From Bali’s lush pink plant-based haven to Bangkok’s iconic dessert cafés, these are the Luxury Instagrammable Cafés dominating Instagram and redefining café culture.
Asia has become the epicentre of café culture, where food, design, and social media meet in the most indulgent way. Across Southeast Asia in particular, stylish cafés are no longer just about coffee or matcha — they are cultural destinations, each offering exquisite menus, breathtaking interiors, and that irresistible “luxury Instagrammable cafés” factor.
Whether it’s Bali’s tropical-inspired vegan retreats, Bangkok’s dessert empires, or Singapore’s lush garden-style sanctuaries, these cafés are drawing travellers from around the world eager to taste, capture, and share the experience.
Cafés today are more than pit stops for caffeine — they are cultural markers, spaces where travel, food, and design converge. For the modern luxury traveller, they offer the chance to step into curated worlds where every sip and every photo becomes part of a narrative.
From the lush jungles of Bali to the sparkling skylines of Bangkok, these eight cafés are redefining luxury dining culture in Southeast Asia. They are where gastronomy meets design, where indulgence meets adventure, and where every corner seems to be designed with the modern traveller in mind.
Whether you’re seeking your next travel inspiration or simply dreaming of your next Instagram post, here are eight of the most glamorous and photogenic cafés across Asia that you won’t want to miss.
1. Café Kitsuné, Bangkok, Thailand
Nestled inside EmQuartier, one of Bangkok’s most stylish luxury malls, Café Kitsuné is where Parisian chic meets Asian elegance. This cult French-Japanese café has become a global icon, but in Bangkok, it flourishes with a tropical twist. Think warm wood interiors, minimalist design, and immaculately presented lattes — each a canvas for Instagram. A must for travellers seeking understated sophistication in the heart of the city.
2. Kynd Community, Bali, Indonesia
Bali has no shortage of photogenic cafés, but Kynd Community stands out for its lush pink walls, palm-lined courtyard, and artful plant-based menu that looks as good as it tastes. Smoothie bowls adorned with fresh tropical fruit spell out inspirational words, while pastel lattes come in shades of turquoise and blush. Beyond aesthetics, Kynd is a celebration of conscious living, making it the ultimate indulgence for wellness-minded travellers.
3. % Arabica, Hoi An, Vietnam
Vietnam’s UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An is famed for its lantern-lit streets, but % Arabica adds another reason to linger. Overlooking the Thu Bon River, this sleek, whitewashed café is a minimalist masterpiece.
The Japanese-founded brand has captivated coffee lovers worldwide, and in Hoi An, its design contrasts beautifully with the town’s heritage charm. The result? A café experience that feels both contemporary and timeless — perfect for golden-hour photography.
4. After You Dessert Café, Bangkok, Thailand
If there is one dessert empire in Asia that has captured the hearts of food lovers, it’s After You. Known for its legendary Shibuya honey toast — crisp on the outside, soft within, and dripping with syrup — this café chain is a pilgrimage site for anyone with a sweet tooth.
The interiors are clean and elegant, but it’s the towering plates of toast, cakes, and seasonal creations that dominate Instagram. A must-visit for a luxurious afternoon indulgence in Thailand’s capital.
5. Merchant’s Lane, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Nestled in Chinatown, Merchant’s Lane is a café that masterfully balances authentic heritage with contemporary style. Its semi-outdoor seating among old‐school architecture, lush greenery, and classic teak furniture makes every moment feel nostalgic yet utterly refined.
The light filtering through vintage windows, coupled with colourful tiles and curated décor, provides dreamy backdrops for photos. Their menu is equally inspired: fusion dishes with thoughtful twists, excellent teas and coffees, and desserts that are works of art. It’s the perfect place to slow down, savour the atmosphere, and capture memories that belong on any luxury traveller’s feed.
6. The Gardens Café, Ubud, Bali
For anyone seeking an escape into Bali’s lush natural beauty, The Gardens Café in Ubud delivers an enchanted jungle atmosphere like no other. Think rattan furniture, tropical blooms spilling across every corner, and panoramic views of rice terraces.
The menu champions seasonal ingredients and fresh juices, but the star attraction is undoubtedly the café’s dreamy interiors and outdoor seating that feels plucked straight from a tropical fairytale.
7. PS.Café, Singapore
Singapore is synonymous with elegance, and PS.Café exemplifies this effortlessly. With several locations across the city, each boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, towering ceilings, and lush greenery spilling across the interiors.
The food is as Instagram-worthy as the décor — truffle shoestring fries and indulgent cakes are signature highlights. PS.Café is where the city’s stylish elite gather, and where every corner is an invitation to linger, photograph, and indulge.
8. Sofia at The Gunawarman, South Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta’s dining scene has been evolving rapidly, and Sofia at The Gunawarman has emerged as one of its most glamorous destinations. Located inside the boutique luxury hotel The Gunawarman, this café-restaurant exudes European grandeur with a tropical twist.
High ceilings, marble floors, and expansive windows set the stage, while plush seating and elegant lighting create a refined atmosphere. The menu is equally impressive, offering contemporary European and Asian dishes that are as photogenic as they are indulgent.
Every detail, from the curated interiors to the beautifully plated cuisine, makes Sofia a must-visit for travellers seeking a luxurious and Instagrammable experience in Indonesia’s bustling capital.
