Black and milk (Rim Khob Fah)

About Black and milk (Rim Khob Fah)

Black and Milk is a cafe inside Rimkhobfa Bookstore, in a renovated office building at 121 Charan Sanitwong Road, Bang Phlat, on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya near MRT Sirindhorn. BodinChapa Architects opened up the building with double-height ceilings, pale walls and a brick tower, and bookshelves of Thai literature and history run between the cafe tables. The space is minimal and quiet.

This is the second branch of a Sri Racha cafe and roastery. It serves espresso, Thai-style drip coffee, matcha from several Japanese regions, mocktails and bakery items. Drinks cost about ฿135-140, and Wongnai puts a visit at ฿101-250 per person.

It makes a quiet date: talk over coffee, then walk through the bookstore together. Food and drinks are not allowed in the book area, so finish your cup first. Weekday daytime is calmest, because seats fill up at peak times. It closes early in the evening.

Why it works for a date

• Calm, peaceful room among bookshelves
• Good matcha from several Japanese regions
• Minimal, photogenic renovated building
• Quality coffee from its own roastery

Good to be aware of

• Few seats, and it gets crowded at peak times
• No food or drinks in the bookstore area
• Limited parking

What to order

Matcha First ฿140Matcha from Kagoshima that reviewers describe as smooth, creamy and gently sweet with umami.

Blood DiamondA coffee and berry drink served in a wine glass, one of the house signatures.