Let’s talk about tea. It’s that amber liquid, (ice cold and sickeningly sweet), that offers relief from a Savannah Summer. The ectoplasmic green goop frothed by a whisk, handcrafted with an almost unfathomable amount of precision. It’s the fuel for conversation in countless Middle Eastern speak easys. To call it a “beverage” would be selling… Read More
Ristr8to was probably the last nail in the coffin for the completely wrong view I had of Thailand my first trip here. Before touching down in Bangkok I didn’t know anything about this country; probably couldn’t even point to it on a map. I just filed it under: in Asia, casual and inappropriate comments about… Read More
Some things you just have to try before you understand them. My Mother Vehemently hated motorcycles her whole life due to the loss of a family member in a bike accident. So naturally, my Father bought one during his midlife crises. After a lot of convincing, he got her to come along for a trip… Read More
Baan Bakery is the best substitute for a European Coffee shop I’ve found in Chiang Mai. It’s about more than just the pastries here, although they are on par with any no name bakery in Spain. It’s more than the quality of the coffee, because it’s honestly not that great. It’s the whole vibe of… Read More
When I want to be at a coffee shop for a while there is a two step flow chart I follow. Step one “Do they have good coffee?” If yes continue, if no go elsewhere. Step two “How is the place?” This is where things get a little more finicky, because if you want to… Read More
The Verde is an interesting mixture of two different worlds. Just like Nimman One, it does a nice job portraying the look and feel of Europe, however inescapably in Thailand they both are. The inside of this place is filled with all the fixtures of a 19th century London flat. There is a piano by… Read More
For a more Thai take on the hipster coffee scene in Chiang Mai, I’d recommend checking out Cottontree Coffee Roasters. Here you’ll find all the slightly pompous decoration you’d expect (and want) in a café, but their roots are more of an Arabica Thai variety. The black and white photos on the walls depict happy… Read More
Jario coffee didn’t have any kind of “it” factor, as far as Chiang Mai coffee shops go. There was no dead potted plants who’s soil was coffee beans. There wasn’t any indie music being played reminiscent of my college days. The barista didn’t have a thin mustache and his apron was devoid of pointless leather… Read More
After finishing a bowl of red curry with roasted duck I was on my way to Graph Cafe for some sort of pricey coffee cocktail, but then a sign caught my eye. Phuping coffee is what it read. My inner 8 year old would not let me pass this place up without sipping on a… Read More
Hipsters, they tried to make mustaches, bucket hats, and wire rimmed glasses a thing; fortunately they failed. Also fortunately, they didn’t come up quite as short with quality coffee and fancy donuts. Akha Ama occupies a very nice spot in the bolstering coffee scene of Chaing Mai. At 50 baht for a latte you are… Read More
Chiang Mai has some great coffee. For me, as far as availability of a quality product and over all coffee culture Chiang Mai is right up there with Spain and the Pacific Northwest (outside of Seattle and Portland). And while there is amazing stuff available it often comes at a somewhat steep price point. Nes… Read More
New Yorkers say bae-gle, Canadians ba-gle, and Thai ba-gon (well they would if they knew how delicious these things were). However you choose to say it, you’ll be happy doing so. Bagel House Cafe has good quality bagels for Thailand… Hell, I’d say these were good even if I were in the US (outside the… Read More