Foodography: A Singapore Food Blog

1. Rocket Coffeebar S49

People who know me would also know that Rocket S49 is my kind of café, my kind of haven. Rocket Coffeebar has several locations in Bangkok and most would agree that S49 is the most gorgeous. The two-storied café is spacious with loads of natural light flowing in, and definitely suitable for large groups to chill. From the honeycomb tiles to the all-white marble counter, there is no reason why you wouldn’t fall in love with the interiors. Don’t forget to head upstairs for an aesthetic view of the café.

As a Nordic inspired café, the food here is largely Nordic inspired as well, which explains the shape of the Berry-Berry Waffle (THB180, SGD7) I had. This Scandinavian style waffle is thinner and topped with berry compote and cream. Interestingly, the waffle was on the savoury side and made a unique combo with the sweet berries. Other brunch items to expect are egg dishes, Nordic inspired open faced sandwiches, healthy salads and pastas.

Note: Rocket is about 15 minutes walk away from the nearest BTS stations. Alternatively you can take an Uber/Grab, tuktuk, normal taxi or motorcycle taxi.

46, 21/13 Klang Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110

BTS Station: Phrom Phong/Thong Lo

Opens Sun to Thu 7am – 9pm, Fri to Sat 7am – 11pm

2. Slow Café by Room111

This café lives up to its name indeed. Somehow, the atmosphere here was very relaxed, very slow, quite in contrast to the vehicle-jammed main roads a couple of alleys away. Perhaps it was due to the white sofas propped against bare concrete walls, or the moody lighting. Whichever it was, this place seemed like a refuge.

Food choices may be limited to several pastries on display, but the drinks menu is quite extensive. You can expect hot drip coffee of different blends to choose from, tea and chocolate based drinks and a range of cold brew coffees. I had their signature Eight Latte (THB70, SGD2.7) and it turned out to be one of the better iced lattes I’ve had. Right amount of milkiness and creaminess, very smooth, no bitter aftertaste. And yes, it is just about $2.70 in our currency. This made me think a lot about the many cups of 5-6 bucks mediocre (and sometimes nasty) from other cafes. Shudders.

Note: Good One Hostel Café is also a stone throw away if you feel like café hopping. The space there is smaller and more cramped though.

399 Soi Silom 5, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok

BTS Station: Chong Nonsi

Opens Tue to Fri 8am – 5pm, Sat to Sun 10.30am – 7pm

3. Hands and Heart

If you’re a true minimalist, Hands and Heart would be the essential coffee stop for you. Though the café turned out to be very much smaller than imagined from photos online, the Teshima Art Museum-inspired décor more than made up for it. I was impressed by how the café was relatively quiet despite there being a full-house. Turns out that it is possible to do work or read a book on a Sunday in a Bangkok café.

 

Just like Slow Café, the food menu here offers only light snacks. The coffee menu is kept simple with an emphasis on their hand brewed coffees. My friend had the Dirty Heart (THB120, SGD4.65) which comprised a shot of espresso poured over pudding. She called it interesting. Hmm. For myself, I ordered the Clean Hand (THB120, SGD4.65), a cold, smooth latte with salted caramel “dripping” all over the cup. You’re likely to get your fingers a little sticky but it’s worth the delight, I promise.

Note: More suitable for small groups. And be sure to keep your voices low!

33 Sukhumvit 38 Alley, Bangkok 10110

BTS Station: Thong Lo

Opens 7am – 9pm daily

4. Demi Concept

Meanwhile, the matcha soft serve trend is taking over Bangkok by storm. The most photogenic of them all is probably the Charcoal and Green Tea Soft Serve with Chocolate Cone (THB95, SGD3.4) from Demi Concept. Unlike the other eateries serving green tea soft serve, Demi Concept is a food truck with a permanent spot (as of now) outside The Platinum Fashion Mall. To be frank, the uji matcha flavour could be more distinct and the vanilla charcoal was just alright. But having it under the sweltering sun and humidity was a joy in itself. Even more so after rounds of shopping in the mall.

Note: Melts almost instantaneously, so whip out your cameras first!

Outside The Platinum Fashion Mall (222 Phetchaburi Road)

BTS Station: Chit Lom

Opens Thu to Mon 1pm – 9pm

5. Casa Lapin x26

Occupying the same compound as a flower shop, hostel and co-working space is Casa Lapin x26, the fourth branch of Casa Lapin. Since the flower shop takes up the front of the café, the entrance of flowers and wooden benches creates a lovely and inviting garden theme. The café itself is dim with yellow lighting and gives off a feeling of a cosy nook. It is also good for large groups, what with its long sofa seats.

We shared a Spicy Carbonara Spaghetti (THB240, SGD9.3) which came with an egg, bacon, garlic, dry chilli and parmesan cheese. The base is not as creamy as other carbonaras which made it not as heavy, and the dry chilli gave a good, spicy kick that did not overpower the carbonara. It felt like a good cross between an aglio olio and carbonara. Incredibly affordable for a pretty good pasta.

Note: You might want to take a mini tour of the hostel lobby and co-working space. Instagrammable spots lay ahead!

Sukhumvit Soi 26, Bangkok 10110

BTS Station: Phrom Phong

Opens Mon to Thu 7.30am – 10pm, Fri to Sun 7.30am – 12am

       Additional: Bake Cheese Tart

This one’s dedicated to the Singaporeans who don’t believe in queuing 2 hours or so for Cheese Tarts (THB80, SGD3.1 for 1 piece, THB450, SGD17.4 for box of 6). At the Bangkok branches, waiting times don’t last more than several minutes and sometimes there may be no queue at all.

Note: The texture of the tarts changes after refrigeration. Advice is to try one on the spot while the core is still creamy and molten. The tarts taste more like cheese cakes after keeping them in the fridge.

7^th Floor of Central World (999/9 Rama I Road)

BTS Station: Chit Lom

1^st Floor of EmQuartier (637 Sukhumvit Road)

BTS Station: Phrom Phong

Opens 10am – 10pm daily