ARTICLES
BY THE MOUTH
BY TREMOR CHRIST
Unbeknownst to many, the northern city of Chiang Mai is a mecca for coffee afficionado's. It only takes a quick google to see how many coffee shops there are scattered around the city (and beyond), but for a first time visitor it can seem daunting to know where to go. Whilst most places offer the usual fare of Colombian/Ethiopian cups, if you really want to try something different may we suggest doing a deep dive on the locally grown beans. The Thai varieties tend to lend themselves to pour-over, due to their fruity flavours, but if you are a fan of darker roasts, they can throw up some quite interesting espresso shots.
It inevitably comes down to personal preference: Are you a fruity/acidic coffee drinker who likes your brew to resemble tea, or do you enjoy the robust fullness of a dark roast in your hand. Chiang Mai answers all of your coffee complaints with aplomb, navigating the veneer of human fussiness with suprising polish. Though some shops truly cater more to the instagram crowd, spending more money on interiors than (cup) content, we managed to track down multiple spots that showcase glorious Thai coffee in the right environments.
The Mouth sent it's most caffeinated testers to try over 20 of the top rated cafes, and narrow them down to their favourites. Personal preferences intact, below is a list of the places we think are brewing the best cup, offering their consumer something different, or combining a great espresso with a little slice of the good life.
For a full link of all the places on google maps, click the icon below:
#THEMOUTHSCHOICE
ASAMA
For those who want a decent meal and a cup of coffee in one fail swoop, look no further than here. Located a short drive from downtown Chiang Mai, Asama features a great range of locally grown or regionally sourced Thai coffee. The setting couldn't be more picturesque, clinging to a bend in the river, with mountains and thick forest beyond. Whilst many places in Chiang Mai specialise in pour-over, this is the place you dabble in the espresso realm. The match of Thai beans and expertly prepared coffee make for a truly interesting experience.
The excellent restaurant Krua Ya is barely a hop and a skip away, so it's definitely worth taking the trip out here for lunch and a magnificent afternoon coffee.
COTTON TREE
Shockingly very few of my Thai friends have heard of this place, even tho it's located in the middle of hip-dom Nimman, and a boomerang throw away from the Maya Mall. Come here if you want to try nerding out on some local beans, and ask the barista for tips.
NINE ONE COFFEE
Slightly more conventional looking, and prone to habitation by mac-wielding digital nomads, Nine-One still offers up some excellent versions of your favourites, easily substituting Thai origin coffee for something different.
MALED ROASTERS
Winners of numerous coffee awards, with their roastery and production room in plain sight, Maled is definitely the place we'd recommend you to visit if you want balanced and well prepared coffee.
AKHA AMA
One of the first to market in the regional coffee craze,
Akha Ama are the most well-established in Chiang Mai and draw a fervid crowd of regulars. If we recommend any of their branches, the one below is it. Further afield from the tourist throngs, and with a wooden porch to sip on if the weather is kind, this is a place to check out if you have already been to a few of the other ones.
Don't get us wrong, the coffee is great. There are just a few more exciting places around.
COOL MUANG
Smack bang beside Tae Phae gate, if you happen to get stuck in this godforsaken area, then slip into the dark wood interiors and treat yourself to a very well prepared espresso.
GATEWAY ROASTERS
Brownie points for the ultra-cool interiors worthy of a few minutes repose. Bring a book, grab yourself a corner table and slowly sip some black goodness.
OMNIA
A hidden gem not too far from Cottontree, but rarely visited by anyone of foreign ilk who is not a coffee-holic. Recommended to add the final crema to your espresso voyage!
ALL CONTENT ON THIS WEBSITE IS ORIGINAL AND CREATED BY THE MOUTH'S WRITERS AND CONTRIBUTORS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
