Cozy Cafes in Chiang Mai ☕️

Chiang Mai is renowned for its abundance of cafes, as humorously noted by comedian Note Udom. With cafes seemingly at every corner, it would be impossible to review them all within a few months. Therefore, we have curated a selection of cafes that offer a delightful ambiance and exceptional coffee.

The GRAPH Shop

Location: One Nimman

Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

GRAPH: A Minimalist Oasis for Coffee Lovers and Photography Enthusiasts

GRAPH stands as a prominent destination for tourists seeking a haven for coffee indulgence and capturing stylish photographs. Its minimalist aesthetic, characterized by exposed concrete and black tones, is accentuated by warm lighting, creating a relaxed ambiance that invites extended stays.

Besides coffee, the menu also features charcoal-infused beverages, which combine charcoal with coffee and milk. However, upon tasting, I did not perceive any significant difference or charcoal flavor. Charcoal lacks a distinct taste or aroma, serving primarily as a black colorant.

The beverages here are primarily sweet. If you prefer less sweetness, request a lower sugar level.

Light Up Cafe

Location: Sanam Ki La Road, Sri Bhum District

Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM.

Light Up Cafe is another popular establishment located in the city center. Despite its small size, Light Up enjoys immense popularity, as evidenced by the constant stream of customers even during drive-by observations.

This establishment is renowned for its signature thick and concentrated tea and coffee beverages, which are poured over the rim of the glass, leaving a layer of milk at the bottom. Customers are encouraged to shake the drink themselves to achieve their desired level of sweetness. For those who prefer a chewy texture, tapioca pearls are available as an optional topping.

In terms of desserts, cakes are mostly focused on cheese-based menus, including New York Cheesecake, Hokkido Cheesecake, Soft Cheesecake, and Teramisu.

We ordered a Hokkaido Cheesecake to try. It was sweet, fragrant, and soft, with a well-balanced sweetness that wasn't overpowering. The cake had alternating layers of creamy cheese and cake, topped with a thin layer of fresh cream.

A/sa/ma Cafe

Location: Along the Irrigation Canal Bank Road

Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 3:45 PM.

A/sa/ma Cafe: A Hidden Gem with Exquisite Coffee

A/sa/ma Cafe is a small, unassuming establishment nestled within a residential area, largely unknown to the general public. However, the cafe boasts a meticulously curated selection of coffee beans, sourced from both Thailand and abroad.

The restaurant's menu item that we consider the best is the Espresso Panna Cotta.

A chilled Panna Cotta with a smooth and light texture is served in a double-layered glass. On top, there is a strong Espresso. When eaten together, the flavors are well-balanced. The Panna Cotta melts in your mouth, guaranteeing a delightful experience.

Another cup was ordered as iced matcha green tea. It had the perfect aroma of authentic matcha, strong and sweet just the way I like it.

The Ambiance of the Restaurant

The restaurant boasts both an air-conditioned bar area and a lush garden zone in the back. The garden features towering trees providing ample shade, nestled alongside a small, meandering canal. A gentle breeze creates a relaxing atmosphere. If you have the chance, be sure to visit and experience it for yourself. You're guaranteed to be captivated.