Magic coffee @ Akha Ama Coffee, Chiangmai

A hidden little cafe in a small soi of Hassadhisawee Rd (soi 3), Akha Ama Coffee really rocks my world. Somehow, I heard about this special endeavor of a young man, Lee supporting Akha village from Thai PBS TV program a big while ago. It was a quiet moment alone on last Thursday as a coffee mania fan with a superb taste of a hot caffe latte at 40 THB price tag. Woohoo!

Actually, I am not so sure if I reached Akha Ama Coffee when it was their closing time already or not. As no other customers found when I reached there. The baristas were playing badminton! Thanks for letting me in to explore a new rocking taste. I opted for Italian Cafe blend on that day and decided to buy a pack of Italian blend (200g) back. I could not be any happier as one pack is only 200 THB. How many times in heaven with this 200 THB investment ! From the outside pack, it says ” this blend of roasts gives an intense, full favored and well-balanced coffee, with hints of dark chocolate and dried fruit. It has rich finish”.

Oh my God, my Lord Buddha – I mean, please support this Akha Ama Coffee. How can it be (too) reasonable price with a world rocking coffee!

I took tuk tuk to reach Akha Ama Coffee and the tuk tuk’s fare costed more than a rocking coffee itself (tuk tuk ‘s fare from Rachamankla to Hassadhisawee Rd, soi 3 costed 80 THB..maybe this is the overcharged price from a tuk tuk driver ! I don’t know and I don’t care ). The best I could do to balance this shocking feeling was to walk back to Ratchamankla road. I will tell you in a latter post how happy I was while strolling back.

I saw one corner dedicated to DRIP DROP so it is again a small coffee world where coffee lovers become friends. ( see drip coffee experience in BKK from here )

I used to see Akha Ama Coffee logo ( Akha is a name called a hill tribe people living in mountainous Thailand ( Chiangrai, Chiangmai) and Ama means “mother”) when I was uphill in Chiangrai in late 2010. However, I had Doi Chang coffee earlier uphill and I did not know that there is a hidden gem uphill which has so rocking taste too.

3 years later, my local coffee hunt mode made me to have the 3rd cup of coffee of the day in a row in Chiangmai. With my love of supporting local communities to grow sustainably (my angel mode), I admired the effort of Lee to expand more opportunities for Akha people. I thought I met Lee on that day and he recommended me to try Italian Cafe Blend. I thought he was running to bring me one pack of Italian Cafe Blend. It was only my thought as I did not ask for his name…hehe…does it help you imagine?

Once you are in Chiangmai, a visit to Akha Ama Coffee shall give you the enriching experience. My impression for a coffee here is ranked the best in Chiangmai and Thailand.(Voted by myself..hehe ). How about the world ranking? Akha Ama Coffee can be too. No doubt..

Anyway, while I am writing about Akha Ama, I have just found out a nice and informative online article by BBC -Catherine Bodry featuring a story of Thailand mountainous ‘s coffee journey. I feel great even more! I am very happy that a true star is found and now able to shine. When you are in Chiangmai, give yourself a chance to try something rocking and please do not forget to share your coffee love to the world !

Akha Ama Coffee
9/1 Mata Apartment, Hussadhisewee rd, soi 3
Chang Phuak, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
+6686 915 8600
info@akhaama.com
กาแฟอาข่า อ่ามา
ถนนหัสดิเสวี ซอย 3 ตำบลช้างเผือก อำเภอเมือง จังหวัดเชียงใหม่ 50100
โทร 086 915 8600

Magical Sesto Cafe’ @ Meechok Plaza

Yesterday, I had a great coffee and Italian gelato at Sesto Cafe‘ , Meechok Plaza, Chiangmai. Sesto brand originated in Chiangmai by 100% Thai family with a passion for ice cream and coffee. I met one of the owners who is the mother. I am sorry that I did not ask for her name, but if you are at Meechok Plaza, probably you could see her sharing her love of premium coffee and Italian gelato actively. She shared the impressive story of how she started the business.
Having strong foundation of Italian know-how in making gelato, and being able to adapt by using seasonal fruits, Sesto offers you full flavor and playful gelato. Gelato indeed creates a foodie bond like you are now in Italy without moving, but local fruits make you feel at home (Thailand) comfortably. Yesterday, I opted for white chocolate first and then (nam dok mai) mango. I must admit that I love them unequally.

Started as a small kiosk offering only Italian gelato experience at Rimping supermarket 7 years ago, right now Sesto has expanded Italian gelato business into food business as her son studied cuisine from Australia. There is one cute poster in front of the counter announcing the new opening branch, called as Sesto Sweet Industry @ curve since November 2012 which is so tempting for me to make a visit one day in the future.

To me, Sesto is more like a boutique coffee house with Italian know-how blending a local Lanna soul, a special blend to be discovered. They have now 7 branches in Thailand (6 in Chiangmai and 1 in Phitsanulok ). If you happen to be in Chiangmai, make sure you look for a cozy coffee break@ Sesto. Surely, you will be happy with your caffeine love and again you support our charming local coffee house.

It was a magic to have met a local gem in Chiangmai by coincidence. The highlight of my coffee hunt was fulfilled with both coffee and gelato. They complement each others like Yin and Yang. For me, I am excited to have found a nicely blended hot caffe latte at 50 baht price tag per cup. Woohoo..boutique taste and feel with a lovely price.
Even she said she has to increase the price this year maybe 5 baht more due to the increasing price of other ingredients, I would say it is more than a fair price. She simply admitted that her son’s love of ice cream is a starting point of this adventure.

After eating Swensen’s ice cream for a long time, both of them (the mother & the son) went to Italy to learn know-how of gelato making. The ambience you shall see here is cozy feel even no wifi is offered. I saw people of all ages both young and old. I saw one old lady still craving for Belgium waffle. It happens here and maybe anywhere! No age limit for deliciously trails.

My coffee love @ alto coffee

I’d like to introduce you to a chic and unique coffee house, called as alto coffee, another lovely coffee house in Thailand where a certain soul is found. If you are already planning to wander around Mega Bangna or IKEA in Thailand, having a nice coffee break here is recommended. alto coffee is located on 2nd floor of Mega Bangna, a shopping mall near Suvarnabhumi airport ( claiming to be the largest low-rise shopping mall in South East Asia )

When sitting here @ alto coffee, you may fall in love with its delightful aroma as well as its atmosphere, especially its graphic design with several faces of owls. You can also find many little and small owl collections. I mean, it is very easy to feel good and relaxed here. I opted for a take-away iced caffe latte as the weather outside was just too extreme. When you order coffee, you shall admire the spirit of well-trained baristas like I do. They love to smile and they will surely advice a fine selection suitable to your mood. Besides, specialty coffee beans and coffee machines can also be found here.

What is the true meaning of using nocturnal bird as its logo ? Best visibility even in the darkness or its strong flavor can wake you up all night loong… Let’s find out on your own! Price-wise, it is not cheap like 1.40 Euro a cup as my normal (Italian) standard. I would say the price is for experience and reasonable! Amidst the global competition, there is no reason to run away from a chic and boutique local coffee house where the heritage of roasting coffee has been cherished for ages. Yes, let’s give a local brand to shine ! I went to alto coffee since last year and next month will be an anniversary already. Sorry for the delay in posting ! Alto Coffee
Mega Bangna,
2nd Floor (Main entrance, opposite iStudio)
Monday to Friday : 10:00 – 21:30
Saturday – Sunday : 10:00 – 22:00

me @ Wat Pan Whaen

In front of Baan Klang Wiang, you can see Wat Pan Whaen, a local temple in Chiangmai which was previously built since B.E.2060 ( currently we are in B.E. 2556 ). This year, Wat Pan Whaen is already 496 years old while Chiangmai’s history is over 700 years old. A peaceful old viharn or sermon hall could bring you back to the serenity and the local charms. I love its compact size and its proportion of this temple. From researching online, the name of Whaen is actually the name of a person who built this temple and Pan is a kind of position or ranking in Thai in the older days.

You can find some other temples in Chiangmai with a name starting with the ranking or position (Pan or Muen ) and following with the name of the person who built the temples. In the past, people built temples near their homes. Wat Pan Whaen was my grand mom’s playground and I believe that at this time of the year as the Thai New Year time during April 13th-15th, the locals shall go to nearby temples to celebrate the Thai New Year day, by cleansing the Buddha images with scented water and more. Going to Chiangmai would serve you well culturally during Songkran festival if you are keen to observe the event or be part of this water festival.

Wat Pan Whaen is strategically located in Chiangmai’s old city. Good Morning Chiangmai and GORD Chiangmai are located behind Wat Pan Whaen. Happy Thailand New Year 2013!

(calmly) me at Baan Klang Wiang, Chiangmai

Where would you like to escape in Chiangmai ? Somewhere hidden from the crowd in Chiangmai’s Old City was my top list for my recent visit in March 2013. If you prefer not to say “hi” to the entire world, then finding a right place which offers a bit of exclusive feel could serve your purpose blissfully. Hibernation is my keyword to describe my mood at that time. The small number of rooms ( in this case, 10 room only ) defines the special care shall be carefully taken. And a thoughtful design would easily inspire your day. You can see and feel that everything here is artful blend and carefully selected to offer you a peaceful mode

My searching goal was to stay in a tranquil place which was surrounded by the ancient temples in Chiangmai’s Old City and lively local markets. My missions were simply to explore old temples within Chiangmai’s Old City, historically dated back to over 700 years. I would like to make a merit before 6 am (a tradition of giving alms to monks). Do you know that the monks leave the temple barefoot as soon as the lines on palms can be seen? I had a dream of walking therapy in the heart of old city Chiangmai visiting ancient temples until 9 am. This strolling mode served the purpose of being in Chiangmai over the weekend in March recently.
Hidden in a small Soi, not far from busy Chiangmai Gate market and the Chiangmai Gate , Baan Klang Wiang is my fab choice for my recent weekend retreat. I love to reward my soul with a new exposure once in a while. Baan Klang Wiang seems to be a relaxing space where I adore its colonial style, its leafy garden, its colorful hill tribe fabrics as well as artisan decorative items. So boutique! The owner ‘s collection of roosters displaying in various locations enhances a truthful sense of a place in a playful manner. The staff told me that it represents the owner ‘s year of birth.
There are only 10 rooms and my room is located on the 2nd floor (no. 9). The room I booked via agoda is actually for 2 persons. I enjoyed being alone sometime I would say this place could fit perfectly well for family member as well as a couple. Solo travelers can indulge happily like I do. Just please do not scream here!
It is nice that there is no bathtub here. I feel right and good when not wasting any more water. However, you could simply enjoy a rain shower head either by standing leisurely or sitting blissfully on the floor like no more energy is left. The fanciest bed with 4 posts looks stunning to me. I am actually afraid of this kind of bed if you ask me. However, I managed to sleep very well after praying a lot!

You will also surely feel cozy and relaxed when having a breakfast here as it seems like you are invited to have breakfast at your stylish friend ‘s home. When I arrived, I was given a piece of paper to tick on my choice of the next day breakfast. You can sit leisurely and enjoy the shade of longan tree and tempting salted swimming pool.
If you would like to explore the old Lanna temples in the Old City by strolling, then treat yourself a bit with a comfy place to sleep in the vicinity of the old city. Wat Phan Waen is surprisingly my grand mom’s playground, located just in front of Baan Klang Wiang. I have just known when I stayed Baan Klang Wiang so I have said “Hello to my nongyai”. I was visiting Chiangmai Gate, a place close to her soul. Amazingly I had a chance to visit her hometown on my own and came to many places she used to be. It was really enriching experience exploring the past.

This year, I am determined to be a vegetarian for the whole year in 2013 (yes..please woohoo!). Luckily, Baan Klang Wiang had offered me fine options for my breakfast loves. I opted for Continental breakfast on Saturday and a local Lanna (Northern style) breakfast on Sunday. You can see what I had in the fanciest garden view setting. Simple Lanna breakfast can be a vegetarian choice as well. The hotel offered me sticky rice with stir-fired vegetables, mushroom , medium-boiled egg and Namprik Noom (Green Chili paste) which I truly enjoyed my breakfast times during that weekend. I saw they have a small coffee machine from the cute nespresso machine. I love their coffee and their staff ‘s hospitality. I am sure you could feel the genuine politeness easily when you are here. They could help you book a taxi to Airport (about 150 THB) which is far better than a taxi rate you shall find in Phuket. If you would like to explore Lanna temples’ architecture ( walking back and forth to Wat Chedi Luang, Wat PhanTao etc. ), and still would love to be in a comfy place while connecting to the world with free wireless Internet , then Baan Klang Wiang is your place. Yes, they said only 3-minute walk to Chiangmai gate ! I walked to a nearby market for mango with sticky rice as my vegetarian dinner. What a fancy meal

Baan Klang Wiang
45 Ratchamanka Soi 6,
(Chiang Mai Gate),
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Tel: +66 53 284 061 / +66 53 284 862
Fax: +66 53 904 342
E-mail : info@baanklangwiang.com
Website : http://www.baanklangwiang.com

(Good) morning Chiangmai..

I am leaving Chiangmai with a little bit of running nose and now a fever. The weather there is absolutely changing like crazy similar to other cities in Thailand. On last Friday ( March 22nd ), the chilling morning temperature was 15 °C, but by mid day I was surrounded by Chiangmai heat at 35 °C. However, I am blessed to be in Chiangmai again and I am happy to share all of you my new fav place, called as Good Morning Chiangmai for a cup of coffee in a playful sense.

You can have a hearty breakfast there too starting from 8 am until 2 pm ( I have not yet tried the breakfast, but it looks yummy from the menu ). Gord Chiangmai, a cute B&B is located nearby as they are like brother and sister.

The location of Good morning Chiangmai is just behind Wat Phan Waen in the old city of Chiangmai. I was sitting at my (airplane) seat writing about my coffee mania before the plane was taking off. I have to say that a flight attendant was doing her best , but gave me a hard time by saying, “turning off your electric device now please” for 3 times. She persisted in keeping a rule straight. Anyway, I managed to post it before takeoff. A revision was made right after reaching home. Don’t you think that some rules are meant to be broken ? When others break your rules, you maybe feel a bit disturbing. Fully understood! I am sorry, but I’d love to share it before leaving CNX. A cup of hot caffe latte there is about 60 baht which is a nice treat for everyone indeed.

For me, i love indie feel and the cozy ambience. The posting time has to be right now when takeoff so as to maintain the same indie mood in CNX. Good morning Chiangmai can also be your good relaxing spot after your morning walking therapy or whatever you may fancy there. Coffee with a cool price tag and its natural + cozy ambience would serve you well after a joyful ride with your motorbike or any walking therapy on earth. I love when the local brewing is rocking! See you again for my brekkie time when I am there. Happy Sunday,everyone !

Good Morning Chiangmai

29/5 Rachamankha soi 6,
t. Phra Singh, Chiang Mai 50200
Tel 053 278607

8 am – 5 pm daily
Breakfast until 2 pm

Me & Gallery Coffee Drip @ bacc

Have you ever felt connected with a local coffee brand before ? I am not talking about the global brands supporting local communities or fair trade coffee with smart and cool CSR campaigns that most people admire. Here in Bangkok, I am promoting a local chic coffee drip brewing concept at bacc. If you are in Bangkok for a sheer pleasure, it is likely that you maybe end up at our shopping paradise either Siam Paragon or Siam Discovery or MBK or even Siam Center. Then, it is not far to explore the first ever coffee drip brewing experience in Thailand at bacc (Bangkok Art and Culture Centre). This place is located on the 1st floor of bacc and Gallery Coffee Drip makes me proud that we, Thai have something creative and chic to share to the world, too. It is simple and unpretentious choice of coffee drip brewing technique where you could explore the unique tastes of various coffee beans from around the world with charming aromas.

I can say it is a real charm to wait for a java juice from hot water running through roasted ground coffee beans with filtered paper in a hip and cozy environment. During brewing session, I felt like I was sitting at the chef’s table asking some questions to a barista chef while waiting for about 3 to 4 minutes. Each visit would not be the same as they have rotate varieties of coffee beans in each lot and each brewing would offer you unique tastes. On my previous visits, coffee beans were from Doi Chang. It was local proudly sourced coffee and I felt good to support them. Next time, I will try coffee beans from else where for a change.

There is no other place if you like to try coffee drip brewing experience in Thailand. A local effort to grow sustainably and to shine along among other global brands needs your support. You may enjoy coffee drip brewing technique, people watching or just coffee aroma or all of these in combination. If yes, join a club of a funky and rebellious nomad.

My mission is simple : avoid Starbucks and find a local coffee cafe charm anywhere in the world. I myself feel stupid every time if I have to pay more for less with a global coffee house brand. I paid around 1.3 euro for a nice cup of Caffè latte in Italy in 2011 (see here ). I think that is a fair price for a cup of coffee. You can choose what you want. Price alone is not a main reason for our enjoyment, but supporting local boutique coffee cafe is a bottom line for me. I adore something different and no “copy and paste” and no “cookie cutters” for me, please.

By showing you what I saw and sharing my impressions, I feel connected about having coffee with a right attitude at Gallery Coffee Drip, bacc. You also have a chance to experience something unique and to enjoy the charming bits from the creation of a Thai photographer and his friends. When you open up your mind, a small brand would grow in a sustainable way. There is one menu having an interesting name as Drip Coffee Jelly. But I tried a normal hot Caffè latte which literally called as Drip Latte on the menu.

The arty part is for real, but the irritating part of Thai coffee scene is always sugar or syrup. It is maybe national preference as in Thailand they like to make coffee sweet (which is irritating taste for me now). Before I can say something like this, I have to admit that I used to be a person who put 2 spoons of sugar in any drink whether it is coffee, tea or cocoa. Since 2003, I have changed to be a sugar free type for all coffee intake due to my Dutch housemate in Melbourne’s comment. How can one person can change the whole concept of how to drink coffee? It was simply his comment, “you drink coffee like those who do not have education”. WTF! This comment is still haunting me. My brain juice is all over my forehead if you notice it fairly, but I just don’t have a coffee culture like you..5555. I felt like an idiot again and since then, I started to drink with a bit of coffee culture in mind. It is after all your preference and your experience. I have to say, “thanks a million” to Peter, my housemate whom I fight every time with his blunt, but true comments. In Thailand, in the past we mostly grow up with coffee mixing with condensed milk (Thai style) so I admit that staying in another countries for a while helps me to see things differently and to enjoy embracing the other side of the world has to offer. My soul will be always recalling until next life..yes..no sugar, no syrup for my coffee. Give me a break!
Gallery Drip Coffee
1st floor, bacc ( Bangkok Art and Culture Centre)
Open : 10.00 am – 9.00 pm (except Monday)
mb : 081 9895244
Cash only