= open before 8am
The breakfast issue is a big deal to us at BK. You love it. We love it. And we do it every year. This year, we’re happy to introduce a host of new picks from hidden and cheap morning snacks from Myanmar to American-themed diners doing PB&J milkshakes. We’ve also got quite a few spaces that are open before 8am for you early risers. So, let’s wake up.
Ari / Chatuchak
Hidden inside Ari Story hostel, Progress Cafe is the cafe-by-day-and-bar-by-night to know. Those who enjoy fruity coffee can try the Black Yuzu (B120) which is a cold brew with house made yuzu syrup and lime. And get yourself a square of their gooey chocolate brownie (B50) to add some sweetness to your morning. But if you’re more of a smoothie person, their new tropical blend (B135) will give you some pina colada flavor sans alcohol.
From a successful online biz to a full fledged storefront, Lucky’s Hungry AFR takes the simple concept of American fried rice and elevates it to the next level. The Chicken Supreme AFR (B319) tops your fried rice with french style chicken confit, bits of smoked ham, bacon, Italian cheese sausage, and fried egg. Take the American theme to another level with some PB&J milkshake that will certainly boost your blood sugar levels. Adding a bit of greens, we tried out the watermelon cheese salad (B195) which tosses some rocket with some feta and dried fish.
Taking the dimsum experience to new heights, Kopi Hub Prime Ari doesn’t limit your porridge and xiaomi to regular ingredients; they add to the experience with fancy produce like ikura and truffles. Their patongko (B50) is deep fried and grilled to get that extra crunchiness and fluffy interior. The joint is also famous for their Bak Kuh Teh (B249) and fried tarot which comes in four flavors: seafood curry, red pork, pork curry and truffles.
What started as a family recipe has been passed down for generations. Sanan Bakery specializes in the kind of homey baked pastries that you’d grab and go before school or work. Their signature is the cone cream (B45) is a pie filled with delightful custard cream. But this year’s best seller has got to go to the shio pan ham cheese tucked in a salted butter roll and four kinds of cheese. Since it's in high demand, we recommend booking at least 2-3 hours in advance.
This vibrant red restaurant, led by the owners of the Common Room x Ari, is reserved for the real egg master who wants to create every imaginable variant of egg-based dishes in Ari. Try the runny eggs sandwich (B195) or the scrambled eggs (B170) served with smoked salmon bread. The coffee at this location is of a very high standard; basic beverages cost B90, while specialty drinks like espresso with milk cream cost B120.
Landhaus translates to “tiny house in the country.” And that’s just how entering this little German bakery makes you feel. This hidden gem delivers its own European flavor and ambiance. They provide a variety of sandwiches and a nice selection of bread, including sourdough, baguettes, and pastries. Additionally, there is an extremely reasonably priced currywurst with french fries (B220).
Siam
Walk inside the Kasemsarn Soi 2, and at the Jim Thompson Art Center you’ll find Libi Home. As the name implies, the venue was for a homey interior design featuring wooden stairs and a varied menu with signature coffees. The must-try dish is the Libi Khao Soi (B215) serving Northern Thai curry noodles with grilled chicken, but if you think that might be a bit too hard for breakfast, try the Libi pork noodle soup (B165) to warm you up—or just pop in for an espresso or coconut juice.
The art-inspired diner is a great way to start the day—bright and cool with high-end food. The options for food and beverages are extensive, but these are our picks, the sweet and salty stax (B320) with crispy bacon, maple syrup, crispy bacon, and sunny-side-up pancakes, or the lobster rolls with lobster (B990), tiger prawns, mayonnaise, celery, lettuce, and a handmade shokupan roll for a more substantial lunch option.
Featuring their famous premium fluffy egg sandwiches from Korea, Eggdrop Bangkok’s store has shiny chrome accents and a red-and-white color scheme reminiscent of an American diner. The store takes orders via kiosks, and we suggest the Mr Egg (B89), which is crunchy brioche, fluffy scrambled egg, and sriracha mayo. For something more filling, try the garlic bacon cheese (B129); the smell of the toasted garlic brioche alone will have you drooling.
This modest shop serving up cheap food for nearly a quarter of a century got a boost from politicians last year, notably After Move Forward Party's Pita Limjaroenrat. Well, a lot has changed since then, but here the yentafo (Thai pink noodle soup), dry rice porridge, and braised pork kaprao are crowd-pleasers. Hia Buay also prepares dry meals for takeout, which are wrapped in traditional banana leaves to enhance the dish's natural scent. Best of all, the restaurant is noted for its enormous portions and reasonable prices (B60-120).
At the GalileOasis art space, Cilantro is a chic restaurant for enjoying theater and art in the same area. The whole venue is a renovated building, turning into an oasis for people to connect. Here at Cilantro you can enjoy the turkey and emmental sandwich, serving a turkey breast with emmental cheese, and dijonaise sauce on toast (B110). Taste a little spice with the Sriracha chicken, a chicken smothered in sriracha-mayo sauce with cheddar cheese in panini bread (B115), and conclude with the Spanish latte for B90.
Not to be confused with the Stock.Room, this cafe has a touch of minimalism and is found deep inside Ratchathewi. Offering a breakfast and brunch menu as well as tasty desserts, the venue has a modern design and a good vibe for work and chat. The truffle cream toast (B250) is served with sourdough toast with truffle cream, parmesan, rocket Sauteed champignon and shitake, and tomato; the signature almond tart (B180) comes with mascarpone whipped cream.
Toby’s serves up breakfast on Sukhumvit Soi 38, and in Saladaeng, but Ploenchit is in real need of some brekkie. The interiors are a little more corporate than the other locations, but they still have all the Toby’s grub you love. Start with the Egg Mikado serving two poached eggs on sourdough, house-cured salmon with orange hollandaise sauce (B320), or the breakfast bruschetta, a poached egg with tomato and avocado salsa, served with sourdough, bacon, feta, and soft herb salad (B295).
You can walk right in after getting down from the BTS Asoke. The venue is a Thai vintage house, and with its coziness and wooden decorating, Sokozy is a good place to start a day. Begin with the Asok Acai, a bowl served with signature acai, granola, banana, and mixed berries (B250) or the pacific bowl (spirulina blend, granola, dragon fruit, mango, and goji) and freshen up with coffee. Alternatively, you can order fresh baked butter croissants to eat with protein smoothies.
Opening two years ago, Tempered is Bangkok’s cacao obsessed cafe, all the chocolate dreams of a passionate couple. The space on Soi Ruamrudee 2 is a renovated five-storey office featuring creative baked goods. Opt for the new cheesy bacon roll on their new menu or just stop by for your morning joe. Their Chocolate Dirty (B225), you guessed it, is their famous hot chocolate topped with a strong espresso.
Here, the king of the breakfast/brunch hours (from 9am-3pm) is, as ever, the eggs benny (B430)—a dish that separates players from the professionals. Pablo’s eggs Benedict is poached to perfection; the creamy yolk sits on a bed of generously seasoned cured salmon gravlax and a slice of the famous Conkey's Bakery toast. The paprika dusting creates flavors reminiscent of devilled eggs and the special citrus hollandaise gives it a unique kaffir lime aroma. This space has a huge menu for breakfast lovers.
Open since 2011, Iwane Goes Nature is still knocking out healthy breakfasts in Asoke. You can opt for the simple American breakfast (B165) of scrambled eggs with ham salad and toast or the Farmer Set, which features home fried potatoes with bacon and eggs (B135). It’s also a rare chance to get a little Korean breakfast (B165), here offering spicy Korean noodles with rice balls.
For fans of Bangkok cafes, Sarnies needs no introduction. Their Sukhumvit spot is still relatively new and they’re drawing early crowds who want that special Sarnies brew and a sit-down bite. You can expect a slate of the usual comfort breakfast options like miso kombu eggs Benedict served with aburi smoked salmon, sautéed leeks and shichimi togarashi (B400); or the sourdough pancakes served with apple miso caramel and house-made granola (B350).
Luka is another Bangkok favorite, but their new spot on Soi 31 is a great breakfast at the end of a crowded soi. Don’t miss the mushroom marinara and creamy pesto mushroom muffins. For something a little heartier, you can try the creamy crab, spinach, and egg bake, great for dipping fresh, charcoal-grilled sourdough bread. But, for the big breakfast fan, get the Fat Bastard, a classic collection of eggs, bacon, sausage, and more.
Fest has had a shakeup of their menu in the last year, making it a good try for anyone not wanting to face that end of Soi 31 traffic. Found on the ground floor of the Public House hotel, they’re mixing it up by putting some western faves on the menu with some ingredients that pop—think bacon pancakes (B320) with grilled caramelised rum banana, folded breakfast pizza sandwich (B320). They also have some fun veggie options like their No-avacado toast featuring house-made green veggie dip with feta cloud and two poached eggs as well as the Tofu Scramble (B250) with spinach, mushrooms, no-avo guacamole, and harissa.
So many restaurants come and go, and Chu never dies. The eggs benedict with Sloan’s back bacon (B300) and the smashed avocado toast (B320) are favorites here. Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy their Belgian waffles (B240) topped with banana, chocolate chips, salted caramel whipped cream, and dark chocolate gelato.
Chef Radek Zarbiski joined forces with chef Adrian Klonowski, formerly of Gaa, to open Larder, serving all-day sandwiches and coffee in an industrial atmosphere right in the heart of Phrom Phong. Last year they launched a breakfast menu, dubbed Brekkie 2.0—with the likes of guacamole topped with gooey poached egg and crispy rye crackers (B260)—and since then they’ve had quite a big year, with a recent anniversary and a breakfast collab with Appia.
It was a big win for the Sukhumvit when this spot came to Phrom Phong last year. It’s hard to find a better bagel joint in Bangkok, and now they’ve got a spot in Phrom Phong. Choose from a number of different kinds of bagels and schmear for B50. However, the Breakfast Epic with Bacon (B215) which also comes with gruyere, gouda, or cheddar cheese is our favorite breakfast item—that bacon is just insanely good. You can also add some plain bagels and schmear of your choice. If you want something a little higher end, try the Lock, Stock, and Bagel (B250), which has house-cured salmon.
Bangkok’s favorite Mexican food brothers, Itzco and Tlahui Calva, who have been dishing out the goodies at Missing Burro in Thonglor for years, have opened a new spot on the Southside of Thonglor, Dos Burros. This new space adds a little something special to their offerings on the other side of Thonglor—notably, breakfast, as they’re open at 8am. The breakfast menu includes the classic huevos rancheros with two sunny side up eggs and a tatemada sauce, as well as the huevos a la malagena featuring two poached eggs, shrimp, green peas, and corn tortillas.
From the minds behind the unstoppably brilliant L’Olivia comes Caffe Olives, found at the same space. The all-day brunch fare here is good for an early breakfast too, with the likes of maple bacon sausage and eggs (B320) featuring greens, potatoes, and toasted focaccia or their Italian egg shakshuka (B320). If you’re there on the weekend, opt for the focaccia eggs Benedict (B350) with poached eggs, ham, and Hollandaise sauce. Coffees start at B390, and you can grab yourself a little brioche filled gelato for that morning sweet tooth (B220)
The word “quaint” comes to mind when thinking of this place. The food is your classic breakfast fare with a selection of dishes including croissants and very hearty full breakfasts. But it’s likely the cute design, outdoor seating, and family friendly area that will catch your attention—a bit like an English garden made for Ekkamai.
A new station from the Rolling Roasters crew (who are really into coffee) in the heart of downtown, this space gives the coffee bean lovers a space that looks more akin to a futuristic coffee lab than a cafe. And even though this is definitely a spot for the coffee nerds awake early, it’s also serving up some fun food items like their Big Brekkie (B300) and french toast (B250) with strawberries, blueberries, and bananas.
The beloved Gigi Dining Hall has opened another Italian restaurant and cafe, this time in Ekkamai. This new venture, which you may have seen already from the BTS, will have both fan favorites and new classics in store. For something sweet and classic, try the Dolce Pancakes (B250) with caramelized banana, honey, vanilla ice cream, and mascarpone or maybe the Nutella Croissant (B170). For something more savory there’s the Gigi Breakfast (B420) with in-house smoked salmon, eggs, Italian ham, avocado mash, and chickpea salad.
This one's for you vegans out there. Kynd Kulture is found on the quiet Ekkamai Soi six and is beloved of health nuts and Instagrammers alike. They have some sweet favorites like a Hokkaido banana toast, but for a big and very vegan breakfast, you can reach a little further for something like their Young Blood (B290) featuring avocado with edamame, quinoa, and kimchi, or their Beat Up (B260) with organic beetroot hummus with avocado feta cheese and avocado and more spread across sourdough bread.
There are four Holey Bakery outlets around Bangkok, so why did we choose to include the branch in Phra Khanong. Frankly, it’s because the neighborhood really, really needs it. Now, let’s talk breakfast. First off, a big one for egg lovers is the three egg Pan Eggs (B400) with mushroom ragout and sauteed spinach alongside spinach and kale to put on your sourdough toast. And the breakfast pizza (B400) and Mighty Shakshuka (B400) are also must-trys. For sweets, you’re spoiled for choice with dozens of cookies, pastries, and cakes from this staple bakery.
Chic, homey, pet-friendly—Pa Ma Heng came on the scene last year with a large space, a cun vibe, and breakfast food everyone loves. From the outside, it looks like a large family home—not particularly ostentatious—but the menu is giant. For something a little unexpected, zhuzh up your normal Thai breakfast with the ka-prow Australian beef ribeye over rice (B485) or the ka-prow salmon (B535). You’ll also find a selection of waffles and sweets alongside the normal breakfast favorites like three different styles of eggs Benedict.
For the last few years, this has been a little Phra Khanong secret, serving up Myanmar fare—and where else can you get mohinga noodles at 6am? On the breakfast menu, you’ll find extremely affordable bites like the Shan noodles for just B50 and bean fried rice for just B60. And, if you really want to start your morning off with a bang, they’ve got a breakfast mala curry (B120) that will wake you up.
It’s a chill, pet-friendly shophouse bakery between Ekkamai and Phra Khanong that’s a perfect spot for early morning dog walkers. They’ve got a wide range of fresh breads to try daily, but the real treats here are sweet and affordable. You can snaffle up a moist brownie here for just B95 and three Petite Madeleines for B55. The space is big enough and stylish enough to relax—and you won’t miss their signage.
Despite being hidden away in a refurbished Thai bungalow just off Sukhumvit Soi 56, this one is worth a stop (if you can spot it from the road). There’s an upstairs area to chill out, ornate furniture, and a very French style feel here. The pastries and light breakfast bites take center stage, with more than a dozen types of croissant you could from ring croissants doused in Nutella to twist croissants stuffed with ham and melted cheese. It’s also pet friendly, so bring along your pooch or feline to rummage around outside. It’s also cheeky, quiet getaway for people who want to work remotely in their own little cabin away from it all.
This mid-century cafe is refurbished from an old home, maintaining its comforting atmosphere. Wake yourself up with a perfectly brewed iced americano (B100) or get some drip coffee off their in-house espresso bar. The food department doesn’t miss, complete with a delicious chicken liver pate (B165), a favorite amongst customers that comes with homemade sourdough and fermented cream and strawberry jam.
Songwat’s latest cafe, Local Boy Coffee, is open for Bangkok’s legions of picky coffee lovers to explore, experiment, and geek out about your favorite beans. Their Coco Box Coffee (B195) in particular is a must try. With a coconut ice cream tucked in a chocolate shell, the complexities are heightened when the top melts into the shot of coffee underneath. If the caffeine hasn’t lifted up your energy levels, the venue’s feel good playlist that belongs in the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack, will certainly do the trick.
Ega, known for its experimental local Thai food menu on Songwat, has launched its little sister project, Ega Luv Seafood. As the name suggests, the spot shines with its seafood ingredients: grilled, steamed, boiled, and baked to your delight. Go in the morning and you’ll also get your pick of fusion Asian brekkies. Order khao kriap pak mor yuan (B120), thin rice dumplings with a slice of lime to keep things light or try out the udon style kao ji (B50), a hotdog with Thai pork sausage and khun chiang.
Set up on top of the nostalgic ice cream shop, Coconut Culture, Pulse Phra Arthit carves out a zen space amid the surrounding tourist attractions. Get your fuel before heading to the walking distance of tourist destinations with their selection of baked goods from lemon cake (B130) to matcha strawberry soft cookies (B140). If you’re trekking through the beating sun, we recommend getting a glass of yuzu strawberry soda (B120) for a quick refresher.
From the minds behind Bangkok’s hot F&B spots like Pridi, After You, and Rong Klan Nuea, comes Songwat Coffee Roaster. Their house blend is Brazil Cerrado which lends a satisfying chocolate nutty caramel quality. Grab a cup of joe along with their variety of croissants like the chestnut flavor topped with swirls of mont blanc (B165) or the black sesame pastry mixed with mascarpone (B160).
Specializing in soy milk, 5am has a “dark roast” (B40) and “light roast” (B40) option—just like coffee. The dark roast has a heavier body with a soothing smoky aroma while the light brings nostalgic notes of downing a cup of soy milk before going to school. We also recommend the patongko honey lemon (B175), a similar concept to honey toast but topped with a light soft serve and drizzled in a blend of zesty syrup.
For those who want a little bit of throwback, this legendary 90 years old breakfast spot is the perfect way to start the day. The cafe puts a Thai spin on western style breakfast with the American breakfast (B65) but real fans will be there on the dot for the classic kanom pang sankaya, bread with Thai style egg-coconut milk custard (B28). The affordable lineup would not complete without their coffee which starts at B35.
Would you like to try something new for your breakfast run? The Phahurat Indian coffee shop offers an endless variety of Indian sweet treats. Try out the crispy and flavorful paneer dosa (B100), the fudge-like barfi bites (B15), and cut the saccharine flavors with some freshly brewed chai tea (B15).
A new spot on Suan Phlu, Tarn Coffee has quickly become a cozy pre-work hangout just a stone’s throw away from breakfast essentials like Holey Bakery or the New Orleans brunch spot Tina’s. Go for something a little special with the Lemony Sunset (B140), a refreshing lemon peppermint infused with cold brew and browse through their mini selection of sweet and savory pastries. The ham and cheese croffle (B120) has the right amount of filling so you don’t go into a food coma on your way to the office.
Bangkok is never short of brunch spots, but the true gems are still a bit of a dig. Halfway is a meeting point between Asian-Aussie fusion cuisine and cool drinks. Their dry-aged duck Congee (B300) includes a creamy egg yolk for you to dip with their patongko. And their Veggie Mary (B320) might satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things fresh and filling.
This brand new Sathon cafe is taking the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” quite seriously. DYSF (short for Darlin You’re So Fine) is a two-story brunch to late night eatery, serving several apple based items. The DYSF signature iced tea (B140), for example, contains mini diced apples in a refreshing blend of jasmine yuzu lychee base. For a filling breakfast, DYSF fried chicken (B350) will give you sufficient energy with that kimchi pancake topped with crispy chicken and a tangy secret sauce.
A reliable vegetarian Indian breakfast joint, at Chennai Kitchen you’ll find essentials like ghee dosa (B140) which you can request a masala version to up the heat, or the vada (lentil donuts) which seem harmless at first but are stuffed with chili—so tread carefully. But if you’re craving something a little sweet and sour, we recommend the idli Manchurian, deep fried lentil patties in tomato onion sauce. And order some lassi while you’re at it.
Coming to you from Tim Butler—famed for the fare at spots like Eat Me—this new space is a backyard-style getaway in Yenakart with an all-day dining Northern Californian cuisine. For their breakfast menu which serves from 8am-1pm, you can order the quick breakfast set (B200) which comes with 2 eggs (cooked to your liking) along with some bread, greens, and your choice of coffee or tea. They also got the Full Breakfast option (B450) which adds grilled bacon, tomatoes, potatoes, and champignon to the original mix.
Bangkokians on the hunt for all-you-can-eat dim sum feasts have a new spot in the city center to check out. From Chef Ton of Le Du, comes Gowin Dimsum. They offer basics like dumplings, steamed buns, and har gaw for the wallet friendly price of B39. But if you want the elevated experience, they’ve got freshly made and inventive flavors for the premium options. Others must try a la carte include the spice-filled Gowin Bak Kut Teh (B149) and the baked rice with red pork (B459).
Sathorn-Silom natives might recognize this blue-navy hang out spot as the casual bar that specializes in concocting gin-based drinks. After a temporary shut down period due to the pandemic, this cozy venue is back up and running with a customizable breakfast menu. Start your day with a classic bagel sandwich, “the GOAT '' in particular, offers a rich layer of cream cheese under crispy bacon, sunny sides, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese.
Not so far from Chong Nonsi BTS station, this artsy cafe is decorated with colorful tiles, arched doors, and curved furniture. It is known for the smoked salmon cream cheese bagel (B180), but if you want a heavier option, you can go for the four cheese combo (B140). Their new yuzu earl gray creme brulee donut (B85) adds a bit of a sweet option to the pile. Due to the owner’s love of literature, the spot is an attractive hangout for bookworms, offering an interesting collection of photo books and magazines. ●