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 – 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

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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 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?

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.

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.

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

Nikko is a Japanese cafe that sits along Ekkamai Soi 12. It offers a concise menu that caters to the Japanese community. The mains include Samurai Stew Pork (THB 180), Chachu Don (THB 200) and Tonkatsu Curry (THB 250).

On the desserts page, the Matcha Pudding (THB 165) and Passion Fruit Pavlova (THB 170) make lovely endings to your meal.

30/18 Soi Charoen Chai Ekkamai Soi 12
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 381 5291
Daily: 9am – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Ekkamai

#19 ONE OUNCE FOR ONION

Forget about waffles with ice-cream or soft serve. Try waffles with popsicles. This is revelation, and exactly why we love One Ounce for Onion. Contrary to its theme, this Japanese-influenced cafe has no onions, but a menu that is chockfull of art and creativity.

Flipping the menu on its own was a joy; we enjoyed browsing through their alternative selections while admiring the amazing photos.

19/12 Ekkamai Soi 12
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 046 6885
Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 8pm
Nearest BTS: Ekkamai

#20 PHIL COFFEE COMPANY

Tucked in a quiet alley on Sukhumvit Soi 61 which is in between Thonglo and Ekkamai, Phil Coffee Company is where coffee-lovers in-the-know flock to for their daily dose of caffeine. Here, coffee beans are sourced from all over the world, and roasted in small batches.

For those who want to learn more about coffee, Phil Coffee Company provides barista training which includes latte art and coffee tasting.

21 Sukhumvit Soi 61
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 001 5850
Tue to Sat: 9am – 6pm
Sun: 10am – 5.30pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo/Ekkamai

#21 ROAST

Roast, our favourite cafe in Bangkok, has relocated from its previous location at SeenSpace. It is no stranger to the cafe scene, and it is perpetually packed with brunch-goers.

Its new space at The Commons is nothing short of cosy too. Expect the usual fare – brunch items, a la minute desserts, great coffee, friendly staff, laid back vibes.

Soi Thong Lo 17, Khlong Tan Nuea
Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 89 152 2677
Mon to Thu: 10am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo

#22 ROCKET COFFEE BAR

Established in July 2013, Rocket Coffee Bar started as a hole-in-the-wall joint at Sathorn Soi 12, and the rest as they say is history. It has since expanded to other parts of the city, including this largest outlet on Sukhumvit Soi 49.

Rocket Coffee Bar is undoubtedly one of the most stylish coffee shops in Bangkok. The combination of good coffee, free wifi, simple and earnest wholesome food such as sandwiches, salads, and breakfast make Rocket Coffee Bar a place where we will always return to. And so will you after you’ve checked them out.

46, 21/13 Klang Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 6626 638
Sun to Thu: 7am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 7am – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo

#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?

The Garden of Dinsor Palace does not have an exceptional menu, neither does the food taste out of the world. But where else can you dine with swans? Well, sort of. And there are peacocks roaming around the compound too!

1217/2 between Sukhumvit soi 59 and 61
Klongtan-nue, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 714 2112
Daily: 8am – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo/Ekamai

#25 THE NEVER ENDING SUMMER

Step into this old warehouse and its astounding beauty will stop you in your tracks. The Never Ending Summer is one of the newer cafes in Bangkok, and the plants-filled space is airy and sophisticated. Complete with soaring ceilings and a hipster crowd, The Never Ending Summer sits across the river in Thonburi.

The menu is an interpretation of old recipes, so you can expect a good Thai meal here.

The Jam Factory
41/5 Charoen Nakorn Road
Bangkok 10600, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 861 0953
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Saphan Taksin/Thonburi

#26 TOBY’S ON SUKHUMVIT

Sukhumvit has no lack of cafes, but for somewhere with relaxing vibes and reliable food, go to Toby’s on Sukhumvit. The Aussie-style cafe offers good brew and a menu of interesting brunch items.

While we love our avocado toasts, this fairy floss brioche deserves all the attention. That pink floss kind of reminded us of Karlito – you know, that renown Fendi bag charm – but this edible beauty instantly lifted our spirits. And the brioche is pillowy soft with a buttery aftertaste. So worth every damn calorie!

Sukhumvit 38, Phra Khanong
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 712 1774
Tue to Sun: 9am – 10.30pm
Nearest BTS: Thong Lo

#27 (UN) FASHION CAFE

(Un) Fashion Vintage Collection is a shop that imports vintage items, including leather shoes, bags and accessories from the U.S. and Europe. Adjacent to the shop is a cute cafe that offers a simple menu of drinks and desserts – such as Waffle (THB185), New York Cheese Cake (THB 100), and Chocolate Cake (THB100).

Ekkamai Soi 10
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 726 9592
Daily: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Ekkamai

#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

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.

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.

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