Ka Fe Choo Jai in Chiang Mai
Images adapted from: Chiang Mai News, @oh_aejin
If you walk around Jing Jai farmer’s market in Chiang Mai, you’ll find a bearded man in a straw hat selling coffee.
His name is Choo Jai Kaweeworawat Khunduang, a 36-year-old barista, who will delicately brew you an organic coffee for…well, you can decide for however much you want.
https://thesmartlocal.com/thailand/chiang-mai-cafes/
Unlimited coffee with no minimum fee
“Pay as you like” is written on the sign for everyone to see
Image credit: @oh_aejin
Mr. Choo Jai shared with Komkhaotuathai that he tried to open a traditional coffee shop with fixed prices, but it made him unhappy and uncomfortable.
Image credit: Komkhaotuathai
So, he decided to let the costumers pay the amount they prefer while being able to drink as much as they want. He has been doing this for almost 3 years now.
He has also set up a Pay It Forward initiative where customers can help pay for someone else’s drink. This way, anyone and everyone can afford to enjoy a warm cup of coffee
Old-fashion brewing methods
Despite being surrounded by customers, Mr. Choo Jai patiently takes his time to boil water on a charcoal stove and grind coffee beans by hand. He then puts the ground coffee beans and hot water in a filter to brew.
Then customers, with a small cup in their hand, will get to share the coffee in the beaker with one another.
Image credit: Chiang Mai News
He believes that though brewing a good cup of coffee might be time-consuming, it’s worth the taste. This means you might have to wait for a while for a cuppa, but you’ll also have more time to have a nice chat with him and other customers who are waiting.
Image credit: Komkhaotuathai
If you prefer cold drinks, there’s also a cold brew coffee (฿120,~ USD3.97) to get. And if you’ve fallen for the taste of the coffee beans used and want to bring it home, you can get ground coffee for ฿120 (~ USD3.97).
And you aren’t in Chiang Mai, don’t worry. You can get Choo Jai Farm’s organic coffee beans online to brew at home, just click here.
Pay Mr. Choo Jai a visit for coffee and conversations
If you’re in Chiang Mai during the weekends, jump on a red taxi to Jing Jai Farmer’s Market. Take a chill stroll around and you’ll find organic food and handicrafts from the local sellers too.
After the walk, get comfy on a small stool and warm up (or cool down) with a cup of Mr. Choo Jai’s freshly brewed coffee to end the day.
Check out other things to do in Chiang Mai here:
- We Visited An Ethical Elephant Sanctuary To Find Out How To Care For Elephants
- Mini Grand Canyon Is A Ninja Warrior Water Park With Ziplines, Zorbing & A Floating Playground
- 5 Things You Can Do In Chiang Mai Over A Long Weekend
Ka Fe Cho Jai
Address: Jing Jai Farmer’s Market, 45 Atsadathon Rd, Tambon Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300
Opening Hours: Sat-Sun: 6AM – 1PM (Closed on Weekdays)
Telephone: +66-5-323-1520
Website
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