Opened in December 2023, Balzac is the city’s latest spot to exchange Thai and French culture over some homemade treats. 

 

 

The cafe is named after Honore de Balzac, the famed French writer of the 19th century who turned his back on law, he pursued a writing career (every parent’s dream).

 

The man was also a coffee addict and is said to have downed more than 50 cups a day to fuel his creativity. Some have even cited caffeine poisoning as a possible cause of his death.

 

 

Owner Chango “Zac” Favre, shares some similarities with Balzac. Having a background in law, he opened his dream cafe after Covid died down. 

 

“I’ve been coming and going from Thailand for around 6 years,” Zac says. “I noticed that there was only one prominent French bookstore in Bangkok which is Alliance Francaise.”

 

Compared to the amount of Francophones living in Thailand, Zac saw an opportunity and began shipping his personal collection of books, movies, and music from Switzerland to Thailand.

 

 

It was originally going to just be a bookstore but quickly grew into something bigger. This multi-storey project reflects the cafe culture that Zac and other Europeans might be familiar with back at home but places like these are less mainstream in Bangkok.

 

With a location in Charoenkrung, the cafe benefits from being close to Bangkok’s French embassy and its surrounding art scene.

 

Their antique shop front stands out like something on the streets of France. Inside you’ll spot some second hand books, comics, music records, vintage movie posters from around the world, and luxury goods.

 

 

But if you’re just stopping by for some treats, go for their apple pie (B150) or the classic croque monsieur (B150). 

 

“It’s not exactly gastronomic but it’s like something your grandmother will make for you,” Zac explains.

 

They’ve also covered the standard coffees, teas, and refreshments you’d typically order in a French summer such as lemonade, ginger beer, and orange espresso.

 

This little cultural exchange community has already had a full-circle moment when the Thai publisher and Thai designer of Balzac books came to visit. Opposite the street is one of the city’s most famous Chinese-themed cafes, Heiji. The owner of which just so happens to speak French as well.

 

 

Balzac plans to continue making an impact by hosting events like French movie nights and gallery shows from Francophone and Thai artists. At the end of March, they’ll be hosting a black and white photography exhibition from a Thai artist's French pics.

 

Whether you’re a collector, an art appreciator, or someone who’d taken a couple of French classes in high school, there’s something in store for everyone.

 

Stay up to date on their events here.