In the smog-filled, traffic-ridden city of Bangkok, things can get a little hectic in the lives of us, city dwellers. Crowded trains take a toll, being stuck on Sathon Road for what seems like days on end is infuriating and the daily grind of going to work can be tedious. Thankfully, there are places like KERK that offer Bangkokians a respite from stress-filled days.
Having been opened for three months only and near Silom Road, KERK is frequented by the many office workers in its vicinity, who usually pop in after lunch for a coffee and pastry. The coffee shop is minimalistic in its design, but that may partly be because it's a tad unfinished. The white walls and furniture gives it a soothing ambience that it's no wonder office dwellers take refuge here for a few good minutes. We felt pretty chill when we visited and we haven't even got to the food and drinks, yet.
While the usual coffee choices are on offer, KERK has specialities that are definitely must-trys. In the pastry department, one of their concoctions with a bit of Thai flair is the Croissant with Thai pandan (B85). With the pandan spread smeared generously on top of the crunchy croissant that's cut in half, it's a sweet treat that goes very well with a strong coffee. If you want something more western, there's a selection of ham and cheese sandwiches you can choose from depending on what bread you fancy. We went for the Sourdough ham & cheese (B160 for large, B140 for small), which has a very generous and luscious slice of ham covered with gooey cheddar. Plus, there's a few places on the bread where the cheese was lightly burnt, and we all know that lightly burnt crunchy cheddar is heavenly.
As for their beverages, KERK serves up an alternative choice for those who don't like caffeine: coconut-based drinks, a much-needed refreshing beverage from the Bangkok heat. The Coconut butterfly pea (B90) is visually tantalising thanks to its purpleand-clear hue. But of course, KERK is first and foremost a coffee shop. A must-try and crowd-favourite special is the Ice black and white latte (B85), another beautiful drink with white milk on the bottom and topped of with charcoal black coffee on top. It's pleasing to the eyes and we're glad to say, tastes the same as it looks.
If you're working in the neighbourhood, KERK could be your new coffee hot spot, whether you're on the way in, in need of an after-lunch coffee or maybe just to wind down after office hours. Bottom line: KERK has got its aesthetics and menu down.
KERK is at 50-52 Narathiwat Ratchanakharin Road, Silom. They're open Mon-Fri from 8am8pm and on Sat from 9am-5pm. Visit http://fb.com/kerkbangkok.
