Getting to know Makhawan 'View' Kijyakanont - Director of Hai Coffee Roaster.
What’s the story behind Hai Coffee Roaster and how did it all start?
HAI started from something very simple: the belief that good coffee shouldn’t be complicated — it should be honest, approachable, and full of heart.
I started the brand because I wanted to create coffee that feels like home, a place where quality meets community. Over the years, HAI has grown from a small roasting vision into a brand with a bigger mission: to support local farmers, create better coffee experiences for everyday people, and build a retail presence that truly connects with its neighbourhood.
Today, every decision we make still comes back to the same idea — coffee that brings people together.
Can you share more about your approach to sourcing and roasting coffee?
We take a very intentional approach. Sourcing, for us, starts from relationships — with farmers, with producers, with partners who share the same values around transparency and quality. We focus on coffees that reflect origin, story, and seasonality.
For roasting, our philosophy is “clean and expressive". We highlight the natural character of each bean, never overdoing it, never masking it. It’s the same principle we bring to our retail cafes: clarity, consistency, and respect for the craft. Every roast is designed to be something people can drink daily — comforting yet elevated.
What motivated Hai Coffee Roaster to explore the capsule coffee format?
Accessibility is a big part of our mission. Many people love good coffee but don’t always have the time or tools to brew it at home. Capsules allow us to deliver the same HAI quality in a format that’s effortless, consistent, and fast.
That said, we were very intentional about the process. ensuring the flavour, roast profile, and overall experience stayed true to the brand. For us, capsules are not just a product extension, but another way to bring HAI into more homes.
What is your morning ritual like?
My mornings are simple. Before the day gets busy, I make myself a clean, no-nonsense cup of coffee — usually something light and bright. It’s a moment to reset, reflect, and reconnect with why I do what I do. Many of my ideas for HAI actually come from that quiet first cup.
What are you most excited about right now and for the future of Hai Coffee Roaster?
Right now, I’m excited about thoughtful and sustainable growth. We’re expanding our retail presence, strengthening our roasting program, and developing new formats like capsules. More importantly, we’re focused on supporting the Thai coffee ecosystem — from farmers to baristas to everyday drinkers.
The future of HAI is about scale with soul: growing bigger while staying true to the heart of why we started.
