Cafe Hopping In Hat Yai, Thailand - A Growing Coffee Culture Scene In The Southern City

Hat Yai is the southern city of Thailand near the border of Malaysia. It used to be known as a destination for cheap entertainment but things have changed over the years. The government has cleaned up the city and closed down many discos and drinking places. In recent years, a coffee culture scene has grown in the Hat Yai, with many hipster cafes springing up in Southern city. Here is a list of cafes that I have visited during my recent trip.

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Dham-ma-daa

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One of the very first cafe I visited is Dham-ma-daa. I was privilege to meet the lady owner who I later get to know that she is a doctor. Although the cafe is small with limited seating space, the place is cozy with friendly staff. The cafe makes a good quality cup of coffee. Coffee lovers will enjoy this place for the dedication in getting the best beans for that cup of aroma.


Dham-ma-daa
236 Klongrian 1 Soi 4
Hat Yai, Thailand
Tel: +66 83 184 4940
Facebook
[Map]

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 5pm

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The Containers

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The space at The Containers is huge with brick walls and tall ceiling. The cafe is opened by a young lady who used to work in Singapore as an engineer. Besides the coffee, the cafe overs an extensive menu such as over the top drinks, toasts and food. I would say the beverage and food here is more fancy and hipster. They are definitely more Instagram worthy.


The Containers
145 Thaveevarn Road
Amphoe Hat Yai, Thailand
Tel: +66 95 954 4424
Facebook
[Map]

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

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The Company Coffee

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The Company Coffee is another cafe in Hat Yai whereby it serves a good quality cup of coffee. The team is serious in their coffee here. The cafe also offers delicious American pastries to go with the coffee. This little gem is hidden in a small lane so it can be a little hard to find.


The Company Coffee
28 Rajyindee Soi 7
Hat Yai, Thailand
Tel: +66 88 7902568
Facebook
[Map]

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 8pm

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La Pause Cafe

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Located within La Pause Hotel is the cafe that is decorated with hanging ferns. The cafe is known for its iconic bicycle hanging on the wall. It reminds me of Wheelers Yard in Singapore. Coffee here is decent with a limited selection of pastries to go with.


La Pause Cafe
43, 45 Juti Building 1, Juti-Utid 3 Road
Hat Yai, Thailand
Tel: +66 93 561 6555
Facebook
[Map]

Opening Hours:
Daily: 7am - 10pm

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Foresto Cafe

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Surrounded by greenery is Foresto Cafe. The space feels like you are in someone's home located inside a forest. Good quality coffee is served here with delectable pastries. I tried the Thai Milk Tea cheese cake and it was beautiful.


Foresto Cafe
2/2 Sripoovanart Nai Road,
Tambon Khuan Lang,
Amphoe Hat Yai,
Chang Wat Songkla 90110, Thailand
Facebook
[Map]

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 6pm

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Samo Coffee Bar

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Samo Coffeebar has both indoor and outdoor sitting area. The cafe is like a glass house with greenery around it. Good quality and aromatic coffee is served here. Their Japanese Samo Cheesecake seems popular with 4 different flavours (Thai Tea, Chocolate, Green Bean and Red Bean). This is the only cafe I visited that also offers cooked food on the menu. As it is located near an University, I was rather crowded with students studying in the cafe.


Samo Coffeebar
512 Punnakan Road
Hat Yai, Thailand
Tel: +66 74 800 773
Facebook
[Map]

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

London Fat Duck @ Raffles City - The London Braised Duck Is Only Available Here

Known for its BBQ Irish duck, London Fat Duck at Raffles City has launched several new items in conjunction with the opening of this latest outlet. Of course, nothing will be enticing if it's not fat duck-related.

Braised London Braised Duck 3.5/5

Using the traditional Teochew method, the Braised London Braised Duck ($58.80 Whole/ $32 Half) is exclusive to this outlet. Deboned and sliced, I could see that the skin and fats have softened and given way into the herbal braising gravy. Just lightly brown, the herbal fragrant and flavour are pretty distinct. My favourite pieces are definitely those with much fats underneath the skin over the leaner part. Aside than the drumstick, the other parts came across a little dry and a little gamey. The in-house special chilli sauce dip, redeems that with its piquancy edged with a sweet fiery kick.

BBQ 3 Combination 4/5

If you still prefer the unwavering chemistry between BBQ crispy skin and succulent meat, then the BBQ 3 Combination which consists of Roast Duck, Pork Belly and BBQ Pork ($23.80) will satisfy your craving for sure.

Coriander & Fish Congee 4.2/5

You may want to ditch the rice and go for the congee here. Automation is not all evil when it can ensure consistency and quality. Stirred for hours in the automated pot, what resulted is a thick, gluey congee that comforts the soul. The new Coriander & Fish Congee ($8.50), i would say, steal the show, not because I love coriander but it's really how these 3 simple ingredients can create such a comforting taste without a hint of pungency.

Steamed Cheong Fun with Preserved Vegetables 3.5/5

Steamed Cheong Fun with Preserved Vegetables ($5.50) is also another dish that reminds you of comfort food. These humble chai poh spiking the soft, slippery cheong fun boosts the same flavour of our Chwee Kueh but with a slight difference. The chai poh used is the sweet one to balance the savoury light soy sauce.

Mala Poached Pig Liver 3/5

An interesting side dish to share would be the Mala Poached Pig Liver ($9). Though the mala is not the authentic Sichuan type that numbs your taste buds, I like the tanginess of it. It helps to cut the gaminess of the liver.

Double Boiled Peach Gum with Dates 3/5

For dessert, our local favourite Durian Mouse is available but I reckon it will be too cloying after such a meal. I prefer rounding off the meal with the Double Boiled Peach Gum with Dates ($5) which is both refreshing and nourishing.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


London Fat Duck
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#B1-76
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 63335580
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Weekend & PH: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]