When I told my friends that I was headed to Chiang Mai, solo, for a break, they exclaimed, "It is such a sleepy place; what would you even do there? On the other hand, you'd probably fit right in since you enjoy life in the slow lane." All of the above proved to be true. I didn't pack my itinerary with activities or spend time only at the hostel. It was the right kind of relaxation, where I visited a few pagodas, temples, and a couple of waterfalls. The rest of the trip was spent exploring local markets and, most importantly, quaint little cafes all over town!
Chiang Mai truly is a coffee-lovers paradise. I had heard of lovely cafes in the town but didn't realise there was a cafe in every nook! Chiang Mai's coffee scene, instead, its coffee culture, is about a decade old. Coffee cultivation in the hilly town, too, started in the 20th century, in 1969– the region previously cultivated opium. More and more farmers were encouraged by the then King Bhumibol Adulyadej; it was done to replace opium with a more viable crop.
"Coffee culture in Chiang is very new. It has been about 100 years since coffee started to be cultivated in Thailand. And though the coffee plant isn't native to Thailand, the geographic and climatic conditions have been conducive. The farmers or the indigenous tribes that usually cultivate coffee don't have to worry about cutting down trees to grow coffee, so it is very sustainable to grow coffee. It is often grown alongside stone fruits and tropical fruits. Cafes are one of the main links in the supply chain that bridges the gap between the producer/coffee cultivator and consumer," says Ayu Chuepa, founder of Akha Ama Coffee.
And now, as tourism picked up and spending power on the whole increased, coffee consumption has risen because "Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains making the climate suitable for growing coffee beans. And Chiang Mai is a tourist destination; therefore farmers are more vested in the coffee business," says James Keerati, co-owner of Co.coffee x roaster star. I opted for a simple espresso in their tiny, cosy space. The drink was well-rounded, intense and bold. The jolt would be perfect for a coffee lover to start the morning. Keerati said they source beans from farmers in Chiang Mai and nearby provinces. The cafe, which opened around mid-2022, looks like a garage. It might not be upscale, per se, but it is a great place to sit, enjoy a coffee and read.
Other interesting offerings at the cafe include Monica, coffee, and tonic water; black orange, an iced Americano with orange juice; and black honey, black coffee with honey, hot or cold. The usual options like Americano and cappuccino are also available.
Another cafe one mustn't miss is Lady Bake. Again, it is a small cafe; the place is located at Moon Muang Road, lane 7, and the place also offers outdoor seating. Head here if you're looking for something trendy. The Yellowsqueeze or iced Americano with lemonade was weirdly refreshing. Also recommended is the Orangano or orange juice with iced Americano. Apart from being open for breakfast all day, the cafe also offers a variety of cookies, eclairs, and other sweet treats like cheesecakes. This cafe, which opened in 2021, gives a very fresh, young vibe; their breakfast offerings are great, too, especially the bacon and eggs on toast.
If you're looking for a place with slightly old-school vibes, head to Akha Ama Coffee, established in 2010. The brand has an outlet at Rachadamneon Road and one at Hussadhisawee. Chuepa, who belongs to the indigenous Akha tribe, started the coffee brand and cafe to support his community. "The beans are locally grown by indigenous tribes in the Chiang Mai region. This is shade-grown coffee; it doesn't disrupt the existing eco-system," he says. So far, Chuepa's social enterprise has empowered over 300 families in four provinces.
The Akha Ama Phrasingh cafe at Rachadamneon Road is spacious and has a loft-like space above it. The modern minimalist space is perfect for a Zoom call or quick work meeting. Here, the Manee mana is one of the most popular drinks. It is a shot of espresso with honey and orange peel. They also have Es yen, or Thai iced coffee containing condensed milk and a dirty latte, which is freshly brewed espresso poured over chilled milk. Another place with slightly old-school yet modern vibes is Graph, which has outlets in several places across Thailand, including seven in Chiang Mai alone. Again, a minimalist space is a great space to get either started on your new novel or finish the thriller you're reading. Graph, too, mainly sources its coffees locally.
You can also take home coffee beans or coffee powder from the cafe. They offer single-origin coffees and blends with notes like chocolate cookie-orange peel, pineapple mojito, and apple martini. Their cold brew is a must-try, which pairs well with the lemon tart. Graph truly is one for the traditionalist, as it doesn't have any of the new-age infusions on its menu. And the enterprise is about 15 years old.
Thor Phan Coffee, a cafe and roaster, is another place to get a good cuppa. Their caramel latte was simply superb! Thor Phan also roasts coffee for cafes like Note, Three Nakhanik, Klom Cafe, Teeranon, and Aimeiam. Just about two years old, the cafe has a very rustic vibe. They also source single-origin beans from Ethiopia, Colombia, Brazil, Kenya, and Guatemala.
Ristr8to is another quaint little cafe that has made a name for itself by serving up great cups of coffee. It is located at Nimmanahaeminda Road and is a great place to see some latte art. They offer drinks like Cigaretto, which is doppio ristretto with steamed milk; Satan latte, which is a double shot of ristretto with extra milk; and Mocha el Freddo, which is double shots of espresso, cacao syrup, and milk poured over ice cubes and shaken before it is served in a champagne saucer. Ristr8to has a food menu that consists mainly of rotis with various stuffings like cheese, Nutella, sausage, and more.
Gateway Coffee Roasters is where one can opt for the usual white, black or brown coffees, which translates to served with milk, served black, and served with cocoa mixed in. Located at Mueang, this place has young energy. The IM Kitchen at Ratchapruek Road is not a cafe, per se, more like a restaurant you can saunter in for a late breakfast, but the coffee is heavenly. It offers drinks at any coffee shop, nothing fancy or unusual— Americano, espresso, cappuccino, flat white, mocha and latte. The espresso was just the pick-me-up you need after a leisurely lunch.