Rolling Roasters – Ekamai
Rolling Roasters - Ekamai
Rolling Roasters - Ekamai
Rolling Roasters - Ekamai
Rolling Roasters – Ekamai is a cozy and trendy coffee shop located in Ekkamai, Bangkok. It offers great coffee, delicious desserts, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for breakfast, solo work, or casual meetups, with plenty of seating options including outdoor and wheelchair accessible spaces.
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Total ScoreRolling Roasters Ekamai: Coffee, Workspace, and Design Trade-offs Near Ekkamai BTS
This Rolling Roasters Ekamai review is based on a Tuesday afternoon visit and a second Saturday morning session. The glass storefront faces the street with bold white lettering spelling “FUTURISTIC COFFEE” across the window. A geometric world-globe motif etched into the glass. Brown signboard, clean sidewalk, minimal branding. The curb appeal is premium without excess, though that word needs benchmarks, which I’ll get to.
Inside, two copper globe sculptures hang from exposed ductwork. They cast warm amber highlights across dark wood and earth-tone walls. A curved staircase climbs to a mezzanine level. The layout feels more like a lounge than a standard Bangkok cafe, with multiple zones rather than one open floor.
The earth Ekkamai Context
Rolling Roasters sits inside The earth Ekkamai, a dining complex marketed as a Bangkok food landmark. The development houses multiple restaurants in one compound, designed to answer “every lifestyle” need, per local marketing. It’s a 5-minute walk from Ekkamai BTS, which makes it convenient for commuters but it’s not directly connected to the station so expect most people to drive there or to use a Grab. That’s mostly because the entrance of Ekkamai, just like Thong Lor is not inviting to just stroll into.
I’ve noticed the crowd shifts by time. Morning brings office workers grabbing takeaway before the BTS rush. Afternoon tilts toward tourists and casual diners. Rolling Roasters handles crowds well but still hits capacity during peak hours.
Atmosphere and Layout
The circular copper bar anchors the ground floor. Bottles and brewing equipment line the counter. The arrangement is tidy and visual, suggesting the owner cares about presentation. High seating runs along brown walls. Small round tables dot the perimeter. Bar-style stools encourage short stays rather than long spreads of papers and laptops. These stools seem to be the only spots with a plug though.
Natural light fills the space during the day. At night, the copper fixtures create moody warmth. A friend who joined me for coffee called it “Blade Runner meets a hotel lobby,” which tracks. The design photographs well. It also creates acoustic issues. Metal surfaces and hard floors mean conversations carry. When the crowd thickens, noise levels rise quickly.
On my Saturday morning visit, the ground floor was bustling but manageable. Tuesday afternoon was quieter. The mezzanine offers some separation from the main flow.
Productivity and Wi-Fi
I tested this location for a 5-hour work session on Tuesday. The mezzanine is the better choice for focus, if you can get a seat. Ground-floor seating works for quick coffee or meetings where you expect interruptions. For deep work, the visual traffic at the bar and the acoustic carry make sustained attention difficult.
Wi-Fi performance depends on crowd density. I clocked speeds adequate for video calls during my off-peak session. When the afternoon tourist rush picked up, latency increased. A barista mentioned that large tour groups occasionally flood the space, which can strain both bandwidth and seating.
There’s no in-house toilet. Staff direct patrons to facilities elsewhere in The earth Ekkamai complex. For a 5-hour session, that means leaving the cafe and navigating a separate building. It’s a bit annoying but not unheard of in Bangkok.
Coffee and Pricing Benchmarks
Rolling Roasters roasts its own beans. The Americano costs 130 THB ($4.1 / €3.4 / £3.0). A latte costs the same. Specialty drinks, including signature lattes with flavored syrups, reach 180 THB ($5.6 / €4.8 / £4.1). The coffee itself is solid. My Americano had clean bitterness, good body, no burned notes. Latte art was symmetrical, the kind that photographs well.
The presentation creates friction. Hot drinks arrive in paper cups with Rolling Roasters branding. A companion who visited with me noted the mismatch. Dine-in prices for takeaway-style cups. It’s not wrong, just unexpected when you’re paying 130 THB for a latte. For context, a latte at Starbucks Bangkok typically runs 145 THB ($4.5 / €3.8 / £3.3). Rolling Roasters sits around the same level on price but below Starbucks on seating and power-outlet availability.
Food presentation is stronger. Fried calamari at 250 THB ($7.8 / €6.6 / £5.8) arrived on a proper plate, generous portion, golden presentation. The kitchen treats plating seriously, even if the coffee side leans fast-casual.
Practical Details
Hours run 7 AM to 5:30 PM daily. The early opening suits morning meetings. The 5:30 PM close eliminates evening work sessions or post-dinner coffee. If you’re a night owl, this won’t fit your schedule.
The location is a short walk from Ekkamai BTS, convenient for transit. Prices are higher than typical Bangkok independent cafes because the rent reflects that BTS proximity and the compound’s dining-destination status. You’re paying for location and design, not just beans.
Trade-offs Summary
Rolling Roasters Ekamai delivers on aesthetics and coffee quality. If you want a visually striking space for a casual meeting or a short work session before 5:30 PM, it works. If you need reliable high-speed Wi-Fi, abundant power outlets, and late hours, Starbucks or a dedicated co-working space will serve you better.
For design-conscious visitors who don’t mind paying extra for atmosphere, the math works out. For budget-conscious remote workers, the combination of paper-cup service, no in-house toilet, and afternoon closures may not justify the price. Visit for the copper fixtures and locally roasted beans. Don’t expect a full-day office replacement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Rolling Roasters Ekamai?
Rolling Roasters Ekamai is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. These hours make it ideal for morning meetings, afternoon coffee breaks, or daytime workspace use. Note that the shop closes before dinner hours, so evening visits are not possible.
Where is Rolling Roasters Ekamai located and how do you get there?
Rolling Roasters Ekamai is located within The earth Ekkamai dining complex on Ekkamai Road (Sukhumvit Soi 63), Bangkok. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the Ekkamai BTS station. Most visitors walk or take a taxi or Grab, as the entrance area is less pedestrian-friendly.
How would you describe the design and atmosphere of Rolling Roasters Ekamai?
The cafe features a futuristic and geometric aesthetic with a spacious, lounge-like layout. It boasts a glass storefront, copper globe sculptures, earth-tone walls, a curved staircase to a mezzanine, and a central copper bar. Natural light fills the space by day, while warm copper tones create a cozy mood at night.
Is Rolling Roasters Ekamai laptop-friendly and suitable for remote work?
The mezzanine level is the best spot for focused work sessions, offering separation from the busier ground floor. Wi-Fi quality is excellent during off-peak hours but may slow down as the cafe fills up. Power outlets are limited and mainly available at bar stools. It’s best for short to medium work sessions, not full workdays.
Does Rolling Roasters Ekamai offer high-speed Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi at Rolling Roasters Ekamai is generally fast and stable, especially during off-peak hours. However, connection speed may decrease when the cafe is crowded with tourists or large groups. The Wi-Fi is sufficient for video calls and typical remote work when not overloaded.
What makes the coffee at Rolling Roasters Ekamai unique?
Rolling Roasters Ekamai roasts its own beans for a fresh, specialty coffee experience. Signature drinks such as the Americano and latte are known for their clean flavors, and attention is paid to latte art and presentation. Specialty drinks with flavored syrups are also available.
How do the prices at Rolling Roasters Ekamai compare to other Bangkok cafes?
The pricing at Rolling Roasters is premium, with lattes and Americanos costing 130 THB (about $4.1/€3.4/£3.0), which is slightly less than Starbucks but higher than most independent cafes in Bangkok. Signature drinks reach 180 THB. The higher prices reflect the prime location and design-focused ambiance.
Does Rolling Roasters Ekamai have toilet facilities for customers?
There is no in-house toilet at Rolling Roasters Ekamai. Patrons are directed to shared facilities within The earth Ekkamai complex, meaning you must leave the cafe to access restrooms.
Are there any signature food items on the Rolling Roasters Ekamai menu?
The cafe’s food menu features items like fried calamari, which is praised for generous portions and quality plating. The kitchen places an emphasis on food presentation and sizable servings, especially for dine-in guests.
How does Rolling Roasters Ekamai balance aesthetics, coffee quality, and practicality?
Rolling Roasters merges a ‘Futuristic’ design with premium, in-house roasted coffee while attempting to create both a visually impressive space and a functional workspace. The trade-off is clear: you get a distinctive, Instagrammable setting and quality beverages, but practical aspects like abundant power outlets and in-house toilets are sacrificed for visual impact.
- Aesthetics: Unique design, geometric motifs, glass and copper elements
- Coffee Quality: Professional in-house roasting, specialty menu
- Practicality: Fewer outlets, offsite restrooms, crowd/noise at peak times
What are the strengths and weaknesses for remote work at Rolling Roasters Ekamai?
- Strengths: Modern ambiance, stable Wi-Fi (off-peak), and a two-level layout for varied seating preferences. Ideal for short and medium-length work sessions.
- Weaknesses: Limited power sockets (mostly at bar stools), Wi-Fi slows at peak, and no in-house restrooms. Not designed for full-day office replacement.
How does the Rolling Roasters experience differ from Starbucks Bangkok?
Rolling Roasters offers a visually distinctive, design-driven experience with locally roasted beans and artisanal presentation, but with fewer power outlets, limited restroom access, and closing before evening. Starbucks offers more utility for long work sessions and better amenities for remote workers, though both are similar in pricing. Rolling Roasters is best for those prioritizing style and coffee craftsmanship.
How does Rolling Roasters compare to other popular cafes in Ekkamai such as KIF or Nana Coffee Roasters?
Rolling Roasters stands out for its industrial-chic design and in-house specialty coffee roasting. While its coffee quality is praised, some reviewers find the coffee at competitors like 100% Arabica superior and mention that competitors may offer better urban views or more spacious seating. Rolling Roasters is ideal for those who value atmosphere, aesthetics, and specialty drinks.
What are the best times to visit Rolling Roasters Ekamai for a workspace?
Weekday afternoons (except during the tourist rush) and Saturday mornings before peak hours offer the quietest environment for productivity. During these times, Wi-Fi is most reliable and the mezzanine has available seating for focused work.
Is the cafe suitable for groups seeking a social atmosphere?
Rolling Roasters’ spacious and visually exciting layout makes it well-suited for casual meetings or small group gatherings, especially on the ground floor. However, at peak times noise levels can rise significantly due to the open, metallic surfaces and crowd density.
What are the most praised drinks or food at Rolling Roasters Ekamai?
- Americano and latte: Noted for clean flavors and attractive presentation
- Specialty drinks: Such as the Orange Black, which are popular and recommended by coffee connoisseurs
- Fried calamari: Generous and well-plated, a standout food item
Are reservations or advanced bookings available at Rolling Roasters Ekamai?
Currently, Rolling Roasters operates on a walk-in basis only. No reservations or advanced table bookings are accepted. Arrive early, especially during peak weekend hours, for the best seating.
What are four major factors that influence coffee quality?
- Freshness of coffee beans
- Freshness of the grind
- Grind size
- Proportion of ingredients
These elements all contribute to the resulting flavor, aroma, and experience of your cup at Rolling Roasters or any specialty cafe.
Do Rolling Roasters offer educational experiences or tastings?
Yes, Rolling Roasters occasionally hosts coffee lab experiences and brewing education events in their “Coffee Lab” area, led by professionals. These sessions highlight advanced brewing techniques and specialty roasting.
