Bangkok doesn’t have many traditional shophouse style coffee shops.

But there are some.

And located just steps from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration City Hall building, on the opposite side of the spacious square surrounding the Giant Swing, is Kope Hya Tai Ke (โกปี๊เฮี๊ยะไถ่กี่), a historical Chinese style coffee shop.

I happen to just randomly be walking through the area, when I noticed the shop and decided to stop by for a quick coffee.

At that time, I wasn’t hungry, so I didn’t order any food, though they do offer an extensive and interesting menu.

Their special, a pair of fried eggs sprinkled with minced meat and spices and served with a crispy baguette on the side. Other things like Singapore famous classics like Kaya Toast, curry served with roti, omelets, and even some things that were reminiscent of a loco moco (yet non-American sized) are all on the menu.

If you’re looking Thai breakfast alternatives, there are some attractive looking options here.

If anyone reading this has ever eaten at Kope Hya Tai Ke (โกปี๊เฮี๊ยะไถ่กี่), leave a comment below to let me know how it was!

The menu, which was perfectly written in English, included a number of different kinds of coffee. But oddly, the prices were not written – though I by looking at the bar counter most I could see most coffees were prices between 40 – 50 THB.

I chose a Thai style traditional iced coffee.

It was delightlful, nicely creamy, and a bit sweet (which, even though I’m not a sweets fan, it was alright with me because I had been walking around in the blistering heat while sweating for a few hours before stopping by).

But the true marvel of the coffee was its wonderful smokey roasted flavor – woody and deeply aromatic. The flavor of the coffee was excellent, fresh and sharp.

I slurped it down all too fast, but luckily there were free pitchers of tea that I refilled into my glass to take advantage of the remaining ice.

Founded in 1952, Kope Hya Tai Ke has been renovated a number of times throughout the years, and is now quite modern and clean, yet still preserves their traditional flavor.

At one point Kope Hya Tai Ke (โกปี๊เฮี๊ยะไถ่กี่) was a place of conversation, political gossip, and community. Nowadays, it’s not quite the Chinese man hangout as much anymore, but it’s still a legendary reminder of the past.

The Bottom Line

Spacious and located in a quiet, peaceful neighborhood, yet adjacent to the huge open area near the Giant Swing, Kope Hya Kai Te has an excellent atmosphere.

The coffee was wonderful. I can’t speak for the food, but it looks pretty good too.

Kope Hya Kai Te (โกปี๊เฮี๊ยะไถ่กี่) – Bangkok Coffee Shop

Open Hours: 7 am – 8:30 pm daily, closed on last Tuesday of every month
Prices: My coffee was 50 THB, and I think meals might be in the 80 – 200 THB range
Address: 37 Samranrat Road, Kate Pranakong, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

โกปี๊เฮี๊ยะไถ่กี่

37 อาคาร หัวมุมถนนสำราญราษฎร์ ถนนศิริพงษ์ แขวงสำราญราษฎร์ เขตพระนคร กรุงเทพฯ 10200

โทร. 081-6351056 , 02-6210828

เปิดทุกวัน เวลา 07.00 น. – 20.00 น.

How to get there:

Other than taking a taxi (or tuk tuk), the only other real option is to walk there. I walked there all the way from Hua Lamphong MRT station in Yaowarat, but I would not recommend that unless you enjoy walking like I do (30 – 45 mins).

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