Kurasu’s Thonglor cafe brings the Kyoto-born roaster’s clean brewing style to a refurbished photo studio on Sukhumvit 57. The address is close enough to BTS Thong Lo for a deliberate coffee stop, yet set back from the main road, giving the room a calmer neighbourhood feel than a counter inside a shopping centre.
The menu moves between espresso, milk drinks, hand-brewed coffee, cold brew and matcha, with Thai-roasted coffee sharing the bar with Kurasu’s Japanese identity. Expect speciality-cafe pricing: a straightforward espresso or Americano is around THB 100, a latte about THB 130, cold brew around THB 140 and an espresso matcha latte about THB 180, though the live menu should be checked before ordering.
Find The Cafe
Kurasu is at 1109/2 Sukhumvit Road in Khlong Tan Nuea, within Sukhumvit 57. From BTS Thong Lo, leave towards the odd-numbered sois and follow the lane rather than waiting for a large roadside sign. The final approach is short, but Bangkok heat makes a map pin useful. Drivers should ask about current parking before setting off.
Start With Espresso
An espresso or Americano is the clearest way to understand the house approach without milk or flavouring. Ask which bean is being dialled in and whether it leans towards fruit, chocolate or a more classic roast profile. The answer can change by season. If acidity worries you, describe what you normally enjoy instead of asking for the strongest drink on the menu.
Try A Milk Drink
A latte softens sharper notes and makes an accessible first Kurasu order. Check the available milk choices and any supplement before paying. A smaller milk drink preserves more coffee character, while a larger iced cup prioritises refreshment. Sweetness is not automatic in every speciality cafe, so ask before adding syrup to a drink that was designed to be balanced on its own.
Explore Filter Coffee
Hand-brewed coffee is worth choosing when you have time to sit and follow how the cup changes as it cools. Ask the barista to recommend one bean within your comfort zone and explain whether the listed price changes by origin. Floral or fruit-led coffees can taste lighter than a dark roast while still containing plenty of caffeine. Sip before making adjustments.
Consider Matcha
Kurasu’s Japanese roots make matcha a natural alternative for someone not chasing espresso. A matcha latte or espresso-matcha combination brings a different balance of bitterness, sweetness and dairy. Confirm whether the drink is sweetened and ask for modifications before preparation. Matcha can still contain caffeine, so it is not automatically an evening-safe choice.
Add Something Simple
Toast and compact cafe food work well when the visit is about coffee rather than a full brunch. Check the current cabinet or board, because daily availability can change. Diners with allergies should ask about bread, dairy, nuts and shared preparation rather than relying on a photograph. Keeping the order simple also makes it easier to compare two coffees without palate fatigue.
Choose A Quieter Time
Late morning on a weekday is often a better bet than the weekend rush, but no hour is guaranteed. The room attracts coffee enthusiasts, local residents and visitors photographing the converted-studio design. If every table is occupied, order with a takeaway plan instead of hovering over seated guests. Laptop use should match the room’s current policy and queue pressure.
Buy Beans Thoughtfully
Take-home coffee is useful only when it matches your brewer and grinder. Tell staff whether you use espresso, V60, AeroPress, French press or another method, plus the flavours you enjoy. Ask for a roast date and basic recipe. Grinding an entire bag at the cafe is convenient, but whole beans usually hold aroma longer when you have a suitable grinder at home.
Respect The Space
The architecture is part of the appeal, but it remains a working cafe. Photograph without blocking the counter, door or another guest’s table, and ask before filming staff. Keep calls brief and use headphones. A carefully designed room feels tranquil only when visitors contribute to that atmosphere rather than treating every seat as a private studio.
Build A Thonglor Walk
Pair the cafe with a short Thonglor neighbourhood walk rather than crossing Bangkok for a single cup. Sukhumvit 55 has restaurants, small shops and galleries, while the BTS makes onward travel easy. In hot or wet weather, keep the route compact and save a legal pickup pin. One well-made coffee and an unhurried lane are enough for a useful morning.
Keep Planning
Browse more TFT coverage in Cafes, Travel and Deals.
Questions
Is Kurasu Thonglor near the BTS?
Yes. It is inside Sukhumvit 57, a short walk from BTS Thong Lo.
What should a first-time visitor order?
Try an espresso, Americano or latte, then ask the barista for a filter recommendation if you want to explore further.
Does Kurasu serve matcha?
Yes. Matcha drinks are part of the menu, including combinations with espresso.
Can I buy coffee beans?
Yes. Explain your brewing method so staff can suggest an appropriate bean and recipe.
Practical Information
- Address: 1109/2 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok.
- Nearest rail: BTS Thong Lo.
- Typical prices: About THB 100 for espresso or Americano, THB 130 for latte, THB 140 for cold brew and THB 180 for espresso matcha latte; check the live menu.
- Contact: 064 941 2639.
- Cafe details: Check current hours and menu
- Map: Open in Google Maps
