Restaurants

Fig Cafe, Kai Bae

Fig Vegetarian Restaurant and Cafe, Kai Bae

To find the best places to eat and drink you often have to explore away from the beach and main road.  Fig Cafe is one of these places.  It’s tucked away down a sidestreet in Kai Bae village.  There’s very little traffic and very few passersby.  You only know it’s there, if you know it’s there.  And, as you’re reading this,  now you know it’s there, you can go there.

The cafe itself is a high ceilinged, wooden building which opens out onto a tropical garden.  There’s undercover seating and it’s also possible to sit out on the grass – as it’s not a large place.  Just a couple of small tables plus a long low table for groups to sit.

Fig Cafe offers a range of coffees, smoothies, fresh pressed juices and cold drinks plus a small selection of delicious vegetarian dishes.  There isn’t an extensive menu.  Just a dozen pages each with a single picture of the dish and a description.  Most dishes can also be made vegan if required.  There are a couple of breakfast items – smoothie bowl and poached eggs on mashed peas.  Plus salads, pasta, pizza, yummy banana pancakes etc

Why go there?  OK. A few reasons off the top of my head. . .

Some of the best coffee on the island.  I don’t think you’ll find anywhere else where the barista weighs the coffee first to ensure the amount used is exactly correct ( 19.7 grams for an Americano apparently )

Well presented, freshly made food with quality ingredients.   Food so good you’ll gain Instagram followers when you post the pics.  Likewise the drinks, fresh pressed juices and smoothies are as good as you’ll find anywhere.  And the straws are biodegradable – so you don’t have to feel guilty about using one.

Great service and ambiance.  The owner ‘Mo’ and his staff go out of their way to ensure guests enjoy their meals.  You won’t find sulky staff hiding behind the counter playing on their phones.  It’s also a little haven of tranquility.  Ideal if you need a quiet spot to work or chill out for a while.

Vegan cheese – it’s a thing ( If you’re not a vegan, don’t let that deter you. )

Fig Cafe is like an oasis in a desert of mediocrity. With coffee roasted to perfection, and food and drinks that will delight your taste buds.  This coffeeshop is worth a visit.  Prices are higher than average, but you’re paying for quality and value for money. Opening hours are from 07:30 – 16:00 daily.  They’re closed from 15 August – 15 october each year.  

Price: $$ – $$$

Photos:

Location:  100 metres inland along the road opposite the entrance to Coral Resort in Kai Bae

 

These restaurant reviews are just my thoughts on a place at the time I visited.  I’ll mention if I know the owner well or get any freebies.  But for the most of the time I am happy to play tourist and don’t mention this site at all. Obviously it isn’t possible to sample every dish on the menu and the type of food you have for lunch will differ to evening.  In addition, owners and more importantly chefs, can change and your experience may differ from mine.  If it does, post a comment below.

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Koh Chang Island Guide For Independent Travellers