Step Back in Time to 1927: Easae Coffee Shop (เอี๊ยะแซ) & Yaowarat’s Best Kopitiam Nostalgia
“You’ve been to Easae before,” my husband insisted as we walked toward the storefront.
The truth is, I’ve jumped between a couple of historic coffee shops in Yaowarat over the years, and I never paid close attention to the names—leaving this particular memory completely blank. Looking around the room, I told him, “I really don’t remember this place.” He smiled, “I’m sure you have, but the shop does look a bit different now.”
A quick search cleared up our confusion. While some reviews mention a relocation, it turns out they actually moved from their previous address on Phat Sai Road to their current spot on Song Sawat Road, staying within the same immediate area. To preserve their near-century of history, they painstakingly brought over their original furniture, hung their iconic old photos on the walls, and kept the massive, classic wooden counter. Even if the layout isn’t a 100% exact replica of the original spot, stepping inside still feels like stepping right out of a time machine.
The Ultimate Old-School Kopitiam Vibe
Approaching its 100th anniversary since opening in 1927, Easae Coffee Shop (เอี๊ยะแซ เยาวราช) is a living piece of history. For someone who grew up in Malaysia, this is the quintessential kopitiam experience. The environment is wonderfully charming, defined most of all by the senior guests sitting together, sipping drinks, and chatting away over their morning brews.
While the legendary long queues and chaotic tourist buzz of the past seem to have quieted down, the soul of the shop remains entirely intact. They still roast their own coffee beans fresh every single day, and they bake their own bread completely free of preservatives.
The Food Experience
They offer an English menu, making ordering incredibly easy. We opted for a 110 THB Set, choosing:
- Traditional Tea
- Soft-Boiled Eggs: Served exactly the way I grew up eating them—drizzled with soy sauce and sprinkled with white pepper.
- Kaya & Butter-Sugar Toast: We tried both the traditional custard (Sangkhaya) and the classic butter-sugar toast. While they were deeply nostalgic and comforting, the execution and taste were fairly standard.
The Signature ‘Nor-Kao’ (หน่อเค่า)
If you want to try something truly unique, Easae is famous for Nor-Kao. It is a specialty blend of coffee mixed with tea, making it the Thai equivalent of Hong Kong’s Yuenyeung or Malaysia’s beloved Cham.
While I’ve personally never been a massive fan of this specific flavor combination, it is a unique blend I’ve never found elsewhere. If you love discovering interesting local drinks, it is absolutely an interesting and must-try flavor!
Bonus Stop: A Tale of Two Teochew Coffee Shops
If you love exploring Bangkok’s coffee history, there is a fascinating family connection here. According to a local historical article, another legendary shop nearby called Ek Teng Phu Ki (เอ็กเต็งผู่กี่) actually translates to “Easae” in the Teochew dialect, as both shops stem from the same extended family branch.
While Easae retains its quiet, hyper-local charm, a glance at Ek Teng Phu Ki’s Facebook page shows they have branched out a bit more modernly, even hosting pop-up stalls at various shopping malls. If you are already in the area, it is well worth checking out both of these historic spots back-to-back to experience the true essence of old-style Bangkok.
📍 Location & Details
- Easae Coffee Shop (เอี๊ยะแซ เยาวราช)
- Current Address: 161 Soi Yaowarat 3, Song Sawat Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok
- Previous Address: 103-105 Thanon Phat Sai, Samphanthawong, Bangkok
- Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Ek Teng Phu Ki (เอ็กเต็งผู่กี่)
- Address: 163 Thanon Phat Sai, Samphanthawong, Bangkok
- Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Socials: Official Facebook Page
- Historical Reference: Read more about the family history on Silpa-Mag
