Sabaijai cafe

Sabaijai Cafe is a small, family-run spot in the Karon area of Phuket that opens at 5:00 PM. It’s pleasantly cool inside thanks to the air conditioning, with a calm, cozy atmosphere. The staff are friendly and efficient, happy to help you choose, and they’re attentive to requests for vegan dishes.

The menu is extensive and goes beyond the usual Thai staples. Highlights include tom yum (including versions with shrimp or mushrooms), pad thai, glass noodles with seafood, pineapple curry with chicken, crab curry, som tam, morning glory, fried fish, pork dishes, and snacks such as spring rolls and crispy tempura shrimp. Portions are generous, flavors are bold, and the spice level is noticeably punchy — especially appealing if you like your food on the hotter side. In addition to hot dishes, there are sandwiches and desserts, and the drink list includes smoothies, milkshakes (including banana), Thai tea, matcha, and coffee.

Because the café is both popular and intimate, evenings often come with a queue, and food can take 30–45 minutes to arrive — staff usually let you know the expected wait time in advance. Prices generally feel fair for the quality, though it’s worth confirming the cost of specific items before ordering (some prices vary by portion size or weight). On rare occasions, there can be minor misunderstandings about service or seating, so when it’s very busy, it’s best to agree upfront on how waiting and dish service will work.