Niji Cafe Is A Japanese-Style Cat & Chocolate Cafe With Shoji Doors

Niji Cafe in Chiang Mai

Tucked away in its own little secret garden, this quaint eatery in Chiang Mai that harkens back to everything I love about Japan – chocolate, cats and sakura blossoms. In short, Niji Cafe literally has my soul.

Think shoji doors surrounded by a lush garden, and serves up adorable tea time treats. We’re also getting those “im in Japan rn for hanami season” vibes, for those who’re wanderlusting over visiting Tokyo.

If you’re an animal lover with a weakness for chocolate like me, read on to find out more about this hidden cafe so you can bookmark it for your next trip to Thailand.

Niji cafe has a mini sakura garden and idyllic fairytale cottage vibes

Image credit: Niji Cafe

Right from the entrance, you’ll have to journey through the cafe’s beautiful garden to make your way to the cottage. Tbh, it kinda feels like you’re being taken into a fairytale: think Hansel & Gretel but this time, with a happy ending.

Image credit: @niji.cafe

As you explore the premises, look out for these iconic doors that are inspired by traditional Japanese Shoji doors. We also love the attention to detail with the stone steps and smol bench.

Image credit: @travels_again

Thanks to the authentic decorations dotted around the yard, this cafe in Chiang Mai definitely exudes a warm and welcoming aura – both inside and out.

Image credit: @travels_again

We adore the soft translucent curtains framing the high stools as it really adds an idyllic dream-like filter over the premises.

If you’re wondering if there are any hosts who’d be present to invite you in for a cup of tea – Don’t mind if we do, ma’am! – the answer is yes, kinda.

Resident cats are the purr-fect hosts within the cafe

Image credit: @niji.cafe

The cafe is home to a few resident cats, all of whom you’ll get to meet at Niji if you’re lucky. My inner catmom has been dying to share the following sequence of photos with you, so here we go.

Affectionately named Coffee, Brownie and Cookie – much like the sweet treats you’d get to enjoy here at the cafe – here’s a close-up of the adorable Brownie, back when she was still a smol, fluffy kitten. Aww.

Image credit: @niji.cafe

You can also play with the cats during your visit here and enjoy watching them jump around playfully as your afternoon goes by.

Image credit: Niji Cafe

Now that we’ve gotten our healthy dose of cats, it’s time for us to unpack what’s on the menu here at Niji. Spoiler alert, tons of sweet treats coming your way.

Signature Niji cocoa and desserts from ฿75

Image credit: @niji.cafe

As the cafe owners take pride in their massive love for chocolate, we’d recommend their signature Niji Cocoa for ฿75 (~USD2.20). Premium cocoa is used for the blend, and it’s topped with luscious whipped cream and chunks of homemade brownies.

Image courtesy of Niji Cafe

If that’s too much chocolate for you, try their variations instead. Cocoa Strawberry, ฿65 (~USD1.90) is a twist on their signature cocoa touts homemade strawberry syrup and topped it with whipped cream and extra drizzle. Of course, a cup of decadent cocoa has to come with some yummy bakes as well.

Image courtesy of Niji Cafe

Here we have their Chocolate Cheese Cake priced at ฿75 (~USD2.20). While it looks unassuming on the outside, we’re told a lot of work has been put into this complex cake. There are 3 layers; one is a chocolate crumble, next is chocolate cream cheese and finally chocolate ganache. The final step is to top it all off with a generous dusting of premium dark cocoa powder.

Image courtesy of Niji Cafe

Last on our list is a non-chocolate option, their Blueberry Cheese Lava Cake at ฿85 (~USD2.50) is a great option for those who’d prefer some contrast in their taste and colour palette. An acidic berry compote on a rich cheesecake with a buttery base, served on an adorable cat-themed ceramic plate. All in all, we find their menu not just impressive but also incredibly affordable for anyone who visits.

Getting to Niji Cafe

If you have a sweet tooth and an immense love for cats and all-things Japan, then make sure to bookmark this cafe for your next visit to Chiang Mai.

Niji Cafe could just be the dose of Japan that you need before you plan a trip there. But of course, why travel so far when you can bring Japan (& a whole kindle of kittens) to you? *wink*

Niji Cafe
Address: South Padaet Soi 12, Pa Daet Sub-District, Muang, Chiang Mai 50100
Opening Hours: Sunday – Friday, 10AM – 4.30PM
Telephone: +66 8 3254 9391
Niji Cafe Facebook | Instagram | Google Maps