Roots Coffee Roasters in Bangkok
I first travelled to Bangkok at the end of 2004. It was thriving with life and movement, and I fell in love with its hustle and bustle straight away. I returned again in 2005 before embarking on a round-the-world trip. Fast forward 10 years and I have found myself there again three times in the last four months – it’s only a 40 minute plane ride from where I now live.
Like so many cities, the last 10 years has brought much change to populations and tourism but particularly food and coffee culture. Bangkok is no different and is bubbling with specialty coffee shops, coffee roasters and coffee champions with barista and latte art titles. What is unique about Thailand is that they actually grow their own coffee. Similar to countries like Indonesia, you have the option of a true bean to cup experience and some of the local beans I’ve tried of late have been truly impressive.
If you are planning on visiting Bangkok and want a few cafe’s to experience serious coffee in a lovely setting (some with good food options as well); then here are some of my recent and steady favourites. If you have any Bangkok café recommendations I would love to hear them, so feel free to share them in the comments below. I have also included some cafe’s on my list that I haven’t had a chance to get to yet, if you get to them let me know what you think.
JC x
P.s – after more Bangkok recommendations? Check out our Bangkok food favourites here.
The coffee at Roots
Roots Coffee – The Commons, Thonglor 17 Everyday 8 am – 8 pm M. +66(0)97 -059-4517 (Note: New Location!)
Roots Coffee is the home of Thailand’s 2014 Barista champion and specialty Thai coffee beans. Their brand new home housed in the shiny new foodie complex called The Commons. Expect serious coffee (no soy milk served here). Unlike their smaller, previous location, they are now open seven days a week.
Iced coffee and table details at One Ounce for Onion
One Ounce for Onion – 19/12 Ekamai12 Road, Klongton-Nua Wattana
One Ounce for Onion, also simply referred to as Onion, is a very sweet café space with an adjoining little clothing and accessories boutique. They have a full breakfast, sweets and drinks menu. I have now started going out of my way to buy their local Thai beans by Brave Roasters, which I grind and brew at home. If you are a soy drinker like me, they only serve soy milk with their iced coffee, which is really refreshing if you are planning on sitting outside in their ‘alfresco’ area.
The EPIC milo mountain from Kaizen Coffee Roasters
Kaizen Coffee Roasters – 582/5 Soi Ekamai 26-28 (Tai Ping Tower)
I had heard about Kaizen opening through Common Grounds Roasters in Jakarta and finally got down to try them out on my most recent Bangkok visit. I was blown away by the coffee. So far, it has been my favourite caffe latte in Bangkok that I also purchased their beans which currently is a blend from Africa. They serve soy milk which is always a bonus for me, breakfast and snack options including their famous Milo Mountain drink, pictured above. The staff here are also incredibly friendly and although small’ish, the space has a great vibe. They have future plans to roast coffee from the site too, which is exciting.
Details at Casa Lapin
Casa Lapin, various locations including Casa Lapin X 49 – Song Phi Nong Alley, Khwaeng Lam Prathew, Lat Krabang, Bangkok (just off Soi 49, opposite Samitivej Hospital)
Casa Lapin was first recommended to me by Fe of ABCD Coffee in Jakarta. Their Soi 26 location was a little tough for me to find but I got their in the end. That particular location is quite large and beautifully furnished with many drink options and a few food options. On a more recent visit I headed to their Soi 49 location which is a miniature version of their Soi 26 location. It is tiny, out of the way and a perfect place to sit and read while nursing an espresso.
Stunning details at Rocket Coffee Bar on Soi 49
Rocket Coffee Bar – as of November 2017 Rocket are down to one location at: 147 Soi Sathon 12, Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak
When it was still open no one could argue that Rocket at Soi 49 wasn’t a stunning space – did you see the feature photo of this piece on our homepage? It is the first thing you notice as soon as you walk through the door. A definite Scandinavian aesthetic here also extends to their brunch menu (menu varies at each café), which includes gravlax, sour cream scrambled eggs, Swedish meatballs and grilled mackerel. Having said that their menu offering is very extensive featuring Asian and Mediterranean style European dishes as well. Sweet-tooth’s will be pleased to be informed Rocket have an in-house bakery at this location and a hot chocolate that literally arrives with a stick of Ecuadorian cocoa, steamed milk and whipped cream. This is a gorgeous space to spend a leisurely morning. Note: Unfortunately Rocket’s Soi 49 location recently closed, but their Scandinavian fare can still be enjoyed at their Soi Sathon 12 location.
The coffee bar at Toby’s on Sukhumvit 38
Toby’s on Sukhumvit 38, 77 Sukhumvit 38 Alley, Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei, Bangkok
If you are craving a Western style or even Australian style breakfast, Toby’s on Sukhumvit 38 is a great spot. The setting it could be argued is even better than the food. The coffee is decent, and they offer an extensive menu of breakfast and lunch dishes (they also offer dinner and drinks too). I’ve enjoyed the baked eggs featured is a great dish to share between two people. Remember to order some toast on the side!
Notes: If you are a fan of filtered coffee, then I can highly recommend Hands and Heart Coffee or Gallery Drip Coffee.
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