COCONUTS HOT SPOT – Housed within the atrium of the unassuming Thonglor Art Village is Casa Lapin, one of the neighborhood’s – and Bangkok’s – finest cafés.
Casa Lapin is small. There’s a sturdy wooden bar, half of it occupied by a shiny, chained-down espresso machine, and two tables. If you can grab a seat at the open end of the bar, do so: it’s the best place to soak in the atmosphere.
The music – mostly jazz, played on a lovely compact record machine – will certainly help you focus. So will the coffee, usually prepared by Casa Lapin’s friendly owner, Surapan “Tonk” Tanta. If he’s not around, though, don’t worry: though you may find someone else making your latte, cappuccino or drip coffee rest assured that you’re in good hands. I’ve never had a bad drink here.
Coffee fanatics will be thrilled with the single origin coffees. There’s the Maejantai Peaberry from Chiang Mai, which offers a far better flavor than you’d think. There’s also a selection of other beans from across the world, done justice by Ekameth Wipvasutti of Chiang Mai-based TayTay Coffee Roaster.
If you’re a fan of African coffees consider ordering the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe on drip; it won’t be available for much longer. The beans, ground on the spot, are weighed and measured into a petite single-serve contraption. Afterwards, water is poured slowly over the grounds to create a flavorful and nuanced cup.
Though it is acceptable to plop down your laptop at the bar and do some work alone, consider saving that for another time, or another place. (Au Bon Pain at the nearby J Avenue is one idea). Casa Lapin, with its chatty and unpretentious regulars, is best enjoyed over friendly conversation.
FIND IT:
Casa Lapin
Thonglor Art Village (between Soi 17 and 19)
353/2, Sukhumvit Soi 55
Bangkok, Thailand 10110
Mon. – Fri.: 8:30am – 8:30pm
Sat. – Sun.: 10:30am – 8:30pm
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Want to find more great coffee and food? Check out Coconuts Bangkok’s Drinking and Dining Hot Spots.
James Yu is a freelance writer and editor. You can follow him on instagram @jamcyu and tumblr.
