This traditional dessert venue just opened last year and it specializes in refreshing shaved ice desserts, known as oh aew, which came to Phuket with the Hokkien Chinese during the tin mining boom of the 1900s. You can choose your own ingredients for your shaved ice or choose from a menu. Various styles of toast – much as in Singapore and Malaysia – are on offer and served with ice cream. Obviously, there’s also coffee, fruit juices and a variety of teas to choose from. The retro, old Shanghai decor makes the venue even more of a treat.

Tian Tian Phuket Dessert Bar
Address: 2/4 Phang Nga Road, Talat Yai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket, +66-98-856-6656

Bookhemian Gastrobar is a cool cafe in an old shophouse in which “old” defines its character–it has certainly not been refurbished. The coffee bar area is heaving with shelves of second-hand books for reading–hence the name–and there’s a quiet seating area out back that’s perfect for getting some reading done. The mezzanine features an art gallery space and sometimes shows art movies. It is recommended to inquire or reserve seats in advance as space is limited.

Bookhemian Gastrobar
Address: 61 Thalang Road, Talat Yai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket, +66-98-090-0657

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Hé House is a tall, narrow shophouse where the ground floor has been converted into an elegant cafe serving specialty coffee made with carefully selected coffee beans from both Thailand and worldwide. Add to that the meticulous techniques employed by the baristas and you have a special cup of coffee.

A visit requires some planning, however, because the restaurant is located in a private residence. You have to reserve in advance through the shop’s Facebook page. Provide your name and detailed contact information. When your time comes up, the staff will open the front door for you. It’s very exclusive and each round lasts only about an hour. There is also no bathroom service.

He House Private Specialty Coffee Parlor
Address: 23 Thalang Road, Talat Yai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket

A tea shop and cafe decorated in a minimalist Japanese style, Ryn serves Japanese tea–especially green tea, which comes in many different forms. Ryn also serves slow-drip coffee and has a small bakery. Cups, pots and traditional Japanese tea making sets are on sale. Seating on the ground floor is limited, but the second floor has tatami floor seating as well as a couple of tables and seats–heaven for coffee and tea lovers.

Ryn
Address: 8 Krabi Road, Talat Nuea Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket, +66-92-442-5469

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