bangkok
*the city of angels*
welcome to bangkok (krung thep), one of the most cosmopolitan, contrasting, succulent, affordable and, above all, compelling of cities; a cultural experience. it’s sprinkled with sparkling temples and palaces, authentic canals, bustling markets and one hell of a nightlife. a mix of old and new, with the dirty, gritty and run-down wedged next to the luxe and “hi-so.” there is something for everyone in this city and it didn't take long for it to become my most favored urban metropolis. hope you enjoy your stay :)
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part 1:
coffee
1. sidewalk coffee carts (budget) - all over bangkok
sidewalk coffee carts litter the streets of bangkok, serving their famous “thai style” coffee. if you are looking for a sweet and condensed, sugary treat, give them a go. either hot or iced you won’t be disappointed. they're the cheapest coffee option in the city ranging from 18-25 baht (less than a dollar).
2. cafe bicycle - bts stop: ploen chit
do not be fooled by the name, there are no bicycles present at this cafe. it does, however, serve up a nice cup of coffee, in a large soothing space. there is plenty of room to spread out in either their loft, or main area. they have an extensive coffee, pastry, breakfast and lunch menu for reasonable prices. an americano goes for 60 baht and a regular croissant for 50 baht. they do offer free wifi.
3. casa lapin - bts stop: thong lo (two locations soi 49 & 55)
opened and designed by a hip, bangkok architect who was disappointed in the lack of good coffee in the city. they offer a variety of brews from drip, french-press or espresso. on top of their killer coffee they make a pretty mean croissant. their coffee starts at 85 baht. they do offer free wifi.
4. gallery drip coffee - bts stop: national stadium
the only legitimate drip coffee in all of bangkok. gallery drip coffee abides solely by the drip coffee method, which you will see upon entering their tiny, corner cafe. their coffee is smooth, rich and brewed to perfection. the cafe is little but has seating both inside and outside. it's located on the bottom floor of the bacc (bangkok arts and culture center). a regular cup of coffee is 60 baht. the cafe has no wifi.
5. roast coffee and eatery - bts stop: thong lo
roast is serious about coffee. their assortment of coffee blends and brew methods is impressive. on top of coffee they offer a mouthwatering menu. the space is serene yet bustling...on a saturday or sunday there will be a 15-20 minute wait (it's worth it). the coffee starts at around 100 baht. free wifi is provided.
breakfast & brunch
1. sidewalk street stands (budget) - all over bangkok
interested in an authentic thai breakfast? early in the morning you'll find many sidewalk stands serving up khao tom, a breakfast rice porridge paired with pork, cilantro and green onions. bowls go for around 30 baht.
2. bkk bagel bakery - bts stop: chit lom
about as close as you're gonna get to new york bagels, in bangkok. this little bagel shop offers a variety of homemade bagels, a few different flavors of cream cheese, a nice compilation of bagel sandwiches, and coffee. even though others have raved about their lox bagel...my go to order is an everything bagel with dill and garlic cream cheese and an iced latte. that order comes to about 250 baht - not the cheapest but if you are looking for a quality nyc bagel, this is your place. free wifi is available.
3. mr. jones' orphanage - bts stop: thong lo
upon entering this "orphanage" you feel as though you are in an oversized dollhouse, surrounded by toys and sweet treats. in my experience this place is best suited for breakfast and brunches. they have a nice selection of eggs, waffles/pancakes, and a tower of pastries and cakes. the service is adequate, the prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is unique. my scrambled eggs with yogurt, and toast came to around 160 baht.
4. roast coffee & eatery - bts stop: thong lo
this place is that good it needed to be mentioned twice. it's extensive coffee menu is just the beginning. roast, in my eyes, is the rolls-royce of brunches in bangkok. their succulent menu makes it very hard to order just one dish. my go to would be to share the roast club (creamy and oh so savory) and their decadent stuffed, strawberry waffle (sugary sweet). their brunch dishes start at around 200 baht. they do offer free wifi.
stay tuned for part 2...
xoxo,
e
