Bangkok · Thailand
Roots Coffee Roaster
Roots Coffee Roaster is one of 3 Bangkok roasters tracked on day9, in Bangkok.
Since 2013 · Varatt 'Tae' Vichit-Vadakan, Korn Sanguenkeaw, Somdej 'Ake' Luengtaviboon
Overview
Roots was founded in early 2013 by Varatt 'Tae' Vichit-Vadakan (2014 Thailand Barista Champion, who competed at WBC that year), head roaster Korn Sanguenkeaw, and Somdej 'Ake' Luengtaviboon. Started as a weekend-only micro-roastery on Soi Ekamai that doubled as a weekday training space, Roots is now part of Vichit-Vadakan's Kinnest Group with four outlets, around 50 staff, and a 100% Thai coffee sourcing commitment. The company runs a 'cup-to-farm' program returning a portion of revenue to producers in northern Thailand to improve quality and infrastructure.
Known for
- Thailand specialty coffee pioneer (2013)
- 100% Thai coffee sourcing commitment
- Founded by 2014 Thailand Barista Champion (Varatt Vichit-Vadakan)
- Cup-to-farm program with northern Thai producers
- Four outlets including 2018 Sathorn flagship at Bhiraj Tower
Why it matters
Roots is the rare consuming-market roaster that became a producer-country pioneer. By committing to Thai-only sourcing, Vichit-Vadakan and team have done what most specialty roasters won't — invested in their own country's coffee infrastructure rather than importing exotic origins. The Bruna espresso blend (40% Thai Prao District + 40% Brazil + 20% Guatemala — note: original blend) has evolved as the Thai program matured.
Production
- head roaster
- Korn Sanguenkeaw
- roaster machine
- Giesen W6
- filter equipment
- Mahlkönig EK43, Mahlkönig Tanzania
- espresso equipment
- 1999 La Marzocco Linea (two-group); Compak conical grinders
Café
33,31 Bhiraj Tower, S Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Sathon, Bangkok 10120 (Sathorn flagship)
Recognitions
- Thailand National Barista Champion 2014 (Varatt Vichit-Vadakan)
- Competed at World Barista Championship 2014