5 cafés in Bangkok that you should visit

This story was first published on 20 July 2018. It is now updated with the latest information on travelling to Thailand. 

A popular weekend getaway for most Singaporeans, Bangkok has a vibrant café scene that never fails to surprise and delight with its new concepts. If you’re big on food like me, you might just be tempted to hop on the next plane to Bangkok after reading this!

Bangkok has always been a hot tourist destination for many living in the Southeast Asian region. With affordable shopping, fantastic restaurants and cafés, and landmarks, it’s hard to resist packing your bags for a trip there. Now with Bangkok open for quarantine-free travel, there is an opportunity to go savour all that the city has to offer! Here’s a guide to the best cafés to visit, along with my personal recommendations on the best items to order at each place.

Other than visiting the popular shopping spots like Central World and Chatuchak Weekend Market, with some research on hand, I set out to explore some interesting cafés on my recent trip to Bangkok. From a quirky café to Instagrammable and unique pet cafés, read on to get a detailed low-down on these cafes!

1. The Instagrammer’s dream: Shugaa

The prettiest café in my books, and a definite hit for those who love taking pictures for their social media feed, Shugaa is also perfect for couples wishing to spend some quality time together. With huge floor-to-ceiling glass panels, this café in Bangkok exudes a bright and airy feel. There’s even a gorgeous spiral staircase that leads to more seating on the second floor.

Keep an eye out for the quirky facade of Shugaa.

Take a picture or two - no one’s judging - with the cute bear and pretty décor within the café.

How could one bear to eat the cute desserts here - I mean, just look at that duck!

‘Mirror Mirror on the Wall’ is Shugaa’s signature dessert, and a definite must-order at the café.. Beautifully presented on a plate shaped like a part of a tree trunk, the moist double dark chocolate mousse cake was delightfully soft and spongy to bite into. I was also pleasantly surprised by the sweet caramelised apple chunks hidden within the cake.

Indulge in the moist double dark chocolate mousse cake, only after taking enough pictures of course. If only all desserts looked this good, and tasted just as awesome!

Address: Sukhumvit Soi 61, The Residence at 61 (nearest station: Thong Lo BTS)
Opening hours: 10:00am – 8:00pm daily
Recommended: Mirror Mirror on the Wall (285฿ ; ~S$11.80)

2. Homely vibes and a unique affogato: Ekkamai Macchiato Home Brewer

It might be a little tricky to locate this café, which is tucked away in a quiet residential area.

In line with the homely vibes that the café’s name suggests, it looks like a regular residential house from the outside, with only a small sign on the door. Upon entering the café, the bright, airy interior coupled with a quaint little bookshelf just next to the counter made me feel right at home. 

Push past these leafy shrubs to find yourself at Ekkamai Macchiato Home Brewer.

Quirkily named the ‘Adult Affogato’, this café uses sweet chocolate ice cream to balance out the bitterness of the espresso shot.

Address: 6/2 Ekkamai 12, Sukhumvit 63, Klongton North, Watthana (nearest station: Ekkamai BTS)
Opening hours: 8:00am – 6:00pm (Mon, Wed – Fri), 8:00am – 4:00pm (Tue) & 9:00am – 6:00pm (Sat – Sun)
Recommended: Adult Affogato (180฿ ; ~S$7.40) & Cappuccino (100฿ ; ~S$4.10)

3. The cosy, laid-back café: Casa Lapin x Ratchathewi

My favourite cake here – ‘Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cake’ – came with delicious crumbly caramelised biscuits on top of the sweet pumpkin cream cheese. The in-house bottled ‘White Cold Brew’ was refreshingly good too.

While Casa Lapin has a few outlets in Bangkok, I would recommend visiting the one at Ratchathewi as it has a rather accessible location. This cosy, laid-back café was found within a condominium (Noble Reform), just a few minutes’ walk from Ratchathewi station.

Cosy, yet also rather hipster – Café Lapin x Ari is a great place to chill out at in Bangkok.

Address: 318 Phaya Thai Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phetchaburi, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400 (nearest station: Ratchathewi)
Opening hours: 8.30am – 10:00pm daily
Recommended: White Cold Brew (100฿ ; ~S$4) & Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cake (160฿ ; ~S$6.60)

4. The garden-themed café with 3D latte art: B-story Café

Conveniently located beside Ratchathewi BTS station, B-story café looks more like a flower shop than a café, with the many leafy plants adorning the front porch. Upon stepping into the café, I felt like I was in a pretty European cottage with the plants and flowers peeking out from nearly every nook and cranny.  

Flower shop or café? Head inside to find out!

Cute ‘3D latte art’ (bears) floating our cappuccinos.

The pretty flowers and ferns decorating the counter made the desserts in the display look even more appetising!

“Outdoor” seating with air-conditioning; perfect to enjoy the sun without the heat!

Address: 89/35 Phayathai Rd, Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400 (nearest station: Ratchathewi BTS)
Opening hours: 10:00am - 11:00pm daily
Recommended: Salmon Hollandaise (290฿ ; ~S$12), Nero Pasta Tomyum (320฿ ; ~S$13.20) & 3D latte art drinks (70฿ ; ~S$2.90 for a cup of cappuccino)

5. The minimalist café: Invisible Coffee Room

Relatively new, the Invisible Coffee Room has been slowly heating up the Bangkok café scene with its interesting fusion drinks and great coffee. 

A must-order, the Invisible Coffee Room’s fusion drink ‘OMG’ left a sweet (from the Thai milk tea) yet slightly bitter (from the matcha) taste lingering in my mouth.

Smooth and balanced, with a slight nutty aftertaste, the ‘Piccolo Latte’ is a must for any coffee connoisseur. Order one of the delicious home-baked pastries (a dark chocolate financier is pictured above) to go with the coffee.

Address: 25/8 Soi Sukhumvit 16, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110 (nearest station: Asoke BTS)
Opening hours: 7.30am – 5:00pm (Mon – Fri), 8:00am – 4:00pm (Sat & Sun)
Recommended: Piccolo (65฿ ; ~S$2.70), OMG [thai tea, milk & matcha] (80฿ ; ~S$3.30)

A quick and relaxing weekend getaway in Bangkok is perfect for recharging. So what are you waiting for?

Things to note while travelling to Bangkok

• The Covid-19 protocols vary throughout Thailand. Bangkok is classified as a ‘Blue Zone’ and has had its restrictions relaxed. Nonetheless, travellers should continue to consider the risks of close contact with others to ensure safe travels.
• Museums, art galleries, historical sites, ancient monuments, spas, cinemas, pools, tattoo studios and sporting facilities are open throughout the country but still operate under strict public health measures. 
• Everyone must still strictly follow mask mandates and adhere to social distancing measures.
• In Bangkok, masks are expected to be worn in public, both indoors and out, while temperature checks are the norm. Those who do not wear masks may face fines.
• Commuters are also required to wear a face mask when using public transportation.
• Continue to stay updated on what you can and cannot do while travelling in Thailand here.