Today we visited Ma Ha Cafe as we love going to new amazing coffee shops in Thailand. a great peaceful place to relax and unwind. It has an affiliation with the local temple next door. I believe they serve only snacks like cookies and possibly cake along with their beverage options.

During our visit in June 2020, there was still a little construction going on. Although I would say it is close to 90% finished. After translating the story I feel this place will just get better and better over time.

Translation of the story

So the story is all in Thai I will have Luna translate it for you. I apologize if get slightly wrong as some of the words are hard to translate into English.

The story is quite touching and makes me like the buddist religion more

Inspiration

In 2018
The head monk said I have a hope and dream to become the centre of the village on the 6 rai we have of empty land. He asked all the neighbour’s and people of the village to come to the empty land and to help do something to support the village.
1st invited to plant sunflower plants
2nd to plant a Rice plantation
3rd Vegetable garden
The idea was a community garden. Where people of the village come and take care in their spare time. All the benefits of the produce to give back to the people of the village. If they grew more than they needed they can sell some produce to help to survive
With the main intent to teach
the Buddhist way to share happiness and share benefit and to not be selfish

Start the project

When they first started the Buddhist learning centre project they had a lot of people come to visit to take photo’s and some came to buy produce that they grew. Some people just to come to look at the idea of the project 

Then beginning of 2019 the same head monk has the idea to have a cafe to sell drinks for visitors because it’s hot and people can relax and enjoy the serenity of the area more. After his great idea, it attracted even more people to come to visit.

Between all the monks in the temple and the people of the village, They came together to help create the idea and had everything built in just a 1 year. 

Then they come up with the name MA HA which is hard to translate as its a play on words but in general terms means  “Great” 

They have designed the area to be a mix of local Thai style mixed with modern style.

Come try come chill

Every one who come to visit the shop and project will fill up with knowledge, happiness and leave well rested after tasting quality coffee and enjoy the fruits of the seasons which benefits the local village when you buy.

Come collect good karma

All the money from the project of selling fruits and cold drinks goes to the temple and all the profits goes to the public benefit of the people and extending the project further. 
For visitor’s who come visit, they can relax and enjoy the atmosphere and drinks. They can also feel good because in buying something they have donated to a great cause which supports the project and helps it grow more as well as supports the people.

Come learn

In the Buddhist learning centre, they teach how to grow rice plantations & grow organic vegetables. They also have a banana park (which has many different spices of bananas) 
Another thing the can teach is how to farm many different species of animal’s and how to use the manure as fertilizer for growing organic. The Buddist learning centre has created a network for people who want to learn.

Rama 9 (the previous king) taught the Thai people to live within their means. They do not have to be rich to be successful or have happiness. If you have a small house and can take care of chickens, a cow, grow vegetables or can go catch fish what else do you need to have to have happiness. Not to feel money controls your life. To be happy with what you have around you and learn to survive off your land. This idea has helped influence this project.

Come shop

They changed from teak forest to become a local market to let people in that village come to sell anything they produce or craft on Saturday, Sundays and public holidays to create jobs, to create careers and money for the local people.

Take a look around

Feed the buffalo

You can make a donation of 10 baht and feed the buffalo grass that is placed next to the donation box. There was a massive male who looked a little intimidating at first although he just really wanted some grass.

He was friendly and let me pat him. Supa Larb (the pug) was not to impressed to get so close. There was a calf also who seemed excited and wanting to play with Supa Larb although his confidence was lacking.

Location

Pad Thai is the first dish that will come to mind for many when thinking of Thailand’s food. If your leaving Bangkok and heading west to Banpong, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi or possibly Suan Phueng for a day or longer I will share with you my favourite places to stop on the way for lunch/dinner for the best Pad Thai’s west of BKK.

I have been living in Banpong on and off for the last couple years so have been lucky enough to find the best for you to try. If you have never heard of Banpong it is in the Ratchaburi province and known as the city of nice people & I must say they are very friendly here.

Southern Cross Banpong – Quality

Would be my #1 favourite. It is in my opinion the highest quality ingredients and the sauce is to die for! I have enjoyed many consistently the same. The price is slightly higher but the flavours definitely are worth the wait!

You can read more here. I have reviewed this business previously.

Rain Tree Coffee – Funky Venue

I really enjoy the ambiance of Raintree Cafe, it has a homely feel and there Pad Thai Gung is fantastic. If your looking to take some photos as well they have a lovely garden area.

You can read more here. I have reviewed this business previously.

Banpong’s City Pad Thai – Street Food

Well i’m not sure what they are officially called but don’t let that stop you trying it. I have had alot of street Pad Thai’s over the years and would have to say this is by far my favourite. I always get the Pork (moo) and served with some crunchy pork fat on the side which I have never encountered before.

The map points to a tire shop. They pull up in the late afternoon to evening there. They don’t have an official google map point. Just look for the blue shirts!

Check our other resturants reviews

We love great food and quirky restaurants. To see more CLICK HERE

If your driving through Banpong Ratchaburi whilst in Thailand stopping in at Southern Cross Cafe Restaurant is a must for any foodie. Champ the owner spares no shortcuts in the preparation of his menu from in house-made pasta, Japanese noodles to crispy pizza bases. I have made many stops here now to not be disappointed.

Many stars are coming

The name caught my attention as it is a common reference in Australia referring to the stars in the sky. After talking with Champ for a period of time, I learned he studied in Melbourne for 3 years and building this restaurant with his family was a dream come true for him.

Kitchen tour and secret recipes tastings

From one chef to another he showed me through his well equipped western cross Asian style kitchen and was kind enough to let me taste some of his secret recipes. This has to be one of the cleanest kitchens I have seen in Asia in my time here.

Let me try the whole menu!

After my first meal was in love with the food they passionately served here and have made a few stops now trying to sample my way through their menu which has influences of Thai, Japanese, Italian & Australian on the menu. They have great quality coffee and Champs wife Aui is always serving it with a big smile.

Food & Drink

Look Around Southern Cross

Menu at Southern Cross Cafe

Getting There

Address:
250 หมู่10 ถนนเพชรเกษม ตำบลหนองอ้อ อำเภอบ้านโป่ง จังหวัดราชบุรี (2.29 mi)
Amphoe Ban Pong 70110

Southern Cross Cafe Restaurant Thailand Official Details

Phone: 065 627 9126 – Yes they speak english!

Share the love pin me on Pinterest!