Claiming to be the first maid café in Thailand, Akiba (2-3/F, 430/35-36 Siam Square Soi 7, opposite Center Point, 02-654-6228. Open daily 10:30am-8:30pm. www.akiba.co.th) is trying so hard to imitate every detail of Akihabara in its two-story comic and coffee shop.

At first glance, the shop is totally ordinary with nothing too impressive. In fact, it’s easy to walk right past the narrow entrance without noticing it. Fortunately, colorful cartoon posters stopped us from doing so. Once we climbed up the stairs and one of their staff showed up to welcome us, we suddenly saw what makes the place stand out—she was wearing a complete maid uniform: white shirt, black knee-length dress and apron.

“The place is meant to be a meeting point and a one-stop service spot for comics lovers,” said Khun Vee, the shop owner. “We’ve reached our goal in a way, and lots of people drop by,” he continues. And proving the popularity, customers continue to pour in while we are taking a look around.

The second floor of the shop is divided in two between comic shelves and a café. Walking straight to the shelves first, we find tons of comics from Vibulkij, Bongkoj, Burapat, novels from Bliss, Jamsai, Korean, Japanese and Chinese VCDs and DVDs. Khun Vee also explained that Akiba not only focuses on Japanese comics, but “Asian style” products, as well.

Turning to the café, the menu has a wide range of items on offer written in Japanese and Thai. A sparkling soda punch (B35) is called Nana Iro (seven colors) because it has seven colors for you to choose from, while an omelet is called Moe Omelet (B35) according to a popular series from Japan, TV Champion. A blackboard displays a daily special menu, which on the day we visited had takochan (B45) and teriyaki (B50).

Moving up to the third floor, a hiso Japanese-style sticker photobooth in the middle of the room takes up most of the space. On the left is a small corner for a beverage bar and on the right hand side sits a few plastic tables and chairs. Khun Vee explains that this floor is under construction and will soon be a clothing shop where cosplay outfits can be purchased. Everything their waiters and waitresses wear you can expect to see on their clothesracks, including knee-length socks, bow-ties, micro skirts and aprons—all imported from Japan, of course. Prices will range from B800 to B1,500.