This coffeehouse by Sri Lanka-born roaster Karo Iyash occupies one floor of a shophouse on Soi Pridi Banomyong 26. One thing that might catch your eye is the image of a “headless tiger” that appears throughout the café—on the glass door, on coffee bean bags and on random items. According to Karo, the figure represents his Chinese astrological sign, and strong belief and respect for the ancient art of Thai tattoo or yant.
Coffee is another thing the roaster respects. At his shop, he brings together different coffee beans from different origins, including Thailand micro lots (discreetly-picked beans with distinct characters) from yellow bourbon trees in Doi Saket, a bean that’s exclusive to his brand. Apart from serving roasted beans, he also roasts for a few coffee shops in Thailand and exports them overseas.
Karo has recently introduced two signature blends at his eponymous coffee house: the acidic Headless Blend (served on weekdays), which mixes beans from Thailand, the Myanmar, and Uganda, and the more floral Fearless Blend, a weekend brew that mixes beans from Uganda, Guatemala, and Thailand. You can also ask for the daily brews, which features filter blends from other known coffee growers (eg., Kenya, Panama) or his special micro lots.
Special drinks include their signature hot lavender latte (B160) topped with dried lavender flowers, and a spicy Mexican mocha (B160) injected with Mexican hot sauce. If you want something non-caffeinated, try the refreshing home-fermented ginger beer on ice (B120), or a variety of teas imported from Karo’s home country.
Karo is planning to do breakfast and brunch soon, but for now, you can pair your favorite brews with baked items, which include vegan and gluten-free options (from B65). Additional points go for how the café only uses bamboo straws for in-house orders, and paper straws and 100-percent biodegradable plastic cups for takeaways