The buzz: If you’re on the lookout for a quiet place to work with free Wi-Fi and a comforting drinks list, this amicable cafe fits the bill. The name says it all: Hor Hidden is nestled down a barely noticeable alley (look for Tam Load for the entrance). The owner, Tayawat Sukkhaphat, quit his job as an engineer to pursue his dream and recruited a friend to help put together a menu that’s mainly focused on Western comfort dishes.

The décor: Situated in a renovated old Ari house, Hor Hidden packs a retro style with plenty of mix-and-match furniture. The small space is filled with black and oxblood-colored leather couches, wooden box tables, decorative sewing machines and mini chandeliers. Outside, the candlelit tables make it a good place to relax at night.

The food: The one-page menu features pastas, soups and pies. Expect familiar fusion dishes like spaghetti with soft shell crab (B220), baby clam (B180) or grilled salmon (B220). Those who want some gab glaem to go with their sparkling sake can try the chicken wings (B190), smoked sausages (B140) and fried prawn balls with cheese (B100). Pies come with beef (B75) and pork (B70). The daily dessert specials include sweets like Thai tea pudding topped with chocolate lava (B95).

The drinks: Smoothies and coffee are the big draw here. Tailor-make your own shake or go with what’s on the menu, like the strawberry lassi (B110) or passion fruit smoothies (B100). Booze includes sparkling peach sake (B375) and umeshu (B375), Singha (B75) and Heineken (B85).

The crowd: Despite the obscure location, the place gets pretty packed—during the daytime it’s mostly freelancers with laptops and students, while nighttime sees groups of office girls making themselves at home amid the cozy atmosphere. Kornkamol  Porapuckham