Thailand was once home to a unique cafe, Sweet Fishs Cafe, where guests could dine amidst koi fish swimming in ankle-deep water
. The concept gained viral attention on social media, particularly after a post by a user named Science Girl on X (formerly Twitter). The cafe, located in Khanom, Thailand, featured a floor covered in water with decorative koi fish of various sizes swimming around.
Despite its initial popularity and internet fame, the cafe faced criticism from animal rights activists for its unusual setup. This criticism led to its closure a few months after opening, following a similar fate as Amix Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City. The cafe’s now-defunct Facebook page showcased several photos of the unique dining experience.
Behind the Scenes of the Koi Cafe
Yosaphol Jitmung, the owner of Sweet Fishs Cafe, was inspired by Amix Coffee and aimed to create an interactive experience for customers with fish swimming on the cafe floor. He noted that no one in Thailand had replicated this design and decided to try it. However, the biggest challenge was constructing an effective filtration system.
To maintain the cleanliness of the water, the cafe employed four large pool filtration systems operating around the clock and changed the water twice daily. Customers underwent a disinfection process to clean their feet before entering the cafe. They were also instructed not to touch or disturb the fish. Koi fish, known for their decorative value in ponds and water gardens, are generally unafraid of humans and can nibble on dead skin.
