RISTR8TO Coffee In Chiang Mai

If you’re new to the Thailand posts, start here. If there’s one thing Dane knows about me, it’s that no day can be started without coffee. Like, a “don’t even try to talk to me, because it will not go well” type of dependency on coffee! I suppose there are worse vices, but regardless, we always make it our mission to find the coolest coffee shops and bistros when we’re out and about. While we were in Chiang Mai, Thailand Dane kept talking about this amazing coffee shop named RISTR8TO that WE NEEDED TO GO TO. He had such an urgency, but I could not, for the life of me, figure out why. The pictures say it all. Before going there, I had no idea that RISTR8TO was known throughout Asia for their incredible latte art, or even that they’ve won awards for their latte art! Needless to say, our RISTR8TO experience in Chiang Mai and their completely embrace of coffee culture is one I’ll dream about for a long time to come…

RISTR8TO is what I would consider a coffee bungalow nestled along the suburban streets of Chiang Mai between a bank and hotel. In fact, had they been closed, I probably would have walked right past it! It is a trendy expat and backpacker hangout, equipped with free wifi and delicious brews. We even capitalized on their cake batter waffles with maple and fruit dipping sauces.

Just looking at all these photos again has my mouth watering. I didn’t know it at the time, but our coffee was made by the 2011 World Latte Art Champion. The photos above don’t do the talent justice, but trust me when I say that the barista could have probably done a portrait of me in under 5 minutes. Such talent! Now, who wants to go back with me?  If you liked this post, you might also enjoy reading about our time in Chiangmai, Thailand or how to get a custom suit made in Bangkok!