Sarnies at One Bangkok
- Rayki Goh, MSc
- Jun 18
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Dear food people,
If you’re tired of revisiting the same overcrowded malls and on the lookout for exploring something new, One Bangkok is one of the city’s newest lifestyle destinations, brimming with potential.
Set to house over 900 stores across its Retail Loop, the development officially opened its doors on 25 October 2024, starting with Parade and THE STOREYS. Whether you’re in the mood to explore new eateries or discover unique retail concepts, One Bangkok is definitely worth adding to your list.
BACKGROUND
I visited Sarnies with two friends so we could sample a wider range of dishes for a proper taste test. For those unfamiliar, “sarnies” is colloquial British slang for sandwiches and the name couldn’t be more fitting.
Founded by Ben Lee, Sarnies began in Singapore in 2009 when he couldn’t find a decent sandwich during work breaks. Rather than settle, he started the first Sarnies café on Telok Ayer Street, turning a modest space into one of the neighbourhood’s most popular cafes within months.
Eric Chan, originally from Malaysia, joined the Singapore outlet in 2012, starting as a barista and bartender. He immersed himself in the craft of coffee roasting, eventually moving to Bangkok in 2017 and rising through the ranks to become Ben’s business partner.
CURATED BEANS
Both Ben and Eric are serious about coffee. Unsatisfied with mediocrity, they committed to learning the full coffee-making process from bean to brew. Their attention to detail and focus on quality helped them create a consistently excellent product. Today, Sarnies works closely with growers and distributors to source beans with distinct flavour profiles.
SANDWICH, CLASSIC FRY-UP & SARNIES MILK TEA
We tried the Mortadella, Stracciatella & Peppers Sandwich and it was truly exceptional. Thick slices of mortadella were layered with confit garlic aioli, crushed pistachio, and slow-cooked peppers, served on rustic sourdough toast. It was hearty, well-balanced, and full of flavour.
The sandwich cost 360 baht (around SGD $14.22), which is comparable to gourmet sandwich prices in Singapore, typically ranging between $14 and $18. However, the quality of the mortadella stood out, it tasted more natural, with fewer chemical enhancements than what’s commonly found back home.
We also shared the Classic Fry-Up, a generous platter of free-range eggs (unverified), thick-cut bacon, sausage, smoky bacon-flavoured baked beans, roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, hash browns, and sourdough toast.
The thick-cut bacon was a standout, its juicy and flavourful, with the fat melting in your mouth. The roasted cherry tomatoes were sweet and plump, offering a nice contrast that helped cut through the richness of the bacon.
You can choose between a classic sausage or one with Thai-style spices. We opted for the latter but found it a bit overpowering; the strong spice mix overwhelmed the more delicate flavours on the plate. We also added a side of smoked salmon, which was less impressive as it lacked the smokiness and saltiness I was hoping for.
The fry-up cost 480 baht (about SGD $18.96), which still sits well below the SGD $30 price tag you’d pay at cafés like Common Man Coffee Roasters for a similar dish.
Their take on Thai milk tea is brewed with local tea blends and house-made condensed milk. It’s lighter and more subtle than the strong red-tea flavours of popular brands like ChaTraMue.
While the 160 baht price tag (about SGD $6.32) might seem steep by Bangkok café standards, it’s still more affordable than similar drinks in Singapore and it pairs nicely with the savoury dishes on the menu.
DID YOU KNOW?
Here’s something you might not know. Deli meats that appear bright pink are often brined with nitrates and enhanced with additives to maintain their colour and shelf life.
While nitrates aren’t inherently harmful, they can convert into nitrites in the body. These, in turn, may form nitrosamines, compounds that have been linked to cancer and heart disease.
This doesn’t mean you should avoid deli meats altogether, but as with all processed foods, moderation is key.
THE VERDICT
Shiok Rating: 4 out of 5 for flavour and the quality of produce used.
Vibes Rating: 4 out of 5 for interior design, seating comfort, and warm, attentive service.
If you’re the kind of person who appreciates a hearty, well-executed breakfast without the fuss, Sarnies delivers.
The food leans into bold, unpretentious flavours that feel satisfying without trying too hard. You can tell they take their ingredients seriously, the bacon is thick, the eggs are cooked just right, and the coffee doesn’t taste like an afterthought.
It’s the kind of place where you’d happily settle in for a slow brunch or bring a friend to impress with “your latest find.”
The ambience leans industrial-chic without being cold. Plenty of natural light, comfortable seating, and just enough buzz to make the space feel alive without being overwhelming.
Service was friendly without being intrusive, the staff were quick to offer recommendations and check in on how things were going, which added to the overall experience.
Prices are on the higher side for Bangkok, but considering the portions, ingredient quality, and the café’s overall vibe, I’d say it’s well worth it especially if you’re used to Singapore café prices. This isn’t your average Instagram-over-substance kind of place.
There’s real thought behind the food, and you’ll leave feeling like you’ve had something genuinely satisfying.
Sarnies has secured a spot on my Bangkok must-eat list, and I will definitely be back again. If you find yourself around One Bangkok and are searching for something satisfying, start your day here, perfect if you are working remotely too.
Location: One Bangkok The Storeys 1st Floor 199 ถ. วิทยุ แขวงลุมพินี เขตปทุมวัน, Lumphini, เขตปทุม, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Reservation is available at:
Opens daily from 7am to 10pm.
