The Cassette Coffee Bar at Siam Square (Photo: Instagram/@the.cassette.coffee.bar)
Cover The Cassette Coffee Bar at Siam Square (Photo: Instagram/@the.cassette.coffee.bar)
The Cassette Coffee Bar at Siam Square (Photo: Instagram/@the.cassette.coffee.bar)

Our starter guide to Bangkok's thriving café scene for that much-needed caffeine fix

As one of the hottest food destinations in Southeast Asia, Bangkok boasts an exciting café scene. Cafés dot the capital city of Thailand, and they range from bright and trendy hangouts to rustic and casual spots. 

Read more: Why Bangkok is Asia’s most exciting food city right now

The options available in this vast city can be overwhelming; often the more interesting cafés are located in neighbourhoods and streets further afield that may not be so accessible to tourists. Before leaving on a trip to Bangkok recently, I ask for recommendations from fellow foodie friends and industry insiders. This is my humble verdict when it comes to the best cafés worthy of a trek out. 

1. Rise Coffee

Founded by a group of coffee enthusiasts, the Rise Coffee chain aims to make the art of coffee-drinking approachable and simple. With its bright orange-red and white branding, and bold coffees, Rise offers a cool café experience. Most of its beans are sourced locally and roasted at its in-house roastery at the Phloen Chit flagship café. Expect simple and straightforward cups of coffee alongside creative coffee drinks such as the Black Fizz, made with cold brew, cola, lychee purée, cherries, and rosemary. For those who prefer a milder dose of caffeine, we recommend its Super Matcha iced latte. 

Rise Coffee, multiple locations, @risecoffee.th on Instagram

2. Roots

Another popular chain is Roots with over 10 locations around the city, including in the hip Thonglor, Sathon, and Saladaeng areas. Its menu keeps things simple yet creative with options ranging from a classic cold brew to the more innovative Barista’s Choice monthly specials that feature unorthodox ingredients like miso.

Roots adopts a "cup-to-farm" approach that gives back to local farmers with each cup of coffee brewed. For a meaningful cup of coffee in a well-designed space, Roots is a definite must-try.

Roots, multiple locations, @rootsbkk on Instagram

See also: A food lover's guide to Bangkok

3. Factory Coffee

With a slew of accolades in its pocket, including achieving second place at the World Espresso Awards in 2022, it’s safe to say that Factory Coffee knows its beans. Whether you opt for a simple filter coffee or the edgy Moscow espresso drink, you're sure to get a proper caffeine kick here.

Apart from its coffee drinks, Factory Coffee also has locally and internationally sourced single origins and blends on retail so you can bring a bag home with you. There are also barista courses for those looking to venture into the coffee industry.

Factory Coffee, 49 Phayathai Road, Thanon Phayathai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, +66 80 958 8050, @factorybkk on Instagram, Monday-Sunday, 8am-5pm

4. Paga Microroastery

Sleek and minimalist Paga Microroastery is located in a quiet corner along the bustling Sukhumvit road. Inspired by the mountains on which coffee beans are grown, its three-storey space was designed with the long and systematic process of specialty coffee roasting in mind. 

Paga Microroastery proudly sources its beans from farms that care not only about its beans but also its farmers and staff, and selects its beans according to a rigid quality control process that also considers sustainability. To get a taste of the coffee beans at their purest, we recommend a classic and simple filter coffee or one of its signatures, Freddo and Paga.

Paga Microroastery, 45, 1 Soi Sukhumvit 31, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, +66 80 009 6292, @pagacoffeebkk on Instagram, Monday-Sunday, 8am-5pm

Don't miss: 12 coffee drinks from around the world and how to make them

5. The Cassette Coffee Bar

For a classic Instagram-worthy coffee experience, head to the Cassette Coffee Bar at trendy Siam Square brought to you by the team behind The Cassette Music Bar. Marked by its distinctive pastel pink façade, the Cassette Coffee Bar offers a retro pink-themed respite in a busy shopping area. Aside from the regular coffee offerings, its menu also includes other refreshments such as a fresh pink lemonade, classic root beer float, and its signature The Cassette Coffee Slurpee. 

The Cassette Coffee Bar, 264/4 Siam Square Soi 3, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, +66 61 654 6666, Monday to Sunday, 10am-8pm

6. Anonymous Coffee

Anonymous Coffee blends design and coffee with its all-glass, minimalist industrial structure and open-concept coffee bar. There are plenty of great corners around the café for the perfect shot for social media. Its menu offers both caffeinated and non-caffeinated options with must-tries being the Yuzu Garden carbonated cold brew and Sally O’Brien coffee cocktail. 

Anonymous Coffee, 149 Rimtangrodfai Sai Peat-Riu Road, Bangkapi, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, +66 61 119 5665, @anonymous.coffee.bkk on Instagram, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4pm & Saturday-Sunday, 8:30 am-5:30 pm

7. Ittha Boutique Cafe

Emulating a restored abandoned building Ittha Boutique Cafe is a cosy and rustic space by the Punnawithi BTS station that is perfect for brunch with friends. Its coffee selection includes the classics such as Americano and latte, and signatures including the Dirty, made with espresso, organic condensed milk or salted caramel milk. It also has a range of homey brunch food like French toast, coq au vin, and its big breakfast plate.

Ittha Boutique Cafe, 88 Soi Punnawitthi 33 alley, Bang Chak, Phra Khanong, Bangkok 10260, +66 62 563 6293, @ittha_bangkok on Instagram, Monday-Sunday, 8am-5pm

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