Explore Bangkok with Thailand’s 2024 National Brewer’s Cup champ 🇹🇭

Wasin Kusakabe from Nana Coffee Roasters is Thailand’s reigning National Brewer’s Cup champ, a rare title in the niche of competitive coffee. Originally from Thailand with a 2 year stint working in Japan’s coffee scene, Wasin’s guide to Bangkok is a stroll through the markets of Bangkok to its restaurants and street food.

Filter: What do you like to do for fun around Bangkok?

I love to explore the different vibrant cuisines in Bangkok! From bars, coffee shops, bakery, to street food.

Personally I love the burgers at Homeburg, sourdough at Bartels, the cocktails at Bar Us, ramen at No Name Noodle, and the yakitori at Toritama.

Filter: If a good friend came to visit, where would you be sure to take them?

*Wasin Kusakabe is Thailand’s 2024 National Brewer’s Cup champ. Photos courtesy of Nana Coffee Roasters*

I would brew them some coffee at our shop, and see what types of activities they are looking for.

I would take them to Old Town, where a plethora of food choices, and classic architecture can be seen while strolling around. Old Town is also situated next to the river, so a boat ride is an absolute must!

It is also close to the palace and Chinatown so there is always something to do from daytime to evening.

If they are into sports, then maybe a session at the bouldering/rock climbing gym, tennis, badminton, etc.

If they wanted a mini road trip, then maybe a mini road trip to the mountains in Khao Yai, or the beach at Chonburi for a day trip.

End the night with maybe a cocktail experience at some of my favorite bars, such as Bar Us.

Filter: What do you like to do in Bangkok’s Old Town?

Boat rides on the river are always enjoyable, and these boat rides will give you access to temples such as Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.

The Grand Palace is also nearby so it is easy to hit all the spots in one place.

There are also street vendors, and a famous flower market to see and walk around.

Filter: What do you like to do to escape the city?

There are mountains in the north, and beautiful seas to the south, so pick your poison and plan your route!

I’ve also recently started rock climbing, bouldering, and diving. A lot of great places even within the city to try out. I just started at Rock Domain, but I've been wanting to go to Stonegoat Gym.

Only thing to keep in mind is to keep an open mind!

Filter: Where are your go-to spots for mountains and beaches?

Mountains—Khao Yai

Beaches—Kho Tao

Filter: What touristy things in Bangkok are worth the hype?

Definitely the night market or the weekend markets. The items you can get from these markets are mostly unavailable elsewhere and can be quite a memorable experience.

The most famous one is the Chatuchak Market, which is accessible by train.

Close by, Ari Street has quite a few cafes, restaurants, and bars that are worth the trip so I would highly recommend you to check it out. The entire road from the Ari BTS station to Ari Soi 4 is filled to the brim with cafes and restaurants, so that would be it!

Filter: Where are your favorite green spaces there?

The Benjakriti Park that is next to the Asoke Station is quite a large green space, perfect for jogging or just taking a walk.

Filter: What's another coffee shop around there that you really admire, and what about them stands out to you?

I really like Wanwan Coffee Roasters by Dawn, the Top 5 World Barista Champion from Hong Kong. You can experience his menu that he served when he competed in different years, which is an absolute delight.

Filter: What makes Bangkok feel most like home to you?

Knowing the local spots hits home. The vibrant F&B scene is best explored with the locals.

Filter: How did you end up in the Bangkok coffee scene?

I worked in Japan for 2.5 years before moving back to Thailand to pursue my coffee career. I originally grew up in Thailand, and I was ignited by the coffee competition, which I experienced before moving to Japan. That passion was reignited when I witnessed the World Siphon Championship in Tokyo.

Filter: What is your role at Nana?

I’m in the competition team, but I also look over marketing, and branding. Being able to connect with passionate individuals both domestically, and internationally, to further our understanding of coffee, is a rewarding experience.

Filter: If you could move to any place in the world just for the coffee scene, where would you move, and what shop would be the biggest reason?

I’d move to Japan because of the warm hospitality. A lot of great stores, but for now, my favorite is Koffee Mameya Kakeru.

Filter: Anything you’d like to add?

My favorite fruit is peaches.

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Nana Coffee Roasters operates 5 locations across Bangkok, Thailand.

Nana Coffee Roasters - Central Westville

Nana Coffee Roasters - Bangna

Nana Coffee Roasters - Niche3

Nana Coffee Roasters - Ari

Nana Coffee Roastery - Seacon Square Srinakarin

Food & Beverage