7 cool new cafés in the Bangkok CBD

A decade ago it was hard to find coffee in Bangkok that wasn’t a) 40% evaporated milk, or b) bearing a green mermaid logo. Happily, and rather caffeinated-ly, all that has changed, and it feels as if the Thai capital is entering a golden age of coffee culture. Here are seven new cafes, of countless more, that have cropped up across Bangkok over the last several months.

Sarnies Roastery

Earlier in 2022, Sarnies, a beloved Singaporean brand opened its second outlet on Bangkok soil, this time in the commercial hub of Ploenchit. A revamped townhouse five minutes’ walk from Chitlom BTS station, the airy, industrial-style venue offers Sarnies’ tried-and-true combo of hearty brunch-style dining and onsite-roasted, single-origin beans. A trendy spot for your latte and lunch, it’s got the lofty prices to match — but that’s just part of the territory this close to embassy row.

CDGRE BKK

Launched in late 2021, CDGRE BKK is a hybrid bistro-streetwear store launched by a collab of Bangkok’s culinary bigwigs — just one reason this mall café deserves a mention. Another is that both the coffee and the food (like the crispy German pork knuckle and literally all the pastries) are genuinely chef’s-kiss delicious, as you would expect from Gaggan Anand and the famed brothers Sühring. Dine downstairs, then hit the little mezzanine and browse cheeky CDGRE merch by local streetwear purveyor Carnival.  

Pompano Roasted

Eclectic shophouse-chic meets latte art at this tiny café opposite Hua Lamphong train station. It’s perfectly situated for your pre-sightseeing espresso, your midday pick-me-up, or your afternoon sugar hit (hot croffle, anyone?). Located at the doorstep of the Chinatown tourist zone, there’s a ton of action — come for the refreshments, stay for the buzzing atmosphere. 

Million Taste

Serious coffee with a whimsical twist, Million Taste has something no other newcomer can boast: a rooftop terrace. Halfway between Phrom Phong and Thonglor BTS stations, it’s worth the walk for its diverse selection of caffeinated drinks alongside mid-Sukhumvit views. The space-age minimalist design is good for a few Insta-shots and if you find yourself suddenly hankering for a bagel, Bartels Bangkok is mere steps away. 

Citizen Tea, Canteen of Nowhere

Not a fan of coffee? Then this café might be for you. From Citizen of Nowhere, purveyor of handcrafted Thai items, Citizen Tea is an artsy kopi-teahouse-style space that serves a curation of tasty Thai milk teas and hot signature blends, while doubling as a showroom for the brand’s artisan wares. It’s the definition of a hidden gem, located down a narrow laneway in the labyrinth of one of Bangkok’s oldest neighborhoods. Think of it as a good excuse to get lost in the hippest historic area of the city. 

FICS

Without a doubt, there’s a significant overlap between coffee aficionados and film nerds, but you don’t actually have to be either to love FICS, a Film-Inspired Cafe/Concept Store/Community Space. Themed like an arthouse cinema, and awash in movie memorabilia, it’s one of Bangkok’s quirkiest places to get buzzed, with coffee from Northern Thailand and more than 50 types of craft beer. To properly soak up the ambience, time your visit during the week to avoid the weekend crush. 

The Wood Land

A little ways along the Sukhumvit BTS line, and a short walk from On Nut station, you’ll find The Wood Land, a kid- and pet-friendly outdoor cafe. Garden dining is hard to come by in the middle of Bangkok, so this is somewhat of a gem, a city glade where your kid/s can touch grass while you recaffeinate in the shade. Aside from coffee, there’s the usual lineup of sweet, iced beverages, some wines, light meals, and a generous array of croffles. With bean bags and scattered seating you can enjoy plenty of personal space — another rare find in a city like this.