A Coffee Addict’s Guide to Cafe-Hopping in Chiang Mai
My love for coffee is more of an addiction. I am always on the hunt for new cafes serving up a smooth, aromatic and delicious coffee.
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s centre for incredible coffee roasters and smartly-designed, instagram-worthy cafes. I’m sharing my prized discoveries from Northern Thailand with you below. Enjoy!
Ristr8to Lab
Open Wednesday – Monday 08:30 – 19:00 (closed on Tuesday)
Website: https://ristr8to.com
Tel: +66 53 215 278
Address: 14 Soi 3 Nimmanhaemin Road, Suthep, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand
Other Locations (click on the names for more details)
Ask anyone for a coffee recommendation in Chiang Mai and the first response is “Ristr8to”. I wasn’t quite sure why this particular cafe was so popular and hyped but after indulging in a late afternoon latte, I had my answer: the coffee is unbelievably smooth and flavourful. Inspired by the coffee culture in global hubs like Melbourne and San Francisco, the owners of Ristr8to brought the art of brewing a fine cup of coffee to Chiang Mai and they are constantly experimenting with new roasts and perfecting blends. Don’t miss out.
Graph Cafe
Open Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
Website: https://www.graphdream.com/c-a-f-e / https://www.facebook.com/graphcafe.chiangmai/
Tel. +66 86 567 3330
Old City location: 25/1 Rajvithi Lane 1, Chiangmai 50200
One Nimman location: 1/6 One Nimman A103-104, Nimmanhaemin Rd. Chiang Mai
I visited the original Old City location of Graph Cafe and almost walked by it. The exterior looks like a large window and the name of the cafe is shadowed by the shrubbery outside. The cafe itself is something like 2 metres wide by 3 metres long. It’s small and the focus is on making and serving great-tasting coffee. The vibe is less is more and Graph Cafe is exactly that. I ordered a 4 oz latte and it was divine.
Akha Ama La Fattoria
Open Monday to Sunday 8:00-17:30
Website: http://www.akhaama.com/about-cafe/
Tel: +66882678014
Address: 175/1 Rachdhamnoen Rd, Phrasingha, Chiang Mai 50100
Not many cafes can make a delicious iced mocha coffee like the one I discovered at Akha Ama La Fattoria. The hot coffee options are incredible too. Located in the Old Town area, Akha Ama is a popular spot for the local expats. The coffee beans are locally sourced and roasted. The story behind the brand name “Akha Ama” is interesting because “Ama” means mother in the Akha dialect spoke in the Akha hilltribe village; it pays homage to a mother-like figure from the Akha village who convinced her people to produce and market their own coffee. And her portrait forms the Akha Ama logo.
Brewing Room
Open Monday to Saturday: 08:00-16:00, Sunday: 09:00-17:00
Website: https://www.facebook.com/brewingroom2558/?rf=444545762553539
Address: 145 Charoen Muang Road, Chiang Mai 50000
The Brewing Room serves up a delicious latte with lovely art. The cafe is super chill with its refreshing soft sky blue backdrop and white marble table tops accented with fresh green plants. It’s located outside the Old Town so if you’re in the area definitely drop by for a cuppa.
Totally agree with Ristr8to – best coffee in Chiangmai, I also loved the atmosphere in Graph’s tiny coffee shop.
Seriously! Let’s go back!