Description
Nalin Cafe (นลินคาเฟ่) is one of several “slow bar” cafes in Sakon Nakhon, another prominent one being the vintage decorated Gypsy Coffee Drip Cafe. The slow bar coffee experience is a relatively new trend in coffee shops in Thailand. At a slow bar, the barisata will grind and brew your coffee to order, and (if they have been well-trained) also will tell you about the coffee beans and process they use to make your coffee. In Sakon Nakhon, you will in all likelihood need to speak Thai to get an explanation. However, sometimes a Thai slow bar will use coffee beans that have English on the packaging. So, you could get some coffee bean info from there.
You'll know that you are in a Thailand slow bar coffeehouse by the "slow bar" signage. One sign is usually located outside the establishment, and one sign inside (thus giving you fair warming not to expect a quickly served coffee). Since slow bar coffee making usually takes 5-10 minutes, the key to a successful Thailand “slow bar” is having an interesting, hip, vintage, or garden atmosphere that makes you not mind hanging out and waiting for your coffee. Nalin Cafe combines all of these aspects in a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere.
Nalin Cafe has been built in the open-air, bottom level, of a beautiful wood home, which appears to have been constructed with a combination of red wood, teak wood, and other woods. It has some gorgeous tree trunk pillars, beautifully designed wood tables, and bamboo walkways. The cafe is is surrounded by gardens, and cute signage in English that will make tourists feel welcome, even though the friendly staff does not speak English.
In addition to tea and coffee drinks, Nalin Cafe also has a small food menu, including dishes such as Pad Krapao (with chicken, pork, or squid), Thai omelette, look chin, fried chicken tenders, and french fries. If you are feeling a bit peckish or in the need of a coffee after visiting Phra That Phu Phek or Wat Tham Kham, Nalin Cafe is located in the Khamin sub-district and likely will not far off the route you are taking back home.
Nalin Cafe is not far from the lovely reservoir Huai Nam Bo, where there is a new lakeside coffeehouse Phu Pha Cafe View, which serves some desserts, if you would like to indulge your sweet tooth.
