The sweet aromatic smell of Bangkok air pollution with just a hint of lethal carbon monoxide gives way to an abruptly pungent shot of freshly brewed coffee that doesn’t seem to leave your olfactory senses alone. What is it you ask? It’s that new coffee bun phenomenon that has taken Bangkok by storm. The warm, buttery and unusually high level of caffeine-fortified coffee frosting is the latest “craze” to satisfy your sweet tooth and with the invasion of the foreign coffee bun shops popping up all over town, how do you know which is best for you?

Coffee Dome

Carrefour Rama 4
2929 Rama 4 Rd., 02-661-5580-4. Open daily 9am-11pm.

Origin: The no. 1 bun chain in Singapore, Rotimum, has entered Bangkok under the name of Coffee Dome and is known for their use of top quality imported ingredients.

Taste: Buns are rich and buttery with softer bread, a lighter coffee frosting and are not nearly as greasy as the competition.

Variety: They’ve got just the big standard B25 size with the butter filling.

Best For: Early rising, in the park walking grandma and slightly obese, hyperactive children who really shouldn’t be drinking or eating any kind of growth-stunting coffee products.

Mr. Bun

Seacon Square
904 Srinakarin Rd.,02-721-8888,
Open Mon-Fri 10:30am-9:30pm, Sat-Sun 10am-9:30pm.

Origin: The first Malaysia bun to hit the scene in Bangkok.

Taste: Big buns are good, but the smaller buns pack a punch and are a little healthier because they’re dripping with margarine instead of butter.

Variety: Two sizes, large B25 and equally flavorful smaller, cuter buns B10.

Best For: Bangkokians from the outskirts and office workers who read Thai soap opera magazines and eat street vendor fruit at their desks while gossiping about other co-workers.

Roti Boy

Next to Nooddi, Siam Square Soi 4, 02-658-4483. Open daily 8:30am-10pm.

Origin: An import from Malaysia, Roti Boy has made the biggest splash among Thai bun lovers. They’ve got killer recipes and killer lines to boot. 

Taste: Coffee lovers just love the strong coffee frosting, but the buns are a bit tough and a tad too greasy. Just take a look at those grease-stained bags.

Variety: So far in Thailand, only one large bun in one flavor: butter. B25

Best For: Portly ladies with really tall blue hair, gold medallions and a lot of time and money who can pay people to wait over two hours in line for them (on a good day).