Rocket lands in Thonglor on ongoing mission of deliciousness

By Natalie B. Compton

Feb 6, 2015 | 12:28pm Bangkok time

COCONUTS HOT SPOT — Years ago, the team behind Rocket Coffeebar left behind the fjords and Ikeas of Sweden to bestow cool cafes to the Bangkok public. We’re glad they did this, especially as the Sapparot Group continues to open up equally cool Rockets across the city, spreading the joy of muesli and cold brew. Their latest endeavour debuted in Thonglor (naturally) this November, meeting all of the necessary Nordic café requirements. Minimalist industrialism? Check. Pour over coffee? Check. Gravlax? Of course.

After settling in for a couple months, Rocket Coffeebar S.49 is cool whether you’re visiting for brunch or a nightcap. In the daytime, the cafe’s massive greenhouse windows provide bright, ethereal lighting. In the evening, a massive maze of copper and light bulbs above the bar gives the dining room a soft, glowing atmosphere perfect for any date night. White honeycomb tiles melt into dark, hardwood floors of the two-story space. A playlist undulates between electronic, folk and jazz, a pretty spot-on fit for the relaxed, chic setting.

Behind the marble front bar, Rocket-branded coconuts peek out of glass-front refrigerators. Baskets brim with fresh produce waiting to be juiced into creations like the Alkalizing Green with cucumber, spinach, pineapple, lime (THB90). Shelves of wine bottles and Johnny Walker remind guests that the cafe offers a stacked list of alcoholic drinks in addition to caffeinated ones. Try the St. Tropez Smash, a tart mix of vodka, slow-juiced watermelon, passion fruit, vanilla bean, and fresh lime (THB275).

Yes, the coffee at Rocket is going to cost more than the Nescafé carts near your BTS station, but it’s worth it. The coffee is aromatic and strong, and even stronger if you go for the 100 percent Arabica-blend Rocket Fuel cold brew (TBH105/small). The house espresso blend is 100 percent Arabica from Thailand, Indonesia, Guatemala and Brazil, but for THB20 you can upgrade to a single-origin roast that rotates daily.

For breakfast and brunch, Rocket has a nice range of egg dishes that are made even better by adding a side of Braised Baby Kale (THB45) or Brown Button Mushrooms (THB60). On the sweet side, the Mazarin Almond Tart and the Cinnamon Bun are two great picks for a taste of the homeland crafted by Pastry Chef Jeff Oberg.

The Rocket menu wins with truffle-filled, savory options available throughout the day. For breakfast, the Chilled Frittata Antipasti (THB225) is an earthy pick with mushrooms, spinach, truffles and rocket leaves. The Cheese Toastie (THB195) is ideal for lunch with grilled rye bread, fontina cheese, truffle paste and black pepper served with a light gazpacho. For dinner, the Azdora pasta with seasonal mushrooms, truffle pesto cream sauce, shaved parmesan, and parsley (THB285) is decadent and filling.

With Rocket’s focus on coffee, baked goods, and egg dishes, it’s no wonder the place is pretty quiet when the sun goes down. Take advantage of the unintentionally well-kept secret by dining after 5pm and enjoy having the place to yourself. Order the Pan-Seared Snapper (THB315) served with perfectly cooked grains, refreshing sprouts and other interesting touches like seasoned yogurt and beetroot chips.

The desserts at Rocket are modern and elaborate, an upgrade from the standard toast and ice cream served at most Bangkok cafes. The Mokaya (THB240) is a deconstructed milk chocolate mousse with caramel and chocolate sauces, caramel snow, tuile, hazelnut cake, salted almonds, and fresh orange supremes. This may sound like an overwhelming spread, but it’s essentially a sweet string of different textures and layers.

Overall, the Instagram-friendly food and drinks are great. You can’t go wrong with Rocket’s breakfast basics like the Yoghurt Bowl (THB165) and you won’t kick yourself for trying something new like the Coconut Porridge (THB165). Whether for romantic drinks or bright-eyed coffee meetings, this may end up being your new favorite Thonglor go-to.