Mid-century Bangkok residence is now buzzing, chic cafe ‘Pridi’

By Porpor Leelasestaporn

Mar 29, 2022 | 11:11am Bangkok time

There’s been a lot going on in Soi Sukhumvit 71, aka Soi Pridi Banomyong, that’s been filling up with cool cafes and restaurants.

A new hype among cafe-hoppers in the past weeks is Pridi, a new, chic coffee house inside Soi Pridi Banomyong 25. Though a bit far from the usual main street hangs, patrons can grab a simple but elegant cup of joe.

When searching for a space for their cafe, Pridi’s owners fell in love with a mid-century home they renovated during lockdown — while retaining its spirit.

Located next to the hip roaster Hands and Hearts, Pridi makes efficient use of space. The old front garage houses the roasting space for both Hands and Hearts and the cafe, and the main hall has been transformed into a coworking space complete with light-wood accented furniture, plenty of natural light, and electric chargers. The space also boasts a large, lush green backyard that will reportedly be renovated into a proper garden soon.

Chef Kanta “Toiting” Siddidharm — who worked for fine-dining establishments at Gaa, 80/20, and Noma — oversees the food menu here with wide influences from Nordic Scandinavian cuisine. Try the endives and preserved nutmeg (THB245) or the fresh organic salad topped with fermented nutmeg dressing, mozzarella cheese, and ham, or chicken liver pate (THB165) served with crispy sourdough topped with free-range chicken liver pate, strawberry jam, and housemade cream cheese.

Pridi also excels at classic coffee. It’s all about using the finest beans to brew simple, staple drinks like Espresso Tonic (THB220), a single-origin Ethiopian brew with unique fruity flavors. The slow-bar options boast diverse bean varieties like Asegedech Sholi, Konga (THB180), Karimikul Kirinyaha, Kenya (THB180), and Roger Urena Tarrazu (THB250). Our favorite, however, is the citrusy tang of Kabosu Kumquat (THB140).

Why we’d come back: It’s a hip, homey space more than anyone could ask for – somehow reminiscent of the house from Korean-film Parasite. The coffee prices are reasonable, with a few exceptions from its special menu. Plus, their pastries and sourdoughs are top-notch.