Slow mornings in Bangkok: Discovering the hidden brews
The barista making my single origin Columbian coffee with gesha beans at Wednesday on my second visit @tae.primmk and @roseriin
Instead of the typical touristy activities that we all know Bangkok for, I spent the next two days wandering around the town, discovering artisanal cafes; the quiet, speakeasy kind. It was by a random chance that I stumbled upon Wednesday, an unassuming treasure hidden in the urban chaos of busy Bangkok.
Nestled in a quiet alley, a discreet and weathered wooden door, marked only by a minimalist sign, beckoned me. If you weren’t looking for it, you wouldn’t even notice it existed. The door was clunky to open. The dim, ambient lighting exuded a sense of reserved charm, with wooden tables, avant garde magazines and well-placed tomatoes completing the intimate vibe. For some reason, the tomatoes fit right into the scene and I wondered if it was because the red tones were complementary to the woody deepness of the furniture.
Entering such a cozy, intimate setting can sometimes feel like an intrusion to the space. Being ever so mindful of that, I took a deep breath and let go of my zingyness at the door, harmonising myself as best I could to the peaceful calm of the place. The aroma of freshly ground coffee lingered in the air, blending with soft soul melodies. Jalen Ngonda’s “Come around and love me” was playing in the background; his heartfelt lyrics and emotive vocals evoked feelings of introspection, bittersweetness and longing within me, connecting me to the shared human experience of love and loss.
I chose the Kenyan beans for its balanced profile. While I don’t know much about the technicalities of coffee, I appreciate the whole artistry behind it; tasting the different layers on the tongue and letting them transport you to a certain space. Coffee drinking is such an art form that it can be gibberish to those who are not so inclined but it really is quite simple—it is all about being present to the moment.
Part of the experience is appreciating the barista as he makes the coffee, knowing that he himself is undergoing the ritual of being present to the coffee itself, which when given the right attention in temperature, swirl, timing and grind size, will open up to reveal its secret aroma. None of this process can be structured, intentional or forced. It has to happen organically, a journey that you walk along with, in the right space and with the right touch. Of course when served, comes the smelling and the tasting of it. Thus begins the journey into the great unknown; every morning an opportunity to discover something new and one which I greatly enjoy!
And if one can enjoy coffee as such, it isn’t too far-fetched to enjoy nearly everything else in life with the same presentness. To me, the greatest respect I can give to life, is my commitment to always be present to it as much as I can. It isn’t always possible of course, but we can only do our best, acknowledging that life is but a journey and every moment an opportunity to awaken and reawaken within it.
I deeply enjoyed the cozy and intimate experience at Wednesday. And so feeling thus rejuvenated, I start to prepare for my long ride to Tak the next day, looking forward to new discoveries.