Chinese-style Bangkok cafes near Yaowarat
Yaowarat is undeniably one of the most popular spots for food hunts in Bangkok. We’re talking thousands of tourists flocking here on a daily basis, once evening falls in the Chinatown district and its iconic neon signs are lit up. To no one’s surprise, there are loads of restaurants and street food stalls scattered all around the area, operating in the day and till late at night. Some of us, however, are just looking for places to chillax at, after indulging in copious portions of delicious street food.
Here are 10 Chinese-style Bangkok cafes near Yaowarat with retro vibes – serving up dim sum, desserts & traditional coffee from under ~USD1. For your convenience, we’ve also picked those near the MRT, at Wat Mangkorn station to be exact.
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1. Ek Teng Phu Ki – 100-year coffee house with toasted bread & traditional coffee
Ek Teng Phu Ki is an old coffee house that has existed for more than 100 years. Even though the cafe has been renovated to look more modern, customers can def get the vintage vibes upon entering. The smol cafe may seem limited in terms of seating options, but they offer more space upstairs with two couches and a mini table for a group of guests.
Next to the bar-counter, there are many old photos pinned on the wall, showing past stories about this establishment.
We ordered Steamed Bread with Egg Custard for ฿60 (~USD1) and paired it with a glass of Iced Black Tea at ฿40 (~USD1). Since we were curious about the coffee as well, we got a glass of Iced Traditional Coffee at ฿55 (~USD1). We loved that the bread was very soft, and the rich custard exuded the sweet aroma of eggs.
If you need something heavier like a full-blown meal to give you energy in the morning, the cafe also serves a Breakfast Set which includes 2 fried eggs, 4 sausages, and 2 pieces of ham for ฿75 (~USD2). If you swing by Yaowarat, we’d definitely recommend that you pay a visit to this cafe for a hearty breakfast. And yes, they open at 4AM so this one’s for all you early risers.
Ek Teng Phu Ki
Address: 163 Phat Sai, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Opening Hours: 4AM – 7PM, Jan – Fri | 4AM – 8PM, Sat – Sun
Nearest Train Station: MRT Wat Mangkon
Telephone: +66 2 221 4484
Ek Teng Phu Ki’s Facebook | Google Maps
2. Lhong Tou – a mini cafe with double-decker seating
Here’s a mini cafe in Yaowarat that is famous for its double-decked seating, Lhong Tou. We had to pay careful attention when looking for this cafe due to its diminutive size.
A pro-tip is to keep an eye out for the iconic signboard along the street. Look for a red neon sign, “龙头” – which means Dragon’s Head – along with the romanised “Lhong Tou” name in green on the left side of the store.
Once you open the door, you’ll spot the two-tiered seats on your left with mini steps to climb upstairs. But don’t expect an upper seat to be readily available when you visit as the cafe is usually full of people occupying those coveted seats. Anyway, if you’re lucky, def wait for the right opportunity to grab a shot here.
Admittedly, we had a hard time deciding what to get when we visited as the menu offers lots of interesting items. However, we came across this instagenic Chinese New Year Dim Sum Set for ฿299 (~USD8), which consists of an assortment of dim sum, including their famous Egg Lava Bun and Orange Cake.
After we finished our hefty dim sum set, we stuck around for a bit. Needless to say, the interior looked so nice that we didn’t want to leave the site with zero shots on our phones.
Lhong Tou Cafe
Address: 538 Yaowarat Rd, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Opening Hours: 9AM – 8PM, Daily
Nearest Train Station: MRT Wat Mangkon
Telephone: +66 6 4935 6499
Lhong Tou Cafe’s Facebook | Google Maps
3. Zong Ter – a loft Chinese-style cafe located close to the MRT
Zong Ter is a loft Chinese-style cafe hidden in an alley, right across Exit 3 of Wat Mangkorn MRT station. We like its loft design with dark concrete walls which makes this cafe stand out from other establishments in the alley.
Stepping inside, what caught our attention is this secluded dining area – a long, red booth that would snugly fit our group of 3 pax. Unfortunately, it was occupied when we visited that day, so we went upstairs instead.
We spotted these two items on the poster on the wall, so we wanted to give them a try. Chaozhou-Style Shrimp Wontons, ฿39 (~USD1) – served in a spicy garlic and vinegar sauce at our table after just 5 minutes, followed by Vietnamese Sausage (Chaozhou Style) for ฿55 (~USD1). Although both items weren’t sizable portions, their robust flavours were enough to make us want–on seconds for sure.
Zong Ter
Address: 111 Charoen Krung Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Opening Hours: 9AM – 6.30PM, Daily
Nearest Train Station: MRT Wat Mangkon
Telephone: +66 2 222 4490
Zong Ter’s Facebook | Google Maps
4. Nam Dao Huu – soy milk pudding & mixed sweet dumplings
If you’re a firm believer in alternative milks, you shouldn’t miss this bustling soy milk dessert store if you’re in Yaowarat. The storefront doesn’t look too aged, compared to other bars and eateries in the area, however; you can expect to see a bunch of people munching happily on their bowls of dessert at any time during the day.
Served in traditional bowls with floral motifs, Nam Dao Huu is a small soy milk shop with a wide selection of desserts. As first-time visitors, we had a bowl of Hot Soy Milk ฿15 (~USD0.40) and Mixed Rice Balls with Soy Milk ฿55 (~USD1), which includes 3 differently flavoured sweet rice balls – AKA 汤圆 (Tang Yuan) – served with piping hot soy milk. Lastly, since the weather was hot, we cooled ourselves down with a Butterfly Pea Soy Milk Shake ฿50 (~USD1), which blends the nutty flavours of soy milk with the cool tones of butterfly pea, creating a beautiful ombré effect in the cup.
Nam Dao Huu
Address: 33 Plaeng Nam Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Opening Hours: 8AM – 10PM, Mon – Thurs | 8AM – 11PM, Fri – Sun
Nearest Train Station: MRT Wat Mangkon
Telephone: +66 2 221 6944
Nam Dao Huu’s Facebook | Google Maps
5. 103 Bed and Brew – a retro hostel with a cafe for morning cuppas
Peeping through the vintage doors of this establishment will give you but a hint of the classic vibes inside 103 Bed and Brews. The building is run as both a hostel and cafe that serves up signature cold brews. The highlight for us is definitely how old-school it looks, from its folding doors to traditional paintings.
While the first floor is open as a cafe during the day, the floors upstairs are used as accommodation. Guests can opt to spend a night here from ฿1,200 (~USD33)/night.
We mentioned vintage paintings earlier, and here they are. Right next to the bar-counter, there’s countless pieces of framed artwork plastered all over the wall. If you turn to the right, you’ll also notice a glass box that contains old trinkets and knick knacks within.
Since we came by in the morning, we picked a cup of Hot Latte for ฿90 (~USD2), and the coffee was served to us quickly, complete with a pretty heart-shaped latte art.
103 Bed and Brews
Address: 103 Rama IV Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10110
Opening Hours: 9AM – 10PM, Daily
Nearest Train Station: MRT Hua Lampong
Telephone: +66 8 6392 7761
103 Bed and Brews’ Facebook | Google Maps
6. Jade Old Town – chic Chinese old-town style teahouse
Image credit: Forfur
Not far from 103 Cold and Brews sits another loft Chinese-style cafe. Jade Old Town was built as the owner desired to maintain the antiquity of this old building. The owner later renovated the premises and turned it into a teahouse.
Due to its limited space, the cafe provides a row of seats on the left and a long marble bar-counter on the right with a baking display cabinet, leaving the middle space clear for guests to walkthrough.
Image credit: @petchjintana
Definitely give their Bualoy with Black Sesame Paste ฿90 (~USD2) a try. You’ll get three rice balls served in black sesame soup, with a strong nutty aroma and taste. We’d recommend complementing this rather rich dessert with a glass of Iced Dark Mint Choco ฿85 (~USD2) – a dark chocolate drink with a minty aftertaste.
After the meal, you might want to spare some time to explore its vintage architecture upstairs, #nospoilers but we’re sure you’ll find loads of things that will pique your interest.
Jade Old Town
Address: 86 Rama IV Rd, Tarad noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10110Â
Opening Hours: 10AM – 6PM, Daily
Nearest Train Station: MRT Hua Lampong
Telephone: +66 6 5549 4924
Jade Old Town’s Facebook | Google Maps
7. Heiji – sip on yin yang coffee in a retro teahouse
Image credit: @aeaii
Hidden within a nondescript old building, Heiji is a classic Chinese-themed teahouse that’s inspired by the owner’s memories of old Chinese movies – classic films that he’s watched since he was a kid. The house has become a popular stopover point for travellers who are making their way to Charoen Krung Alley.
Image credit: @aeaii
As for the aesthetics, the owner chose to level up his cafe with vintage items that his parents have collected over the decades. The interior boasts a retro design – with a concrete floor and brick walls – that will remind you of old teahouses we typically found in Yaowarat back in the day.
Image credit: @jumbo_jumpÂ
When it comes to the signature item, this Yin Yang Coffee will definitely catch your attention with its delicate latte art. Priced at ฿145 (~USD4), the drink is made of cold brew coffee mixed with pink Himalayan salt and caramel cream.
While the establishment is not exactly in the proximity of Yaowarat’s main area per se, we’ve included it in our list as it’s definitely worth-visiting. To get here, you can take a taxi ride to this teahouse within 10 minutes. For travellers exploring the Charoen Krung area, do drop by this retro Chinese teahouse to get a taste of what old-school Yaowarat feels like.
Heiji
Address: 415 Charoen Krung Rd, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 9AM – 6PM, Tues – Sun | Closed on Monday
Telephone: +66 6 2709 4545
Heiji’s Facebook | Google Maps
8. Feng Zhu – legendary dumplings & spicy egg-topped noodles
Next, Feng Zhu is a smol Chinese dumplings eatery that’s located near Si Phraya Pier.
This little shop stands in the corner with a tiny window for customers to place their order. If you peer inside, you’ll quickly observe that there’s not much space when it comes to seating. And we mean that literally as the restaurant only provides 3 to 4 outdoor seats upfront for their customers to sit down and enjoy their dumplings.
Despite its limited space, this restaurant attracts no shortage of customers daily.
Coming to a dumpling restaurant, we certainly had to try their signature items.
We got two Samkok Dumplings with Cheese and two Mala Dumplings with Shrimp Roe for ฿17 (~USD0.40)/each. In case you’re wondering what’s inside them, Samkok dumplings are stuffed with coriander root, garlic, and black pepper; and Mala dumplings are made of mala and hua jiao seasoning – AKA tongue-numbing peppercorn – which imparts its signature spicy flavour.
If you love extra saap food like us, we were absolutely floored at how flavourful both types of dumplings were. As for mains, we got a bowl of Noodles with Wuhan-Style Sauce at ฿88 (~USD2), served with soft slices of well-seasoned pork and an onsen egg on top. Between spicy mouthfuls of these noodles, we’ll just like to sum up our experience as falling in “love at first bite”.
Feng Zhu
Address: Si Phraya Pier, Charoen Krung 30, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Opening Hours: 11AM – 7PM, Daily
Telephone: +66 6 2264 4661
Heiji’s Facebook | Google Maps
9. Earsae Coffee – 4th gen coffee shop with drinks from ~USD1
Image credit: @runim_life
In business for close to 100 years, Earsae Coffee is a humble coffee shop that’s been passed down to the 4th generation. You’ll spot lots of elders chillin’ out with a cup of coffee in hand when you’re here, which is enough proof that this shop has been a go-to hangout for locals for a very long time.
Image credit: @rommel_atmadja
With no frills when it comes to the decor, we love that the shop is a throwback to the traditional atmosphere you’ll find at most coffee shops. We found it a good place for a casual meeting with friends who love to reminisce about the good ol’ days.
Image credit: @soda_water4
As the shop itself isn’t a lux cafe, you can expect low-priced food and drinks here. Like this plate of Kaya Toast for ฿40 (~USD1). Of course, do note that you can choose from different flavours of toppings to slather over your toast, from coconut jams to peanut butter. Also, a cup of Hot Black Coffee ฿30 (~USD0.80) would be a perfect complement to pair with your chosen snack.
Earsae Coffee
Address: 103 105 Yaowarat Road, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Opening Hours: 4AM – 7PM, Daily
Nearest Train Station: MRT Wat Mangkon
Telephone: +66 2 221 0549
Google Maps
10. Ba Hao Tian Mi – matcha pudding & traditional Chinese desserts
Last but not least, we recommend ending your day trip in Yaowarat with a pudding at Ba Hao Tian Mi, a well-known modern Chinese pudding cafe that offers a twist on traditional recipes. For those who have a sweet tooth, we’d say you shouldn’t miss this.
Ba Hao Tian Mi makes it a point to offer its signature pudding recipes, with constant seasonal items on rotation to keep things fresh.
One such dessert is their Uji Matcha Azuki Pudding at ฿158 (~USD4) – a smooth matcha pudding topped with crunchy rice puffs and azuki red beans. This used to be a seasonal item, but it’s become a signature dessert thanks to its popularity. There’s no better way than to judge it for yourself though, so definitely stop by if you’re headed towards Wat Mangkon MRT station.
Ba Hao Tian Mi
Address: 8 Phadung Dao Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Opening Hours: 10.30AM – 9.30PM, Daily
Nearest Train Station: MRT Wat Mangkon
Telephone: +66Â 9 7995 4543
Ba Hao Tian Mi’s Facebook | Google Maps
Chinese-style Bangkok cafes to try around Yaowarat
We can all agree that Yaowarat is a gem, not just for Bangkokians, but also for backpackers from all over the world. This quaint, tight-knit neighborhood has traditionally been a melting pot for cultures and cuisines throughout history, but there’s more to explore beyond its hub of street food hawkers.
So the next time you’re headed to the Chinatown district, impress your travel companions with this go-to list of Chinese-style Bangkok cafes, and take them to your favourite dim sum and dumplings spot for future food hunts. We’ve already done the research for you, but you’re very welcome.
Cover images adapted from (Clockwise from Top Left): @dsignsomething, @lookpearpk, @nev3r.bkk, @biikei
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