Bangkok’s top 7 international coffee brands
Hold that eye-roll! Before you roll your eyes, anticipating recommendations for mainstream giants like Starbucks, The Coffee Club, Costa Coffee, or TOM N TOMS COFFEE—take a deep, relaxing breath. We're certainly not!
Instead, we're here to treat you to a delightful cuppa from some of the world's most globally beloved brands, renowned for brewing specialty coffee drinks with high-quality beans and elevated techniques. Join us now as we discover which international coffee purveyors have landed in the Thai capital, and perhaps you'll want to pop by to experience firsthand why caffeine-loving crowds worldwide adore them.
Undoubtedly the most famous global brand on our list, %Arabica first made its mark in Bangkok with intense marketing strategies that successfully drew caffeine aficionados to queue for hours outside its debut branch in ICONSIAM. With a remarkable 13 locations now established across Thailand, this Kyoto-originated brand (led by its Japanese founder) remains a powerhouse. Its reputation for premium coffee, distinguished by its single-origin beans, is matched only by its iconic merchandise and minimalist brand design, which garner unwavering devotion from its fanbase.
Japan’s latest coffee export to Thailand, UCC Coffee Roastery, has recently unveiled its flagship store at Gateway Ekkamai, promising an authentic Japanese coffee experience. Stepping into this first Bangkok outpost, you will discover a state-of-the-art Loring roaster, an inviting syphon corner, a dedicated slow bar, and an impressive array of espresso machines.
For anyone with a sweet tooth, a hot cup of coffee from The Coffee Academics is an absolute delight. Originating in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, this renowned brand has expanded its footprint across Asia, with three inviting outposts now serving Bangkok at Velaa Sindhorn Village Langsuan, Gaysorn Village, and centralwOrld.
What truly elevates the dark coffee flavors here is The Coffee Academics’ thoughtful incorporation of four distinct sweeteners: agave, Okinawan red sugar, Indonesian palm sugar Jawa, and Manuka honey. These luscious agents impart a truly unique taste to every cup, an experience you should definitely try for yourself.
Up-and-coming brand from Japan Hario Café debuted in Bangkok on Soi Chok Chai 4, quickly becoming a haven for slow bar connoisseurs seeking unhurried sipping sessions. Consider yourself lucky if you’re looking to enhance your home’s coffee setup, as the café offers an extensive range of equipment, including dripping sets, cups, mugs, filters, and more.
Hario Café has since expanded, now featuring a flagship store at Thaniya Shopping Center and another branch on Soi Sukhumvit 33."
From its beginnings as an online platform in Kyoto, Kurasu has steadily built its name, celebrated now for its premium coffee beans and distinctive specialty drinks. Although its initial Bangkok outpost in Bambini Village has ceased operations, the brand maintains a strong presence, offering hot and cold brews for grab-and-go convenience in Thonglor.
Kyoto’s esteemed barista and owner of Onibus Coffee, Atsushi Sakao has partnered with Thai friend Thirakun Ratiratananont to open their first Bangkok joint in the Old Town area around Pratu Phi. This location promises delicate, high-quality coffee brewed from beans imported directly from Yakumo, Japan. Their latest venture at One Bangkok further expands this partnership, collaborating with The Decorum General Store to offer both coffee and curated fashion and menswear items.
