CONVERSATION STARTER
LETAR COFFEE BAR IS ALL ABOUT BUILDING A COMMUNITY OVER A CUP OF JOE
LETAR Coffee Bar is sandwiched between Thong Lor and Phrom Phong (though Phrom Phong Sukhumvit 39 is the fastest route to the shop) and is hidden in Building 3 of the Racquet Club on the 5th floor. Sounds like it’s a little out of the way? It is, but despite this and having been opened for a mere three months, LETAR Coffee Bar has regular customers and has been doing very well, according to its founders. Surprising? Yes, considering its location and small space, as well as the fact that the menu isn’t that extensive. Anyways, come September, they’ll be moving permanently to Central Embassy. But what makes people come back for more?
The founders want LETAR Coffee Bar to be a place of community where you’re able to meet up with friends, make new ones and converse with baristas. Makes sense, seeing as the space is small and individual tables are scarce. Introversion be damned, it’s actually nice to meet someone new while sipping on a steaming cuppa. Having said that, conversations — whether they be with strangers, friends, or the friendly staff — need not be just over coffee, although we do strongly recommend you try it.
With beans imported from Australia, the selections change up every two weeks with most of them having a fruity taste. This is why it’s better to try it out with just the coffee itself. We tried the Colombian (B190) roast, which should be drunk without any additions to really enjoy the taste. Due to the Bangkok heat, you could also try their cold brew selections. We tried the Indonesian bean (B200), which has a tangy aftertaste and is a great refresher for the hot days. Be sure though that you ask the baristas and staff what beans they’re serving because the prices vary depending on the beans.
If you’re looking for something to go along with your coffee, they serve a variety of croissants from Amatissimo Caffé. The Chocolate passion (B180) croissant, topped with nuts and chocolate and filled with a mix of passion fruit and, once again, chocolate, is a sweet delectable pastry. If you’re looking for something less sweet yet equally tasty, the French butter (B80) croissant is your best bet.
LETAR Coffee Bar is a homey communal place for people to gather and it shows in the fact that people are willing to travel to its location. That and the fact that they serve pretty dang good coffee.
Letar Coffee Bar is at 8 Sukhumvit soi 49/9, Racquet Club, Building 3, and is open Tues-Fri (8am-5pm) and Sat-Sun (9am-5pm). Visit fb.com/letarcoffeebar.