Bangkok hipster cafes for globe-trotting café-hoppers with UOB YOLO
People say listen to your body to know when to eat. On our trip to Bangkok last year, my friends and I discovered that growling stomachs weren’t the only tell-tale sign – our feet were screamingly sore from hours of browsing clothing racks, and of course we responded by taking refuge in the city’s many hipster cafes. Â
For those planning to hit up the City of Angels, here’s a list of cafés that’ll surely come in handy in the homestretch of your shopping expedition. These Insta-worthy cafés promise photos for the ‘gram that aren’t replicas of all the other #bkkthrowback shots on your feed, and tasty food to boot. For those with a UOB YOLO, you’ll also get to score an 8% rebate* when you dine at these spots during the weekends!
1. POOLTIME Café
While crowds throng Bangkok’s Insta-famous husky café, give yourself a break by visiting POOLTIME Café to hang out with three rescued raccoons named Bob, Ao, and Yi-Poon at THB150/~S$6.10. Raccoons are portrayed as the sly, evil guy in many cartoons, which isn’t that far from the truth; these animals are really mischievous so don’t be surprised if they try to steal any accessories you’re wearing! After playing with the raccoons in the mezzanine, head down to the cafe’s dining area.
The minimalist dining area, decked out in bright blue and bubblegum pink furniture, is a draw on its own. Keep to the colour scheme by getting a Pooltime Blue Burger (THB329/~S$13.40 for pork, THB359/~S$14.62 for beef) that comes with striking blue burger buns, and sip on their Pooltime Milkshake (THB150/~S$6.11).
Address: 582 Soi Sukhumvit 53 (between Soi Ekkamai 26-28), Tai Ping Tower, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 90 652 4109
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10:30am to 7pm
Website
2. SHUGAA
Cafés such as SHUGAA give me hope that sweets could one day be a main food group. The café’s pastel walls and geometric decor pieces give the place a cutesy, youthful vibe.
Desserts here deserve a few moments of admiration before digging in. Shugaa (THB255/~S$10.38) is also the name of the café’s signature item, which features a green tea cake filled with chestnut cream and a scoop of green tea ice-cream on the side. No need to crack your head over what to order; try a few items and hit THB500/~S$20.35 to be eligible to pay via Visa. If you have 1.5 hours to spare, you can even craft your own fondant cake at the cafe’s DIY corner at THB800/~S$32.56.
Address: 61 Soi Sukhumvit, Klongtan-nua, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am to 8pm
Tel: +66 2 381 5940
Website
3. Organika
It’s hard to believe a place like Organika exists on the top floor of one of the many high-rises in Bangkok’s commercial district. The abundance of white surfaces and floor-to-ceiling windows make the café an Instagrammer’s dream, though the food is on the pricier side.
Get Smoked Salmon Crepe (THB295++/~S$11.98++) for a light brunch option or treat yourself to Whole Apple Crumble (THB350++/~S$14.27++). You can even get a massage at their full-service spa afterwards to sleep your food coma away.
Address: 49 Soi Sukhumvit, #06-00, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 9pm
Tel: +66 2 665 1898
Website
4. THINK Cafe
THINK Café’s desserts are reasons why I believe in love at first sight. This Teddy Cake (THB175/~S$7.12), a tiramisu cake served with a scoop of ice-cream, is just one of their many adorable cakes worth squealing over.
THINK Cafe also serves decadent crepes and a variety of Shibuya toasts including Almond Honey Toast (THB175/~S$7.12). While you’re there, grab one of their giant teddies for a cuddle and photo-op.
Address: 94 Soi Ratchaphruek, Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170, Thailand
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Tel: +66 86 555 8789
Website
5. Puritan Cafe
If the vintage look is more appealing to you, a visit to Puritan Café is in order. This dessert café contains a trove of statues, paintings, wall hangings and other knickknacks. Spend your afternoon sipping tea and indulging in cake.
We’ve got our eyes on Very Blueberry Cheese Tart (THB230/~S$9.36) and Macadamia White Chocolate Cheesecake (THB190/~S$7.76).
Address: 46/1 Soi Aree 5 Phya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 1pm to 10pm, Sat-Sun 11am to 10pm
Tel: +66 2 357 1099
Website
6. Toby’sÂ
With its high ceilings, wooden furnishings, and a sun-drenched interior, stepping into Toby’s on Sukhumvit 38 feels like you’re entering an Aussie cafe. Start your morning with a Flat White (THB100/~S$4) or a glass of fresh, house-made Cold Pressed Juice (THB180/~S$7.31).
They offer savoury mains, but it is their breakfast food that steals the spotlight. Crispy French Toast (THB280/~S$11.37) is a must-order. This crunchy yet cake-like slab is a pillowy brioche encrusted with cornflakes that can feed two people, at least in theory – a bite might convince you to keep everything for yourself.
Address: 75 Sukhumvit 38, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9am to 10:30pm
Tel: +66 2 712 1774
Website
7. Bitterman Restaurant
Bitterman Restaurant is set in a two-storey glasshouse with lush greenery in and around the restaurant, making it feel like a hideaway from the busy city streets just up ahead.
Get your crew down and order a few plates to share. XXXX (THB360++/~S$14.62++) is one for the table. Despite its strange name, this smoked duck leg drizzled with mulberry sauce is sure to satisfy. Alternatively, Classic Carbonara (THB240++/S$9.75++) is a classic crowd-pleaser.
Address: Silom Soi 1 (Sala Daeng), Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 11pm
Tel: +66 2 636 3256
Website
Menu
8. Soufflé and Me
SourceSoufflés are notoriously difficult to execute and make only rare appearances on dessert menus in Singapore, so get your fill from Soufflé and Me’s selection of savoury, sweet, and interesting soufflés. You can be sure your taste buds will be in for a treat ‘cause the cafe is owned and operated by a former resident chef from the TV series Iron Chef.
Their signature Lobster Soufflé (THB980/~S$39.92), served with a split Atlantic lobster, is a sight to behold. You’ll find bits of lobster in the soufflé, and the former’s bouncy meat provides a nice contrast to the airy texture of the dessert. Lava cake-esque Nutella Soufflé (THB260/~S$10.59) is a safe bet, and alcohol lovers may like their Orange Grand Marnier Soufflé (THB260/~S$10.59). The cafe also serves Western mains and breakfast fare.
Find out where to get unique soufflés in Singapore!
Address: 417 Soi Narathiwas 24, Chong Nonsi, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: +66 90 978 0442
Website
9. COFFEESTAND & DESIGN
Café-hop and shop at Coffeestand & Design, which is a coffee shop and boutique that sells knickknacks and fashion items from indie designers, including Freitag bags.
It is a coffee shop in the literal sense of the phrase, so stop by for a cup and grab some sweet treats if you’re feeling peckish. We’d pick up an Americano (THB80/~S$3.26) and a couple of Caneles (THB50/~S$2.03 for two).
Address: 94 Soi Ratchaphruek, Khet Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170, Thailand
Opening hours: Thur-Tue 10am to 8pm
Website
10. Bangkok Trading Post Bistro and Deli
Sleeping in on a holiday doesn’t have to mean missing out on breakfast – just head to Bangkok Trading Post Bistro and Deli for their all-day breakfast fare.
Go back to basics with Farmer’s Omelette (THB290/~S$11.78), which includes sausage, fried potatoes, goat’s cheese, and tomatoes. Sweet Potato Cake (THB110/~S$4.47) is a pretty purple dessert to end your meal with, and it gets plus points for not being overly sweet.
Address: 59/1 Soi Sukhumvit 39 (Prompong), Klogngton-Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Opening hours: Daily 7am to 11pm
Tel: +66 2 079 7133-4
Website
Eat, drink, play and repeat with UOB YOLO
A trip overseas usually means a hole in your wallet, so help yourself out by using UOB YOLO when you hit these cafés. The card offers an 8% rebate* on overseas dining and entertainment spend on weekends so you can make the most of your BKK budget.
The 8% rebate* applies to dining and entertainment spend on weekends in Singapore as well, and you can also get a variety of dining deals, including 1-for-1 meals, all around Singapore with the card!
Best of all, put any weekday dining or entertainment spend on UOB YOLO to get a free weekend Grab ride* in Singapore, so you can cab to the airport for your weekend getaways!
For those who don’t have UOB YOLO, sign up online from now till 30 September 2017 to get up to $80 cash credit*!
Click here to find out more about the UOB YOLO card
This post is brought to you by UOB YOLO. You can follow their food adventures on Instagram at @iwannayolo.
*Terms and conditions apply, visit uob.com.sg/YOLO for more details.
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