Bangkok’s Best Specialty Coffee Shops, 2015 Edition

If you’ve ever wandered Bangkok’s Ekkamai district wondering where locals actually drink great coffee—not just tourist-friendly chains—then you’re asking the right question. In 2015, BK Magazine, Bangkok’s trusted food authority, asked thousands of readers just that. The result? A democratic, crowd-voted guide to the city’s best places for coffee, food, and everything in between. Here are the coffee shops that made the cut.

Quick answer? Start with Roots Coffee Roaster for seasonal, locally roasted espresso and cold drip (open weekends only), then hit Ink & Lion for industrial-chic vibes and house-baked waffles. For fashion-meets-coffee, try One Ounce for Onion. Want an Aussie-style flat white? Kaizen’s your spot. Prefer cocktails with your cup? Nikko Cafe serves both until midnight.

Roots Coffee Roaster: Seasonal Excellence, Weekend Only

Roots Coffee Roaster took the top spot for best local coffee in BK Magazine’s 2015 reader poll. A sister shop to the Roast restaurant, Roots focuses on roasting the best local and international beans sourced seasonally. They serve standout espresso and innovative cold drip coffee. The coffee menu changes every 6–8 weeks based on harvest cycles, ensuring freshness and origin-driven flavors. You can even order beans for 48-hour delivery. Note: the cafe is only open Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6pm. During the week, the space functions as Roast’s central kitchen, where their famous desserts are prepared.

Details:

• Roast style: Seasonal, locally and internationally sourced
• Must-try: Espresso, cold drip
• Hours: Saturday–Sunday, 12pm–6pm
• Address: Ekkamai Soi 15-1
• Delivery: 48-hour fresh delivery available

Ink & Lion: Industrial Art Haven with Great Coffee

Ink & Lion is a must-visit for anyone exploring Bangkok’s specialty coffee scene. This industrial-style café features exposed red brick, wooden furniture, vintage record players, and classroom-like seating. The décor gives off a creative, pencil-scented vibe that’s enhanced by rotating art exhibits on the walls. The coffee menu includes offerings from local roasters like Phil Coffee Roaster, Pacamara, and Ceresia, with barista Adithep Pinijpinyo crafting both machine and hand-brewed drinks. Don’t leave without trying their signature waffles: crispy outside, tender inside, topped with honey, butter, and almonds.

Details:

• Roasters sourced: Phil Coffee Roaster, Pacamara, Ceresia
• Must-try: House waffles, espresso, hand-brew options
• Hours: Monday–Friday 9am–6pm (closed Wednesday), Saturday–Sunday 10am–6pm
• Address: 1/7 Soi Ekamai 2, Sukhumvit 63, Ekkamai

One Ounce for Onion: Coffee, Glasses, and Fashion in One

Once a small sunglasses boutique in Siam Center, One Ounce for Onion has transformed into a lifestyle café offering carefully brewed coffee alongside eyewear, clothing, and accessories. The in-house roaster, Ekameth Witvasutti, sources beans directly from farms and roasts them on-site, resulting in distinctive, high-quality cups. The space is bright and peaceful, ideal for remote work or a relaxed afternoon. Enjoy light bites like muffins, croissants, Kai Gra Tha (Thai-style fried eggs), and unique popsicle waffles. They also serve fresh fruit blends like banana juice. A favorite among Bangkok’s fashion-forward crowd.

Details:

• Roaster: Ekameth Witvasutti (in-house)
• Must-try: In-house roasted coffee, Kai Gra Tha, banana juice
• Hours: 8am–8pm daily
• Address: 19/12 Ekkamai, Sukhumvit 63 Road

Kaizen Coffee Co: Aussie-Inspired Café with Affordable Brews

Kaizen Coffee Co, opened in April 2015 by three Australian coffee enthusiasts, is a bright, all-white space located at the quieter end of Ekkamai. The minimalist interior features an open barista station, inviting customers to chat with the baristas and learn about their brewing process. Prices are refreshingly low, with black coffee around 80 THB and white coffee around 100 THB. The café prioritizes quality and occasionally introduces new flavor profiles, making each visit a potential discovery.

Details:

• Style: Australian-inspired, minimalist
• Must-try: Black coffee (80 THB), white coffee (100 THB)
• Hours: 7am–7pm daily
• Address: 582/5 Soi Ekkamai 26-28

Nikko Cafe: Coffee, Cocktails, and Late-Night Hangouts

Nikko Cafe brings a Japanese touch to Ekkamai’s nightlife with a menu that spans coffee, cocktails, and beer. By day, it’s a solid coffee spot; by night, it transforms into a cozy gathering place. The venue includes a second-floor lounge with wooden decor and outdoor seating that feels like a home office, plus a first-floor garden for more private moments. Whether you’re here for a morning espresso or an evening drink, the versatile space accommodates all moods.

Details:

• Beverages: Coffee, cocktails, imported beer
• Must-try: Flexible space for coffee or evening drinks
• Hours: 10am–midnight daily
• Address: Ekamai Soi 12, Sukhumvit 63, Vaddhana

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Bangkok coffee shop is best for seasonal, locally roasted beans?

Roots Coffee Roaster is the top choice for seasonal, locally and internationally sourced beans, roasted on-site. Their menu rotates every 6–8 weeks based on harvests, and they serve excellent espresso and cold drip. Open only on weekends from noon to 6pm at Ekkamai Soi 15-1.

Where can I find a café with both great coffee and art exhibits in Bangkok?

Ink & Lion combines an industrial-chic interior with rotating art displays. Located in Ekkamai, it serves coffee from local roasters like Phil Coffee Roaster and is known for its signature waffles. Open Monday to Friday 9am–6pm (closed Wednesday), and weekends 10am–6pm.

Is there a café in Bangkok that sells coffee and fashion accessories?

Yes, One Ounce for Onion is a lifestyle café offering in-house roasted coffee alongside sunglasses, clothing, and bags. The coffee is roasted by Ekameth Witvasutti using direct-trade beans. Try their Kai Gra Tha or banana juice. Open daily from 8am to 8pm.

Which Ekkamai café is known for affordable Aussie-style coffee?

Kaizen Coffee Co, founded by three Australian coffee lovers, serves black coffee for around 80 THB and white coffee for 100 THB. The bright white café has an open barista station and introduces new flavors periodically. Open 7am–7pm daily at 582/5 Soi Ekkamai 26-28.

What’s a good late-night coffee and drinks spot in Bangkok?

Nikko Cafe serves coffee during the day and transitions into a cocktail and beer bar at night. With both indoor and outdoor spaces, including a garden and lounge area, it’s a flexible venue for any time of day. Open from 10am to midnight at Ekamai Soi 12.

Are there any delivery options for specialty coffee beans from these shops?

Yes, Roots Coffee Roaster offers 48-hour delivery of freshly roasted beans. Other cafés may not explicitly advertise delivery, so it’s best to inquire directly. Roots is your best bet for fresh, seasonal beans delivered to your door.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Bangkok Cafés

For Bangkok-style café experiences, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui SOE for floral and berry notes, perfect for pour-overs or light espressos. The Brazil Queen Manor SOE offers low-acid, nutty richness ideal for milk drinks. Or go bold with the Panama Huacai Geisha for vibrant tropical fruit and jasmine. All are expertly roasted. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.