If the theme of your travel in Thailand is health and wellness, or you simply enjoy feel-good stories that are matched by delicious food, you won’t want to miss a visit to Cafe Ohkajhu.
The Farm to Table Organic Cafe is found on the outskirts of Chiang Mai and is where three young local food lovers have started a movement, growing their own produce on a smallholding, and serving inspired organic meals in their ever-popular restaurant. Their success of the last years has seen them expanding to open more Ohkajhu branches in Bangkok and downtown Chiang Mai, with a total of five café’s now well supported by their loyal followers.
At the San Sai farm and café where it all began, you can walk through the growing fruit and vegetables that are farmed in the greenhouse tunnels and the land that surrounds it. It offers an inviting wholesome environment with soul food of the most delicious kind served. Try the mushroom tempura, and consider an energy booster juice to go with it.
To quote Ohkajhu founder Jirayuth Puwapoonpol, who’s better known as Jo, “Who knew that the dreams of high school children could come true and that a simple decision to eat non-toxic and fresh vegetables would grow into a business that lovingly produces food that is served in a collection of organic restaurants.”
The History of Ohkajhu
It all began in high school when Jo had the opportunity to visit the Faculty of Agriculture at the Chiang Mai University on a field trip, it inspired his interest in combining modern agriculture with traditional farming methods. As the son of a farmer, this drove him to work towards creating an agriculture-related business.
After graduating with honours, his collaboration with friends Chalakorn Eakchaipatanakul (Au) and Woradeth Suchaibunsiri (Tong) was founded. The main idea behind the business was to cultivate organic vegetables in a natural way by designing and managing the farm without the use of chemicals, taking into account and respecting the soils, ecosystems, families and communities.
Despite the challenges of too much rain and flooding that damaged their initial crops in 2010, they would not be kept down and rebuilt the farm, adding two new building for processing their produce. Given their passion for cooking, they soon added a small café for health lovers and from which to sell their produce, focusing on organic salads from the garden, serving them with homemade salad dressing, and using their Mom’s recipes.
All was accompanied by freshly brewed coffee from beans sourced in the Chiang Mai surrounds. The trio are currently developing more stores and widening the area for growing vegetables, have added an evaporative cooling system – in order to grow vegetables without chemicals. Their passion is ever on the increase, and they pride themselves in the work they do spreading the word about healthy eating into the communities and among local school children.
What to eat at the Organic Cafe Ohkajhu
Defined as a Health Food Restaurant, Steak House and Coffee Shop, the original Ohkajhu Organic Farm restaurant in San Sai, Chiang Mai, uses ingredients grown on the farm. You can buy fresh organic fruits and vegetables as well as preserves from the restaurant. Among the signature dishes on the menu is the Grilled Sea Bass Steak with Herb Crust, the roasted honey-glazed sparerib in chilli sauce and the fried noodle with organic Chinese kale. Try the Ohkajhu raw juice, the healthiest option and guaranteed energy booster. Don’t leave without having one of their aromatic coffees.
What to eat at the Organic Cafe Ohkajhu
Defined as a Health Food Restaurant, Steak House and Coffee Shop, the original Ohkajhu Organic Farm restaurant in San Sai, Chiang Mai, uses ingredients grown on the farm. You can buy fresh organic fruits and vegetables as well as preserves from the restaurant. Among the signature dishes on the menu is the Grilled Sea Bass Steak with Herb Crust, the roasted honey-glazed sparerib in chilli sauce and the fried noodle with organic Chinese kale. Try the Ohkajhu raw juice, the healthiest option and guaranteed energy booster. Don’t leave without having one of their aromatic coffees.
Read my post: Temples, Buddhists, Mountains and Rescued Elephants. Northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai and Surrounds.
For bookings and more information
Take a look at Ohkajhu’s website: http://www.ohkajhuorganic.com/en/ and to make a reservation at any of their five branches. To further whet your appetite, follow them in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohkajhu/. Address: Chiang Mai Outer Ring Rd, Tambon Nong Chom, Amphoe San Sai, Chiang Mai
** This is part of my StayHomeTravelLater – KeepDreamingAboutTravel collective, posted as the world tackles the COVID-19 pandemic. Read my other posts on Thailand.
** This post first appeared on the Amazing Thailand SA blog.
