Sabaijai cafe — Restaurant in Karon

On the face of it, Sabaijai looks like many other cafés, with an enormously diverse and overwhelming menu.

But it's so much more than this. From the awesomely chilled playlist, to hair-raising but unbelievable thai iced coffee, to the disarmingly genuine smile of the owner who welcomes you as her mum cooks in the kitchen, Sabaijai just feels right. You really experience the commitment to make customers feel the happiness and joy the name of the café translates to.

When it comes to ordering, one piece of advice. Trust the owner's recommendations. On both times here, her choices were perfect (we had fried morning glory salad, roti with green curry, and stir-fry pork with basil). Everything was amazing, especially the salad. After the meal you also get a little something free, like a sweet cake or some fruit to cool you down after some overzealous spice. And one of us was also born in Bangkok, so it's even harder to please!

We ate here twice during our week stay, and we are the kind of people who believe it's a cardinal sin to eat in the same place twice while travelling. We're also probably going back tomorrow as the owner has said they are cooking southern thai cuisine especially.

The owner told us sabaijai has been closed for 3 years for obvious reasons. The rest of Karon's restaurants also seem to have suffered, or understandably pivoted to offer broad selections that meet foreign tastes. That's made it quite hard to find a good place to eat at in Karon area.

Occasionally though, you just eat at a place that just leaves you totally and utterly content, with a belly full and taste buds tingling. We're so glad Sabaijai decided to reopen, and we were lucky enough to experience this happy place.

Thanks so much, and we wish you all the success in...

I had an absolutely fantastic dining experience at Sabaijai Cafe in Karon, Phuket. The food was nothing short of amazing – in fact, it was so good that my party and I decided to dine there not once, but twice during our stay. The flavors were truly exceptional, leaving us thoroughly impressed.

While the food tended to be on the spicier side, the accommodating staff readily adjusted the spice level to suit our preferences, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable meal. The pad Thai, garlic prawns, and massaman curry were particular standouts, each dish rich with flavor and expertly prepared.

The staff at Sabaijai Cafe were attentive and friendly, adding to the overall positive experience. The selection of fresh juices provided a refreshing respite from the heat of Phuket, perfectly complementing the meal. As a delightful touch, the complimentary fruit served at the end of the meal was a thoughtful gesture that further highlighted the cafe's commitment to excellent service.

In summary, Sabaijai Cafe offers an outstanding dining option in Karon, Phuket. The delectable food, accommodating staff, and refreshing beverages make it a must-visit destination. I left both meals feeling utterly satisfied and impressed with the overall experience. Whether you're seeking bold flavors or a respite from the heat, this cafe...

Phuket is not a foodie paradise unfortunately, with most restaurants selling either Western food, or toned down Thai food with minimal spice. Thankfully Sabaijai Cafe is a family owned venue open for lunch and dinner where they are happy to adjust the chilli levels in the food but will serve you something properly spicy if you ask.

There are a range of starters and sides, including 'regular' and Thai style spring rolls. The seafood papaya salad is fiery but delicious. The green and red curries are both delightful, and the signature crab red curry is exceptional, with what seems to be at least one whole crab in each portion. The roti is nothing short of perfection - crispy and flaky on the outside, and chewy on the inside.

There's a great range of drinks as well - Thai beers served up with frosted glasses, cocktails, mocktails, smoothies and coffees including the curious iced fruit coffees that I've only experienced in Thailand.

The service is great (although with only one cook, the dinner service can take a little longer, and it's definitely worth booking a table if you want to eat here during peak dinner hours. The portions are sizeable, the prices well worth it making Sabaijai a must visit for anyone who wants to enjoy a beach holiday...