It’s not all EmQuartier and Emporium—there are some great standalone breakfasts in foot-traffic-heavy Phrom Phong.
Aroon Cafe NEW
Half furniture showroom, half cafe, Aroon’s owner is the third generation of a furniture-making family, so his cafe is decorated with his own brand. If you like what you see, buy it. But it’s not just the furniture, try their signature coffee creations, like the Lanna Tonic Espresso (B135) that mixes blended coffee with tonic water and longan syrup, or the Aroon Sunrise (B145), an affogato that uses Thai tea ice cream. For something to fill your stomach, have the cruffin, a croissant and muffin, (B145).
Sukhumvit Rd. (top of Sukhumvit Soi 28), 062-126-4025. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm; Sat-Sun 8:30am-6:30pm
This all-day breakfast spot is definitely underrated, serving higher quality bites than their prices. Whatever you want for breakfast—whether it’s a full greasy breakfast for your hangover (Brainwake Big Breakfast, B400), or a comforting Thai choice like khao tom (B155). Coffee starts at as little as B55 baht for an espresso, but we really love their Piccolo Latte (B65). Don’t forget to try their homemade baked goods or gelato—that’s not on the menu.
27/1 Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-005-0026. Open daily 7am-6pm
American breakfast dreams come true at this homey, intimate all-day-dining spot perched above a craft beer bar. Let the tantalizing scents from the open kitchen guide you through their extensive line-up of morning classics, like buttery pancakes drenched with maple syrup (B250 for full stack); three egg-omelets loaded with cheese (B260), Classic Canadian Poutine (B260); or a slice of New York Cheesecake (B140), and all day self-serve American drip coffee (B90)—all available until late.
2/F, Hair of the Dog, 593/27 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-258-1461. Open daily 7am-11pm
In a modern and minimal setting, this casual, all-day diner serves healthy takes on hearty Western and Asian food. Ingredients like quinoa, flaxseed, acai berry and chia dominate the menu in dishes like Italian seafood quinoa, avocado toast, acai smoothie bowls topped with house-made granola and cacao pancakes served with banana, chocolate, nuts and vanilla ice cream. Wash it all down with a caramel macchiato or a cold-pressed juice.
6/9 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 083-656-6141. Open daily 9am-6pm
The new location is better and bigger, including an outdoor yard for kids and dogs to run around. You don’t get many places in Bangkok brave enough to serve chicken and waffles, but Chu is one, try them with whipped butter and topped with bourbon-spiced honey (B300). Not your cup of tea? Try the Egg White Frittata (B320) that comes with smoked salmon, mozzarella, cherry tomato, balsamic onion, and rocket. Coffee starts at B90 for an espresso or B120 for a flat white.
18/1 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 091-545-4847. Open Wed-Sun 8am-10pm; Mon 8am-10pm
The team behind the hip stationery brand and coffee stand Co-incidence have opened their first concept store. Here, you can shop for all their products and chill out with a cup of coffee. Try their specialty house blend, which uses beans sourced from Chiang Rai and Laos. Go for an espresso or opt for a taste of something different with the Black Tonic or frothy Black and Cream. Alongside coffee and tea, they also offer a breakfast and lunch menu ranging from scrambled eggs with brioche to Japanese pork curry rice.
Sukhumvit Soi 49, 063-425-6018. Open Tue-Sun 9am-6pm
Known for its mile-long lists of seafood, charcuterie, and French desserts, El Mercado in Phrom Phong brings a cozy cafe vibe rather than the busy French restaurant feel at their old location. Hidden on the small road right next to EmQuartier, this cafe-slash-grocer has all your artisanal needs covered. If you’re eating in, you can have everything from bacon quiche (B149) to Mountain Crepe, a savory crepe filled with Raclette cheese, speck ham, and potato (B199). There’s also a range of El Mercado jars stuffed with homemade tomato sauce (B129), house kimchi (B259), and more.
15/8 M Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 35, 02-011-1712. Open daily 8:30am-10:30pm
Phrom Phong foodies head here to grab their morning bread fix. Bangladeshi owner Nasirul Alam Porag is something of a fanatic when it comes to sourdough, and his unbleached flour loafs have a deliciously aerated, chewy texture. Be sure to pick up a slice of sinfully dense drizzle cake after tucking into a porchetta panini or butter croissant. The bakery also serves coffee and cold-pressed juice, which you can enjoy roadside amid a scattering of terrace seats.
245/12 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 091-720-1074. Open daily 7am-7pm
Sarnies Sukhumvit NEW
There’s no stopping the Sarnies empire. Earlier this year, Sarnies Sukhumvit opened up as a regular pop-up cafe where it sold croissants by day and creative pizzas—from Leopardcrust—by night. The new Sarnies at Sukhumvit Soi 37 is steering toward Japanese-themed breakfast items, including a teishoku Japanese meal set with options of fried pork cutlets, grilled mackerel, and hamburger steak with rice—all accompanied by rolled omelets and miso soup. Those still craving Leopardcrust’s sourdough pizzas can still find some of her creativity here.
Sukhumvit Soi 37. Open daily 7am-10.30pm