Temple Of Tradition

Stumble upon the steep-roofed, wood-framed structure by Ekkamai Skytrain station on Bangkok's bustling Sukhumvit Road, and you could be forgiven for thinking that you had come across a temple. Set amid lush greenery and running water, the building looks like a sanctuary from the clamor of the Thai capital. But in this case, coffee drinking — rather than meditation — is the preferred mode of retreat. Welcome to Banrie, Thailand's answer to Starbucks. It's a flag-flier for local coffee culture and serves a selection of domestically grown brews prepared the Thai way — with plenty of sugar and coconut...