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.
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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