Café Narasingh

About Café Narasingh

Café Narasingh sits in the grounds of Phaya Thai Palace on Ratchawithi Road, beside Phramongkutklao Hospital, in a single-storey building behind the statue of King Rama VI. It is often called the first coffee shop in Thailand, dating back to King Rama VI's reign. Inside you take off your shoes and sit among period wooden furniture under ornate ceilings, looking out on the palace lawn.

The menu mixes coffee, tea and old-style European café plates with a few Thai dishes. Wongnai members point to the Thai iced tea, butter waffle, Narasingh salad and hot cappuccino, and other visitors mention scones, chicken liver pâté and spaghetti. Most plates fall around 100 to 250 baht per person, which reviewers find fair for such a setting.

This is a calm daytime date: a slow coffee in a century-old palace, then a walk around the grounds. Reviewers mention classical guitar some afternoons. It closes at 6 pm, so plan for late morning or an afternoon visit, and go on a weekday if you want an easier time finding a seat.

Why it works for a date

• Historic palace setting, said to be Thailand's first café
• Retro wooden furniture and ornate ceilings
• Fair prices for the location
• Good cappuccino and butter toast/waffles

Good to be aware of

• Closes at 6 pm
• Cash only and shoes off at the door
• Limited seats, can get busy on weekends

What to order