Bartel’s

What is it: A Scandinavian-inspired sourdough cafe with multiple Bangkok locations – Sukhumvit, Sathorn and Asok among them – that has built one of the city's most devoted sandwich followings since the opening of its first Sukhumvit outpost. Grilled tuna melt is the item that converts first-timers into regulars.

Why we love it: Bartels bakes every loaf in-house, with a 24-to-48-hour fermentation process that produces sourdough with genuine character – a tangy, open crumb and a crust that crisps clean when pressed. The tuna itself is worked into a mousse: smooth, generously portioned and layered with green pesto and pickled jalapenos, which cut through the richness with a heat that builds pleasantly. The whole thing is finished with a Parmesan crust pressed onto both outer faces of the bread – salty, lacquered and crunchy in a way that plain toasted sourdough rarely achieves. It's a tuna melt that takes its structural responsibility seriously.

Time Out tip: Order it to eat in and ask to sit near the open bakery counter – watching the loaves pulled fresh throughout the day makes the wait feel considerably shorter.

Bartels. Grilled tuna melt B260. Multiple locations including Soi Suan Phlu, Sathorn; Sukhumvit Road (between Thonglor and Phrom Phong BTS). Daily 7am-8pm (hours vary by branch).