This story is part of BK's series on Bangkok's under-the-radar neighborhoods.

See more: Phahon Yothin Soi 18/1 | Soi Thararom 2 | Sukhumvit Soi 69 | Sathorn Soi 8

Soi Sena Ruam, Ari/Saphan Kwai

Slap bang between Ari and Saphan Kwai stations sits this up-and-coming residential area. Although a relative public transport no-man’s-land (you may have noticed the grayed-out station on the BTS map), the soi officially known as Phahon Yothin Soi 11 is proving a hit with developers. Currently in the works is the uber-hip Craftsmen Hotel, but the soi has already had a makeover in the form of brand new pavement (tactile paving for the blind included, no less), making this long strip a pleasant place for a stroll. 

Cafes

This is where Soi Rena Ruam really shines. Caffe Undici (G/F, Senabadee 1 Bldg., 4/7 Phahon Yothin Soi 11, 02-279-6368) serves up classic sweets like flourless chocolate cake (B85) and chocolate crepes with ice cream (B95) together with iced matcha green tea latte (B90) in a European-style setting. Close by is Doctor Roaster (53 Phahon Yothin Soi 11, 081-810-1983) run by a neurosurgeon who’s passionate about coffee. They’re only open on weekends, so do try their signature Panama Geisha (B250)—Earl Grey-flavored drip coffee with a light scent of blueberries. Neighboring PH1b Coffee Bar (39 Phahon Yothin Soi 11, 08-1339-0081) has a New York loft feel and concentrates on coffee, tea and handmade cakes, plus sandwiches and salads. Complete your cafe-hopping at the new Before Thirtieth Cafe (36/4 Phahon Yothin Soi 11, 085-044-2443), a quaint little shop that sources its beans from Thailand’s Doi Chang and Nan, as well as further afield. 

Restaurants

In a street with no shortage of Japanese restaurants, one name stands out: Sasori (39 Phahon Yothin Soi 11, 02-042-7797), a cozy nook of an izakaya from the same kushiyaki experts behind Ari’s Sousaku and Nabe Nabe. Head here for meaty specialties like chicken thigh with a hit of yuzu kosho (B45) and Australian beef with leek (B55) in a wood-heavy setting made for a few too many draft Sapporo beers (B160). Also on the soi is Pizza Pazza (39 Phaholyothin Soi 11, 02-279-3514), a warm and welcoming Italian pizzeria that’s always packed on weekends for its crunchy-based pies (B180–B515). 

What Else?

If you love to shop at Siam Square or Chatuchak Market, there’s a good chance you know hipster clothing brand Voidshop (Phaholyothin Soi 11, 089-789-3977). They just opened a shop here right next to Oranjii, selling trendy, bohemian-inspired clothes, from T-shirts, jeans, skirts and jackets to accessories like sunglasses (from B390), bucket hats, wallets (from B690), tote bags (from B390), and shoes (B490).