Escaping the Mall: Discovering Rum Café & Eatery, a Bangkapi Hidden Gem Since 1980
If you find yourself navigating the bustling crowds near The Mall Bangkapi but crave a quiet escape from the usual corporate chain restaurants, there’s a charming, old-school oasis tucked just a short walk away.
Rum Café & Eatery (รัมย์ เบเกอรี่) originally opened its doors as a neighborhood bakery back in 1980. In those days, stepping in for a fresh pastry was considered a true local luxury. Over the last four decades, this beloved family institution has gracefully expanded its menu to include an extensive selection of both Western and Thai comfort dishes—they even serve the rare, traditional summer delicacy Khao Chae from March to May!
We recently dropped in for a weekday lunch and instantly fell in love with the unhurried vibe. The space is wonderfully tranquil, wrapped in lush greenery, and packed with a tempting array of fresh bakery items. We were seated in a cozy corner with a direct view of the baking area (the hot kitchen and baking space are kept completely separate), where we could watch the owner methodically hard at work kneading and prepping the day’s batches.
🍳 The Lunch Spread: A Mix of Classics
We ordered a few diverse plates to test the kitchen’s versatility:
- Roti with Chicken Green Curry (100 Baht): A classic pairing executed beautifully. The curry was rich and aromatic, served alongside crisp, flaky layers of pan-fried roti.
- Fried Beef with Broccoli: A straightforward, savory comfort dish.
- Bael Cake (89 Baht): While bael fruit (matum) cake has a distinct, herbal sweetness that isn’t quite my personal preference, it is a highly sought-after signature here. In a wonderfully quaint, hyper-local touch, the slice arrived garnished with a tiny herb plucked straight from the plant display at the front shop entrance!
💡 Blogger’s Note: While we ordered à la carte sharing plates, I noticed a local regular ordering an individual rice plate with savory meat toppings. It looked fantastic and seemed to be a major win—well worth trying if you’re visiting solo or in a small group.
☕ The “Rum Coffee” Mystery
While browsing the bilingual menu, a drink called “Rum Coffee” caught my eye. Naturally, we asked the staff if it contained a cheeky midday splash of alcohol. The server informed us that it was a secret house sauce.
When pressed, the owner stepped in to clear up the mystery: the drink is actually just named after the shop itself! It is entirely non-alcoholic, featuring a special, house-concocted syrup that lends the coffee its signature profile.
🌿 A Neighborhood Anchor
Glancing through Google Reviews, it’s clear that Rum Café holds a profound sense of nostalgia for generations of Bang Kapi residents. Many long-time regulars still flock back for full, multi-generational family meals, while others pop in for just a few minutes to grab their favorite baked goods to go.
If you appreciate authentic retro charm, warm hospitality, and a peaceful atmosphere, this spot is well worth the detour. Weekdays offer a delightfully quiet, meditative lunch space, though you can expect a much more lively local crowd on weekends.
📍 Plan Your Visit
🚶♂️ Crucial Walking Tip: If you are coming from The Mall Bangkapi, ignore the elevated pedestrian walkway that links the mall directly to the Yellow Line MRT station—following it results in a surprisingly long, roundabout detour to get to the shop. Instead, cross at the street level for a much more direct, faster walk.
- Address: 3101 Soi Lat Phrao 115, Lat Phrao Road, Bang Kapi, Bangkok
- Getting There: MRT Yellow Line, Bang Kapi Station (Exit 2)
- Hours: Tue–Sun, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
- Phone: 083-977-7488
- Payment: Cash & Thai QR / PromptPay
- Socials: Rum Café & Eatery Facebook Page
