My Best of Bangkok: Breakfasts
On reading this list you might think that I have completely neglected some of the most incredible cafes and restaurants serving some of the most brilliantly healthy breakfasts in the city. But do not fear – I am oh so well aware of just how many wonderful breakfast and brunch spots Bangkok has to offer.
Mouth-watering menus of delectable delights can be found in every district: from sumptuous toppings for sourdough toast, to exotic fruit and yogurt platters, endless patisserie and Parisian pastries and some of the best coffee you’ll ever taste.
So let me explain myself. All the places below have made ‘top picks’ as they are my favourite spots in the city to enjoy breakfasts and brunches free from gluten, dairy and refined sugar.
This was a truly delicious voyage of discovery! I was bold-over by how accommodating so many places were towards my being so fussy (think eggs benedict minus the muffin and hollandaise) and I feel very lucky to have met the creative geniuses behind some of Bangkok’s health-conscious eateries. Thank you very much! :)
Best for – (Raw) Dessert for Breakfast: Storyline
As we all know ‘stressed’ is just ‘desserts’ spelled backwards ;) Storyline is one of the only places in Bangkok that serves raw, vegan, gluten- and refined sugar-free desserts. Try their raw carrot cake or raw matcha truffles – trust me, your body will thank you for it! They also serve Japanese fusion food and make their own freshly pressed juices (try the passion fruit!) Take your laptop upstairs to catch up on e-mails in their natural-light filled co-working space – with a slice of raw cake of course!
Best for – Acai Smoothie Bowls: Vita Café
Vitatrade’s organic acai puree is taking Bangkok by storm. Available to buy in packs in most supermarkets (Villa, Gourmet Market etc.) you can also go to their very own Café in Asok and experience the ultimate acai smoothie bowl. My personal favourite is the Peanut Butter Lover – made with sugar-free all-natural peanut butter and zero water and then topped with homemade refined-sugar-free granola. (P.s. they also deliver via UberEats!)
Best for – Healthy Indulgence: Veganerie Concept
Is being surrounded by so much iced coffee with condensed milk and whipped cream-topped frappes driving you bonkers? Are you Vegan or just dairy-free and desperate for a shake? Then look no further than Veganerie. All their branches throughout Bangkok serve their delectable dairy-free frappes, smoothies and shakes – some are even blended with their homemade organic soy yogurt and all can be made without sugar. Choose from mocha, matcha, strawberry - and so many more!
Best for - Waffles & Pancakes: Theera Healthy Bakeroom
Their gluten and dairy-free AND vegan pancakes and waffles are simply divine and can be made with a range of toppings which they are happy to adjust according to your taste. And the best part – they’re recipes are devoid of non-dairy-creamers and unnecessary starches but only use simple, natural ingredients. A full range of guilt-free heavenly sweet treats is served at both their branches in Ekkamai. The other, located just off Soi 63, is also the home of their social enterprise Steps with Theera, and I really can’t recommend it enough!
Best for - Something Different: Hunter Poke
Pioneering the poke bowl in Bangkok, Hunter hits all the spots for a nourishing, protein-packed healthy breakfast. Poke hails from Hawaii and although at first it might seem similar to a sashimi donburi Japanese rice bowl, the boys at Hunter have added a delicious twist. Try their spicy tuna bowl with kimchi, seaweed & edamame (can be made with a base of rice or salad) or if you’re feeling fruity why not treat yourself to a pretty pitaya smoothie bowl topped with their special homemade granola. You can now also find them on B1 of EmQuartier - Perfect if you fancy teleporting to Hawaii for brunch!
Best for – an Organic Veggie Fix: Broccoli Revolution
Broccoli Revolution serves a whole range of fabulous vegan and gluten-free breakfast items such as pitaya and acai bowls, as well as pancakes and chia seed puddings. I love all their organic cold-pressed juices – super cleansing and all made from organic, sustainably sourced produce. They have a whole range of Vegan baked goods too, and although not made in-house, it’s another example of how supportive they are of local business. #supportlocal
Best for – Serious Coffee (gluten-free cake!): Size S Coffee & Bakery
Delicious and inexpensive coffee. For those of us who love sweet things, Size S is the answer to our prayers! They make all their cakes in bite-size portions, so you can spoil yourself without feeling like you’ve spoilt yourself. Their chocolate & banana gluten-free cake is divine, but if you fancy something savoury they also do eggs - plus yogurt and fruit bowls and soy matcha lattes. So serious about their coffee, you can even buy their recommended organic beans for home roasting.
Best for – All-day Breakfast: Brekkie
Brekkie serves up delicious avocado on rye toast, poached eggs and omelettes and can cater to suit any dietary needs. They pride themselves on being a fully-organic café, and sell lots of superfoods too. I loved the matcha latte and chocolate (Coconana) smoothie bowl!
Best for – a beautiful setting to sip a hipster latte: Not Just Another Cup
True to its name, Not Just offers so much more than another cup of coffee – although their coffees are pretty delicious! Hugely popular with the ex-pat crowd, it’s serious about its superfood dishes: from quinoa fritters topped with a poached egg, to seven types of green juice blends, to avocado & kale smoothie bowls topped with fresh blueberries. And my personal favourite - their turmeric latte. This immune boosting blend of ground turmeric, cinnamon & honey will satisfy the cravings of any Superfoodie.
Best for - family-feels & homecooking – Simple. Natural Kitchen
Tucked away down a little sub-Soi, this beautiful little oasis amidst the bustle of Bangkok makes for a relaxing spot for a breakfast or brunch. As soon as you walk in the door you can feel how passionate their founders are about wholesome, organic and locally sourced food; with a trendy Brooklyn-style interior, this family-run place serves beautiful fresh juices and a range of hearty and nourishing breakfasts. Try their Two-Tone juice (beetroot & pineapple) and their shashuka (based on a North African-style breakfast of red peppers, spices & chick peas baked with an egg), which they kindly made without cheese for me.
Photos courtesy of Veganerie, Broccoli Revolution, Hunter Poke (all other photos © Cook First)
