Something’s baking inside this jewelry shop-turned-bakery in Charoen Krung

Charoen 43, another up-and-coming space in Charoen Krung showcasing artists and restaurateurs, is not your average hipster spot. 

Between bites and sips from desserts at a place called Chutie is Baking, visitors will find themselves spellbound. 

“We want our cakes to bewitch customers when they eat them,” owner Chutima “Ae” Bovonratanachote said, referring to the brewing witch illustration in the window. Before opening the shop, Chutima’s cafe Sweet Pista built a solid reputation for both home cooking and sweets. 

After it relocated to Warehouse 30, she wanted to build her own baking lab where she could pour her heart into her pastries. 

She found a 60-year-old jewelry shop’s safehouse and began renovating while keeping its essential structure intact, from protruding metal lines and naked concrete walls to a second floor that can double as an art space.

On the ground floor, Chutie is Baking’s glass-enclosed kitchen is a loud-and-proud testament to her baking passion. Look through the glass to see Chutima and her staff work their magic. The results are seasonal treats that are occasionally rotated, ranging from fruit parfaits to tartlets.

The first one we tried on a recent visit was the mayongchid tartlet (THB195), a mouthful of the rare, seasonal fruit sold once a year. Chutima places a generous portion of mayongchid atop the tartlet. It’s light and creamy, yet the fresh tang of the mayongchid balances the sweetness well. 

Another treat we admired was her lemon posset (THB165), which arrived in a half-sliced lemon served with crispy shortbread. It’s a nod to her baking lab’s theme, Ae told, to bring this British’s classic creamy pudding on the list. There was a burst of citrussy but soothing scent of lemon in our first bite, followed by a thick creamy texture that helps tone it down. 

It’s refreshing to see Bangkok still has some serious cafes that don’t overcharge customers for their adorably vain decorations and bland desserts. Chutie is Baking is more than a hipster trap. 

Chuti is Baking is located between sois Charoen Krung 41 and 43, near the Grand Postal Building, a short ride from BTS Saphan Taksin, MRT Hua Lampong, or the Si Phraya pier. 

This story originally appeared in BK.