Driven by a Facebook post I read a few months ago that listed "10 Must-Visit Cafes in Nakhon Pathom," I became intrigued by several cafes mentioned. I vowed to visit one or two of them if I ever had the chance to pass through the area. Last week, while traveling to Ratchaburi, which conveniently passes through Nakhon Pathom, I decided to make a pit stop at the cafe that had piqued my interest the most.



On the morning of Sunday, February 5th, my wife and I drove from our home and headed towards Borommaratchachonnani Road, using Google Maps to navigate to our destination: Pomelo Café.



Following the familiar route of Borommaratchachonnani Road, my phone's navigation system unexpectedly directed me to deviate from my usual path towards Nakhon Pathom. We embarked on a winding journey through rural highways and progressively smaller roads. After approximately an hour, with the odometer indicating a distance of 40 kilometers from our starting point, my wife and I arrived at our intended destination: Pomelo Café.


Pomelo Café is a single-story establishment with a modest footprint. The café offers parking for approximately 7-8 vehicles in front. If the designated parking is full, street parking is readily available. Concerns regarding the driving route to the café are unwarranted. The roads are well-maintained, traffic is minimal, and Google Maps provides accurate directions.



Upon entering the establishment, patrons are greeted by the coffee and beverage preparation area, featuring 2-3 tables and a balcony seating arrangement overlooking the store's garden. The owner informed me that the total area of the establishment spans approximately 8 rai, encompassing a diverse range of plant life. The strategic location adjacent to the elevated garden contributes to a noticeably cooler ambiance within the store compared to the exterior, despite the scorching sun during my visit.



To the left of the beverage preparation area, there is another seating zone with approximately 10 wooden tables and chairs. Additionally, there is a long bench along the edge of the garden ditch that can accommodate around 15 people for a relaxing view. However, this bench is probably more suitable for sitting on days with pleasant weather or during the early mornings or evenings when the sun is not too strong. If you go during the midday hours around 11 am, like I did, I think it's much better to sit at a table under an umbrella. ><



The restaurant boasts a garden-side ambiance with wooden tables. The décor is thoughtfully designed, featuring swings, seesaws, and rocking horses to entertain young children.



The restaurant's menu is presented on a simple A4 sheet of paper, printed on both sides. One side features the food options, while the other displays the available beverages.



A preliminary price survey suggests that the food here is relatively inexpensive compared to restaurants in Bangkok. However, I am unsure how it compares to other restaurants in this area. The menu items that my wife and I ordered are listed below.

- Pork chop 129 baht

  • Fried egg, 35 baht.

- Spicy drunken seafood spaghetti 60 baht

  • Mango smoothie 40 baht

- Yogurt mix 45 baht



After waiting for a while, the mango juice was served. To be honest, the first time I saw it, I thought the waiter had served the wrong drink because the water in the glass was green. I asked the waiter and found out that they used raw mangoes to make the mango juice, which is why it was this color. As for the taste, I thought it was strange, a bit like guava juice that was salty and a bit sweet. It wasn't like any other mango juice I've had before.



This yogurt parfait is delicious. My wife and I both enjoyed it.



Shortly after the drinks arrived, the food began to be served. The first dish was the fried egg, which was delicious. The yolk was cooked to perfection, and the egg was crispy without being oily. This was a truly impressive dish.



Next, the pork chop. The cut of pork was medium-sized, tending towards large. The tenderness was good, but the flavor of the meat was not very intense. It was tender but not flavorful, so it needed to be seasoned with pepper or various sauces. If you like a certain style, go for it.



The salad ingredients, dressing, and bread were average and did not leave a particularly memorable impression.



The final dish was the drunken seafood spaghetti. The portion size was a bit small, but the flavor was spicy and delicious. The freshness of the seafood was average.



The cafe's unique selling point is its riverside location, which provides fresh air and a novel experience for many Bangkok residents. Additionally, the cafe offers boat rentals, allowing patrons to enjoy a leisurely paddle through the garden canals. However, due to the scorching sun and subsequent commitments, I opted against indulging in this activity during my visit.



Let's take a look at the damage for this meal. The total cost is 309 baht. The prices listed on the menu are net prices. Here is a summary of the restaurant's performance in various aspects.



Taste of food: The taste of the food is generally considered good, although not exceptionally delicious or outstanding. However, many dishes are impressive, and none of them are disappointing.



Variety of Food: Despite its modest size, the restaurant offers a diverse and enticing menu. The selection includes rice dishes, steaks, spaghetti, fried eggs, and snacks. The beverage menu also boasts a wide variety of options, catering to different preferences. First-time visitors will find a satisfying range of choices to explore.



Shop Cleanliness: Passes inspection. No issues here. The shop is well-decorated, not overly fancy or luxurious, but aesthetically pleasing in the way it should be.



Employee service: The staff provided good and fast service. There were no problems in this area.



Accessibility: Due to its remote location, the restaurant is only accessible by private car. It is situated approximately 10-20 kilometers off the main road, making it challenging to find unless you live nearby or are determined to visit.



Value for money: Compared to other restaurants with similar prices in Bangkok, I believe Pomelo Café offers good value for money. The food is delicious, and the portion sizes are generally satisfactory. However, I found the seafood drunken spaghetti to be a bit small. Considering the restaurant's location in Nakhon Pathom province, outside the city center, the prices may seem reasonable. They are not overly expensive, but they do not offer exceptional value for money.



Summary: Pomelo Cafe is a unique cafe with a garden setting, offering steak and coffee. It's a good option for those who don't mind driving 10-20 kilometers for a relaxing break. The food is delicious, the prices are reasonable, and it's not crowded. It's especially appealing for couples or families with children who want to try paddle boating in the garden. However, choosing the right time to visit is crucial. Visiting during the scorching midday sun might not be ideal for paddle boating. It's important to manage expectations. While the cafe has been shared online and may appear visually appealing with delicious food, it might not live up to the hype. The cafe's ambiance and food quality might not justify a 100-kilometer round trip from Bangkok. Many other cafes closer to the city offer similar experiences. In conclusion, Pomelo Cafe is a charming and stylish option, but it's best suited for those who live nearby or happen to be passing through the area. It might not be worth a dedicated trip for those coming from further away.



This concludes my review. If there are any omissions or errors, I apologize. This review is based solely on my personal experience on the day of my visit. Each individual's experience may vary in terms of service and taste.



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