cover story Siwilai
Somersault
COFFEE ON TAP
Attached to one of the coolest multi-label stores in town, this high-end take on coffee culture doesn't just serve up quality brews from local roaster Pacamara. It'll also pour a decent cocktail from the all-conquering Sugar Ray team (the guys behind Q&A bar), including the likes of Re-charge (gin, vanilla, demerara syrup, melon, cucumber and lime, B270). Food charts breakfast fare like Thai rice porridge with braised pork belly (B210) and poached eggs with beetroot-cured salmon and Sriracha-hollandaise sauce (B350).
Another Thai roaster with some impressive coffee. Hopping on the trend of Southwestern-modern decor—think wood, white-washing and succulents—the small space dishes out croissants (B35) and scones (B60 for three), but the emphasis here is really on their beans. Coffee starts at B60 for standard hot items, but they’re also not above trendy fruit drinks like the pink lychee rose soda (B125).
Unlike normal cold brew, nitro coffee is infused with nitrogen, kept in a keg and poured just like beer. Here’s Bangkok’s best.
5/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5836
SNP Headquarter The S&P group took on the hipsters last year with this new serious coffee joint that seeks to join the pop cafe culture. On top of comforting food (try the rad na (thick noodles in pork gravy) with sunflower greens, B180)), a large espresso counter stands in the middle of the crisp, white space serving the usual cups of coffee (from B100) alongside tea and juices. Most exciting though are the nitro cold brew taps (B150), which spurt out smooth and creamy coffee as if it were draught beer (see opposite). There are also a bunch of fun smoothies and shakes—try the Tub Tab Frozen (milk smoothie topped with Thai-style peanut candy, B150). They just opened another branch at FYI Tower, Rama 4. G/F, Ital Thai, 2034 Petchaburi Rd., 02-723-4442
Some Time Blue Ari’s award-winning drip coffee specialist Sutdrip has moved to a new space. Here, Sutida Srirungthum, winner of National Thailand Brewers Cup 2016, serves her rotating drip coffee (B150) alongside espresso-based cups (from B50) and fruit blends (B100). Do try her coffee shake (B150), a drip coffee shaken cold with ice. Food can be ordered from former neighbor Khao Bahn restaurant still. The space itself shuns current coffee shop cliches in favor of more classic, Victorian furnishings.
604/137 Sathu Pradit Rd., 081-655-6698
Siwilai
Wanderlust Not far from Chinatown's rising hipster rendezvous of Soi Nana, the chic, white Wanderlust cafe sources its beans from Chiang Mai to create perfect espressos (from B70), drip coffee (B100) and coffee-based mocktails (try the The Metro (espresso with tonic and orange juice, B120)). It also dishes out Melbourne cafe-inspired dishes with flavorful twists. The chia pudding (B160), for example, features coconut milk and tropical fruits, while the skillet Dutch pancake (B180) mixes the crispy baby Dutch pancake style with America's thicker, fluffier interpretation.
Somersault
New Horizons blend (B150) at Kaizen: citrusy with complex spices. Tai Ping Tower, 582/5 Ekkamai Soi 26 and 28, 098-831-6009
149-151 Rama 4 Rd., 089-757-7770
Costa Rica or Kenya (B150) at SNP Headquarter: rich and acidic or fruity.
Wonderwall x 26 In contrast to the dark original venue on Sukhumvit Soi 31, the new Wonderwall, dubbed Wonderwall #26, sits in a bright, cozy space (courtesy of Be Grey design) with plenty of natural light on one of Sukhumvit's most pleasant-looking streets. On top of the signature Wonderwall blend coffee (from B60) from P&F roaster and familiar baked items, the cafe also adds a breakfast and brunch menu, consisting of things like eggs Benedict on Waffle (B220) and French toast with fresh fruits (B250). The slow bar features selected rotating beans from Japan, Australia and Hong Kong.
G/F, ItalThai, 2034 Petchaburi Rd., 02-7234442
Phahee (B120) at Pacamara: medium-roasted with honey, chocolate and floral notes. Wanderlust
Thonglor Soi 25, 090-930-9340
Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan and Ethiopia blend (B160) at Sati: medium to dark-roasted and chocolatey. 110/4 Rama 6 Rd., 095-929-5925
“Dark” or “Light” Bhava blends (B88) at All Good in the Hood: chocolatey and nutty or fruity and berry flavored.
A Square, 120 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 099-424-6592
14 Sathorn Soi 11 Yaek 5, 081-619-6377
Wonderwall x 26
Phaholyothin Soi 2, 087-907-0099
HOME BREWED Get to know Bangkok’s best coffee roasting teams and pour yourself the perfect espresso at home.
BRAVE ROASTERS
CERESIA
GALLERY DRIP COFFEE
PHIL COFFEE ROASTERS
ROOTS
Ekameth Witvasutti and co. may have opened their own spot on the third floor of Siam Discovery, but their beans are also found at cafes all around town. With their bright and bold new packaging, these are a welcome addition to any home kitchen. Try the Flag Bearer blend (B410), which mixes organic beans from Jomthong in Northern Thailand and Bolaven Plateau in Laos for a particularly rich espresso. fb.com/braveroasters
Owned by Venezuelan sisters Marian and Lucia Aguilar and Lucia’s husband Bret Asavaroengchai, this boutique roaster now counts two branches in Phrom Phong and Sala Daeng. Single origin beans (starting at B480/250g) are freshly roasted at the original location— just ask and ye shall receive detailed tasting notes and recommendations according to your method of brewing at home. They also host regular workshops (Thai and English) at around B2,000 per person. goo.gl/YO2XD6
Piyachart Trithaworn and Natthiti Ampriwan don’t just run the most charming cafe in Bangkok Art & Culture Centre; they also do their own damn fine roasts. Here though the focus is on lighter, fruity roasts perfect for drip roasts—don’t go putting it in your espresso stovetop. The roasters recommend their Pamiang Organic 9-1 Dry Process from Chaing Mai, which is grown chemical-free under the trees in the forest (B450/250g). fb.com/GalleryDripCoffee
Born in America, educated in Melbourne and coffee-schooled in Taiwan, Han sisters Jaszmine and I Wuen Wang broke onto the Bangkok scene in 2011 with their delicious and beautifully packaged (love the illustrations) roasts. Prices go from B280 for 200g of the house espresso blend up to B1,300 for 100g of Panama Geisha Cantar Don Tito—voted the best coffee in Panama last year. philscoffeecompany.com
Varatt Vichitvadakan is bonafide Bangkok coffee royalty. After founding Thonglor brunch temple Roast, he opened up Roots as a dedicated roasting business which quickly began supplying to cafes and businesses all over town. Best of all is the super-functional website complete with delivery. Grab yourself a sweet and creamy P'Sri roast from Thailand at B550 (250g) or an acidic and juicy Kenyan “Karidundu” for B700 (250g). rootsbkk.com
BK Magazine Friday, February 17, 2017
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