14.40) are two gorgeous desserts to order when you are there. While the taste is nothing amazing, they are a visual feast for the eyes.

LG/F, Eight Thonglor
Sukhumvit Soi 55, Thonglor
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 063 5508
Sun to Tue: 10am – 10pm
Wed to Sat: 10am – 12 Midnight
Nearest BTS: Thonglor

#10 THE COMMONS

The Commons at Thonglor is Bangkok’s Hottest Destination. With 28 restaurants, cafes and shops to boast, it is an enchanting space in Thonglor that opened its doors to the public in January 2016. It is not “just another mall”; it is a community and a way of life to the guys who envisioned and built The Commons.

Soi Thong Lo 17, Khlong Tan Nuea
Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 89 152 2677
Nearest BTS: Thonglor

#11 THE GARDEN OF DINSOR SUMMER

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: Thonglor/Ekkamai

#12 THE NEVER ENDING SUMMER

What used to be a rundown riverside warehouse has since transformed into a rustic industrial-themed Thai restaurant called “The Never Ending Summer” under the hands of local architect Duangrit Bunnag and partner Naree Boonyakiat.

We recommend trying their local Thai dishes as every dish we ordered was mouth-watering and deserving of high praises.

41/5 Charoen Nakorn
Khlong San
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 861 0953
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Saphan Taksin

Read: 28 Best Cafes You Must Visit In Bangkok

16 Reasons to Love Bangkok – Beyond All The Shopping, Food & Night Markets

Editorial — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 06:39:00 +0000

We know for a fact that we absolutely do not have to sell Bangkok, because it already is a top tourist destination for Singaporeans, especially. The airfares are affordable, food and shopping are similarly low-priced and everything about Bangkok just boasts an aura of awesomeness.

However, we also know that some people have their qualms about Bangkok and we are here to change that. Bangkok is so beautiful, we want you to see it too. Besides the shopping, food and all the well-known night markets, Bangkok has ancient temples, rich culture & heritage, and more!

Here are 16 Reasons to Love Bangkok, Thailand. You will definitely be booking your next trip by the end of this!

#1 AFFORDABLE MASSAGE & SPA

This is our favourite past-time in Bangkok and we do it almost everyday! Foot or full body massages are so affordable there (approx. S$10 or 250 baht) that we will never skip it when we visit this beautiful city. The masseuses are also very well-trained to really give you the best massages to relax your muscles and make you rid of any tension in your body.

#2 AFFORDABLE SEAFOOD MEALS

Seafood is generally pricey in Singapore. However in Bangkok, we can have a very big and satisfying full seafood dinner for about S$10 or so each. You can never find seafood prices like these in Singapore.

#3 AFFORDABLE TRANSPORTATION

We all love Bangkok for this reason. Whether you’re grabbing a taxi or tuk tuk, they’re all extremely inexpensive. However, remember to insist on them turning on the meter to not get conned!

#4 AMAZING STREET FOOD

We don’t know about you, but the street food in Bangkok is to-die-for to us! Everything is so tasty and flavoured so well that we sometimes skip meals just to eat a variety of street food (so much so that it fills our tummy up!). Quail eggs, deep-fried squid, roadside Phad Thai – we are hungry just thinking about it.

#5 BEST NIGHTLIFE VIBES

Bangkok boasts one of the richest nightlife in South East Asia. Besides pubs and clubs, the overall feel strolling down places like Khao San, taking in the vibes, is the perfect feeling to end your long night of shopping and activities. Grab a drink or beer here and just party the night away!

#6 BREATHTAKING ROOFTOP BARS IN BANGKOK

We love the fact that Bangkok has many breathtaking rooftop bars and they are all extremely beautiful. Some of our favourites include – Vertigo & Moon Bar at Banyan Tree (always packed, but you should still go anyway), Red Sky Rooftop at Centara Grand and Baiyoke Sky Rooftop Bar (highest point in the city).

#7 CONVENIENCE STORES

Strangely enough, we visit the 7/11 in Bangkok, more often than we would admit. Do you know a delicious pre-made and packed Thai Basil Chicken Rice is only barely S$1 there? And it’s really good too, trust us on that! Everything else from bottled drinks to snack are all generally much cheaper than in Singapore.

#8 COOL CAFES & COFFEE HOUSES IN BANGKOK

Bangkok is also no stranger to the cafe scene with popular destinations such as Karmakamet and its iconic candy floss desserts, and others such as After You and Mr. Jones’ Orphanage, offering affordable and delicious cafe fare.

#9 EVERYWHERE IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE

We like that it is easy to get to anywhere in Bangkok. Not once, were we ever lost. The roads might look messy but all the cab and tuk tuk drivers we’ve had, never had a problem.

#10 FRIENDLY LOCALS

Of course we will bump into rude and uncouth people any where in the world, but we are sure that Bangkok has some of the nicest and most polite locals around who will take the time to chat with you, even if they are not proficient in English – something that really warms our heart.

#11 INCREDIBLY GOOD SHOPPING DEALS

We know of friends who do their entire year’s worth of shopping on one trip to Bangkok—that’s how good the shopping deals are. With so many great night markets, weekend markets and shopping centres in the city, it is every shopaholic’s heaven.

#12 MELTING POT OF INTERNATIONAL CUISINE

Other than amazing Thai food, Bangkok offers great food from around the world. We’ve had authentic American diner fare in Khao San Road and Japanese food in the shopping centres that were more than up to standard.

#13 SKIN CARE & MAKEUP

This is for the ladies out there. Brand such as Snail White and Cathy Doll, are so much cheaper in their home country, of course! Grab all these amazing skin care and make up while you’re there and you’ll save a ton!

#14 WAT PHO & OTHER GORGEOUS TEMPLES

After the hustle and bustle of city life, take a break by visiting Wat Pho, home of the famous reclining Buddha. This temple is gorgeous and so tranquil inside, it is the perfect vacation ending you need to have.

#15 WELL-CONNECTED TRAINS

Whenever we spot a traffic jam, we would definitely head on down to their train. It is both affordable and very well-connected to all the major places in Bangkok. It served us really well when we want to get to somewhere fast when there is horrible traffic during peak hours!

#16 THE BEST NIGHT MARKETS IN BANGKOK

Ask any Singaporean which Asian city is their favourite for shopping and most would tell you Bangkok.

For the Thais, night markets are a way of life. The congregation of local vendors is a common sight and for many natives, their livelihoods depend on these bustling night bazaars.

Dexter Cafe & Bar – Rustic Cafe In Bangkok That Transforms Into A Bar By Night

Julee Ooi — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 01:00:25 +0000

A cafe by day and bar by night, Dexter Cafe & Bar along Sathon road is an aesthetically pleasing dining establishment in Bangkok. Their innovative coffee menu, calm ambiance and availability of free WIFI are great for those who are looking for a place to do some work.

We were pleasantly surprised at the wide range of drinks, brunch items and other Western mains which come in beautiful presentations that make perfect #foodporn pictures on social media platforms.

Swing by the place with your friends for a casual meet up, a birthday celebration or a chill drinking session at night.

Running a rustic theme with Scandinavian touches, Dexter Cafe & Bar boasts only three primary colours—black, white and brown. Every spot at the cafe is perfect for photo taking but keep a lookout for the vintage marquee sign which makes the best OOTD backdrop.

Although we dropped by in the day, we could imagine how chill it is to relax by the bar at night with a couple of drought beers, cocktails and wines. Of course, they also have a curated list of spirits and whiskeys for the serious drinkers as well.

When you are at Dexter Cafe & Bar, you cannot skip their coffee beverages inspired by international flavours around the world.

If you are up for something more adventurous, try their Brazilian Iced Coffee (THB130) which is an interesting blend of espresso double shots, cacao powder and Coca-Cola. Yes, this is a fizzy caffeine drink!

For a safer choice, we recommend the Iced Australian which is more like your usual iced coffee with espresso double shots, cold milk, vanilla syrup and vanilla ice cream on top.

The Æggekage (THB400) came with Danish-style omelette and it is a wholesome dish with plenty of cucumber, tomato, savoury bacon and crispy pork belly. While we were very impressed with the presentation of this dish, the same could not be said for its taste.

We found the pork belly to be slightly overdone and too tough for our liking. That being said, we still enjoyed the light and fluffy egg omelette which was well seasoned.

For the ultimate breakfast platter, get their Brunch Plate (THB500) which has all the breakfast items you can ever dream of.

This enormous plate features bacon, sausage, ham, parma ham, salami, cheese, fruits, bread, homemade pancakes, yogurt with muesli and eggs of your choice (scrambled/fried/omelette).

Dexter Bar & Cafe
56 Sathorn Soi 8
North Sathorn Road
Silom, Bangrak
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 636 6222
Mon to Fri: 9am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Chong Nonsi

Ekkamai Macchiato – Homey Cafe Tucked Away At Ekkamai District In Bangkok

Julee Ooi — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 01:00:47 +0000

Ekkamai Macchiato – Home Brewer is a homely cafe located along Ekkamai Soi 12. It is a cosy spot where guests can spend some time browsing through magazines and enjoy a cup of coffee.

All drinks (both coffee and non-coffee) on Ekkamai Macchiato’s menu are sold at an affordable price of THB100/ S$4.12.

There is nothing too fancy about the cafe and the lukewarm tones from the wooden floor tiles and furniture made us feel more like we were walking into someone’s house rather than a cafe when we first stepped foot into Ekkamai Macchiato.

At the front of the cafe is where you will find their dessert counter and coffee bar, which is decorated with white square tiles. Do not be shy to approach their friendly baristas for any food or drink recommendations.

After taking a look at their THB100 drinks menu, we went for a Hot Matcha Latte (THB100/ S$4.12) which was extremely rich. The strong matcha flavours were balanced out with creamy milk and it came with an inviting layer of foam—what a treat!

Alternatively, you can get an Iced or Blended Matcha Latte if you are craving for a cold drink instead.

Those who simply cannot give up on caffeine can opt for the Hot Cappuccino (THB100/ S$4.12). As with any good cup of Cappuccino, it had the perfect espresso to milk ratio and the drink was topped off with light and airy foam.

Other espresso-based drinks you can get there include Espresso, Americano, Caffe Latte, Caramel Macchiato and more. Most of them are available in Hot and Iced versions.

Ekkamai Macchiato – Home Brewer
6/2 Ekkamai Soi 12
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 83 785 9090
Mon to Fri: 8am -10pm
Sat to Sun 9am – 10pm
PH: 09am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Ekkamai

Blue Dye Cafe – Captivating Cafe In Bangkok With Photogenic Brunch Food

Julee Ooi — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 11:43:11 +0000

We uncovered many beautiful coffee destinations on our recent trip to Bangkok and one of them that ranks high on the list is Blue Dye Cafe. The cafe is situated in a residential area which is about 10 minutes walk away from Thonglor BTS station.

Pay attention to the wooden fencing and signboard carved with the cafe’s logo in blue paint so you would not miss them along the stretch of old houses. Blue Dye Cafe serves your typical western brunch fare with a local twist.

Everything about the cafe is perfect for phototaking—from the rustic interiors to the gorgeous food plating.

There is an outdoor porch for those who wish to bask in the sun during good weather. The porch is great for OOTD pictures as sunlight is optimal there. Alternatively, you can also head indoors to cool off in the air conditioned room.

Take a walk around the mini shop in side the cafe; there are plenty of homeware items on sale. Browse through the entire collection which includes porcelain tableware, pottery, textiles and coffee making machines.

Those who have an inkling for eggs can go for the Crumbed Egg (THB190/S$7.82) which features two crumbed eggs and spinach on toast. Crumbed eggs are deep-fried poached eggs covered in bread crumbs.

While we enjoyed the variety of crispy and smooth textures from the egg, we felt that the egg yolk was slightly overdone and did not flow well. Add some cream cheese mustard given at the side for extra flavours.

Something heavier on the palate is the Moo Nam Tok (THB220/S$9.05) which is inspired by the traditional Thai pork salad. You get warm grilled pork atop a bed of spicy Thai-style pasta. The grilled meat was incredibly flavourful and came with the right amount of seasoning.

Blue Dye Cafe brews coffee beans sourced from Colombia and Brazil and the entire cafe is filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. We tried a hot, frothy cup of Latte (THB100/S$4.11) which had a good ratio of milk to espresso.

Other caffeine drinks include Cappuccino (THB100/S$4.11), Chai Latte (THB120/S$4.94), Mocha (THB130/S$5.34) and more.

Blue Dye Cafe
40/1 Soi Sukhumvit 36
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 94 156 6166
Tue to Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest BTS: Thonglor

No idea where you should dine at in Bangkok?
Take a look at our Bangkok Food Guide.

Factory Coffee – Gorgeous Coffee Shop In Bangkok All Coffee Lovers Have To Visit

Julee Ooi — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 09:05:13 +0000

There is a reason why you can find many digital nomads in Bangkok. The city is home to many established cafes and brew bars where you can do some work in peace or simply to chill and rest your weary feet.

One such place to settle in and escape from the crowd is Factory Coffee. As one of Bangkok’s pre-eminent coffee venues, the cafe is centrally located near to Phaya Thai BTS station and offers a straightforward menu featuring their signature coffee drinks and a selection of baked goods.

As the cafe’s name suggests, Factory Coffee looks just like a modern factory—complete with cement brick walls, exposed filament light bulbs and dark wooden furniture.

The large communal tables are perfect for groups of friends or colleagues and the spacious set up makes it easy for you to walk around.

Caffeine addicts have to give their Flat White (THB120/S$4.93) a try. The rich espresso is heavy on the palate and came with a slightly bitter after taste. We liked how the barista balanced it with creamy milk and a layer of thin foam on top.

It is not just the taste that impressed us—even coffee art is taken seriously too. Take a closer look and you will notice the fine details of the foam swan’s feathers. It would certainly be a waste not to take a picture!

Not to worry if you are not a coffee person because Factory Coffee also has a selection of non-caffeine beverages. The one that caught our attention is the Slow Chai Tea (THB120/S$4.93).

It is interesting to note that the chai tea has been frozen into ice cubes before they are served. Pour the hot milk in and you can watch how the chai tea cubes melt slowly. This way, your drink becomes richer as the time goes by. Say goodbye to diluted ice drinks!

Factory Coffee
35/18 Phayathai Rd
Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10440
Tel: +66 085 145 4184
Daily: 8am – 6pm
Nearest BTS: Phaya Thai

FLAIR The Espresso Bar – Excellent Coffee In Bangkok For Less Than S$3

Julee Ooi — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 07:00:34 +0000

Nestled within Thaniya Plaza, FLAIR The Espresso Bar is a mere three-minute walk away from Sala Daeng BTS Station. Specialising in espresso based drinks, the coffee bar is more of a takeaway kiosk than a cafe for those who are craving for a cup of coffee to go.

The coffee place’s small structure makes it easy to go unnoticed unless you are keeping a look out for it but it has been building a steady reputation through positive word-of-mouth by their loyal patrons.

Those who cannot survive the day without some caffeine boost can drop by Flair The Espresso Bar for their excellent range of coffee that are mostly priced below THB65/S$2.67.

Since they open from early morning during weekdays to cater to the working professionals, you are likely to see office workers flocking in for their morning cuppa.

Besides their splendid brews, it is also worth mentioning that the staff is friendly and accommodating to our requests.

Those who have no clue on what to get can ask the barista for her recommendations. Their hot coffee menu features Espresso in single (THB50/S$2.05) and double shots (THB60/S$2.47), Americano (THB55/S$2.26) Cappuccino (THB55/S$2.26), Caffe Latte (THB55/S$2.26) and Caffe Mocha (THB60/S$2.47).

Since it was a hot day, we decided to chill with a cup of Iced Caffee Latte (THB60/S$2.47). The freshly pulled espresso was rich and full-bodied, balancing perfectly well with the creamy milk that was poured into it. We were able to taste the espresso in its true form as no sugar has been added into the beverage.

Those who prefer something sweeter should inform the barista beforehand. Otherwise, you may find it too bitter for your liking.

FLAIR The Espresso Bar also has non-coffee drinks including Assorted Hot Tea (THB45/S$1.85), Thai Iced Tea With Milk (THB50/S$2.05), Hot Matcha Latte (THB70/S$2.88) and Hot Cocoa (THB55/S$2.26).

FLAIR The Espresso Bar
G/F, Thaniya Plaza
Soi Thaniya, Silom Road
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 95 245 4942
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 6pm
Nearest BTS: Sala Daeng

One Ounce For Onion – Popular Hipster Cafe Opens Second Branch At ChangChui

Julee Ooi — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 07:00:50 +0000

One Ounce For Onion at Ekkamai district in Bangkok needs no further introduction but did you know that this hipster cafe has opened another branch at the popular ChangChui this year?

Head over to One Ounce For Onion for their handcrafted house brews and delightful range of light bites.

Their straightforward menu offers little besides their signature espresso based drinks, smoothies and ChangChui specials (food and drinks that are exclusive to this outlet).

It is not the place to go to if you are looking for a wide range of mains on the menu but somewhere to chill and catch up with your friends over coffee.

Their Iced Latte (THB100/S$4.12) is prepared with the right balance of espresso and creamy milk. The refreshing drink came with a slightly bitter aftertaste just the way we like it.

If you are looking for a drink to cool off from Bangkok’s sweltering heat, you cannot go wrong with an Iced Latte at One Ounce For Onion.

Not keen on having coffee? There are other non-caffeine choices too. After getting to know our preferences, the friendly barista recommended a smoothie with a whimsical name—Summer Is Getting Better (THB140/S$5.76).

The ingredients found inside include pineapple, pumpkin, ginger and green basil. It sounds like an odd combination but we were pleasantly surprised that the flavours actually went well together. The rich pineapple drink came with distinct hints of ginger that was not too overpowering for our liking.

Feeling peckish, we decided to order it’s sound jap crab (THB220/S$9.05) which is a small portion crab meat salad with green apple, avocado, miso herbs and spicy mentaiko. While we think that it is rather pricey for such a small plate, the intense flavours got us hooked onto the dish.

Have the crab meat and avocado together with toasted bread given at the side. It was so delicious that we finished it within minutes!

Alternatively, you can also get the Bollywood Baller (THB280/S$11.52), Pasta Thai Garlic Bacon (THB180/S$7.40) and Porkball Gnocchi (THB180/S$7.40).

One Ounce at ChangChui
460/8 Sirindhorn Road
Bangpld, Bangkok
10700 Thailand
Tel: +66 2 050 5533
Nearest BTS: Victory Monument

Read: 7 Reasons Why You Must Visit ChangChui Night Market In Bangkok.

28 Best Bangkok Cafes – The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need

ladyironchef — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 01:00:27 +0000

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

#15 KARMAKAMET DINER

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

#17 MR JONES ORPHANAGE

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

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

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

#23 ROOTS COFFEE BAR

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?

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

#28 VANILLA GARDEN

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

17 Cafes In Bangkok’s Thonglor And Ekkamai

ladyironchef — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 01:00:23 +0000

Thonglor used to be just another one of those unassuming hoods in Bangkok, until its fate changed some years ago. All it took was a leap of faith by some entrepreneurs who decided to run cafes in Thonglor Seen Space, and that whole area started booming and prospering.

Today, Thonglor is widely visited by both locals and tourists – anyone who enjoys a cuppa and quiet afternoons. The Thonglor “archipelago” includes Ekkamai, a street that is littered with quaint cafes, primarily dedicated to the Japanese expats who call that area Home.

With so many cafes sprouting out one after another, Thonglor is surely the place for all cafe-hoppers. Here are 17 Cafes in Bangkok’s Thonglor And Ekkamai that we love.

#1 AFTER YOU DESSERT CAFE

After You first started in 2007, and it has been enjoying popularity since. Everyone loves After You Dessert Cafe for its signature desserts – the Shibuya Honey Toast (THB175) and Chocolate Lava Cake – and they have been a big hit with locals and tourists alike.

Everything here is very photogenic, and they sure taste as good as they look. Definitely a must-visit dessert haunt when in Bangkok.

323/3 Thonglor Soi 13, Bangkok, Thailand
Daily: 11am – 12 midnight
Tel” +66 02 712 9266
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo

#2 AUDREY

One of the prettiest cafes and among the most popular is Audrey, a predominantly monochrome cafe with cascading vines and fairy lights. Thonglor has no lack of cafes, but Audrey is exceptionally visually arresting and too pretty to miss.

It offers a menu that serves both Western and Thai, and a whole selection of drinks and desserts. Other outlets can be found at Central Embassy and Siam Centre.

Soi Thong Lo 11, Watthana
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 712 6667
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo

#3 CARGOFE CAFE

Just next to Hand & Heart Cafe on Thonglor Soi 38 is Cargofe, a cute container cafe that is surrounded by plants and greenery. We love that cosy tiny space for it is like a hideout that nobody knows about.

And while the cafe is really tiny, the space between each table is comfortable enough for us to be in our own zones while enjoying the precious company of our friends.

33/1 Sukkumvit 38, Klong Toey 10260
Tel: +66 86 408 2903
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo

#4 CASA LAPIN

There are many cafes that offer good coffee in Bangkok, but Casa Lapin stands out for its inviting vibe. The original Casa Lapin at Thonglor Art Village is a hole-in-the-wall coffee joint, while the newer Casa Lapin X49 at an alley on Sukhumvit Soi 49 opposite Samitivej Hospital is an intimate space where you can enjoy your coffee, linger around and read your magazine.

What also impresses us is the range of magazines that they offer – Cereal, Frankie and Kinfolk, to name a few.

Soi Songphinong
Between Thonglor 13 and Sukhumvit Soi 49/7
Tel: +66 81 261 2040
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 8.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 8.30pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo

#5 FEATHERSTONE BISTRO CAFE

60 Pridi Banomyong 31
Khlong Tan Nuea
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 97 058 6846
Wed to Mon: 10.30am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Ekkamai

#6 GREYHOUND CAFE

Arguably the most famous cafe in Bangkok, Greyhound Cafe is among the ones who pioneered the cafe trend in the Thai city. Prices here are pretty reasonable, and it makes a lovely pit stop in between shopping. Pastas such as fettuccine with shrimp, and spicy spaghetti Thai style are around THB190 to THB320.

1F J Avenue Lifestyle Mall
Thonglor Soi 15
Tel: 02 712 6547
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo

#7 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 – 9pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo

#8 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. Do your latte with a slice of cake.

1/7 Soi Ekkamai 2, Sukhumvit Soi 63
Tel: +66 02 002 6874
Sat, Sun, Mon & Tue: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Ekkamai

#9 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, Thailand
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Tel: +66 2 185 2472
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo

#10 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
Tel: +66 02 381 5291
Daily: 7am – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Ekkamai

#11 ONE OUNCE FOR ONION

One Ounce For Onion is an off-the-track cafe located in a small alley off Ekkamai Soi 12. 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
Tel: +66 02 046 6885
Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 8pm
Nearest BTS: Ekkamai

#12 PHIL COFFEE COMPANY

Tucked away 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
Tel: +66 02 001 5850
Tue to Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo/ Ekkamai

#13 ROAST

Roast, our favourite cafe in Bangkok, has relocated from its previous location at SeenSpace. Its spanking 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

#14 ROCKET COFFEE BAR

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

#15 ROOTS COFFEE BAR

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

#16 (UN) FASHION CAFE

Tel: +66 02 726 9592
Daily: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Ekkamai

#17 VANILLA GARDEN

Vanilla Garden enjoys a lavish space at Ekkamai. Like a secret hideout in a labyrinth, Vanilla Garden is lovely, peaceful and cosy. Garden benches, fountains and little corners make up the outdoors of the precinct; beautiful butterflies are often spotted, so are occasional squirrels.

Home to a cafe and a desserts room, Vanilla Garden is a destination in Bangkok to note, for it is most definitely worth the visit.

53 Ekamai Soi 12,Sukhumvit Soi 63 10110
10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 381 6120
Daily: 7am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Ekkamai

For more recommendations, read our guide to 34 of the best cafes in Bangkok.

The Commons – Bangkok’s Hottest Destination With 28 Restaurants, Cafes And Shops

ladyironchef — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 01:00:19 +0000

The Commons at Thonglor is Bangkok’s Hottest Destination right now.

With 28 restaurants, cafes and shops to boast, it is an enchanting space in Thonglor that opened its doors to public in January 2016. It is not “just another mall”; it is a community, and a way of life to the guys who envisioned and built The Commons.

“Our intention is to build first a community, then a mall. We want to become Thonglor’s backyard – a gathering ground for specialized producers and their customers. We hope to promote wholesome living and a true sense of community.”

With the words of the founder of The Commons, you know this is where you should be.

At The Commons, one should first know that going with an empty stomach and a thirsty desire to explore is necessary. For one, The Commons is anything but common and conventional.

The sheer splendour of the building is one that will leave you in awe – the space, the architecture, the enthusiastic beings you will meet… everything is unique to The Commons. Everyone gets together for a unanimous belief – the love for life.

Explore the world of gourmet here at The Commons. Some brands and concepts to look out for are Maison Jean Philippe, Roots Coffee Bar (another concept by Roast which used to be located at Ekkamai), Peppina, Soul Food (by the famous Soul Food Mahanakorn), Meat & Bones, The Beer Cap, Egg My God, East Bound, Absolute Fit Food, and Barrio Bonito Mexican Restaurant. They all have their own stories to tell, and a menu to tease.

The “Village” zone is marked by Plant House, a famous florist shop in Bangkok. This level also includes Jona Waffle – a cafe that specialises in waffles, with 10 different flavours such as Orange Suzette, French Toast Waffle, and Blueberry Cheese Pie on the menu.

On the third floor, Play Yard, you can find Absolute Yoga. Well-being is definitely integral to the community.

And on the top level, we have Roast’s new home. The ever popular cafe has relocated from its previous location at SeenSpace, and its spanking 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, laidback vibes.

Apart from these, there are several lifestyle and fashion boutiques within the building.

The Commons is currently still in a soft launch stage, but expect more exciting brands to open in the coming months. All in all, this is the newest spot in Bangkok that you totally have to visit if you are in the city.

The Commons
Soi Thong Lo 17, Khlong Tan Nuea
Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 89 152 2677
Nearest BTS: Thonglor

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best cafes in Bangkok.

Vanilla Garden – A Secret Hideout in Bangkok With A Cafe & Bakeshop

ladyironchef — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 01:00:52 +0000

It is like a scene from a storybook. We are only missing Alice here.

Home to a cafe and a desserts room, Vanilla Garden is a destination in Bangkok to note, for it is most definitely worth the visit.

The bakeshop sits at the foot of the garden. Buttery bakes and its aroma whizzed past as we stepped in. The fresh bread and pastries are favourites to the residents in the area.

Over at the cafe, the spacious mezzanine unit reminds us of a quaint, Japanese home. Filled with Japanese comics, toy figurines and retro knick-knacks, Vanilla Cafe makes a fabulous space to kick back and relax over a nice Japanese-Italian meal.

On the menu, there is a series of sushi and maki – which we love. Creative rolls include Premium Strip Loin Steak Sushi (THB 420), Ume Pork & Bacon Maki (THB 280) and Salmon & Tempura Crispy Roll (THB 320). The latter was so good that we polished it off in seconds.

They take pride in their fusion pasta choices too – think Signature Carbonara (THB 280), Angel Hair with Crispy Tuna Flake (THB 260) and Spaghetti with Prawn Roe (THB 360). But honestly, we say give this a miss and stick to the sushi.

Japanese-style desserts such as parfaits and pancakes are on the desserts menu should you want to come here for a sweet treat.

You can also take a piece of Vanilla Garden home from the curated merchandise section.

Vanilla Garden
53 Ekamai Soi 12,Sukhumvit Soi 63 10110
10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 381 6120
Daily: 7am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Ekkamai

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best cafes in Bangkok.

Bangkoku Cafe – An Off-The-Grid Cafe In Bangkok That Is Worth Checking Out

Cheryl Chong — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 13:30:00 +0000

While strolling down a less populated part of Bangkok, we stumbled upon a small and quirky cafe – Bangkoku Cafe, which immediately sparked our interest. Located just beside one of Bangkok’s most popular old-school barbers – Good Old Days Barber Shop – we were delighted by the cosy cafe’s reasonably priced drinks.

Sprawled on the walls are various menu items, from typical coffee to some very interesting alcoholic cocktails. Although this cafe has a limited food menu of a few cakes and sweet treats, the great drinks were enough to keep us happy.

With so many overly-publicised big cafes in Bangkok, it was nice to see a simple and humble cafe like Bangkoku Cafe.

A non-alcoholic drink here costs THB35 to THB50 (S$1.40 to S$2), with frappes just THB10 more (S$0.25). Served to us in beautiful mason jars, Bangkoku Cafe offers a nice an intimate setting for us to rest and relax after a long day of sightseeing and shopping.

The Thai Iced Tea (THB45, S$1.80) is a typical choice but with no regrets. We also had the Lychee B*tch (THB90, S$3.60), an alcoholic cocktail with a spunky name that was extra refreshing and can also be served ice blended, upon request.

We tried the cake of the day that came in a cute mini portion, just enough to satisfy our sweet tooth.

For an extremely unpretentious cafe experience, Bangkoku Cafe pretty much fits the bill. Great drinks, simple cakes, no crazy crowd.

Bangkoku Cafe
(Opposite Pinklao Shopping Complex)
Somdet Phra Pin Klao 19
Thep Nakharin, Bangkok, Thailand 10700

For more recommendations, read our guide on the best cafes in Bangkok.

32 Best Cafes in Bangkok You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Life

ladyironchef — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 00:00:03 +0000

The Land of Smiles is extremely popular and well-loved among us Singaporeans. There are so many reasons to love Bangkok, and no number of trip is ever enough. What’s “enough” when you have so much to eat and shop anyway?

Over the years, we’ve seen the changes in the scene, we’ve been wowed on countless occasions, and we love how Bangkok is nailing the cafe culture. Every trip brings about new discoveries, and there is surely something new to check out and to fall in love with.

Cakes, tarts, coffee. Pancakes, eggs, French toasts. Salads, pastas, burgers. The cafe scene in Bangkok is well-rounded and nothing short of happening. When you need a slice of cake in between that crazy retail therapy, or a spot to grab your daily coffee, or a cosy space to have a meal at, this Guide to Bangkok’s 32 Best Cafes will take you through.

#1 24 OWLS BY SOMETIMES

With both al fresco and indoor seating, 24 Owls is a cafe at Ekkamai. Its outdoor area is a splendid spot for photos, and it resembles those streets by London. Expect an expansive breakfast menu, as with all-day pastas and a whole fridge of cakes.

39/9 Sol Ekkamai 12
Sukhumvit 63 Road
Tel: +66 2 391 4509
Daily: 24 Hours
Nearest BTS: Ekkamai

#2 AFTER YOU

After You is a very popular dessert spot that is known for their Shibuya Honey Toast (THB175). For something different, try the Sticky Toffee Toast (THB175) or Matcha Toast (THB195). Everything is very photogenic, and they taste as good as they look.

Siam Square One
Daily: 11am – 12midnight
Nearest BTS: Siam

#3 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. Thong Lo has no lack of cafes, but Audrey is visually arresting and too pretty to miss. It offers a menu that serves both Western and Thai, and a whole selection of drinks and desserts. Other outlets can be found at Central Embassy and Siam Centre.

136/3 Thonglor Soi 11
Vaddhana, Sukhumvit 55
Tel: +66 2 712 6667
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo

No trip to Bangkok is complete without a session, so here are 11 of the Best Thai Massage and Spas in Bangkok. You deserve the pampering.

#4 CASA LAPIN

There are many cafes that offer good coffee in Bangkok, but Casa Lapin stands out for its inviting vibe. The original Casa Lapin at Thonglor Art Village is a hole-in-the-wall coffee joint, while the newer Casa Lapin X49 at an alley on Sukhumvit Soi 49 opposite Samitivej Hospital is an intimate space where you can have coffee, linger around and read. What also impresses us is the range of magazines that they offer – Cereal, Frankie and Kinfolk, to name a few.

Soi Songphinong
Between Thonglor 13 and Sukhumvit Soi 49/7
Tel: +66 81 261 2040
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 8.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 8.30pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo

#5 CERESIA COFFEE ROASTER

593/29-41 Sukhumvit Soi 33/1
Tel: +66 2 843 8235
Tue to Sun: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Phrom Phong BTS

#6 CHU CHOCOLATE BAR & CAFE

Spacious and quiet, Chu sits within a commercial building and we love their simple concept. The cafe is heavy on their wooden elements with lamps hanging frivolously, and soft lounge tracks fill the space. We love the churros here, but you really take your pick from their range of hot chocolates. The higher the percentage, the greater your endorphins rush.

Exchange Tower 388 Sukhumvit Road
Unit 204-206 2nd Floor
Tel: +66 2 663 4554
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 9pm
Nearest BTS: Asoke

#7 COFFEE BEAN BY DAO

A convenient spot that sits at the basement of Siam Paragon, Coffee Bean by Dao is a chain where you can rest your feet from all the shopping. Compose yourself with a cuppa, or do a quick meal before you go on to more shopping.

Siam Paragon Shopping Centre
Tel: +66 2 610 9702
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Siam

#8 CREPES & CO.

Other than being known for their sweet and savoury crepes, Crepes And Co also has a comprehensive menu serving Greek, Moroccan and Spanish food. But we almost always come here just for the crepes. With so many tempting choices, let’s just forget the main courses and dive deep into sugar-land.

59/4 Soi Langsuan (Langsuan Soi 1)
Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Patumwan
Tel: +66 02 652 0208
Nearest BTS: Chidlom

#9 EVERYDAY BY KARMAKAMET

Everyday by Karmakamet at Yada Building (just beside Sala Daeng BTS) in Silom is opened by Karmakamet, a popular Bangkok-based aromatic products brand. This charming cafe features the Karmakamet’s line of fragrances and lifestyle products.

I love that it is a very creative space and it encourages people to express themselves by drawing or writing down their thoughts on cards. It is a spot where you can either sit down by yourself to read a book and do some work, or to hang out with a friend to catch up over coffee and desserts (just a note, they do not serve proper food here). It is a spot where time freezes and you can just do whatever you like and forget about the world.

Karmakamet Diner, the group’s latest restaurant on Sukhumvit Soi 24, is an equally beautiful place. We will be sharing more on that in another post.

1/F Yada Building
Silom Road
Tel: +66 2 237 1148
Nearest Station: Sala Daeng BTS/ Silom MRT

#10 GRAM

Soi Sukhumvit 49
1/F, 49 Terrace
Tel: +66 02 884 8554
Tue to Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo

#11 GREYHOUND

Arguably the most famous cafe in Bangkok is Greyhound Cafe. Prices are very reasonable, and it makes a lovely pit stop. Pastas such as fettuccine with shrimp, and spicy spaghetti Thai style are around THB 190 – THB 320.

1F J Avenue Lifestyle Mall
Thonglor Soi 15
Tel: 02 712 6547
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo

#12 HELLO KITTY CAFE

This is one place that will drive every girl crazy. The all-new Hello Kitty Cafe is a multi-story unit that sits within Siam Square One. It’s huge, and it’s cute; you should go some time soon. Pink and prominently, you will definitely not miss it from the main road.

Step in to a wondrous Sanrio world, and be wowed by the expansive Hello Kitty decor. There is a dine-in area, a merchandise shop and, hold your breath, a Hello Kitty Spa!

SiamSQ1, Bangkok
Tel: +66 2 115 1335
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Siam

#13 INK & LION

1/7 Soi Ekkamai 2, Sukhumvit Soi 63
Tel: +66 91 559 0994
Sat, Sun, Mon & Tue: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Ekkamai

#14 KARMAKAMET DINER

Karmakamet Diner is a super gorgeous and stunning restaurant. The space is very well-furnished, with so much thoughts put into every detail. For such a nice restaurant, prices are not expensive. 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
Tel: +66 02 262 0700
Daily: 9am – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Phrom Phong

#15 KUPPA

Established in 1998, Kuppa remains a popular haunt for its regulars. The comprehensive menu features a selection of breakfast items, pastas, sandwiches, pizzas as well as Thai favourites. The coffee is made from beans that are roasted in-house.

39 Sukhumvit 16 Khlong Toei
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 663 0450
Nearest BTS: Asoke

#16 KYO ROLL EN

An exquisite spot at Central Embassy, Kyo Roll En offers an elegant experience with its artisanal Japanese desserts. Famed for their Japanese rolls, you will be completely spoil for choice because every single item just looks too gorgeous to be missed. Instead of merely taking away a roll or two, we strongly encourage you to dine in. There is a menu of roll sets of different combinations – with fruit platters and/or soft serve, all at THB 259 each.

Level 5 Central Embassy
1031 Ploenchit Road
Nearest BTS: Phloen Chit

#17 LA BAGUETTE THE FRENCH BAKERY CAFE

Established in Pattaya since 2003, La Baguette recently opened its first outlet in Bangkok at the new EmQuartier District – the latest luxury shopping mall to open in the heart of the city. Known for its French crepes, croissants and desserts,

The dining scene in Bangkok is constantly changing. Every time we visit the city, there are always new restaurants and cafes to check out. If you don’t know where to start, here are our top 10 favourite restaurants in Bangkok.

La Baguette is a French-style and pretty outlet to sit down for a quick meal after shopping in the mall. The array of desserts will surely make you go weak in the knees. Try the famous Rainbow Crepe Cake, too!

The EmQuartier, G Floor
Sukhumvit Road
Nearest BTS: Phrom Phong

#18 LONDON TEA CAFE

Originated from Seoul, London Tea Cafe has an eclectic menu of Korean-inspired dishes and desserts to boast. It includes all-day brunch items too, such as toasts and flapcakes. Try the Chocolate French Toast; it was our favourite item among all that we tried. The Kimchi Omelette sounds interesting too. But if you need more sweets, go for the Oreo bingsu (Korean shaved ice dessert).

31 The Portico Building
Langsuan Plernchit Road
Lumpini Pathumwan
Tel: +66 2 650 4653
Nearest BTS: Chidlom

#19 LIBRARY CAFE

2 Soi Metheenivet, Sukhumvit 24
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 259 2878
Daily: 8am – 9pm
Nearest BTS: Prompong

#20 MOKO COFFEE & EATERY

An artsy cafe with quirky decor and displays in a myriad of colours, Moko Coffee & Eatery is a good spot to retreat to amidst the humdrum of Silom. Quiet and tucked away in a small lane, this cafe has been a well-received one among expats since its opening some eight months ago. Its menu is slightly pricey, with a fair mix of French and Italian choices.

Soi Sathon 10, Silom, Bang Rak
Tel: +66 2 635 3673
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Chong Nonsi

#21 MR JONES ORPHANAGE

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

#22 NIKKO CAFE

A Japanese cafe that sits opposite 24 Owls is Nikko, this outlet at Ekkamai has 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
Tel: +66 02 381 5291
Daily: 7am – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Ekkamai

#23 ONE OUNCE FOR ONION

Flipping the menu on its own was a joy; we enjoyed browsing through their alternative selections while admiring the amazing photos. Anyway, we digressed. Order the waffles with popsicle.

19/12 Ekkamai Soi 12
Tel: +66 02 046 6885
Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 8pm
Nearest BTS: Ekkamai

#24 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
Tel: +66 02 001 5850
Tue to Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest BTS: Thonglo/Ekkamai

#25 ROAST

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: Thonglor

#26 ROCKET COFFEE BAR

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: Thonglor

#27 SPOONFUL ZAKKA CAFE

Combining a lifestyle concept shop and a small cafe, Spoonful is located in the same building at London Tea Cafe. It has a simple menu of scones, desserts and drinks. The environment is a tranquil one, with soft instrumentals playing and quiet patrons sipping tea while reading their magazines.

31 Lang Suan 7 Alley
Lumphini, Pathum Wan
Tel: +66 02 652 2278
Daily: 11am – 7pm
Nearest BTS: Chidlom

#28 THE NINTH CAFE

We love the Thai Tea Cake here! Luscious and every bit pretty, this is reason enough to visit The Ninth Cafe. There are three outlets, with the one at Siam Paragon being the most accessible. We’d suggest coming here with a bunch of girlfriends so that you don’t have to decide on only one cake.

Siam Paragon, G Floor
Tel : +66 02 610 7551
Nearest BTS: Siam

#29 VANILLA GARDEN

53 Ekkamai Soi 12
Sukhumvit Soi 63
Tel: +66 2 381 6120
Daily: 7am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Ekkamai

#30 WHITE FLOWER FACTORY

This is the second outlet by White Flower Cafe & Bakery, and it sits on the fourth level of Siam Square One. Lavishly furnished with wood and flowers and low-hanging lights, it is a European-styled cafe that serves both Western and Thai dishes. It is evident that the locals love it here, and we’d say ditch the Western menu. Do it like the Thais, and indulge in a Thai feast of curries and stir-fry classics.

Siam SQ1 4th Floor
Tel: +66 2 225 4749
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Siam

#31 WONDERWALL THE KAFFEBAR

Just down the road from Isao, an excellent Japanese restaurant which serves wonderful fusion sushi rolls; and Appia, a popular Italian eatery, is Wonderwall The Kaffeebar. It is a hidden gem and a great spot to chill with friends while enjoying lattes, cappuccinos and espressos.

Avora 31 Residence
28 Sukhumvit Soi 31 Bangkok
Tel: +66 86 528 2824
Mon to Sat: 7.30am – 7pm
Sun: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: MRT Sukhumvit/Phrom Phong BTS

#32 YINGDEAW HOMEMADE

A dessert cafe in Siam, Yingdeaw Homemade is known for their homemade waffles. Cookies Caramel Crumble, Banana Chocolate Almond and Vanilla Honey Kiwi are some options are THB 165 each. Over on the cake menu, try the Hot Chocolate Pudding (THB 160) and Strawberry Vanilla Cake (THB 165).

Siam SQ1 4th Floor
Tel: +66 02 117 4951
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Siam

For more recommendations, read our guide to Bangkok’s top 10 favourite restaurants.

Chat with Varatt from Roast Restaurant Bangkok

ladyironchef — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 01:00:40 +0000

Varatt Vichit Vadakan (or Tae), the owner of Roast Restaurant and Roots Coffee Roaster, is the guy to go to if you want to learn more about coffee. We had a chat with Tae to talk about coffee, some of his favourite places in Bangkok, as well as his future plans.

1. Tell us more about Roast and Roots Coffee Roasters.

These two places were created from with a passion for good food and coffee. Roast is an all day dining cafe that serves up good brunch, dinner and desserts, along with freshly roasted coffee. We try to keep the menu and all the dishes as simple and comforting as possible. Our philosophy is simple, make everything from the freshest ingredients possible, try to make as many things from scratch as possible, then prepare simply with respect to the ingredients.

As for Roots, it’s really just our coffee roastery. Our aim was never to make it a commercial space/cafe, but really a place to educate customers about our philosophy of coffee and share our passion with those who care about coffee. We open for the public on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm-6pm. On weekdays, we have various workshops/classes and use the place to roast coffee for our establishments and our wholesale clients.

2. What is a good cup of coffee?

A good cup of coffee is a cup made with care and understanding. It would be ideal if the barista (the last hand) knows and control the coffee from farm to cup… That’s why we source/import our coffee carefully while working with farmers up in the northern part of Thailand to ensure we get the best quality green beans to roast and brew for our customers.

3. The speciality coffee scene in Bangkok is growing fast, with more people starting to appreciate a good cup of coffee. What is your take on it, and how do you think it will evolve?

It’s a great thing that’s happening here in Bangkok. I think it’s a natural thing to happen after having seen how the coffee industry changed in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan in the last 5-8 years. It’s good that people are beginning to appreciate a story of a good cup of coffee and can now some what differentiate between the operators who care or don’t care. Once the consumers know why they are paying a lot of money for the coffee (for the quality and not marketing) those operators who serve good coffee will definitely benefit. It’s definitely a healthy competition going on in Bangkok.

4. Can you share with us some of your favourite places in Bangkok?

As far as cafe goes, I enjoy Ceresia Coffee Roaster, Brave Roaster, Casa Lapin, Brooklyn Baker, RMA Gastro 1/6, Wonderwall Kaffebar, and of course Roast and Roots.

5. Any plans on opening a new dining concept in Bangkok or overseas? Perhaps a cafe in Singapore?

Our newest baby is Rise, a bakery which offers freshly baked bread, pastries and simple tray cakes, We are also in the process of developing a concept for our new Taco shop and bar in Thonglor. It’s going to be fun, simple and buzzing! Please visit us the next time you come here. We are planning on opening in March 2014. Besides that we are just preparing for our market project which will happen in 2015. Lots of things to come in the next 18 months or so.

Bangkok’s Top 10 Favourite Restaurants

ladyironchef — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 02:55:20 +0000

This guide to Bangkok’s top 10 favourite restaurants was last updated on 30 Mar 2015.

The dining scene in Bangkok is constantly changing. Every time we visit the city, besides revisiting our favourite places, there are always new restaurants and cafes to check out. With an impressive choice of eateries and the endless offerings, it is little wonder why Bangkok is a destination for those who anticipate a culinary adventure. So if you want to have a taste of the enthralling options that Bangkok has to offer, this is a list of our Top 10 Favourite Restaurants in Bangkok.

Inter

A perennial favourite is Inter at Siam Square Soi 9. It serves terrific Thai dishes – like tomyum, pad Thai, green curry chicken, stir-fried morning glory, stir-fried kale with crispy pork, fried rice and fried pork with garlic and pepper - at very affordable prices ranging from THB 65 to 120. It is my must-go place in Bangkok for cheap and good local food.

Siam Square Soi 9
Tel: +66 2 251 4689
Nearest Station: Siam

Isao Sushi Bar

Isao Sushi Bar, known for its fusion sushi creations, is probably one of the hottest Japanese restaurants in Bangkok. It is the kind of place where you will go crazy and want to order everything from the menu.

Overall, the food at Isao is very good. Bold, playful and delicious. Not to mention that the prices are a bargain for the quality of food.

5 Sukhumvit 31, Watthana
Tel: +66 2 258 0645
Daily: 11am – 2am
Nearest BTS: Asok

Lek Seafood

This no-frills eatery is located just underneath Chong Nonsi BTS, and serves cheap and mouthwatering seafood. We had Garlic Prawns, Steamed Fish in Lime Sauce, Stir-fried Pork with Chilli Sauce, Thai-style Omelette, Stir-fried Kale, Stir-fried Morning Glory, Salted Egg yolk Squid – everything was delicious.

The food is just as good, if not even better, than the famous T&K Seafood in Chinatown. But if we had to choose between them, we’d pick Lek Seafood because it is much more accessible.

156 Soi Phiphat, Narathiwat Ratchanakharin Road
Nearest BTS: Chong Nonsi

Let Them Eat Cake

When I tried the desserts from Let Them Eat Cake back in 2012, I was amazed how a little patisserie in a hidden alley in Sukhumvit could produce such high standard cakes. Now they have a more accessible location in Siam Center, and I’m happy to say that the desserts are still very very good. The Thai ice tea tart is brilliant, while its Mille-feuille is as good as the ones that I’ve had in Paris. I am going on a limb to say that Let Them Eat Cake is the best patisserie in Bangkok.

4th floor, Siam Center
989 Rama I Road
Tel: +66 2 658 1603
Daily: 10am – 10pm

Karmakamet Diner

Karmakamet Diner is a super gorgeous and stunning restaurant. The space is very well-furnished, with so much thoughts put into every detail. From coasters that are folded from envelopes, to the papers used to line the tables which are literally newspapers, albeit specially designed and printed ones bearing Karmakamet’s branding.

30/1 Sukhumvit Soi 24 Bangkok
Tel: +66 2 262 0700 1
Daily: 9am – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Phrom Phong

Krua Apsorn

Krua Apsorn is quite possibly the best traditional Thai restaurant in Bangkok. It serves simple but super delicious Thai food at pocket-friendly prices, and it is somewhere that only locals and foodies in-the-know head to.

The signature Stir-Fried Crab in Curry Powder (THB 350) is one of the best that we’ve had and a must-order when you dining here. We also enjoyed the Omelette with Crab, Stir-fried Green Mussels with basil Leaves and Chilli, and Deep-fried Mackerel with Mango Salad.

Krua Apson has a few branches in the city, but go to its original shop at Samsen Soi 9 – located just north of the National Library in the old town of Bangkok. If it was located near Siam or Sukhumvit, we would dine here every day.

Samsen Soi 9, Bangkok

On Lok Yun

On Lok Yun is a 80-year-old institution in Bangkok which specialises in serving traditional breakfast. It reminds us of Yut Kee in Kuala Lumpur, as well as Singapore’s very own Chin Mee Chin Confectionary – places that are as old-fashioned as they can get. It is like time stood still here, and Thailand never advanced. On Lok Yun is every bit old school, but it radiates a charm like no other.

The menu is concise, with few options to ponder over. We liked the kaya bread, or in their words – egg custard. The bread and spread are served separately – a dollop of sweet kaya atop a layer of evaporated milk on one plate, and bite-sized pieces of traditional pillowy bread on the other. Dip as you wish.

72 Charoen Krung Road
Daily: 6am – 4pm

Opposite Mess Hall

At Opposite Mess Hall, the food is phenomenal, the atmosphere is lively and buzzing. Among the many tempting options on the menu, the savoury duck waffle is mind blowing good!

27/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51
Tel: +66 2 662 6630
Tue to Sat: 6pm – 11pm
Sun: 11am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo

Roast

Roast is a hip and trendy spot at Seenspace Thonglor Soi 13 where you can go for a good brunch and coffee, or a nice romantic dinner.

Roast is also listed in our other guides – Bangkok’s Best Coffee, and 10 Cafes in Bangkok.

SeenSpace Thong Lor Soi 13
Tel: +66 2 185 2865
Mon to Thu: 10am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 12.30am
Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Thonglor

The White Flower Bakery Restaurant

It is easy to miss The White Flower Bakery Restaurant because it looks unassuming and univiting from the outside. But once you step in, you will discover that the two-story restaurant has a huge space, and it is buzzing with many Thai people chatting away.

The White Flower Bakery Restaurant is frequented by locals, you can hardly find tourists here. It is a place where you would want to come with a big group because there are so many excellent Western and Thai dishes on the menu to choose from. Prices are extremely reasonable for the quality of food, most of the dishes are priced from THB 100 to 165.

678/4-7 Bamrungmaung Road
Wattepsirin, Pomprabsattrupai
Tel: +66 2 527 4950
Sun to Thu: 10.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 10.30am – 10.30pm

For more recommendations, read our Bangkok Travel Guides.

Roots Coffee Roaster Bangkok

ladyironchef — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 06:00:29 +0000

Roots Coffee Roaster is opened by Varatt Vichit-Vadakan (or Tae) who is also behind Roast Restaurant – one of my favourite brunch spots in Bangkok. It is a boutique coffee roastery on the quieter side of Soi Ekamai, which is just one street away from the popular Thonglor.

Besides supplying coffee to its sister restaurant and other cafes in town, it also conducts coffee appreciation classes and barista training courses during the week. As such, the cafe only opens to the public on weekends.

With so many players in the market, Roots is not the only boutique roastery in Bangkok, but it stands out because of Tae’s passion and commitment towards coffee.

It is a challenge to groom baristas in Bangkok because it is still quite a new occupation with very little interest. At Rootsand Roast, they put their barista through a 3-month training course before they become a full-time employee. Once they have reached a certain standard, they continue to provide them with more training and incentives that is competitive in the market. This is how Tae values every worker as he believes that his best asset in this industry is people – his staff are the ones who will make a difference.

Therefore, the coffee roastery also tries its best to constantly improve the baristas, equip them with more knowledge and train them to become better at their work. At the same time, a career path is also mapped out for all his workers. This is definitely heartening to know, because a Progressive Wage Model will not only hone the skills and improve the quality of work life for a barista, but also bring out the best in staff. With more motivated, trained and happier staff, the environment of the cafe will naturally be more pleasant and inviting.

The goal to produce good coffee does not just stop there. At Roots, they are also committed to ensuring a safer workplace for the workers. For the roastery, the staff (in charged of the roasters) are taught the basic fire procedures so that they know how to react during emergencies such as if the electricity goes off during roasting, or if a fire breaks out in the roaster. In addition, there are basic equipments like fire extinguisher and basic medical kits on all floors.

If you are planning to go Bangkok for a holiday, you must stop by for coffee. Besides serving an excellent cup of coffee, what I really like about Roots is that it uses a honesty box system whereby you pay the amount that you think it is worth for the coffee and freshly baked pastries.

This message is part of a ladyironchef x Labour Movement project where we seek to share with you insights on the different initiatives by the Labour Movement to give workers in Singapore better jobs, better pay and better work-life balance.

Roots Coffee Roaster
Ekamai Terrace #2-4
Sukhumvit Soi 63
Between Ekamai Soi 15 and 17
Tel: +66 88 190 5950
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 6pm
Nearest Station: Ekamai

For more recommendations, read our guide to Bangkok’s Best Coffee Shops

8 Best Coffee Shops In Bangkok For Your Caffeine Fix

ladyironchef — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 01:00:00 +0000

The speciality coffee scene in Bangkok is getting very popular, with many new players driving the city’s new wave of cafes. Here is a highlight on the best coffee shops across Bangkok.

#1 CASA LAPIN

There are many cafes that offer good coffee in Bangkok but Casa Lapin stands out for its inviting vibe. The original Casa Lapin at Thonglor Art Village is a hole-in-the-wall coffee joint, while the new Casa Lapin X49 at an alley on Sukhumvit Soi 49 opposite Smitivej Hospital is a cosy and intimate space where you can have coffee, linger around and read. What also impresses me is the range of magazines that they offer – Cereal, Frankie and Kinfolk, to name a few.

Thonglor Art Village
Between Thonglor Soi 17 & 19
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 8.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 8.30pm

Soi Songphinong
Between Thonglor 13 and Sukhumvit Soi 49/7
Tel: +66 81 261 2040
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 8.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Thonglor BTS

#2 CERESIA COFFEE ROASTER

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
Tel: +66 2 843 8235
Tue to Sun: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Phrom Phong BTS

Nearest Station: Asok BTS/ Sukhumvit MRT

#3 KUPPA

Kuppa is one of the most popular brunch spots in Bangkok, and besides eggs and toast, they also serve very good coffee. It is no newcomer to the coffee business, however. They have been roasting their own beans for many years. With good coffee and delicious breakfast, Kuppa is a place that you should drop by when in Bangkok.

39 Sukhumvit Soi 16
Tel: +66 2 663 0450
Daily: 10am – 10pm

#4 PHIL COFFEE COMPANY

21 Sukhumvit Soi 61
Tel: +66 02 001 5850
Nearest BTS: Thonglo/Ekkamai

#5 ROAST

Avid coffee lovers flock to Roast, one of my favourite cafes in Bangkok. It is a hip and trendy spot at Seenspace Thonglor Soi 13 where you can go for a good brunch and coffee, or a nice romantic dinner. Roast is recognised by many as one of the leading coffee shops in Bangkok, and I wholeheartedly agree.

SeenSpace Thong Lor Soi 13
Tel: +66 2 185 2865
Mon to Thu: 10am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 12.30am
Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Thonglor

#6 ROCKET COFFEE BAR

The combination of good coffee, free wifi, simple and earnest wholesome food like sandwiches, salads, and breakfast make Rocket Coffee Bar a place where you will always return to.

49 Sathorn Soi 12, Silom
Tel: +66 2 6350 404
Tue to Sun: 7am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Chong Nonsi BTS

#7 ROOTS COFFEE ROASTER

Roots is a coffee roastery by Roast Restaurant and besides supplying coffee to its sister restaurant and other cafes in town such as After You Dessert Cafe, it also conducts coffee appreciation classes and barista training courses. As such, the cafe only opens to the public on weekends. We like that it uses a honesty box system whereby you pay the amount that you think it is worth for the coffee and freshly baked pastries.

Ekamai Terrace #2-4
Sukhumvit Soi 63
Between Ekamai Soi 15 and 17
Tel: +66 88 190 5950
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 6pm
Nearest Station: Ekamai

#8 WONDERWALL THE KAFFEBAR

Avora 31 Residence
28 Sukhumvit Soi 31 Bangkok
Tel: +66 86 528 2824
Mon to Sat: 7.30am – 7pm
Sun: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: MRT Sukhumvit/Phrom Phong BTS

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best cafes in Bangkok.

5 Dessert Spots in Bangkok Thailand

ladyironchef — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 03:05:28 +0000

Bangkok is one of our favourite places and if you’ve been there before, it’s probably the same for you. Visitors always relish the chance to enjoy delicious and spicy Thai food. But after having tom yum, mango Thai salad and pad Thai, we are pretty sure everyone can do with some desserts.

Below, we take a tour to 5 of Bangkok’s favourite dessert spots.

Scones by Anothai

Scones at level two of Central World is a perfect place to take a break after shopping. Their scones tea set (THB195) is very reasonable. You get two pieces of scones – they come in flavours such as butterfly pea lavender, rose petal, blueberry, green tea and red bean, lemon and prune – with organic jam, fresh cream and coffee/tea.

Level 2, Central World
Ratchaprasong Intersection, Patumwan
Nearest BTS: Chit Lom

Let Them Eat Cake

Bangkok is known for many things, but nobody associates it with good French desserts and pastries. That was what we thought too, until we went to Let Them Eat Cake.

Sukhumvit Soi 20 seems an unlikely place for a French patisserie, but this is exactly where Let Them Eat Cake – a dessert cafe with homemade pastries and sweets – is located. We’d go so far as to say that no one should leave Bangkok without coming here.

G/F, Mille-Malle
Sukhumvit Soi 20, Bangkok
Tel: +66 02 663 4667
Nearest BTS: Asok

Sweet Hound

Sweet Hound, by the folks behind the famous Greyhound Cafe, serves “high fashion” waffles. Besides the original Waffles (THB90) with butter and maple syrup, there are also interesting flavours like Banana & Pineapple Flambe with Cognac (THB160) and Red Velvet Waffles (THB160).

Also try the Strawberry Crumble (THB135), topped with vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce; and the Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Cake (THB140), a new addition on the sweets menu.

G Floor at J Avenue Lifestyle Mall
Thonglor Soi 15, Bangkok
Tel: +66 02 712 6547
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo

After You

After You is a very popular dessert spot that is known for their ‘Shibuya’ Honey Toast (THB175). For something different, try the Sticky Toffee Toast (THB175) or Matcha Toast (THB195). Besides the signature toasts, they also have a whole range of breakfast items like Buttermilk Pancakes (B125), Maple French Toast (THB175) and Baked Egg Toast (B175).

Khlong Toei Nuea Vadhana
Bangkok
Tel: +66 02 712 9266
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo

Crepes & Co

Other than being known for their sweet and savoury crepes, Crepes & Co also has a comprehensive menu serving Greek, Moroccan and Spanish food. But we almost always come here just for the crepes. With so many tempting choices, we find it right to skip the main courses and just focus on the crepes.

59/4 Soi Langsuan, (Langsuan Soi 1)
Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Patumwan
Tel: +66 02 652 0208

For more recommendations, read my post on 10 Cafes in Bangkok