If there’s anything Bangkokians know a lot about, it’s shopping and eating. Now, there are places where you can actually do both (and no, we’re not talking about glitzy malls). We’ve rounded up mixed-use places where you can go to snack, and if you feel like it, browse and snap up cool finds — whether it be a designer dress, a vintage armchair or even a hipster bicycle.
Furniture
1 OF A KIND
Yes, you could go to Ikea and find something similar but it’s very likely that your friends have already snatched up the same chair or table you were planning to get. For unique items, head to 1 Of A Kind, a warehouse-style shop and cafe that supplies vintage Nordic furniture. Although they don’t serve up Nordic cuisine, they do take their food seriously. Expect comfort dishes like Tobiko with scallop pasta, Tom yum spaghetti and Salmon steak.
Venue: Thu-Tue 11am-8pm. 1 Of a Kind, Rama IX Soi 46.
Contact: 081-255-0033, www.fb.com/1ofakindstyle.
KAFFE 50
Vintage-lovers will enjoy sifting through the jumble of furniture and knick-knacks. Here, you can almost find anything, from vintage crocodile bags to one-off paintings. They don’t have a standard food menu but, much like the shop, it’s a pleasant surprise. Think simple dishes like pulled pork sandwich, scones and a variety of quiches that go very well with their coffee and tea offerings.
Venue: Tue-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm. Kaffe 50, 24 Ekamai Soi 21.
Contact: 02-711-5629, www.fb.com/kaffebyY50.
SHADES OF RETRO
Like the name, the stuff you’ll find here can be classified as retro — including the oldie jazz music playing in the background. If you’re looking for a stiff drink served with a side of quirky furniture to sit on, this bar/shop is the place to be. Once you’ve sobered up, feel free to browse and buy — just make sure it’s as comfortable to sit on as it is cool to look at in your home.
Venue: 3pm-1am. Shades of Retro, Soi Thararom 2, Sukhumvit Soi 55.
Contact: 081-824-8011.
Fashion
WWA
Give up the glitz and glamour of shopping in a mall for a change and head to this hidden shopping-haven of Bangkok. Fans of minimalism and understated style should be able to find what they’re looking for right here. After you’re done trying on outfits, feast on mouthwatering options like brownie, tamarind and mascarpone cream, and cinnamon butter pancake. Just don’t eat so much that you can’t fit into your newly bought attire.
Venue: 1-9pm. WWA, 3/F, Siam Square Soi 7.
Contact: 02-658-4686, www.fb.com/wwa.bangkok.
BoYY CAFE
Shopping for handbags and munching on comfort food are ideal activities any day of the week for the ladies — and BoYY Cafe is where you can do both. Indulge in rustic pasta dishes and fresh salads; or if you feel like an afternoon pinch, order Jimmy’s Old Fashioned. Head upstairs and browse through the BoYY flagship store where you’ll be able to score yourselves a chic clutch or stylish tote. Note that the store opens later than the cafe, so be sure to head there after 11am.
Venue: 7:30am-10:30pm. BoYY Bag Cafe, The Grass, Thong Lor Soi 12.
Contact: 02-715-9412.
(UN)FASHION CAFE
Looking for quality vintage shoes and boots for men and women? Look no further. Set inside a community mall, here you can snatch up a pair of loafers or even cowboy boots. All footwear and accessories are imported from Europe and the US — needless to say the leather is super soft and you won’t want to take them off. End your shopping spree with an afternoon tea or coffee session; their concise but delicious menu includes waffles, cakes and scones.
Venue: Noon-9pm. (Un)Fashion Cafe, Ekamai Shopping Mall, Ekamai Soi 10.
Contact: 02-726-9592, www.fb.com/unfashionvintage.
Home Decor
Y FACTORY & LIGHT CAFE
The latest trend to hit Bangkok is warehouse-style interiors as seen in many popular cafes and restaurants. If you’re looking for key pieces to decorate your place with, here’s where you can find spotlight floor lamps, graphic printed cushions and metal sculptures. Order your beverage at the coffee counter, have it in a takeaway cup, walk around and snatch up some fancy industrial-inspired decor for your digs.
Venue: 10am-6pm. Y Factory & Light Cafe, 680/1 Praditmanutham Road.
Contact: 095-919-9246, www.fb.com/yfactoryandlightcafe.
FABRIC LIVING SHOP
Throw out your rugged bedding and pick up some perfect new sheets and pillow cases here. They use premium fabrics and materials, which makes it very hard for anyone to get out of bed when they’re that comfortable. Sip your coffee and feel free to browse as long as you like — after all, some of us spend at least seven hours a day curled up wishing the alarm clock would turn itself off.
Venue: Tue-Sun 9am-8pm. Fabric Living Shop, 6/33 Soi Nak Niwat 38, Lat Phrao Soi 71.
Contact: 081-310-2266, www.fb.com/fabrichome.
MAYBE FLOWER & CAFE
Picking up flowers from a supermarket is convenient but doesn’t guarantee you’ll find what you like. Professional flower designers are available to give consultations and arrange a bouquet for you, whether for graduation, your home or a romantic gift. The best part is that you can indulge in sweets and desserts like creme brulee and chocolate tart while you’re waiting.
Venue: Tue-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm. Maybe Flower & Cafe, Taka Town, Sukhumvit Soi 39.
Contact: 092-996-5956, www.fb.com/maybeflowerandcafe.
Other Fun Finds
LALIART COFFEE
Snack on goodies like home-made ice cream and pick up a hipster bike while you’re at it. Bicycle-enthusiasts will be happy to know that the wheels sold here are designed to be light and comfortable to ride without much emphasis on speed (not that you’ll be able to go very fast in Bangkok anyway). If you’re not ready to purchase one yet, talk to the helpful staff who will be able to guide you through different models of bikes.
Venue: Tue-Fri 10am-6:30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6:30pm. Laliart Coffee, 20 Soi Ari 2, Phahon Yothin Soi 7.
Contact: 089-142-8203, www.fb.com/laliartcoffee.
PACAMARA
Serving up a variety of brews from all around the world, this cosy cafe caters to city-dwellers who take their coffee seriously. They also sell vintage coffee machines as well as very advanced-looking ones, accessories like coffee drip papers and also manual coffee grinders. The shop is very small and can feel a little crowded sometimes, so opt for a takeaway cup or a coffee machine to go.
Venue: 7:30am-9:30pm. Pacamara, 2/F, Rain Hill, Sukhumvit Soi 47.
Contact: 02-261-7830, www.fb.com/pacamaracoffee.
ONE OUNCE FOR ONION
In collaboration with the renowned Brave Roasters in the thick of the coffee scene, this little cafe certainly knows how to make a good cup of java. After a latte, cappuccino, or a selection of brunchy items, rampage through their store where you can stock up on cool finds like sunglasses, artsy books, canvas bags and hipster flat-caps.
Venue: 9am-8pm. One Ounce for Onion, 19/12 Ekamai Soi 12, Sukhumvit Soi 63.
Contact: 02-116-6076, www.fb.com/oneounceforonion.
