Six Years of Kurasu in Bangkok: A Journey of Coffee and Community

My name is Aum, and I’ve been with Kurasu Bangkok since day one. From our first store at Bambini Villa to our new home at Sukhumvit 57, it has been a journey shaped by people, passion, and coffee. As we celebrate our 6th anniversary in Bangkok, I’d like to share our story with you.


Beginnings at Bambini Villa (2019)

My connection with Kurasu felt like fate. Years before I joined, I often saw Kurasu on Instagram—a brand with a unique identity, deeply rooted in Japanese charm. When I heard Kurasu was opening in Bangkok, I didn’t hesitate to reach out and apply.

By coincidence, on the very day Yozo replied to my email, I happened to be in Kyoto. We arranged to meet at Kurasu’s old roasting space near Fushimi Inari, and our conversation that day went far beyond coffee. We spoke about perspectives, lifestyle, and the kind of experience we wanted to create for people. It felt like the beginning of something meaningful.

A few weeks later, I joined Kurasu. In August 2019, we opened our very first store in Bangkok at Bambini Villa. Those early days were filled with passion and dreams for what Kurasu could bring to this city.


A Difficult Goodbye and a New Beginning

But only months later, the world changed. The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to close our doors. Eventually, we had to make the painful decision to shut down our first store.

Telling the team was one of the hardest moments of my career. It felt overwhelming to say goodbye, especially to the people who had stood by us through good times and bad. Yet, in that moment of loss, I learned an important lesson: sometimes you must let go in order to begin again.

Accepting the end of one chapter gave us clarity. It allowed us to refocus on what mattered most, and it gave us the strength to find a new way forward.


The Stand in Thonglor (2022)

That new path led us to the Kurasu Stand at UOB Thonglor 13, which opened in 2022. It was small, simple, and tucked in the heart of a busy neighborhood, surrounded by restaurants, cafés, offices, and hotels.

Despite its size, the Stand became a place of connection. Locals, tourists, and office workers stopped by each day, and we were reminded that Kurasu’s spirit doesn’t depend on scale—it thrives in the shared moments of coffee and conversation.


Our New Home at Sukhumvit 57 (2025)

This March, we opened the doors to our new home at Sukhumvit 57, just steps away from BTS Thonglor. More than a café, we envisioned this space as a place of reconnection—a hub in the heart of Sukhumvit where people can meet, build relationships, and share ideas over coffee.

The design concept draws inspiration from Gami, Japanese translucent paper. Subtle textures, warm tones, and delicate layers reflect the essence of filter coffee—simple, yet full of depth. In many ways, it embodies Kurasu itself: grounded in Japanese tradition, but open, transparent, and inviting to all.


Looking Ahead

Through the ups and downs, one thing has remained constant: our belief that Kurasu is here to stay in Bangkok. We want to continue being a part of this city’s coffee culture, bringing with us the same quality, hospitality, and spirit that define Kurasu in Kyoto.

Our goal is simple: to make every visit meaningful, and for every guest to leave with more than just a cup of coffee—but with an experience worth remembering.


Thank You

Six years may feel like a long time, but for us, it is just the beginning. From our very first day at Bambini Villa, to the neighborhood charm of the Thonglor Stand, and now, our new home at Sukhumvit 57, every chapter has been made possible by you—our community.

Thank you for growing with us, for supporting us through challenges, and for sharing countless cups along the way. Here’s to six years of Kurasu in Bangkok—and to many more ahead. 🧡



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