If you’re heading to Thailand’s tropical paradise of Koh Phangan you’re in for a treat. To set yourself up for lazy days on crisp golden beaches and hectic nights at Full Moon Parties you’ll need the perfect breakfast. With that in mind we’ve compiled a list of seven of the best breakfast places in Koh Phangan.
Not only is Koh Phangan one of the most beautiful spots in Thailand, but it also has a huge food scene, with a wide range of local and international cuisines on offer all across the island. Breakfast is no exception, and there’s an almost endless choice of great places for breakfast in Koh Phangan.
Many of the best breakfast places in Koh Phangan cater to as many dietary needs as possible, so there’s something to satisfy every appetite. If you’re after a gut-busting breakfast that’ll keep you going all day, healthy lashings of granola and fruit or wholesome veggie and vegan options then you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Bubba’s Coffee
Since opening in 2015 Bubba’s Coffee has quickly earned itself a reputation as one of the best places for breakfast on Koh Phangan. Super-friendly staff, mouth-watering food made from locally-sourced ingredients and possibly the best coffee on the island means that chilled-out Bubba’s is a massive hit with visitors to the island. Open from 7.00 am every day, Bubba’s Coffee has a wide ranging Western-inspired menu with plenty of breakfast options to satisfy all tastes.
Set yourself up for the day with the incredible smashed avocado or go for the pancakes with fruit and yoghurt if you prefer something sweet. The coffee here is legendary too. Bubba’s Coffee only uses high quality beans that are ethically sourced from local Thai suppliers, which is then home-roasted for an incredibly fresh cup of coffee. If you’re staying further north on the island then a second branch of Bubba’s Coffee, called Bubba’s Roastery, opened in Haad Yao in 2018.
A’s Famous Diner
Located right in the heart of the action, A’s Famous is a Koh Phangan institution having been opened in the late 1990s by an American expat and his Thai wife. Though technically a diner, A’s Famous is also one of the best places for breakfast in Koh Phangan. With an extensive range of American classics such as Philly cheesesteaks and club sandwiches, A’s Famous’ menu also has a huge variety of breakfasts that are available any time of the day.
Also known for its fabulous home-roasted coffee, it’s the food at A’s Famous that is the main draw. At A’s you can expect American-sized portions of beautifully home-cooked meals made from locally sourced ingredients. Don’t miss the incredible smoked salmon bagels or the banana and maple syrup pancakes, all served by attentive and friendly staff. It’s a real American experience in the heart of Koh Phangan.
Dots Coffee
Just around the corner from A’s Famous in Thong Sala, Dots Coffee is another great spot for breakfast on Koh Phangan. A chic retro-modern interior, super-speedy Wi-Fi, heavenly air-con and killer coffee means that Dots Coffee has gained a lot of favor with Koh Phangan’s many digital nomads. Choosing to embrace the work-from-anywhere crowd, Dots Coffee could easily be confused with a co-working space.
But don’t be mistaken into thinking Dots Coffee is only for Instagramming influencers and travel bloggers. Breakfast options are light yet delicious, such as eggs and avo on toast or yoghurt and granola. There’s a great selection of cakes, croissants, muffins and pastries and plenty of vegan and non-dairy options throughout the menu. With a devoted following amongst Koh Phangan’s coffee lovers, Dots Coffee’s baristas must be amongst the hardest working people on the island. The iced caramel lattes in particular are heaven in a glass.
Nira’s Home Bakery
Conveniently located right next to Thong Sala Port, Nira’s Home Bakery is one of the first cafes you’ll come across when you get to the island. Opened in 1985, Nira’s is another much loved stalwart of the island’s culinary scene. Family owned and operated and famous for its friendly staff, Nira’s is easily one of the most popular breakfast places on Koh Phangan.
Nira’s Home Bakery’s extensive menu includes a wide range of Western and Thai food. There are plenty of options for breakfast, including French breakfast platters and full English breakfasts. There are lighter bites too, such as pancakes drizzled with honey, French toast and sliced fresh fruit. There’s also host of tempting cakes, homemade pies and freshly baked bread that you’d expect to find in a bakery that you can pick up to take away or eat in. Nira’s almond croissants are almost impossible to resist.
Mimi’s Café
Mimi’s Café is located in Sri Thanu, a little further north along Koh Phangan’s beach-lined east coast away from the main cut and thrust of Thong Sala. Well worth the short trip, Mimi’s is famous for its wonderfully warm welcome, fabulously friendly staff and delicious food. Run by the eternally upbeat Mimi and her husband Filippo, Mimi’s Café feels like a home from home. Much-loved by locals and tourists alike, Mimi’s is a place to make friends as well as eat great food.
Breakfast options at Mimi’s range from omelettes, fluffy pancakes to fully loaded fry-ups. There’s also a great selection of bagels and a delicious range of homemade brownies, pancakes and croissants. If you’re after something a little lighter then Mimi’s homemade granola is out of this world. As well as a great breakfast, Mimi’s is also one of the best places on Koh Phangan to find authentic Italian coffee.
Hundred Islands Coffee Bar
Hundred Islands Coffee Bar is another of Koh Phangan’s cafés that has mastered the magic formula of fantastic coffee, sensational food and wonderfully friendly customer service. A super chilled out vibe, a lovely modern interior and decent Wi-Fi also means that this place a big hit for those looking for a great breakfast. Hundred Islands Coffee Bar also has coffee-lovers flocking from all over the island, and their phenomenal iced-coffee in particular makes it worth the trip.
Hundred Islands Coffee Bar serves up a selection of both Thai and western food, as well as a great range of cakes and sweet pastries. Their poached eggs are a contender for the best on the island and there’s a selection of amazing toasted waffle sandwiches that will keep you going till late in the day. There are healthy options such as muesli with fresh fruit but if you fancy something sweet then try a slice of key lime pie or carrot cake. Both are house specialties and are worth making a trip to Koh Phangan on their own.
Orion Cafe
Orion Café is the place to come on Koh Phangan if you’re looking for a healthy vegetarian or vegan breakfast along with a heavenly view. Away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Thong Sala, the Orion Café is located right on the sea in front of a strip of yellow sand as part of a yoga and healthy living retreat. If you need to detox and give yourself a bit of TLC after hitting it a bit too hard at a Full Moon Party then Orion Café is one of the best breakfast places in Koh Phangan for a blast of clean eating and an overdose of nutrients.
Everything available from Orion Café is loaded with plant based goodness and is either vegan, vegetarian, gluten free or raw. Everything at the Orion Cafe is so loaded with goodness that you’ll be firing on all cylinders in no time. Try one (or more) of the Elixirs, Orion’s healthy shots aimed at naturally boosting your energy levels whilst curing all kinds of ills. An extensive menu includes a whole host of super healthy breakfast options including fruit-filled smoothie bowls, breakfast burritos and tofu scramble on sourdough toast. For a sweet but healthy treat pick up a slice of the raw chocolate fudge.
