“Three decades ago, coffee drinkers in Thailand largely had two choices, Kafae Boran or instant coffee. But over the past 20 years, the country’s tea-drinking tradition has given way to a full-blown coffee culture. More consumers have developed a thirst for coffee, especially freshly brewed, and are willing to pay a premium for a nice cuppa. The business of catering to coffee drinkers in Thailand is booming, with an annual market estimated at 36 billion baht and rising.” – Bangkok Post Special Report
Here is our best efforts to find a great western style coffee, in a great setting (yes it has to look good on the ‘Gram), usually with a super brunch or Insta worthy cake thrown in.
If you want to see where the locals take their coffee Thai-style then you should join Expique’s Bangkok Breakfast Tour.
Drumroll – in no particular order…
Coffee with a Clever Mission!
The Coffee Academics – Thailand
Shop B114, Sindhorn Village Langsuan Road
HOURS: Mon-Sun: 7am – 9pm | TEL: +66 02 164 2500
NEAREST BTS : Chidlom
Hi TCA! Great to have you in Bangkok. Known globally as simply TCA, The Coffee Academics arrival in Bangkok is an exciting development for those passionate about their coffee. You may have come across their speciality coffee and unique award winning coffee house experiences in Hong Kong, Singapore and in multiple cities in China.
Their flagship store in the instantly iconic Sidhorn Village on Lang Suan, sets the Bangkok bar to the highest level and another location is in construction on the ground floor of the Gaysorn Village.
TCA coffee beans are sourced globally and roasted locally; in fact TCA sources only the top 5% of speciality arabica Coffee from a variety of sustainable institutions. Bonus, 70% of their house blends in Hong Kong and Singapore contribute to charities and social enterprises world-wide
CHECK OUT: The Globally Inspired Coffees from Seoul’s Red Bean Es-Bungsu to Havana’s Cafe Cubano to Hawaii’s Sea Salt Whipped Latte and many more in between.
A Place for Coffee Enthusiasts!
Casa Lapin Specialty Coffee
8 Different Locations around Bangkok
They had me at the coffee, as we Australians would say, the Bunny ears cookies a cute bonus. Casa Lapin has several sites across Bangkok. Whether you are heading to the Espresso bar pick up or the Slow bar queue, you will find a carefully selected coffee bean with tasting notes.
The knowledgeable Baristas will select your perfect coffee. They have it all covered; Body, Fragrance, Flavour, Acidity and Aftertaste from different countries like Ethiopia, Dominican Republic, Indonesia etc. Whether you are after a hot latte or a nitro cold brew you will not be short of choice here.
CHECK OUT: The Huay Kaew from Chiang Mai. This single origin bean has more acidity, with a tropical fruit fragrance, milk chocolate taste and a medium body.
Never Disappoints
(Not Just) Another Cup
75/1 Sathorn Soi 10
HOURS: Monday To Sunday 07:00 – 19:00 | TEL: +66 2 635 3464
NEAREST BTS: Chong Nonsi
As the name suggests the reason this continues to be my go to place in Bangkok to hang out, work and meet friends is that it is a cut above the average coffee shop. The coffee is excellent, the food is healthy, and the smoothies are delicious. Equally as good for brunch or lunch.
There are 8 different types of Latte – Beetroot, Golden Latte, Sea Salt Caramel Latte, Iced toffee Nut latte along with all your favorite Espressos, Americanos – Iced and Hot coffee combos you desire.
It’s wise to book ahead if you plan to visit for breakfast/brunch on the weekends.
CHECK OUT: Combine your perfect latte with the French toast and tropical fruits.
Creative Coffee with a Flair.
Gallery Drip Coffee
Bangkok Art and Cultural Stadium, Ground Floor 939 Rama I Road
HOURS: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:30am, – 8:00pm (Closed Mondays)
NEAREST BTS: National Stadium
When the Barista is wearing a T-shirt that proclaims ‘Coffee can turn strangers into best friends’, you know you’re going to like, no love, the place.
All coffee served here is a performance. It’s quite a floor show, water is poured from high from stainless steel pots into the drip filters below. Each brew is produced with an air of solemn earnest to produce the drip coffee perfection.
Overhead hundreds of paper coffee cups create a wave and you realize you are surrounded by a shop selling all manners of drip coffee paraphernalia.
Bonus, Gallery Drip Coffee is strategically situated across the street of the MBK Center which makes it a perfect stop to fuel up or refuel on a Bangkok Shopping Spree.
CHECK OUT: Signature Drip Coffee Jelly
Artisan-Brewed Coffee (or) Caffeinating Bangkokians & Tourists For Years
Rocket Coffee Bar
S.12 149 Sathorn Soi 12 Alley, Silom, Bang Rak | HOURS: 07:00 – 23:00
Rocket Sukhumvit 11 27 Soi Sukhumvit 11, (Right Next to Hyde 11) | HOURS: 07:00 – 23:00
Rocket Coffeebar has been caffeinating Bangkokians and tourists for over 5 years. A modern coffee bar that exudes energy and life. Rocket Coffeebar can be found on Sathorn Soi 12 and Sukhumvit Soi 11. They pride themselves on working with several of Thailand’s most renowned coffee roasters. Rocket coffee beans have been chosen in direct partnership with Thai farmers.
Both locations serve up outstanding coffee, pastries and a solid brunch/lunch/dinner but each location has been designed to work within the aesthetics of the neighborhood they are within. Sathorn Soi 12 has a more cozy coffee house vibe with communal tables and coffee bar while Sukhumvit Soi 11 has more of a cool lounge feel with modern airy interior of blues, grey and yellows.
Rocket is known for their coffee from the traditional Espresso-based hot and iced coffees to the Aeropress / Filter Brew coffees and has a series of Signatures Coffees that are not only inventive but downright delicious.
CHECK OUT: Orange Sprinkle Signature Coffee or the perfect love heart on their cappuccino.
A Cosy Hideaway Cafe with a Superb Cup of Coffee
Chata Specialty Coffee
98 Phat Sai, Samphanthawong
HOURS: 8.00am – 5.00pm (Last order : 16.45) | + 66 084-6252324
NEAREST BTS: Wat Mangkon
For those who love a good outing in Chinatown and a great cuppa Chata Speciality Coffee is the place for you. Tucked away only a block or so from the hustle and bustle of Yaowarat Road you will find this oasis of a coffee shop; designed to be a Greenhouse with a classic atmosphere and a contemporary design combination. There are multiple sitting areas that accommodate both small and large groups; order in the main Greenhouse but take a walk under the ferns to the glass room in the back.
The coffee beans are sourced around the globe. This is a speciality coffee shop so each coffee is special and the barista’s are more than happy to give advice on beans or even brewing options.
CHECK OUT: Try these unique coffees the Colapresso (espresso, coke and lime) or Latte La Toey (Espresso, milk and Pandan Syrup) or their Shaken Espresso
Come here for Coffee with the Works!
Toby’s
No.75 Sukhumvit 38, Bangkok, Thailand 10110
HOURS: Tues – Sun: 9AM – 10PM (Closed Mondays) | TEL: +66 02 712 1774
NEAREST BTS: About 700 metres from Thong Lo.
Brunch – Casual Dining – Coffee
Whether it’s a trendy brunch, like the smashed avocado or the confused avocado, or a coffee and cake catch up, you will find a high quality coffee, fresh smoothies and cosy atmosphere.
Tip: We advise booking for weekend brunch, this place is popular for a reason. For Reservation Call : 02 712 1774
CHECK OUT: Fancy a speciality coffee? Try Toby’s blend ‘sweet smooth and caramel like’ or perhaps the iced golden milk latte is more to your taste.
Insta-Lovers Cafe
Wallflowers Cafe
31-33 Soi Nana Khwaeng Pom Prop
HOURS: Mon- Thurs, Sun: 11:00AM -7:00PM; Fri – Sat: 11AM – 12AM | TEL: +66 090 993 8653
NEAREST MRT: Hua Lamphong
This secret cafe venue tucked away in a side alley hosts Wallflowers Cafe and Bakery by day and Wallflowers Upstairs serving fusion food with live music by night.
This is an instagrammars paradise and as such it can be a little annoying when you just want a cup of coffee and a cake but it is worth persevering past the photographers to climb the insta-special stairwell.
This is the sort of place you’d be mad not to have the full flower bed of offerings. The coffee is divine, the cake is a work of art, everything is exquisite from the china plates to the floral decorations. The coffee and cake are not the cheapest but the quality is top notch.
Ticks all the Boxes! Great Coffee & Menu with an Old Town Vibe.
Sarnies Bangkok
101-103 Charoen Knug Road, North Sathom
HOURS: Mon – Thurs 8AM – 5:30PM, Fri – Sun 8AM – 10PM
NEAREST BTS: Saphan Taksin
The hip Singaporian coffee chain Sarnies is a fair dinkum winner for its coffee in a two story old world shophouse that will surprise and delight. The building may be 150 years old, but the Aussie style cafe menu is as fresh and contemporary as you will find anywhere.
Once a workshop for boat engines, the black oil and smoke stains on the walls provide a historic backdrop. What you’ll find in your cup is a fresh and delightful cup of coffee.
From the wooden floorboards and exposed brickwork there’s a fair amount of thought that goes into everything here.
The coffee beans are sourced globally including closer to home Northern Thailand; but are all roasted locally before creating your perfect cup of coffee.
CHECK OUT: For you Keto followers you can get your Bulletproof coffee here!
You can also check out this coffee adventure at Little Wander Wrens “Best Bangkok Coffee Shops” and Expique’s “9 of Bangkok’s Best Coffee Shops“.