Café
The Authors’ Lounge
A white-wicker tea lounge in the original wing of the Mandarin Oriental, serving traditional afternoon tea beneath portraits of the writers who stayed there.
Nana Coffee Roasters Ari
The Ari café of an award-winning Thai coffee roaster whose founder became the first Thai to win the World Siphonist Championship, serving specialty coffee and beans.
At a glance
- Type
- Specialty coffee roaster and café
- Area
- Ari, Bangkok, Thailand
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- nanacoffeeroasters.com
Good to know
- Beans to take away
- Brewing equipment
- Award-winning baristas
Why we recommend it
Nana Coffee Roasters is one of the most decorated coffee companies in Thailand, and its café on Soi Ari 4 is a favourite stop for coffee enthusiasts exploring the leafy Ari neighbourhood north of the centre. The business was founded by Warong Chalanuchpong, who, by his own account, had never drunk coffee before taking a beginner's brewing class and becoming fascinated by it. He went on to qualify as a Q Grader, a certified coffee taster, and in 2018 he became the first Thai to win the World Siphonist Championship in Tokyo. The team has since won the Thailand National Barista Championship in 2019 and the Thailand National Brewer's Cup in 2020 and 2024.
The company describes itself as a coffee shop, café, roastery and bean sourcer, and works with farms in growing regions around the world. At the café, you can order espresso-based drinks or ask for a single origin brewed by hand, and the siphon, a theatrical glass brewer that uses vapour pressure, is worth trying given the founder's title. The beans on offer range from approachable Thai coffees, such as beans from Doi Chang in northern Thailand, to rare competition lots like Panama Geisha. Staff are happy to explain flavours and recommend a bean, and bags of beans, drip bags and brewing equipment are sold to take home.
The Ari café is a relaxed neighbourhood spot, popular with local residents as well as visitors. Opening hours are not published on the company's website, so check its social media channels before you go. Weekday mornings are generally calmer than weekend afternoons, when the area's cafés fill up. Prices are typical for specialty coffee in Bangkok.
Nana suits coffee lovers who want to taste award-winning brewing, travellers curious about Bangkok's neighbourhood café culture and anyone looking for a gift of beans. Allow thirty minutes to an hour, and combine it with a wander around Ari's other cafés, restaurants and street food.
The café is at 24/2 Soi Ari 4 in Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, about ten minutes' walk from Ari BTS station on the Sukhumvit Line. Chatuchak Weekend Market is a short BTS ride north, and Ari's side streets are known for their small cafés and lunchtime food stalls. The company also has branches in other parts of the city, listed on its website.
Nana Coffee Roasters Ari FAQs
Who founded Nana Coffee Roasters?
Warong Chalanuchpong, a Q Grader and the 2018 World Siphonist Champion.
What awards has the team won?
The World Siphonist Championship 2018, Thailand National Barista Championship 2019 and Thailand National Brewer's Cup 2020 and 2024.
What should I order?
A single origin brewed by siphon or pour-over, or an espresso-based drink.
Where is the Ari café?
At 24/2 Soi Ari 4, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai.
How do I get there?
About ten minutes' walk from Ari BTS station.
Can I buy beans?
Yes, beans, drip bags and brewing equipment are sold in the café and online.
Are there other branches?
Yes, including Bang Na, Pradit Manutham Road and Seacon Square Srinakarin.
What are the opening hours?
Hours are not listed on the website; check the café's social media before visiting.