Bangkok is home to a cavalcade of cafes, but there aren't many that stand out in terms of concept. From a hangout for skateboarders to a witch's coven, we've searched every nook and cranny of the capital city for nine cafes that should pique your curiosity.
A(ww)dorable eats
Miki Zakka Cafe is the brainchild of three Srianonantakij siblings -- Sarinphathu "Miki", Suppasin and Sumethang -- who share a common love for Japan. With wood featured in many ways -- the floor, the furniture, the cutlery -- the cafe may make customers feel as if they are in a tree house. Waitresses in French maid costumes take your order. One corner is dedicated to the sale of accessories and stationery.
The highlights: Hot or cold beverages with a cute, milk foam animal on top (from B70). The Egg waffle set (from B100) comes with one ice cream, one sauce and adorable add-ons. Chocolate mousse cake (B85) is made to look like a squirrel holding an almond. Miki, who graduated from Silpakorn University International College with a degree in hospitality management, is responsible for creating the adorable edibles. Drop by if you want a coffee with a family of miniature bears floating on top.
- 9am-8pm. My Ville Bang Yai, 36/3 Moo 7 (near Laddarom Housing Estate), Kanchanaphisek Road, Bangyai, 081-822-5050, http://fb.com/mikizakkacafe.
Little Red Riding Hood Live
If you visit Miki Zakka Cafe, we recommend you also check out Min Cafe, where Little Red Riding Hood comes to life, located just across the street. The cafe is another project by Miki, with decor inspired by the granny's house from the classic fairy tale.
The highlights: Try the White chocolate mousse cake (B85) in the shape of the Big Bad Wolf with a bulging white belly. Little Red Riding Hood herself takes the forms of Choux cremes (B50), Cookies (B35) and Strawberry shortcake (B75). Tea and coffee topped with milk foam animals are also available. These adorable items are served by waitresses in red French maid costumes. A hunter's house is coming soon.
- 9am-7pm. Soi Kantana, Bang Yai, 088-554-4598, http://fb.com/Mincafecoffeeshop, IG: @mincafecoffeeshop.
Creator cafe
Originating in Japan, FabCafe Bangkok aims to encourage Thais to design and create cool stuff through technology, providing a relaxed atmosphere in which to do so. The unique venue, which was converted from a two-storey house, contains an airy cafe where you can work in peace and quiet, a space for design and technology events, and a "FabLab”, where digital designs can become tangible objects with the help of various machines.
The highlights: A product designer can bring in a digital file and have it made into a tangible prototype. Two 2D cutters can cut or engrave on various materials (B30 per minute per cut; B60 per min for engraving, materials excluded), while a 3D printer (B1,000 for first hour; B500 per hour afterwards; materials included) can create a prototype from scratch with filaments such as plastic, nylon or resin. Requests -- a personalised roll of tape with your face printed on it, for example, or macaroons with a design engraved on them -- can also be arranged. Don't be afraid to drop by, even if you have no background in design, as FabCafe organises fun workshops for everyone. Past workshops include making 3D-printed toys and creating a chocolate mould for Valentine's Day. Keep updated on events on FabCafe's Facebook page.
- Tue-Sun 10am-8pm. 77/1 Ari Soi 1, 02-619-9970, 083-619-9983, http://fb.com/fabcafebangkok.
In pursuit of healthiness
Under the umbrella of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation's Sook ("happiness” in Thai) brand, is the Sook Shop. The foundation is well-known for its memorable ad campaigns, but the shop allows people to take an active role in their diets, offering healthy snacks at affordable prices. The cosy and modern cafe is brightly lit with natural light and has a small bar outside, where bicyclists can park and order smoothies.
The highlights: All items on the menu are listed with a calorie count. The Waffle set (B35) with one sauce and whipped cream or banana slices is very affordable. There are eight not-so-sweet Smoothies available (B45). Other healthy items include a Daily salad (B40), Juices (B25) and Whole wheat sandwiches (B45-B55). Catch the free shuttle service from the shop to get to the foundation's Thai Health Center to join free Saturday activities such as zumba dance, yoga or singing class. Call 081-731-8270 (Mon-Sat 9am-5pm) for more info on upcoming activities.
- 7am-8pm. Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Soi 17, BRT Technic Krungthep, IG: @sooknara17, Line: Thaihealth_Center.
Cute Coven
Kaethy The Witch may cast a spell on you with its unique ambience and concept. Owner Kittiya Bumrungsuan has decked the place out so whimsically that customers may feel as though they've entered a witch's coven. With a diploma in patisserie from Le Cordon Bleu Dusit, she also created the recipes for baked goodies, which are presented playfully. Put on a witch's hat and hold a broom for a "#witchselfie” picture.
The highlights: Looks can be playfully deceiving when it comes to Kaethy's lovely herb (B150). It's essentially a rich chocolate cake with chocolate cream, served in a small plant pot. Macadamia nuts are hidden inside, and you literally dig in with a tiny rake and a shovel. The Cemetery brownie (B90) comes with a cross on top, resembling a burial plot. An afternoon tea set comes with one sandwich and three other items such as a madeleine or panna cotta. Try the Witch Spell set (B220) for a blend of black and green tea enhanced with a rose scent. Bewitching brews of Arabica coffees and selected teas are also available.
- 9am-8pm. Nak Niwas Soi 41 (Lat Phrao 71), 081-916-8447, http://fb.com/kaethythewitch.
Lapin love
Although the first rabbit cafe in Bangkok has relocated to Chiang Mai, Bunny Sweet Home can fill the void. Nochsapol "Sato” Suwattikol created the cafe to educate people on how to properly keep rabbits as pets, with insight from real vets. At this modest cafe, visitors can play with bunnies, enjoy a light meal, have their pet rabbit(s) groomed -- and even leave the creatures in the cafe's care before going out of town. Be warned -- the cafe is 2.5km from the mouth of the street, so be ready to drive or take a taxi.
The highlights: Purchase rabbit food (B50) for a chance to play with the rabbits. Sato will give you the basics on how to interact with and handle the rabbit of your choice. There are about 16 in-house bunnies. Check in your own rabbit for B350 per night, inclusive of a clean cage, air-con, a daily one-hour run and all the hay your rabbit can eat. Human treats include Waffles with ice cream or jam (B50), Coffees (B55-B65) and Italian sodas (B45-B65). A handful of savoury dishes are also available.
- Tue-Sun 10:30am-8pm. 250/36 Ramkamhaeng Soi 112 (Sammakorn Village Soi 42), 085-164-4593, http://fb.com/bunnysweethome, IG: @bunny.sweet.home.
Skateboarding under the influence
Perhaps one of the last things to come to mind when you think of a cafe is a skateboard ramp. Vorapong "Vor” Voraputhirummas has merged his two passions -- skateboarding and food -- into Skate Cafe & Bar Bangkok. With a national title and nine years of experience working in restaurants in Australia, Vor co-created the venue as a base for the skateboarding community's growth -- and a hangout for skaters and non-skaters alike.
The highlights: Newbies can customise a skateboard with free advice from Vor. Available parts are both locally made and imported from the US and Japan. He'll brief you on the basics of boarding before you make your first run on the skateboarding ramp adjacent to the restaurant, free of charge. Catch live music and enjoy Thai or Western food underneath the glow-in-the-dark stars in the indoor dining area. Watch live broadcasts of sporting events and shoot pool in the outdoor area. Seating at the cafe is inspired by skateboards.
- 5pm-1am. 89/70 Coco Walk Plaza, Phaya Thai Road, 086-677-4635, http://fb.com/skatecafebangkok, BTS Ratchathewi.
Hero Headquarters
Tucked away deep in a quiet soi, The Hero Cafe lets customers hang out with superheroes as they enjoy F&B. The cafe, with an industrial feel, is like a mini museum, filled with superhero collectibles and dolls that should come in handy as props for photos.
The highlights: There are several life-size superhero sculptures outside, ripe for photo ops. Batman is stuck in a wall for some reason (go ahead, spank his behind). Thai dishes with twists include Tom yum goong fried rice (B169) or Kaprao pork spare ribs (B149). A new menu is rolled out each month. A new section is currently under construction, and will be dedicated to the Transformers.
- 10:30am-9pm. Phahon Yothin Soi 48 Yaek 2, 083-061-7480, http://fb.com/theherocafe, IG: @thehero_cafe.
Treats & Toys
Visit MOODY for ice cream with cute presentation, as well as artistic toys. Mafia Factory, which produces the Thai toy brand CE, shares the space to sell designer toys from foreign and Thai artists. Activities such as toy exhibitions and markets are planned from the middle of Jun.
The highlights: Various CE figures, many of which are designed by Thai celebs or created for special events, are sold here. Download the Cexar app and point your smartphone at the figures to see them come alive. Ice cream sets are served as cute Nabe (B189; seven scoops, one cookie and three toppings), Soba (B145; four scoops and two waffles) and Takoyaki (B99; six scoops).
- 11am-10pm. 255 Room, No. 104, Asoke Road, 081-617-1218, http://fb.com/moodyicecream, IG: @moodyicecreamcafe.
