Discover the best cafes serving specialty coffee in Bangkok 2025
Bangkok and I go way back. In 2011 I moved to this city that never sleeps as an exchange student and it’s been close to heart ever since. When I started working in specialty coffee Bangkok became an even more exciting destination. The local cafe scene is thriving and while new and innovative cafe concepts keep popping up, I also see the already existing ones constantly moving or improving. If you’re visiting Bangkok for the first time, you’ll find vibrant neighbourhoods well beyond Khao San Road. My favourite districts for visiting cafés are Ari, Phaya Thai, Sukhumvit, Silom and Sathorn. There are also a couple of wonderful cafes in Chinatown close to Hua Lamphong station. In this article I want to take you on a little journey to Bangkok’s diverse neighbourhoods and their specialty coffee shops.
My Favourite Cafes for Specialty Coffee in Bangkok, Sorted by Neighbourhood
Best Cafes in Sukhumvit
What Sukhumvit lacks in tourist attractions it makes up for with a maze of alleys packed with cosy restaurants and cafes, rooftop bars and great shopping. One could easily spend a month getting lost in the Soi’s, stumbling from one place to the next, only to find some of the best coffee and dining the city has to offer. Sadly, the legendary street food vendors of Soi 38 have been forced to relocate in order to make room for yet another condominium complex. There is not a lot of street food left in Sukhumvit, but Terminal 21 and EmQuartier have pretty good food courts. The specialty coffee shops not to be missed are:
Nestled in the vibrant core of Bangkok, amidst skyscrapers reaching for the heavens, Kaizen Coffee emerges as an urban sanctuary defying convention. Resembling a fierce warrior standing its ground, this 100 sq.m. haven radiates strength and determination. With its contemporary design, industrial-chic ambience, and unrivaled coffee and roasting techniques, it’s no surprise Kaizen has etched its name into Bangkok’s coffee landscape. Established by Arnun Wattanaporn, this emblematic specialty coffee hub infuses Sukhumvit with a taste of Australian coffee culture, including a penchant for satisfying breakfasts. So, venture into Kaizen Coffee for an unparalleled experience and savor the best of both worlds – Bangkok’s energetic spirit and Australia’s rich coffee heritage.
Roots at theCommons
Roots is arguably one of Bangkok’s finest coffee roasters. Their first ever brew bar is located in the concept mall theCOMMONS. While there is certainly no lack of shopping malls in Bangkok, theCOMMONS stands out for its community approach and the plentiful outdoor seating where you can hang out even if you don’t shop anything. I had the opportunity to go on an origin trip to Northern Thailand with the head roaster of Roots, which you can read about here, and saw first hand that Roots has a long term mission to raise the quality of coffee in Thailand. Roots have opened up a number of locations around town but here in the heart of Thonglor is where all the brewing began.
Invisible Coffee Room
You’ll find the owner Thanapong hand grinding your single origin beans for filter coffee. For espresso they blend four different origins to produce a balanced cup. Beautiful space and a relaxed atmosphere guaranteed!
Address:
25/8 Soi Sukhumvit 16, Bangkok
Ceresia Coffee Roasters
Ceresia have a great selection of single origin coffees from across the coffee belt. Watch the roasting action on site through the giant glass window.
Address:
593/29-41 Sukhumvit Road Soi 33/1
Roast at EMQuartier and The COMMONS
This haven for brunchers, lunchers and diners has two locations in Sukhumvit, one in the shopping mall EmQuartier and one at the concept mall The Commons.
Address:
1 Helix Building B 693 695 Sukhumvit Road
Sometimes I feel
The best address for signature drinks in Sukhumvit! The owner Jay, his wife and best friend have opened up the cafe in autumn 2018 and design drinks inspired by flavours to be found in coffee beans. Their mission is to extract these flavours by adding a little extra. The coffee shop features multiple roasters and a variety of single origins that rotate every two to three weeks.
Address:
5/1 Sukhumvit 31, Bangkok
Phil Coffee Company
This cozy micro-roastery café born in Ekkamai has been around for as long as 2013. It is known for dedicated baristas and a solid bean selection. The coffee of the house ‘big whale’ is a medium roasted blend of Thai and Brazilian coffee, whereas the seasonal blend tends to be on the fruitier and lighter side. Lovers of pour-over can choose between a single origin from Thailand and an imported coffee – currently Costa Rica. They moved in 2024 to a new location near On Nut BTS.
La Mesa Coffee Co. is a neighbourhood cafe that is collaborating with a local roastery to bring you two delicious espresso blends. The Lobo Blend boasts flavours of dark chocolate and hazelnut. The Barrio Blend is spoiling your palate with hints of orange and a rich chocolately flavour. The owners Gary and Michelle created a New Mexico inspired space to bring a piece of Gary’s heritage to Bangkok. Mayan Mocca and strawberry infused cold brew are just a few of the treats on the signature menu.
Recommendations for accommodation in Sukhumvit
Hotel Clover Asoke – Fantastic hotel full of artworks. The rooftop pool is a great draw! → Booking.com
Aster 9 House – Bed and breakfast with tasteful and detailed design that won’t break the bank. → Booking.com
Barn & Bed Hostel – Absolutely incredible ‘barn style’ hostel, sparkling clean and right next to the BTS. → Booking.com
Best Cafes in Silom
The financial district of Bangkok might seem like a jungle made of office buildings at first, but if you venture far enough, you’ll stumble upon art galleries, Hindu temples and great coffee shops. Strolling down Pan Road and visiting the Kathmandu Photogallery is a must when in the area. Around the impressive Sri Mariamman Temple you’ll feel teleported straight to India, only to be reminded by local street food vendors that you’re actually in Bangkok. Silom is a neighbourhood that can be described as beautifully diverse. As the sun sets it starts bustling with market and food stalls appearing in an instant, and during the day the following coffee shops are a great draw.
La Cabra, the Danish coffee roaster and café with already loyal followings at its Chinatown branch launched a bakery café in Silom that combines Copenhagen-cool with the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked pastries. Its sleek, scandinavian aesthetic, a palette of crisp whites, cool grays and pale woods, beckons customers inside, where they are greeted by a tempting array of artisanal baked goodies. The coffee offering also deserves a mention and includes espresso based drinks as well as hand brew with a choice of two single origins.
Pobnar is a specialty coffee roastery that feels more like coming into someone’s cozy home than going to a coffee shop. To find it, you will have to go down a narrow alleyway from the busy Silom street. If you’re lucky, some furry friends are there waiting to get cuddles. Pobnar has been around for 4 years. They roast their own beans, many of them single–origin varieties from around the world. As for brewing, I highly recommend trying a pour over.
All day breakfast and single origin coffee from Colombia, Ethiopia, and Thailand. The Western style brunch menu is great, but be prepared for Western prices as well.
Luka is soothing both taste buds and souls alike. This charming shophouse, brought to life by four siblings, has blossomed into a local treasure, boasting a warm and snug atmosphere. Luka’s menu pays homage to Western comfort food, enhanced by a solid coffee offering.
Best Cafes in Sathorn
Sathorn can be described as the laid back older sibling of Silom, slightly more grown up but equally diverse and interesting to discover. While it is a center for business and high-rise buildings, there are just as many residential areas in this neighbourhood that are often overlooked by visitors. Get lost in the alleys, immerse yourself in the local way of life and refresh at these specialty coffee shops.
2018 was a big year for Roots: it’s when the roastery shifted to 100% Thai beans. That same year also saw their expansion into a second location in the Sathorn district. Dubbed the “showcase bar”, it tries to bring guests closer to the origins of coffee, and all of the work that goes into each cup. The location features, as its centerpiece, a very chic, white Modbar espresso machine, which is designed to break down any barriers between the barista and the customer. Natural materials like bamboo, used for seating and the counter area, evoke the feeling of sitting in a traditional northern Thai hut.
Recommendations for accommodation in Silom and Sathorn
Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse – If you want to bathe in luxury and in a rooftop pool with incredible views of the city then this is your place! → Booking.com
Kessara Hotel – I was really impressed with the grounded elegance of this country home style hotel in the heart of Silom. → Booking.com
Warm Window Silom – Beautifully decorated hostel for the budget conscious traveller that is refreshingly spacious and spotless clean. → Booking.com
Best Cafes in Chinatown
Bangkok’s Chinatown is a maze of alleys, temples and market stalls. Yaowarat Road is at the centre of this historic neighbourhood and a great starting point for venturing deeper into the craziness. Between temples and traditional shop houses you’ll find some of Bangkoks neatest coffee shops. At dawn Chinatown transforms into the land of plenty with some of the best street food stalls that Bangkok has to offer.
Chinatown’s La Cabra sits along the retro-filled Charoen Krung Road, and is the first international outpost of Copenhagen’s renowned roastery. No matter your preference, be it a robust espresso or a delicate filter coffee, La Cabra caters to all with a daily offering of two distinct coffee beans.
Talat Noi, renowned for its vibrant street art and rich history, is home for a 70-year-old barista virtuoso -the heart and soul of Mother Roaster. This rustic location boasts a nice selection of beans and is a great address for drip coffee enthusiasts.
Passion for coffee and Japanese culture unite at Ports Coffee in Bangkok. Nestled within a refurbished heritage building in the charming Tha Tien district, this cozy café radiates a welcoming atmosphere.
Delight in the signature Dirty, a heavenly concoction of expertly blended coffee and velvety milk froth. For those seeking a serene workspace or study nook, venture to the second floor where an abundance of natural light creates an ideal setting for concentration and creativity.
Recommendations for accommodation in Chinatown
The Unforgotten B&B – Charming bed and breakfast with traditional, wooden interior that carries a hint of nostalgia. → Booking.com
Norn Yaowarat Hotel – Great choice for travellers who seek comfort but are on a budget. The hotel has dorms as well as private rooms. → Booking.com
Hostel Urby – Urban style hostel with the perfect location by the river! I loved the terrace and unique style here. → Booking.com
Walden Home Cafe
451 Somdet Chao Phraya Rd
If you happen to wander through the quaint, vintage streets of Klongsan, you might just discover a delightful hidden gem – the Walden Home Cafe. As soon as you enter, the enticing aroma of specialty coffee will envelop you, evoking a cozy and familiar atmosphere reminiscent of hanging out at your best friend’s cozy pad. The decor, featuring warm orange lighting and relaxing tunes, perfectly complements the cafe’s chic blend of classic and rustic elements, a reflection of thw owner Khun Dit’s personal touch.
Best Cafes in Chit Lom
Chit Lom and Phloen Chit have probably the highest density of shopping malls and luxury hotels per square meter. It’s not surprising that the two specialty coffee shops in this neighbourhood are also located in shopping centers. The area is filled with expats in business attire as it houses a number of embassies. The are a few local markets, food stalls and restaurants around, but most of the establishments are high-end.
Coffeeology
Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd
Coffee shop located in the Central Embassy mall with a one-of-a-kind counter. The owner has a coffee plantation in Chiang Dao and serves his coffee at Coffeeology. The farm is illustrated on the walls and with lots of imagination you can transport yourself there. Come here for a true seed to cup experience.
Best Cafes in Siam
Did I say Chit Lom has the highest density of shopping malls? Siam is definitely competing for that title, but shopping here is slightly more affordable, apart from the luxurious Siam Paragon. There is always something going on at Siam. From the BTS station you’ll see crowds of people pressed against a stage on most days, even though you’ll probably never figure out why they are there. Siam is also where to find the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center (BACC), which has different exhibitions going on that you can visit for free. Two great specialty cafes are to be found here, one in Siam Discovery Shopping Mall and one in the BACC.
Brave Roasters
Siam Discovery, 194 Phaya Thai Rd
A branch of Brave Roasters located on the third floor of the shopping mall Siam Discovery. Come here to escape from the hustle and bustle of Siam square and fuel up with some great coffee. Don’t hesitate to whip out your laptop to get some work done in this quiet cafe.
Address:
Siam Discovery, 194 Phaya Thai Rd
Gallery Drip Coffee
BACC, 939 Rama I Rd
This little pour over only cafe is located on the ground level of the BACC (Bangkok Arts and Culture Center). It’s a must for drip coffee lovers as the owners a really passionate and knowledgable about their craft. Different single origins to choose from, both from Thailand and abroad. The honeycomb interior ceiling gives it a nice, cosy touch.
Best Cafes in Ratchathewi
In recent years the neighbourhood around Phaya Thai and Ratchathewi BTS station has seen more and more designer hostels popping up in small alleys amidst local houses, markets and restaurants. Close to Phaya Thai is where I used to live when I studied in Bangkok and I always stay here when I return, partly for nostalgic reasons, but also because some great cafes and restaurants are to be found in the area. Nowadays, these following specialty coffee shops make the Phaya Thai neighbourhood even more attractive.
Tucked away in a small alley as part of the GalileOasis that is accessible only by motorcycle or on foot, Piccolo Vicolo is one of my favorite hide aways in central Bangkok. The abundance of green plants surrounding the shop, coupled with the industrial building concept, provides an aesthetically pleasing setting. Soft music playing in the background adds to the overall chill vibes, making it an ideal spot for a laid-back coffee experience. Check out their next door neighbors, a selection of creative little shops and restaurants.
Third time’s definitely a charm! After moving for the second time in the Phaya Thai district Factory has found a permanent space next to the Airport Link station that does its grandezza justice. The specialty coffee shop run by Thai Barista Champion Athip Archalerttrakool brews hand roasted coffees and boasts a delicious signature drink menu. You can buy their roasts to hand grind and brew at home.
Best Cafes in Ari
Siam has long lost its hipster crowd due to the commercialisation of the area. Where did they go you ask? To Ari, an area that has developed at a slower pace than other parts of Bangkok. From local street food to chic restaurants, Ari offers something for every budget. Last but not least, these cafes serving specialty coffee make Ari the place to be!
Coffee No. 9 is a popular takeaway cafe in the Ari neighbourhood. Their nitro cold brew is super refreshing on those hot Bangkok summer days.
Porcupine Café is best described as a homey little hideout that is definitely in chill mode. Great place to relax with a solid cup of coffee.
Best Cafes near Lat Phrao
Nana Coffee Roasters’ salmon-hued brick building stands out like a bright star amidst the dreary Praditmanoonthum main road. The Niche 3 location is always packed to the rafters – and not just because of its bold brews. Owners Warong Chalanuchpong and Kanda Thochampa are famed baristas in the Thai coffee scene, having won various championships. Their brewing and roasting skills are unparalleled, as evidenced by their gleaming Modbar modules, Siphon columns, and Nitro Cold Brew taps. The monthly-changing Signature Menu is a testament to their expertise.
Best Cafes in Phra Khanong
Walking into Karo Coffee Roasters is like stepping into a world where tigers roam free and the air is thick with the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans. The headless tiger that adorns everything from the takeaway cups to the coffee packaging is a nod to the owner, Karo Iyash’s love for Yantra tattoos with a Buddhist flair. With connections to renowned coffee farmers and an unwavering dedication to quality, the Sri Lankan native has created a great space for the local community.
