German lady bakes best ‘panini’ in town

By J.B. HOLDEN

SINCE 2004, German chef and baker Sonja Diwo has been operating her own bakery and deli in Maenam. Sonja’s Bakery & Delicatessen had been satisfying the palate of the German community on the island until it was closed temporarily for renovation. The good news is Ms. Diwo reopened it recently, and it sports a new, fresh decor.

If you are fond of German baked goodies and delicacies, you must stop by and visit this shop.

Diwo welcomes everyone to her shop, whether he or she is on a quick stop to pick up a loaf of freshly baked bread, homemade cake or what she says is the best panini on Samui or having a cup of coffee and a nice chat. The bakery also specializes in muesli, cheesecake, walnut cake, green salads and a wide variety of cheese (Quark being a favorite). 

Diwo also creates special dishes for vegetarians and serves terrific breakfast and lunch. The shop is located next to the water fountain on the main road of Maenam.

Diwo had been a frequent visitor to Samui for 10 years before becoming an island resident in 1999. She is half-French and half-German and speaks six languages! She was raised in Germany by her restaurateur parents and first settled on Samui as a tour guide.

This was followed by a stint as a hospital receptionist and then as owner of a shoe shop in Chaweng. Later, she opened her own bakery and deli to serve the expat (particularly German) community on the island.

The shop is ideally located in Maenam where there is an extended German community that is most appreciative of her deli shop. A perfectionist, Sonja diligently uses only top-of-the-line ingredients for her homemade products.

Diwo cites Paul Watson of Tropical Murphys and Pokai Prasop of Enasia Real Estate as key mentors and supporters.  “Both have always been there for me in rough times and I feel that I could not have been successful without them,” Sonja said. “To be successful,” she added, “you need to have a positive belief, plan well, work hard, have a great deal of patience and persevere with a smile!”

She continues, “One must have a positive belief in success and make a good plan before starting a business. Of course, you must work hard and stay on top of things….and try to be patient (especially being in a foreign country!) and, don’t forget to smile!”

Her hopes for the island include the necessary positive changes in the infrastructure, traffic and environment to help create a good life for expats. 

During her free time, Diwo goes to the beach or the mountain to recharge. She says her greatest joy is to continue to serve quality homemade cuisine to her customers. When asked about the island changes over the past 19 years, she says, “There’ve been many changes on Samui and not all for the better. The congested traffic, constant construction, confusing changes with the visa requirements and overpopulation are impairing the beautiful quaintness that I have always adored about Samui.  But I still love the island and am building a home in Maenam .… I plan to stay for a long time.”

Sonja’s Bakery and Deli is open daily, except Monday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by and feel the warmth of its wonderful owner, Sonja, whose motto is “You come in as a customer and you leave as a friend.”