The short answer
Tofu Kitchen (Kai Bae): what visitors should know first
A good choice if you eat vegetarian or vegan and want a proper meal at Kai Bae. It is small, so go early in high season, and confirm the opening days because guides disagree.
Diet
What we checked
- Vegan options. The menu clearly marks vegan dishes, alongside others that are not vegan. Checked November 2026 · Source
Menus and kitchens change. If you follow a strict diet or have an allergy, confirm with the restaurant before you order.
Useful facts
Tofu Kitchen (Kai Bae) facts at a glance
- Location
- Kai Bae, set back from the main beach road
- Dining style
- Small casual cafe, handful of tables
- Price signal
- Budget to mid-range
- Signature order
- Try: Khao Soy, Pad Thai or a tofu curry
- Good for
- Vegan and vegetarian meals
Why it matters
Why Tofu Kitchen (Kai Bae) is worth your time
Koh Chang's usual Thai kitchens often use fish sauce, shrimp paste or meat stock without saying so, which makes meat-free eating tiring for vegetarian families. A plant-based menu removes much of that guesswork, and that is why Tofu Kitchen is repeatedly named by vegan travel guides.
It is a simple cafe, not a destination restaurant. Its value is practical: a familiar set of curries, noodles and salads, and a kitchen that understands what you are asking for. For older travellers who want lighter food in the heat, the smoothies and salads are an easy option.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Plant-based Thai
Curries, Pad Thai and Khao Soy are reported on the menu.
- 02
Customisable
Tempeh or chickpeas can replace tofu in some dishes.
- 03
Smoothie bowls
A light option for hot afternoons.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Tofu Kitchen is in Kai Bae, a short way back from the main beach road, near the north end of the village. Guides describe a small room with a handful of tables, so it suits a quiet lunch more than a large group.
The menu mixes Thai and Western food. Dishes named by local reviewers include Pad Thai, Khao Soy, tofu satay, gyoza, a tempeh and avocado sandwich, a seaweed and mushroom salad, and green, pineapple, massaman and Penang curries. There are also smoothies, shakes and smoothie bowls. Reviewers say the majority of dishes are vegan and clearly marked, and some can be changed, for example with chickpeas or tempeh.
It also lists omelettes, so the menu is not entirely vegan. If you avoid egg or dairy, say so when ordering and ask staff to confirm the dish. Strict vegetarians elsewhere on the island should note that this is one of the few places where you do not need to explain fish sauce and shrimp paste first.
Plan with confidence
Small checks that make a better meal.
- Go early in high season
- Confirm opening days and hours
- Mention egg or dairy when you order
- Ask about Jain needs; no Jain claim is made here
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Kai Bae, set back from the main beach road
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Best time
- Lunch or early dinner
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- It is a small place with a handful of tables, so it fills up in high season and seating is limited. Arrive early for a table close to the entrance.
- Tickets and access
- Walk-ins only; no booking was mentioned. Reported hours are roughly 9 am to 3 pm and 5 to 9 pm, with one day closed; confirm before you walk over.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Tofu Kitchen (Kai Bae)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
It is a small place with a handful of tables, so it fills up in high season and seating is limited. Arrive early for a table close to the entrance.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Tofu Kitchen fully vegan?
Reviewers say most dishes are vegan and clearly marked, but omelettes are also listed, so ask about each dish.
Is it pure vegetarian?
We did not find a statement that it is fully vegetarian, so it is not tagged as such.
When is it open?
Guides give different days. Confirm hours before you walk over.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
