Sadly, this coffee shop is now closed. Please visit this post instead.
I love a good coffee shop, and I'm not talking Starbucks here, or Costa Coffee for that matter, I mean a real coffee shop with a vibe, a theme, an atmosphere that makes you want to sit there and mindfully ponder your existence for a few hours. Of course, the menu matters too.
A selection of tea is also important (leaves please) in addition to coffee, and a food menu with a fine selection of homemade snacks is a bonus. So have I found the best coffee shop in Bangkok? I think I might have, and it's located a stone's throw away from my new apartment.
It's strange, this coffee shop would be better suited in Thong Lor, where it would no doubt make a killing, but instead it's buried here in my narrow street longing to be discovered by more people; one reason I felt compelled to mention it here on TTL.
The name is Asian Coffee, at least that's what it says in the window, I was too excited about having a real Vietnamese coffee for the first time in ages to notice. The owner clearly has a penchant for South East Asian travel and collecting memories, as the postcards, match boxes, magazines and Coke cans from years gone by and countries afar suggest – I know, Coke Cans, but strangely this complements the atmosphere with an interesting nostalgia.
You can dine on proper chairs or relax with tea or coffee on the small Thai style seats. Internet is free and the staff regulalry disappear, making it a homely place where you don't feel rushed to get the bill. The food menu is extensive, ranging from snacks to proper meals, and like the tea and coffee menu covers Cambodian, Vietnamese, Thai and Laotian delights.
How To Get There
If you fancy checking it out then here's how to get there. Get off at Huay Kwang MRT station (4 stops from Asoke) and take the exit so you come out next to Life Condo – not sure what exit that is, but if you are coming from Asoke you get off the train, turn left, go up the escalator and go to the exit on your right next to the counter.
Come out the exit and turn right walking straight towards the family BBQ as if going towards Lad Prao. When the family BBQ appears on your right hand side walk just past it until you come to a separating street between that BBQ and the adjacent Steak BBQ.
Turn right down that street. Walk to the end and turn left (don't walk into the car park). Walk straight and take your first right. Walk straight until you come to the coffee shop on your left hand side, just before Summer apartment complex. The shop is also accessible from Ratchada Soi 14, but is actually on Soi 14/soi 5 (or so the staff told me).
It really is a gem so check it out if you're in the area.
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