COCONUTS HOT SPOT — If you’re not already searching for it, you’ll easily walk by Sala Daeng’s new Spanish coffee spot, Catunambú.
Sitting in a tiny space all but hidden between drug stores and massage parlors, its entrance faces stairs leading up to the BTS platform. Just step inside the doorless cafe, and one is greeted by Latin music and bright walls half in saffron, half in colorful tile mosaic.
While this Catunambú recently came to Bangkok, the family-owned company has been around since 1897 when founder Juan Ferrer started roasting beans from Colombia in the Andalusian capital of Seville. Old photos paying homage to Seville and the Catunambú coffee brand hang from the walls of its petite Sala Daeng place.
According to the “Catunambú Story” framed on one wall, the beans are hand-harvested, washed slowly, then roasted slowly for 24 minutes to “extract maximum flavor.”
Those flavors can be tasted in drinks such as double espresso (THB95), Café Mocha (small, THB90), and Cappuccino (small, THB80). There is a “Coffee Special Menu & Spanish Style” section that offers selections like Café Tupe (THB150), Café con Leche (THB120) and Vienes (THB150).
If hot coffee in the nightmare of Bangkok heat isn’t your thing, there are iced drinks available including a selection of frappes. The iced Americano (THB90) is smooth and potent or you can go Spanish-style with an Iced Catunambú (THB110).
The food component of the place is very carb-focused, not that it’s a problem. At the counter, wooden boxes are filled with pastries and a glass-covered tray displays ciabatta and baguette loaves. For THB159, you can get a hot coffee and a Mediterranean Pie. The pie is not for those in a hurry, as it takes 20 minutes to prepare. If you don’t have time to spare, the flaky apple turnover (THB60) is served warm and is nicely filled with cinnamon-kissed apples.
There are Spanish sandwiches available on baguette or ciabatta with imported ingredients like Jamón and Chorizo. Don’t miss out on some cheese action and order you sandwich with cheese, like the Chorizo & Cheese (THB220).
Despite the festive music’s best efforts to create a Spanish ambiance, the harsh noises of Bangkok traffic ruin any chance of relaxing over coffee here. The space offers free Wi-Fi, so bring some noise-canceling headphones and stream your own Spanish music to drown out Silom Road’s screeching brakes and roaring engines.
Coconuts Hot Spots are based on unannounced visits by our contributors and reflect their opinion. No freebies here.
7am to 9pm daily
Yada Building, 56 Silom Road
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