I love Bangkok and her cafe culture, there’s also some new trend displaying creative and culinary skills here and there.
Their cafes ooze a certain kind of cool, and there are hundreds of them in fact! If you’re anything like myself, you’ll check out the places before travelling, getting to know where you are and what’s good. (Plus the reality is there’s not enough time to simply stumble on something good either, unless you live in the city.)
Want to know what are the coolest neighborhoods in Bangkok?
Go get lost on these streets filled with amazing architecture, street art, arty boutique stores and a whole lot of smiling faces – finished off (or starting) with a delicious meal and some seriously amazinggg design!
Read more:
34 charming unique cafes and restaurants in Bangkok that are a must-visit!
16 family-friendly cute cartoon-themed cafes in Bangkok to eat at!
17 cafes in Bangkok with the most Instagram-worthy desserts
15 quiet cafes in Bangkok for work, with great coffee, good Wi-Fi and power plugs
Chinatown/Yaowarat (Hua Lamphong MRT)
You never know what you’ll find here
Busy and bustling, Chinatown seems to never sleep and many foodies flock here because of its street food game.
There’s a gorgeous kind of chaotic energy running through the place, so if you’re looking to escape the crazy for awhile – go on a Chinatown foodie tour!
There are interesting and intriguing stops here that will give you that last bit of adventurous energy for a little bit more exploring, shopping (and eating!).
1. Inside this gorgeous glasshouse, you’ll feel totally relaxed – Chata, Chinatown
Down a little alleyway on the streets of Chinatown, this glass house cafe is another one that favours naturalness in a big and busy city.
With its glass house setting, red brick wall, greenery and raw, exposed walls – it has an urban jungle feel in this old, colonial house, typical of the Chinatown area.
On the coffee front they use locally-sourced coffee beans but also imports beans from around the globe – namely Indonesia, Ethiopia and Brazil – and their baristas have won a few awards too!
I’ve noticed the latest trend in Thailand is fusing cuisines, and here’s another one to add. This does sound delicious: Fried rice with baked basil, cheese and egg pan – all of the world’s populations most simple and beloved ingredients in one dish.
2. Enjoy your dimsum real Chinese style – Lhong Tou Cafe, Chinatown
Wowwee what an epic setup, I’ve personally never seen anything like this!
Before you’re seated, you’ll be taken to a space where you climb up these wooden little steps to get to your table, and you actually sit above each other.
They serve traditional Chinese dim sum, all presented beautifully and elegantly (I might add), which is no surprise and just adds to the Chinese-inspired theme.
Throughout the quaint cafe, you’ll find traditional ornaments such as peacocks and bird’s nests – but they make it work and it simply adds ambiance to the place.
3. A floral cafe amidst a flower market? I’m SOLD! – Floral Cafe
Amidst Bangkok’s Old Town, hidden in its flower market lies an enchanting secret café that blesses you with a floral abundance.
Besides being hidden in a flower market, the café also requires you to walk through a flower shop before chancing upon its beauty – decorated from floor to ceiling with natural flowers, crystals, branches and everything magical (like beautifully detailed ceramics which are also on sale!)…
Besides its magical, flowery interiors; the café is often raved about for its array of homemade sweet treats like massive cakes, flower flavoured ice-cream and teas…
Lavender tea or rose ice-cream – the theme at the café depends on the season; so coming back a few months later, you might find another side of the Floral Café … warm coloured flowers could be replaced by cooler ones…
Floral Café always surprises with its decoration so that every time you drop by, it leaves you speechless…
4. A crafting corner and a space that’s filled with life in colour – Nahim
CUTENESS OVERLOAD ALERT! I don’t think a cafe could get sweeter than this, down to the last illustrated detail!
Absolutely brimming with colour, soft toys, animated characters in all shapes, forms and decor – you simply can’t not feel the happiness bubbling inside of you!
But the fun doesn’t end there and the drinks and treats are all full of polka dots, pastel shades, and cutey-fruity design.
The inner kid in you, or real ones, will go wild over their wicked donuts, which are crazy cool, decorated and presented in all sorts of shapes and designs. I’m talking flamingo and pineapple donuts, people!
And you have.to.try one of their signature polka dot smoothies, like a Marshmallow polka shake – it’s crazy cute and playful.
Ari
Trendiest neighbourhood in the city?
Ari has claimed fame to being the trendiest cafe district in the city that happens to be a bohemian neigbourhood (and I can totally see why). Spend your time spoilt for choice with the most gorgeous street side and alleyway artsy cafes.
This hood oozes cool, and not only are all it’s cafes pretty much Instagram-worthy, but you can find some real good coffee around too! Spend hours cafe-hopping, there’s tons of street art and photo photo opportunities galore.
5. Take me to the streets of New Mexico, it’s where the cool kids are – Oh Vacoda, Ari
If you’re looking for cool, well baby, you’ve found it! This reminds me of any hipster-esque cool place on the streets of Taos, New Mexico, or even Cape Town, South Africa.
Blended in orange hues, from the dark peach walls, with its matching yellow scooter, to the retro peach shading and lighting inside the cafe – it screams cool down to the last biscuit in your milkshake!
What to expect on the food front? Fun, Thai fusion and a whole lotta love for the glorious avocado. I absolutely love love loveee that they incorporate it into Thai food too. (Let’s be real, it’s not a traditionally common ingredient in Thai cuisine.)
Pad Kaprao (Thai basil chicken with rice) comes with a side of deep-fried avocado coated in golden batter, YUM, or try their Avocado Cheesecake ice-cream Sundae!
And it’s also all over the drinks menu too – their Americado is basically an espresso shot mixed with brewed Avocado Seed Tea (which they also serve just btw).
6. An ethereal, Moroccan vibe, serving contemporary Thai desserts – Thongyoy Cafe, Ari
Step inside a Middle Eastern world, and transport yourself to the streets of Morocco. I’m talking brass like, errrthang!
If your appreciation for beautiful sweet creations holds as much significance as your love for plush pastel interiors, adorned with a flamboyant arch of flowers… This is the place to consider, serving colourful, traditional Thai desserts in a modern, beautiful way.
Desserts and drinks are served on beautiful golden brass plates or rose-gold tiers, and the interiors are filled with overflowing flowers, marble bar counters and rattan chairs – the result is delightfully instagrammable.
Grab their Tea Set priced at 150 Baht and enjoy a variety of sweet delicacies and local drinks. You might want to opt for their colourful pastel soda drinks to level up your Insta game, but everything in here just pops with colour.
7. In a world filled with florals – Flower in Hand by P, Ari
Step inside this florist/cafe/flower workshop space, and treat all your senses to a delight in a world of colour, florals and sweet scents.
Set up in a gorgeous little space, natural light dances off the white walls and illustrations of different plant species and flowers cover the walls – along with DIY and crafting stationery. This is my kind of heaven (I’m stationery / craft obsessed).
They do an amazing Drip, if you’re on the hunt for good coffee, otherwise treat yourself to a delicate and delectable vanilla cookie, made with edible flowers.
They focus on the sweeter side of life and all of their cakes, scones and other treats are all beautifully decorated – using flowers in the food for both taste and presentation. Isn’t it simply dreamy?
8. Transport yourself to the golden era – Bar Storia del Caffè
Put on your top hat gentlemen, this time we’re transporting you to the 30s with this classy and classic Midnight in Paris/Beverly Hills vintage design.
If you’re searching for a spot that delivers both ambiance and food, this is an excellent choice and every single dish looks delicious!
They serve all kinds of brekkies and pastas, and their mains range from Grilled Salmon (with a crispy skin!!!) to sticky BBQ ribs. AND all that taste their Strawberry Mille Feuille dessert rave about it! The Tiramisu is highly recommended too!
I absolutely love the interiors here, I’m always a fan of anything from the 1920s-40s, so old-worldly and classic – and that’s exactly the era and style they’ve chosen as inspiration. Brown leather chairs, the open bar, and brass light shades, it all works!
And if you’re a coffee enthusiast, you should defs try their Shakerato; an Espresso Shake with ginger syrup, yummm!
9. This is Mediterranean meets Asia – Porcupine Cafe, Ari
It’s super cute with a mesh of stone and whitewashed walls and floors, and light wood furniture… This is where the mediterranean meets asia in a wonderful way.
It totally feels like a little Greek taverna in here, and is a perfect choice if you feel like escaping the big city, even for a little while!
There’s raw woods and cacti everywhere, a bicycle hanging on the wall and a delightful mix of ornaments and treasures here and there.
They focus on great, artisanal coffee; Hand Drips and Cold Brews, as well as teas and sweet delights – try their Marshmallow Dough Brownie with cream!
What I love the most is actually the love, attention and detail that happens here, down to the last drink. Presenting drinks with frozen fruit cubes, sugar blocks in coffees and even the small touch in the sprig of rosemary – in my opinion, that’s a real cafe for you!
10. Step inside an enchanting glass garden house – Daydream Believer
As a child, my favourite thing was playing in the garden, making up fantasy and make-believe stories of witches, princesses, and magical potions. I guess that’s why I still adore being surrounded by nature, anytime. If you’re the same, this hidden garden cafe will totally enchant you!
Both inside and out, there’s greenery everywhere (a hanging fern extravaganza) and the nearly 360º glass windows add all the natural lighting in the world.
They serve the sweetest homemade slices and dessert – try their Brownofee, served in a gorgeous glass, made up of brownies, caramelised bananas, nuts and cream.
They also serve simple western and asian savouries if you’re not feeling sweet, such as Fried Fice Northern style (Northern Style Pork, with a Tomato Chili relish).
Bask in the afternoon sun, fill your Insta feed with some gorgeous shots and and enjoy this little beauty of a hideaway.
11. For the love of bread! – Landhaus Bakery
They say this is the coolest bakery in Ari, with it’s freshly made breads & pastries, all very reminiscent of any Dutch/European bakery.
Set up in the back garden is an area for customers to chill and sit in the sunshine, as if they were sitting in a park somewhere in Europe – decorated with woods and flora hanging everywhere, as is the inside. (They also have a mini market out here sometimes.)
The bread here is a little sweeter, and they really focus on the category, serving all sorts of Austrian flavours. Try their delicious braided poppy bread, or their Florianer, a dark rye crowned and decorated with artistic circle work.
They also do open toasts and sarmies which look scrumptious too, and everything is presented here with finesse and care.
Sukhumvit
Why don’t more people talk about how cool Sukhumvit is?!
With so many places to choose from (all as equally tres cool as the other), you’re really spoilt for choice here. In the mood for greenery? Or how about a little urban cool? Is vintage retro more your thing?
It’s also a great neighbourhood to stay at being centrally located, super affordable, classy (and away from Khao San), close to shopping malls as well as other eateries and bars.
12. Creative coffees to be enjoyed in a bold & funky setup – La Mesa
“Ola, excuse me, yes, I’m here for the freakin amazing coffee!”
Anyone else feeling the MeXIco (said in accent)/South American vibes here, down to the last pastel pink/orange wall?
This uber hip cafe screams cools, and I’m so into the bare, minimalistic design going on with a large cactus here and there, bare walls and strong design.
They’re actually American-owned, and the owners (also baristas) take pride in their work, serving you speciality coffees that are definitely extra special. And I love the creativity and care! Anyone up for a Snicker-flavored affogato? Or maybe you’re more of a Spicy Orange Mocha kinda girl?
Food is presented as minimalistically as the place, which I love and looks beautiful on the plate. And do try their baked, flourless chocolate cake – it’s fudgy, moist and simply to die for.
13. Feels like a bistro setup plus they serve an amazing brunch – Karmakamet Diner
Originally an essential oil brand (that’s a powerhouse in the game), the owner whom started selling his homemade oils at markets in BKK in 2011, had so much success that he opened up this cafe. (Before we even begin, can you only imagine just how delicious the inside of this place must smell?!)
Follow the sweet, herbaceous and floral scents inside a setup that’s basically been designed with the word ‘photogenic’ in mind – so get your cameras ready!
The menu here focuses on brunch – I’m totally a brunch person, breakfast is way too early for my stomach – so expect your fancy french toast, Crab Eggs Benedict (YUM) or an egg-white frittata.
It feels like an urban bistro inside, and if you’re heading here during lunch hour, Foie Gras Pasta served with truffle oil, or Braised Beef Ravioli.
PS: If you loveee your sweet things, try their Rainbow Cloud – a glass dessert filled with ice cream, toppings and fruit, covered in a gigantic candy floss cloud (literally bigger than two heads!)
14. From geometric stairs to bears, this is one pastel dessert haven – SHUGAA
This is actually a dessert bar with trained patisserie chefs, and the desserts are simply amazing – plus the interiors here are just so funky and cool, I’m in love.
They seem to play around with pastel characters and cartoon animals. (I’m soooo into the gigantic pastel pink geometric bear statue – I’ve never wanted a bear statue so bad…)
It’s open, bright and beautiful and everything screams minimalist geometry, including their unique desserts!
They take traditional Thai cakes and sweet eats, and put a modern fusion twist on them. CrumpB’ caught my eye; a creme anglaise, caramelised apple, vanilla, cinnamon, cucumber, earl grey and a Tahiti creme!
And all you matcha lovers, Kyotonite is a matcha, azuki bean, green tea mochi, filled with red bean paste, caramelised almonds, topped and dripped perfectly with a matcha glaze.
If you’re looking for something a little more classic, patisserie is the French’s domain after all – their Old Rose is a classic layered sponge cake, filled with lychee, white chocolate mousse and rose – delicate and beautiful.
15. Am I scrolling through the pages of Pinterest here or…? – Fill in the blank
‘Pinterest perfect!’ they say, and if that’s to start with, I can totally see why.
Enter a gorgeously warm, perfectly placed and manicured tonal set-up, with an organic-farm store twist (It’s like they designed this setup with Instagram in mind).
Raw iron walls, shades of woods, “sacks of flour” everywhere, and dried flowers decorate the shop.
They do great wholesome food, try their Shakshuka, a traditional Israeli dish where the eggs are cooked and poached in a pan with tomatoes, chili, garlic, nutmeg.
(Some even say their breakfast sizes are too big?! Weird, but okay the more the food the better!)
Inside the cafe, there’s also a small shop that sells organic balms, vintage storage containers, bags with unique typography across them (cool for loads of different purposes from washing baskets to shopping bags #plasticfree).
16. Escape the busy city in this peaceful, light and gorgeous cafe – Organika House Cafe
Maybe you’ve paid them a visit on a prior trip to the city and visited their Organika spa, or maybe you’re simply new to the name. Whatever the case, you simply need to spend an afternoon in this indoor garden cafe, situated on the 6th floor of the spa.
Built in a dramatic glass house, the Organika Cafe has a pristine white decor which contrasts beautifully with the greenery of the gardens – and they actually planted all of the trees and flowers that you see inside themselves!
They have an extensive menu, serving lots of incredible desserts, great appetisers (artisan salads), pastas and risottos, crepes for brunch as well as eggs benedict. For mains: pork chops, fish, tuna tataki – yummm!
They even have a dessert and cocktail pairing – love it! And their drinks list is just as varied, with lots of cold, freshly pressed juices, signature coffees and speciality teas
Organika House Cafe
Price: From 90 Baht / approx. USD $2.89
Address: 46 Klang Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand (Coordinates here)
Contact: +66 2 665 1898
Opening hours: Tue-Fri from 9.30am to 6.30pm; Sat-Sun from 10am to 7pm (Closed Mondays)
Website 17. Nothing to do with onions, but everything to do with delicious – One Ounce for Onion, Sukhumvit
With a few branches around Bangkok, they’re really well-known for their amazinggg coffee, as well as serving up a fantastic brunch here too!
Interior-wise they’ve gone for that Brooklyn cafe feeling; very raw, minimalist and natural tones, which allows the food and coffee really stand out.
On that note, food is presented gorgeously (love the black plates, really letting the colour of the food pop) and their style is fusion, mixing western and asian ingredients.
Jap crab is a small portion crab meat salad served with green apple, avocado, miso herbs and spicy mentaiko. Fresh, light and a burst of flavour!
This place is filled with an atmosphere of fun. Watch the baristas in action, doing their thing in the name of coffee art (great for photos too!)
18. “Oh, Sandy!” – Cafe Thieves and Bar
I grew up watching countless reruns of Greece the movie, and I basically know every scene to heart. As soon as I saw this little cafe, I immediately thought of the beginning diner scene in the movie, just after they all arrive at Rydell High.
Mix that with a retro, tropical cool and you’ve got yourself a pretty, and totally Instagram-worthy cafe.
The interiors stick to that diner vibe, adding a touch of dramatic lighting and design here and there.
The food is on-point, and they often add new touches to the menu to keep up with the seasons. Try their Summer Grill filled with tiger prawns, squid, scallops and grilled fish, fresh and light, just in time for summer!
They’re also alllll about the fro-yo here, all you froyo fans!
Phrom Phong / Thong Lor
Not just for Rich Kids of Bangkok!
What used to be the rich kids only scene, has over recent years seen more tourists flocking to this part of the city. Phrom Phong/Thong Lor is filled with designer and boutique stores, cool cafes restaurants, as well as fancy clubs and nightlife.
If you’re looking for a little sophistication, this classy area is right up your alley!
19. Let’s be real, organic always tastes better – Patom Organik Living
All organic everything, and that includes all the ingredients in their food and drinks (which all come from local farms).
If you don’t like feeling confined, this wide open space will put your body into zen mode in an instant – and it’s big glass doors allow for bursts of sunlight from the outside garden.
Light treats and simple dishes can be found at this cafe, from croissants to cakes and all the usual tea and coffee drinks too.
Their organic shop inside the cafe sells loads of amazing-smelling beauty products (Jasmine Shower Gel), packed Tom Yum kits, organic Jasmine rice, organic teas – as well as a whole refrigerator filled with fresh local produce such as such as pumpkin, loads of green veggies, and organic guava juice grown by farmers in the Sam Pran province of Bangkok.
20. Who knew a vintage motorcycle theme could look this good – Luka Moto, Thonglor
Picture this retro, urban vintage setup, alongside old-school motorcycles, almost like a super cool workshop. And amidst all the embellishments and show is an amazingggg fusion of dishes from around the world!
So we’re gonna talk serious food business first. Firstly, their “Gangnam-style” crunchy chicken thigh served on a kimchi waffle with a poached egg and gojuchang ketchup is a firm favourite among the people.
And if you love your burritos, why not go for the Sticky Pork Breakfast burrito or try their burrito filled with Sloane sausages, organic eggs, avocado and quinoa wrapped in a tortilla!
And lastly I have to mention the Savoury Butter & Bacon French Toast, served with a poached egg. Two words: Do it.
The coffee looks just as top-notch as the food, just FYI.
21. A regular stop on the way, it’s your go-to coffee & cafe stop – Casa Lapin x Bad Motel
Incredible coffee ✔
Amazing food ✔
Ambiance ✔
I mean what more could a girl ask for in a cafe? This laid-back, homely vibe is my idea of a great cafe to spend an afternoon winding down in.
They really take their coffee seriously, offering Drip, Cold Brew as well as Steampunk Brewing.
(Here you use a Siphon brewer – a method of brewing popular in Japan – which keeps the water hot in a top chamber. Then it’s extracted through a filter by quickly drawing water down into the chamber below using a vacuum of air.
Sounds a tad confusing but basically it’s like what a draft beer tap would look like, except this is made of glass.)
In the mood for pancakes? I always am! Try theirs which are thick and fluffy, served with scrambled eggs, bacon and honey. Their Salmon Rose Salad looks delish too!
PS: There’s actually 5 branches around the city, however this one joined spaces with bar, Bad Motel, so they all serve tons of crazy cool, yummy drinks too.
22. Tired of the old boring cappuccinos, lattes and frappes ? – Roots
If you’re on the hunt for flavour, or maybe you consider yourself a true coffee connoisseur… You simply have to pay this speciality coffee powerhouse a visit. And I had to include this one, because nothing brings me greater joy than real coffee, and artisanal at that!
Intrigued with trying something different? Their signature thing is their infused coffees in all different fruity & floral assortments. The blended ice coffee flavours also change bi-weekly, so you can always expect something new.
In the past, they’ve introduced grapefruit, orange & rosemary, as well as honey malt – and these are served on tap as a Cold Brew.
They’re really popular among coffee enthusiasts and through the years have been working on bettering their bean.
Trivia: They were the first speciality roastery to exclusively roast coffee from Thailand!
Roots
Price: From 100 Baht / approx. USD $3.14
Address: theCOMMONS (Top Yard Floor) Thonglor 17, Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtan Nue, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand (Coordinates here)
Contact: +66 97 059 4517
Opening hours: Mon-Thu from 8am to 7.30pm; Fri-Sun from 8am to 8.30pm
Website 23. Avant Garde amazing like an artist’s workshop! – Sundays Cafe
Totally artsy, all about the abstract, super funky and most certainly electic – I’m obsessed with the exteriors and overall design!
It’s aesthetic takes inspiration from the Dadaism era (all about the extravagant and abstract) and here it’s smack bang in your face from the get go – I mean, check out this entrance!
It’s really like an artist’s workshop in here and everything pops with colour and magic. The walls bounce with random illustrations and frames here and there, and there’s almost a vintage feel going on.
You’ll find strong Asian flavours in the food, but they do fuse a bit of the West with the East, especially in the pasta, salad and cakes department.
If you’re a cafe lover like myself, and the thought of cool cafes actually genuinely excites you, I’m sure you’ll be totally itching to check out these ever-cool cafes.
Each designed in its own trendy way, these are some of the coolest neighbourhoods in Bangkok after all!
Don’t forget to share your favourite cafe moments (food, design, we wanna see it ALL), we’d love to feature them on our Insta page. Use that hashtag #TripCanvasThailand. We love it!
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