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 drinkingrather than meditationis 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 waywith plenty of sugar and coconut milk.

"In Thailand we think...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!