Bean There?
A look at the variety of coffee shops on Samui.
Did you know that in the early 1700s, there were some 3,000 coffee houses in London? That was just at the start of coffee’s European history. Samui has experienced a similar explosion in just the last couple of decades. Before that, a cup of coffee on Samui meant instant granules, a lukewarm cup of water, into which you could stir milk powder and hope it would dissolve. All that’s changed. There are now at least a thousand places where you can get coffee on Samui and the choice is overwhelming. Here’s a guide to where to go to get a great cup.
Malls
Many people who are in search of coffee simply head for the nearest big shopping centre. Samui has several malls and each one serves good coffee. At Tesco-Lotus on the ring-road in Chaweng, ensconced in the food hall, you’ll find Octopus Coffee which serves a variety of coffees, both hot and cold. They also have great cakes too. At Big C, also on the ring-road in Chaweng, try S&P on the ground floor for a good selection of coffee, cakes and sandwiches. Starbucks holds court just outside for the usual selection of coffee, and has another outlet at Central Festival in Chaweng. Watch the world go by on the beach road as you sip on a latte or cappuccino. Central Festival is also home to popular Australian brand The Coffee Club, which is steadily gaining traction in Thailand and the region. They have all kinds of snacks to go with the drinks, as well as a variety of meals. More people than you’d think stop and have a coffee at the supermarket here, Tops Market, as it sells the Segafredo brand. Eat on the small terrace or directly inside, where there’s air-con. They have some great cakes to go with coffees.
Chaweng Area
Recently opened Pli Café is located at Banana Fan Sea Resort in Chaweng. With a terrace outside and air-con inside, you can enjoy coffees and a variety of Thai and international food. An ideal place to stop by if you’re on a shopping trip or are visiting the beach.
Chic yet affordable, Amaya Café at Amari Koh Samui is the place to head if you’re looking for a very relaxed, spacious venue to enjoy coffee and all that goes with it. The café faces Chaweng Beach Road, and is deliciously air-con throughout. Enjoy drinks, sandwiches and cakes, and in addition, you can build your own salad or sandwich using top quality ingredients, sample an array of healthy foods or drop in for an afternoon tea.
Premium coffee shop Zing at the arcade at Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui offers a laidback feel and has the kind of food that you would find in an upscale French café, but without any hefty price tag. Tasty dishes are served all day long and a big favourite are great breakfasts here, either American or Continental.
Gourmet breakfasts also await at Dr Frogs, on the coast road just outside Chaweng as you head towards Lamai. And even if it’s not a coffee shop per se, this is a great place to drop in for a simple cup of coffee and maybe sample one of the fresh croissants. Admire the amazing views and linger as long as you want.
Art Café by June is a favourite with island residents and is located in Samui Town Centre, along the ring-road close to Big C in Chaweng. A dedicated team serves up great food, most of it very healthy. A convenient place to meet for coffee, especially as it’s fairly easy to park here. Khun June is an artist and displays some of her artwork on the walls.
South of the Island
A friendly welcome and unexpectedly good coffee awaits at Sweet Sisters Café, along with some great food. Try the ice coffee, which is great on a hot day. Open for breakfast, too, there’s a satisfying array of healthy foods. The café is situated on the main road at Bang Kao. Even if it’s not on your route, it’s worth making a detour just to eat here.
Just south of Lamai and on the ring-road, Lolamui is set partly in a house and partly in a garden, this is the place to come and try a range of cakes, some of them the less usual kind, such as beer cake or coconut cake. They also have chocolate cake and banoffee pie. Coffees are great and you’re welcome to linger. And you’ll want to, given the sheer peacefulness of the place. If you’re in town, try popular Coffee Way on the beach road.
Elsewhere
About Café, close to the beach and the Chinese temple in Maenam, is also run by an artist, Khun Koy, who ensures that About Café is a place to come and chat, drink great coffee and try out all kinds of dishes on the large menu. A favourite for those taking the slow boat to and from Koh Pha-ngan, or anyone wanting a time-out from the beach.
Café Amazon has various outlets on Samui and are favourite stopping points for people filling up with petrol at PTT stations. You’ll find all kinds of coffee, along with a small selection of snacks. Opt for a small air-con interior or outdoor terrace. Offering a similar range, Chao Doi has an outlet on the ring-road as you approach the traffic lights heading towards Chaweng.
If heading through Nathon towards Lipa Noi, The Road Less Travelled Café Bar, close to the government offices is a great place for coffee and chocolate cake, while a little further along as you head towards Lipa Noi, you’ll find Roung Thong Bakery, which serves a variety of snacks and meals, along with coffee. It has a second outlet on the beach road in Nathon.