
Cheese scone from the cabinet and pad thai from the menu are clear favourites.
When Charoenvach Suntronchatchavach and his partner took over Dora’s Café in 2023, it wasn’t just a new business venture - it was the continuation of a deeply rooted family tradition in hospitality.
For nearly a decade, the couple worked alongside Suntronchatchavach’s parents at the Jasmine Thai restaurants in Ōtorohanga and Taumarunui.
“It was six days a week, 10am to 9pm,” he recalls. “It was a bit too much for 10 years.”
Seeking a new pace and a fresh opportunity, the pair found themselves drawn to Hamilton’s city vibe - specifically, the little café his partner Pathitta Raksadee had grown fond of while studying at Wintec.

