The buzz: Siam Square’s best brunch place just branched out to Ekkamai. And this new spot is (slightly) less hidden. WWA, a cafe-cum-fashion shop on the third floor of the now-defunct Swensens in Siam Square, has partnered with boutique Chooseless (of the same crowd behind Cocue in Siam Square Soi 1) to open up its second cafe.

 

The decor: Cocue’s Hong Kong-born owner Donnie Tsui tore down the old Baan Ekkamai building and replaced it with this two-story, oddly-shaped, bare concrete space. The minimalist interior gets some character in the form of two actual-size BTS pillars and flooring that resembles outdoor pavement bricks. On the ground floor, WWA’s style shines through in mismatched tables and chairs. Taking the rail-less stairs to the mezzanine, you’ll also spot Chooseless’s well-curated fashion items, with a corner devoted to WWA’s clothes. 

 

The food and drinks: There are two menus, offered up on two separate sheets of white A4 paper. WWA’s half is basically the same as you find at the Siam Square branch, which we enjoy a great deal, so expect English chef Davina Pickering’s breakfast staples like maple nutmeg butter pancake with pumpkin Italian sausage (B350), toasted welsh rarebit with pickled peppers and peach, (B220) and rocket and sunflower sprout salad (B350). There are also decadent desserts like warm rum chocolate brownie and cream shot (B160) and the scone set (B170). Plus, there’s also a cake display, meaning you don't have to pre-order a whole one like at the original branch. On the other menu, Pum Tsui of Chooseless cooks up a changing list of Thai dishes made from her grandma’s other recipes, such as the bold-flavored platoo pad priktai orn kaprao (stir-fried short mackerel with holy basil and young green peppercorns, B180) and desserts like faktong gaeng buad (pumpkin in coconut milk, B50). To drink, try WWA’s signature super-thick cold chocolate (B130) or the Chooseless tea (with orange, passion fruit and lime, B150) 

 

Why you should care: WWA’s comforting brunch dishes in a bigger yet more peaceful space, complemented by some real Thai flavors. What’s not to like? Plus, we appreciate the earlier opening hours on weekends. Natcha Sanguankiattichai