Best cafés

The 10 Best Coffee Shops of Bangkok

Bangkok is a colorful and lively city that offers so much for a first-time visitor and leaves such a powerful impression that you will want to visit it again and again, especially if you enjoy a good cup of coffee and love to spend your time in relaxing cafés. Full of beautiful sights, Bangkok offers a mesmerizing mix of eastern culture and urban life.

There are many memorable things that will stay stuck in your mind for a long time, like the amazingly tall skyscrapers, radiant taxicabs that are full of different colors and the never-ending nightlife that will keep you buzzing deep into the night. On the other hand, if you are seeking serenity and rest, don’t miss Bangkok’s temples where you can find peace at all times.

Bangkok is truly memorable for many things, including many places where you can try Thailand’s unique cuisine, but what stuck out the most is the sheer number of amazing, constantly full coffee shops and cafés where avid coffee lovers can enjoy sipping quality coffee in a beautiful scenery.

Much like The Best Cafés of Istanbul, the coffee scene in Bangkok has experienced a dramatic evolution through the history, especially in the past 20-30 years. It is a well-known fact that Thailand was dominated by a traditional coffee by the name of Kafae Boran well into the 90s. It was a cheap and rich drink and it was basically the only option if you didn’t want to drink instant coffee.

However, at the beginning of the last decade in the past millennium, coffee culture in Thailand, and of course, Bangkok, began to change and today Bangkok is a city that has so many different and unique coffee shops that provide all types of coffee for their customers. That is a great reason to make a list of the 10 best cafés in Bangkok you should visit if you are a true coffee lover.

 

10. D’ARK

  • Address: Quartier Avenue, GF EmQuartier, 651 Sukhumvit Road | Khlong Tan Nuea, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
  • Phone: +66 2 003 6013
  • Open Hours: Sun – Thu: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, Fri – Sat: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
  • Website: http://www.darkoffee.com

This sweet little café/restaurant is located on Sukhumvit road, where you can find a wide variety of urban bars, food stalls, and shopping malls. In one of those shopping malls, Em Quartier, on the ground floor, is where the D’ARK is located. You really can’t miss this gem since it is located near the corner of the waterfall in this great shopping mall. That makes this charming coffee place a great rest stop, especially if you have been shopping for hours.

This café has both external and internal seating, with beautiful décor and furniture. Even the design of their coffee mugs is intriguing and cool. Even though this establishment is located inside the shopping mall, since it is on the ground floor you can easily see what is going on outside.

Being such a great spot for rest and chill, D’ARK is well-known for the relaxed atmosphere that is simply felt at all times. This is further enhanced by the top-notch service and friendly baristas that are always looking to make your stay as comfortable as they can. It is all-around one of the nicest and most beautiful cafés in Bangkok, but what makes it stand out the most is the quality of their coffee.

D’ARK offers a great choice of coffees, from various slow-dip coffee beverages to their excellent and famous espresso. You can also try their mocha, cappuccino or latte, which makes this restaurant with coffee theme truly a perfect place for coffee lovers.

In addition to numerous coffee choices you are presented with, there is also a pretty rich wine and cocktail list. On the food side, they offer some very tasty dishes and snacks, with cheesecake and popcorn flavored ice cream standing out among them. I would also suggest trying their brownies since they are really baked in style.

9. Gallery Drip Coffee

  • Address: 1st Floor, Bangkok Art & Culture Centre, Rama 1 Road, Wang Mai Subdistrict, Pathum Wan District., Bangkok, Thailand
  • Phone: +66 81 989 5244
  • Open Hours: Mon – Sun: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/GalleryDripCoffee/

Located on the first floor of the Bangkok Art and Culture Center, this café is more than just a place to drink your daily dose of good coffee. This contemporary art center is located just opposite of MBK Mall, so if you are tired of shopping this can be a cool resting stop where you can refresh yourself and renew your energy to continue with your shopping spree. It also has an extremely easy access from National Stadium Station.

This coffee shop has seats on both the outside and on the inside. However, since it is a rather small establishment it has a limited number of seats, especially inside the café. This creates a kind of a family atmosphere which is understandable since the café is inside an art center. There are many artists and painters that come here on a regular basis.

Another thing that even further emphasizes this family atmosphere is the friendly and helpful staff, and you can even see the baristas preparing your coffee for you. This artistic style can be noticed in the decoration and layout of the café, which is based on the use of well-known coffee colors.

I was particularly impressed with these little items scattered around the coffee shop made by these often-visiting artists, like hand-drawn postcards, notebooks, and beautifully designed t-shirts. There are even a few of famous Gallery Drip Coffee cups that have been redesigned by these artists laying around.

There are basically three sections when it comes to the menu. First, there is tasty ground coffee of single origin. Then, you can choose from a wide variety of drip coffee with various modifiers like milk, ice, and jelly. The last item of hot drinks is the teas, like blended and green. In addition to these drinks, you can also try a piece of cake or some other sweet thing like cookies and scones.

8. Ceresia Coffee Roasters

This café is also located on Sukhumvit road, just like our first entry D’ARK, but it is a bit harder to find it since it is not located inside of a shopping mall, but on the end of the street, or soi, as it is called in Thai. It is close to the Phrom Phong station, around 5-minutes walking distance from the station to be exact.

There are many Japanese outlets in the neighborhood, as well as a big Fuji supermarket, so if you need to rest from grocery shopping, visiting Ceresia Coffee Roasters is a great place to do so. Ceresia Coffee Roasters offers a very pleasant atmosphere and has some lovely and friendly employees that are very skilled in their line of work, i.e. making amazing coffee.

Thanks to the minimalistic design and cozy space you will feel relaxed in this casual atmosphere. This is a coffee shop in the truest sense since the baristas here are very knowledgeable and you can even see them preparing and blending your coffee since it is also roasted on the spot.

When it comes to the menu, you shouldn’t expect much other than great coffee. They do have a few desserts available, and they are tasty, don’t get me wrong, but this is a place to go visit when you want to drink some first-class coffee.

They have a great selection of coffees (more in terms of quality than quantity), which is always consistent and on point. Their espresso is delicious, but my favorite is their fantastic and delightful macchiato.

7. Ricky’s Coffee Shop

This café is located in the Banglamphu area, which is probably the most visited touristic destination in Bangkok since it is full of ancient pagodas and other historic monuments and things. This café and restaurant is a great place to get some rest when exploring this historic area.

Finding this establishment is easy since it is near the Phra Aphit ferry terminal, so many people come off the boat to get something to eat here or have a coffee. In addition to the great location of this small and charming business, I was also thoroughly impressed with their friendly service. Their staff is amazing, truly efficient and always makes you feel extremely welcomed.

The atmosphere inside is pretty serene, it is really quiet and clean. They have comfortable seats and have a good air conditioning, so sitting here and enjoying your coffee or food is a pretty pleasant experience.

They don’t have a lot to offer when it comes to the variety of their coffees, but they make that up by making a truly fantastic espresso. They also have a very extensive food menu, covering both Thai and western dishes, including a great English breakfast and spicy Mexican food. If you come here for your morning coffee, I would recommend trying their breakfast with yogurt, muesli, and fresh fruit.

6. Vivi The Coffee Place

  • Address: 394/27-29 In Front of Aurum the River Place Hotel, Maharat Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Phone: +66 2 226 4672
  • Open Hours: Mon – Sun 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/vivithecoffeeplace/

This is another coffee shop located in the Banglamphu area, which is the old part of Bangkok. And when it comes to location, there probably isn’t any better than the location of Vivi, since it is placed near the Chayo Phraya river. It is located inside a small alley, there is no parking, but that is not really such a handicap since it is easy to come here on foot from the surrounding historic monuments.

Even though this is a self-service café, which means that you take your coffee and then choose your seat, the waiters are very accommodating and friendly and they greatly contribute to the relaxed and chilling atmosphere this coffee shop creates. It is a great place to rest for a while and chill while enjoying the river view, or perhaps for reading a book.

This café has both indoor and outdoor seating. I have been both inside and outside, and my honest advice is to sit outside, otherwise you will miss the beautiful river view, even though there is a mirror inside that allows you to see the river.

The only advantage is the air conditioning, but there is often a nice breeze by the river, so it is still pleasant, even in hot weather. There is a garden and a balcony outside, with loveseats and some tall wooden tables, and the scenic view is absolutely breathtaking, especially in the sunset.

There is a fair amount of coffee drinks to choose from, from espresso to mocha, and they all taste amazing. In addition to caffeinated beverages, there is a great menu of non-coffee drinks, as well as various dishes, including pasta and pastries.

5. Rocket Coffeebar

  • Address: 149 Soi 12 Sathorn, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
  • Phone: +66 2 635 0404
  • Open Hours: Mon – Sun 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
  • Website: http://www.rocketcoffeebar.com

Located in Silom neighborhood, this gem of a coffee shop is pretty unique and special. The neighborhood is well-known for great wining and dining options, as well as thrilling night clubs and bars. That means that there are a lot of places where you can park your car and enjoy the great coffee you will certainly find in this intriguing café.

The service here is pretty fast and the atmosphere is pleasant thanks to always friendly waiters that obviously enjoy their work. The atmosphere is hip and urban, just like the rest of the neighborhood, so if you are looking for that well-known urban feel, this café is the perfect place for you then.

Rocket Coffeebar has both indoors and outdoors seating, with around 30 seats altogether. Together with a high ceiling, that means that there is always plenty of room and that cozy and pleasant feeling is further enhanced with a low counter that allows you to see your coffee and other beverages being prepared, which creates a somewhat homely atmosphere.

This café is specialized in making great coffee, and there is a lot of diversity on their coffee menu, from delicious cappuccino to various milk coffees that are clearly freshly roasted on the spot. My suggestion is to also try their cold brew coffee, called Rocket Fuel, which is perhaps a bit on the weaker side, but it is also very tasty and refreshing since it is packed with citrus and cinnamon undernotes.

In addition to such a great coffee menu, there are many other drinking items you will find here, like fresh juices and cocktails. This café also has a rich food menu, with eggs benedict being my top choice among various dishes.

4. Artis Coffee

This is another place located on the Sukhumvit road, so don’t miss your chance to visit this area if you are looking for great coffee shops in Bangkok. It is not hard to find this little café since it is very close to Asok BTS station, just past the Exchange Tower, in one of the busiest business parts of this amazing city.

The staff at this alluring little café is very well trained and oriented toward creating a professional, but relaxing atmosphere. They are always at your service, even though you will not get served at the table, but you rather have to go to the counter to order. However, this is not a very spacious place, so you will probably get served pretty fast since it is rarely crowded here.

You can choose to drink your coffee inside, where there are around ten seats available for customers, or you can go outside and enjoy your drink on the spacious patio covered with a parasol. This is a pretty funky café that is very clean and bright with a pleasant minimalistic appearance, truly designed for avid coffee lovers that always enjoy simple and quiet places.

This café is connected with a Californian company that works with ethically-sourced beans and roasted on demand, so their coffee is really first class. I really enjoyed their creamy macchiato, but I have also tried their espresso and it is amazing as well.

If you are looking for a properly filtered coffee, this is the place for you. You can also get some snacks to go with your coffee, particularly pastry and sandwiches that are made with absolute care and dedication.

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3. The New Yorker Café

  • Address: 390/1 Sukhumvit Road | Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
  • Phone: +66 88 484 3397
  • Open Hours: Mon – Sun 7:00 am – 12:00 am
  • Website: http://www.thenewyorkercafebangkok.ga

This charming coffee shop/restaurant (and sports bar as well) is located on the Sukhumvit Road, in the lobby of Asoke Suites Hotel, right beside the Exchange Tower, so it is fairly easy to find it. The great location is just the tip of the iceberg, however.

Whether you are an American tourist with a bout of nostalgia, or you simply want to experience that famous New York spirit, the New Yorker Café is a perfect place for you to drop by and feel that specific atmosphere.

They have competent waiters that speak almost perfect English, which can be pretty refreshing if you have already spent some time in Bangkok. The staff is extremely friendly and tries to recreate that authentic New York atmosphere. This café is also perfect for sports lovers, especially if you enjoy watching American sports leagues, like NHL, NBA, and NFL.

The café itself is decorated in minimalistic and western style, creating an extremely intimate setting that feels like you are sitting at home. There is a limited number of tables, but you can also choose to sit at the counter, especially if you like to watch what goes on outside while you enjoy your coffee or meal.

There is a pretty extensive coffee menu in this café and restaurant, but the regular, freshly brewed black coffee that can typically be tasted all across America is what stands out the most. Just like the coffee, the food menu is typically American, with waffles, pancakes, sandwiches and hot dogs that are truly delicious.

2. Old Town Café

  • Address: 130/11-12 Fueang Nakhon Road | Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
  • Phone: +66 81 810 8456
  • Open Hours: Every day except Thursday and Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/OldTownCafeBangkok/

As the name itself says, this café is located in the old town of Bangkok, in the Banglamphu area and it is a bit of a hidden gem since it is a bit hard to find it. It is pretty easy to miss this little beauty since it is settled on an almost unnoticeable street between Chinatown and the Grand Palace. To be honest, I came across it by accident and I am truly glad for it. If you want to find it, just pay attention to their sign.

This café is almost always full and that causes a bit of a waiting time, so don’t come here if you are in the rush. I have waited around 15 min to get my order, but I didn’t mind that at all since I was greeted by extremely welcoming staff that was so charming and pleasant that I felt like I was having a conversation with a friend.

This relaxed atmosphere is also due to the lovely jazz music that plays in the background, in soft and unobtrusive manner. It is a rather small coffee shop, with just around 10 seats available, so be prepared to wait for a spot.

The interior is simple in design, with a bit of retro twist and some quirky appeal. It is truly a great place to chill with a friend, or even read a book, especially since it is very pleasant inside thanks to the air-conditioning. I completely forgot that I was in Bangkok while I stayed in this café.

On the coffee menu, you will find a wide variety of caffeinated beverages, from Cafe Americano to beautiful espresso and mocha. The staff here really knows how to prepare a great cup of coffee, so this is a truly great place for big coffee lovers. There are also various iced coffees if you want to refresh yourself.

Next to their great coffee, they also offer other refreshing drinks, like freshly squeezed juices, but you should also try some of their dishes if you are here. My recommendation is their tasteful multigrain baguette sandwich. Also, top that off with some amazing, homemade ice cream.

1. I Am Coffee

This café is a true hidden gem – you will have to work a bit to find it since it is located in Silom area, which is not really the hottest tourist spot in Bangkok, even though there are many restaurants and bars around. So, if you do decide to check this café out, you will surely not be disappointed. If you are in the area, you will not have a lot of trouble to find this coffee shop since it is located on a street near the BST.

The owner of this café is a professional barista, and he managed to carry his knowledge to his meticulous and efficient staff. The waiters here are very friendly and always ready to take your order, even when it is crowded. They can also be quite chatty if there aren’t many quests around.

The interior is pretty minimalistic, a relaxed design that doesn’t overwhelm. There are many books and plants in the café, which gives it a rather homely appeal. The chairs are pretty cozy and comfortable and the view from the window seat is interesting since it looks down the alley full of bamboos and palms and banana plants.

Whatever coffee you choose from this café’s extensive menu, you will not make a mistake or regret it. Everything from macchiato to cappuccino and espresso is wonderful, made with a lot of care and with artistic devotion.

I have coupled my espresso with a warm and soft butter croissant and I the rest of my day simply had to be wonderful after such a pleasurable morning. In addition to heavenly coffee, you can also go with some other drinks, and my recommendation is any of freshly made juices made from various fruit.

Summary

The coffee scene in Bangkok has become much more diverse in recent years, as you can see from our list where you can find both urban and traditional coffee shops, with both eastern and western influences and flavors. Bangkok is a major tourist attraction, so it is to be expected that their cafés and restaurants will continue to develop and provide even more in the foreseeable future.

For true coffee lovers, coffee shops of Bangkok, just like the Best Cafés of Manilla, have a lot to offer, both in terms of quality, but also in terms of creating a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. This unique mixture of western and eastern culture that can be found in Thailand leaves tourists with long-lasting impressions.

I really remember those specific details from the beautiful and busy scenery of Bangkok than I remember the taste of coffee. This is not to say that the coffee here is bad, au contraire, it just can’t compete with this unique feeling that you get in Thailand, even if you have previously visited some other Oriental country.

We hope that our article will help you find the best coffee shops in Bangkok where you will be able to enjoy a fresh and tasteful cup of your favorite coffee while you also experience a friendly welcome and greeting that is so widespread and omnipresent in Thailand’s capital.

 

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