Bangkok’s fix for coffee has always been prevalent, but we can’t help but notice that local chains and independent roasters continue to enter the field and further cement our love of viral shops, long queues, and iced lattes. We’ve even gone so far as to have 10 am coffee rave parties, which is a whole other subset of things we won’t get into today.

Bangkok’s coffee entrepreneurs often lead the way in content creation and brand design. If you think all coffee shops are built the same, think again. These days, it’s all about telling the single origin story and reposting it on your Instagram story. We believe that Thai roasters have really upped their game, borrowing a few ideas from coffee capitals like New York or Tokyo, where every corner houses a snapshot-worthy kiosk, or sometimes even a retail concept with its own specialty coffees to go.

Take Songwat, for example. Whilst some may say it’s become populated with tourists, we actually think it’s one of the best streets to visit when you’d like to have a sociable stroll or a date with a glass of cold brew. Take a visit to BEANS Coffee Roaster, an urban hipster haven with its own deconstructed warehouse interior and a signature Songwat blend. A quick stop there can tell you a lot about how Bangkokians are spending their time and money, and where the cultural pulse is currently at. There’s a growing demand for higher-quality coffee at an affordable price. Think specialty beans, varying brewing methods, and attention to craftsmanship and aesthetics. Thais, especially the younger generation of caffeine junkies, are placing more emphasis on where their beans are sourced and how they’re presented. Merely a few minutes walk away, you’ll also come across Songwat Coffee Roasters (SCR), the area’s pioneer in speciality coffee, and where you can grab a good cup of Dirty amid a cozy shophouse setting.

Then, there’s the community part that comes into play. Away from urban malls and lifestyle complexes, independent coffeehouses are tucked away in quiet corners and neighborhoods. Community-focused spots are emerging, and no one does community better than Karo. With three locations spread across Thonglor, Pridi, and most recently, Surasak, each location offers a sense of familiarity, community, and distinctive local blends, with familiar customers on rotation, either from early morning run clubs or those in the neighborhood. Other community-focused places are emerging, such as Hugo Coffee, located just off Rama 4. Hugo actually teams up with run clubs and events to fuel attendees with their signature cold brew.

“It’s about creating a welcoming space where connections can flourish,” say the founders. Pobnar, a specialty coffee shop and roaster in Silom, is so hidden away that you’ll likely walk right past it. Tucked in a small alleyway next to a noodle stand, Pobnar quickly gained popularity among office workers nearby, thanks to its leafy, tranquil setting, wide variety of blends, and newly added loaded sandwiches.

That’s all well and good for the leisurely set, but what about when you’re in need but pressed for time? Enter the grab-and-go segment (but make it TikTok-friendly and high-quality). Wander around One Bangkok or Central World and you’ll see what we mean. From the viral and office workers’ favorite UNO coffee to Rawmat Coffee and Rise, where a handful of seats are available, but it’s prime for takeaway.

There’s something to be said about these characteristics and what they can tell you about Bangkok’s urban dwellers. People are generally tuned into their specific tastes and what they like, whilst paying more attention to coffee quality. In particular, millennials and Gen Z enjoy being part of a community, and global trends and TikTok aesthetics influence a significant portion of this population; it’s a key factor in how we search and discover our go-to products. If we’re not looking to spend time with a carefully brewed cup in Songwat leisurely, then we’re hitting up a tech-enabled grab-and-go kiosk.

Even when prioritizing convenience, the new generation of consumers still looks for design, high-quality coffee, and a reasonable price point. The act of simply leaving your desk to grab an iced latte with a colleague isn’t an errand, but it’s a mid-afternoon treat. Even as consumers pull back on spending amid a sluggish economic backdrop, there’s something about going out to get coffee that resonates and remains one of our most enduring rituals.

Chavisa Boonpiti is a contributor to BitesizeBKK, a digital news outlet.