Chiang Mai: Food with love

You don't want just eat a kind of food, you are looking for a way of living with love? Phongsathon Kitchawet is promoting that with Chiang Mai Vegetarian Project โครงการมังสวิรัติเชียงใหม่. He believes that Chiang Mai has the most vegetarian restaurants and presents them all on his website and on a map for Google Earth. In september 2007 he counted 28 vegetarian restaurants. He says: "We’d like to help people to have good health, have compassion for animals, protect the environment, mitigate pollution and global warming that are the result of meat consumption."

Of course there are other tastes. Therefore i'm going to collect reviews of restaurants and food stalls. And i put the locations to Google Map, so you can find your eating choice near the place, where you stay or go to visit. Of course your comments will be helpful to keep this section of this blog fresh.



Thai
360 Bar&Restaurant: Indoor a live band plays modern jazz and blues. Outdoor you dine by a pool with a good view of Doi Suthep and Chiang Mai City. Many cocktails.

Aroon Rai: 45 Kotchasarn Road. Good IgoUgo Review, and also Tamarind and Thyme loved it.

Baanrai Yamyen: 14 Moo 3 Faham Road. Northeast of the old town. Serves "Mueang Food", the food of Thailands Northern Region. "It's the perfect place to take visiting Thai friends wanting to taste the local food", writes Chanchao Fotopages. "The unpretentious fare includes kaeng jin gai hoom, a mild, northern Thai–style chicken curry with Kaffir lime, as well as a variety of insect dishes, like rod duan, crunchy, deep-fried bamboo worms, which are definitely an acquired taste", writes concierge.com. "Music is one of the main ingredients of this popular eatery, with a style that ranges from Lanna to bluegrass", writes chiangmai-mail.com. The show starts at 6.30 pm, singers are accompanied by guitar, mandolin, double bass and banjo - a romantic place for lovers.

Comedara Colonial House คำดารา: 193 Charoenrat Road. The house used to belong to Chinese tax collectors. A band is playing, but not deafening your ears, as chiangmai-mail.com notices.


Dalaabaa Bar & Restaurant: 113 Bamrungraj Road. "The kitchen's take on contemporary Thai cuisine is innovative—order the crab-filled spring rolls, which are shaped like breadsticks and deep-fried", writes concierge.com The architecture "echoes art deco" according to the review of Thailand Tatler. "The midcentury modern bungalow is furnished with eclectic furniture, polished wood and tons of glass, as if Frank Lloyd Wright had gone East", wrote the New York Times.
















Picture by LiNuk's World, see more

Huen Phen: 112 Rachamankha Road. Authentic Northern Thai food. Try Khanom Jeen Namngeua, a beef stew in a hearty broth, means frommers.com. Fantastic Khao Soi (curry noodle dish), says also Confessions of a restaurant whore.. Have a look at a video and read New York Times. "Chicken wings grilled with sliced, aromatic lemongrass; a tart, fiery salad of grapefruit-like pomelo and wafer-thin slices of green chili", recommends concierge.com

Houn Soontaree Vechanont: Read the review in this blogs chapter Chiang Mai: Cool Nights

Kanon Bar Arjarn: 2 Soi.2 Meundamprakot Rd. Thai desserts and confectionery are renowned for their delicate feature, unique taste and exquisite decoration. This is exactly offered at Kanom Ban Arjarn, which ist well known for its "Pia". The original Pia has green bean paste with salted yolk inside the pastry layer. But there ar also new creates Pia's with other tastes. Or you try Saleetip, made from fresh coconut.



















Kantoke Palace: 288/19 Chiangklan Road. Kantoke dinner and show. This place has adapted to Westerners: Tables and seats have been specially designed, so that you can dine on the floor in the traditional Lanna manner, but with plenty of leg-room.

Maha Naga: 431 Charoenrat Road. Thai dishes presented in European style, in buildings from teak and glass under big trees with a river terrace - one of the most expensive Thai restaurants in the North. Read the review of roughguides.com

Maze Café: 12/2 Boonruangrit Road and 8/11 Nimmanhaemin Road. Thai and International food. Read the review of Chiangmaitouristguide.com

Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center ศูนย์วัฒนธรรม เชียงใหม่: 185/3 Wualai Road. Khantoke dinner, stage performances and hilltribes shows. You seat on cushions on the carpeted floor or at nearby tables. When a traditional Northern Thai family eats, they sit around a low table (called "toke") and eat "khan", finger food in small bowls. They break pieces of sticky rice ("cow neaw") and dip it into the bowls or eat it with meat. There are sweetm sour and spicy tastes.
In a Lanna-style building, the Saw-Hong House, you find the Lanna Folk Museum. This over 110-year-old teak building is a typical example of a northern dwelling called a “Kalae house”. Originally, this building stood near the east side of the Nakhornping Bridge in downtown Chiangmai and was owned by Nang Ping, the granddaughter of Nai Saw and Nang Hong Tae. The house was named the “Saw-Hong House” in honour of Nang Piang’s grandparents. Today you see here antique pottery, lacquerware, household items and waving demonstrations. Museum ist closed on Thursdays. Read the review of Tamarind and Thyme.

















Picture of the show by Cybjorg on flickr.com

Se also a video on youtube.com


River Ping Palace: 385/2 Charoen Prathet Rd. A collection of 100 year old teak houses and pavilions. The food is prepared from Thai recipes found in a cookbook dating back 70 years old. In the evenings there are performances by musicians and dancers. Read the review on Chiangmai-Mail.com.

Ruen Tamarind: 50/1 Ratchadamnoen Road. Authentic Northern Thai dishes prepared from original family recipes, that have been handed down from mother to daughter.

Thapae Soi 3: Pad Thai for 20 Baht. Many locals eat there, read a good review by Big Food Small World.

The House: 199 Moon Muang Road. A first class dining experience according to "The Nation". "Contemporary cuisine with a bit of an Asian twist", describes travelfish.org. "The Chiang Mai-born chef has created a menu that features fresh ingredients in a European style but with a touch of the Orient", adds ThailandTatler. "The most interesting dining option is the adjacent tapas bar", means concierge.com




Thai, Chinese, German
Palaad Tawanron ผาลาดตะวันรอน: 100 Huay Kaew Road. Outside the town near the zoo, at the foothills of Suthep Mountain and near a waterfall. From a wooden terrace you overlook a lake and the city. The standout is the seafood, according to ThailandTatler Very popular among the guests is Kah Moo Tawanron : deep fried pork leg with mashed potatoes and sauerkraut, read the review of Chiangmai-Chiangrai.com and the review of The Makan Sisters.

Thai, Chinese, International
The Gallery: 25-27-29 Charoen Rat Road. The front building with the Art Gallery has been built in Chinese style, the restaurant at the riverside in teak-wood in Northern style, in the original building from 1892, which used to be a silk store. Hillary Clinton has been eating here. "Ask for a waterfront table beneath the vaulting tamarind tree, and order Chiang Mai specialties such as kaeng ung lay, a coconut milk–free pork curry slow-cooked with ginger, garlic, chili, and tamarind and served with sticky rice", advises concierge.com.

Chinese
Jia Tong Heng: 193/2-3 Sri Don Chai Road. "Some of the best fish dishes in town", says Chiangmainews.com, fish in ginger is the speciality. Jia Tong Heng is 50 years old. Also stewed duck with Chinese herbs is recommended by Chiangmainews.com. Read also the review of Chiangmai-mail.com

Chinese (Muslim)
Khao Soi Islam: 24 Charoen Prathet Road, Soi 1. A mix of Yunnan (muslim) and Shan cuisine. "Calling it curry noodles is oversimplification", writes lastappetite.com The oily and slightly coconut-creamy curry is cut through with sides of tart pickled cabbage and lime juice, served over flat egg noodles. It is finished with a handful of deep-fried on top. Also vegetarian dishes. Read background about the Legacy of the Spice Trade in Chiang Mai and read the review of muntae.com.

Khao Soi Lamduan: Faham Road. The best Khao Soi-restaurant according to lastappetite.com, where you also find recipes for Khao Soi. The original owner prepared her noodles for the Thai King, whenever he stayed in Chiang Mai, as you can read on eatingasia.typead.com.


Khao Soi Samer Jai: 391 Mu. 2 , Charoenrat Road. Known by the locals for Khao Soi. Very good review by Mcdang.com. The favourite restaurant of Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Thai Premierminister.
















Khao Soi, picture by Jui


concierge.com.

American
The Dukes: 49/4-5 Chiangmai-Lamphun Road. Steaks, Ribs, Seefood, Pizza. Good reviews on tripadvisor.com. There is also a branch at the Night Bazaar.


French
Chez Daniel ร้านอาหารเชส แดเนียล: 255/18 Mahidol Rd. Roast lamb, wild boar, boeuf bourgignon as well as Frech cheeses and desserts. Read the review of Yahoo Travel. Much value for not so miuch Baht, according tho Fodor's.

Le Coq d'Or: 11 Soi 2 Koh Klang Road. Lobster, oyster, duck leg, Foie Gras, tiger prawns... Read Frommers.com. "One of Chiang Mai's oldest and most distinguished fine dining venues", says ThailandTatler


German
German Bistro: Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Centre, 21 Huayaew road. Cheewan (Thai) and his wife Carmen (German) serve German food. If you look for a vegetable soup with meatball (like Grandma), porkfilet with blanched vegetables, Wiener sausages, Knack sausages, knuckle with sauerkraut, potato salad or just a Heineken, a Weihenstephaner or a Krombacher beer, you are right here. And Cheewan decorated the floor of the bistro in a very special way.




























































Italian
Caffé Gourmet: Opposite Wat Phra Khao on Ratchamankha Rd. Home-made Italian dishes, small garden and jazz stage, where bands perform Saturday night. Caffé Gourmet was opened by Stefano Roncoroni (former La Gondola). Read Chiangmainews.com

Girasole ร้านอาหารอิตาเลี่ยน กีราโซล: Kad Klang Vieng Plaza, Wat Pan-On Intersection, Ratchadamnoen Road. Pizza, pasta, risotto, meat and fish - and a large section of vegetarian cuisine. Read the review of Chiangmai-Mail.com Good review on tripadvisor.com "So so"-review by Chiang Mai Epicurean See some pictures of dishes. Girasole is a creation of Stefano Roncoroni, who closed one of Chiang Mai's most beloved Italian restaurant, La Gondola after leasing problems.

Mr Chan and Miss Pauline: 1st branch 16/1 Huay Kaew Rd., 2nd branch Canal Rd. Pizza and Swedish dishes. Read reviews by Things Asian and Chiangmainews.com Review in Thai by มาเชียงใหม่ กินอะไรดี.

Piccola Roma Palace:144 Charoenprathet Road. Run by Angelo Faro for fifteen years now. "The freshness of ingredients is what makes this restaurant stand out from among the dozens of Italian establishments in town", writes ThailandTatler. Home-made pasta as well as meat and seafood and fine italian wines, also ask for the speciality of the day. Reviews on YahooTravel are mixed. Her Majesty Queen Sirikit has been dining here. Read also Kit Marshals Commentary.


Mediterranean
Mi Casa: 60/2 Moo 14 Soi Wat Padaeng. Mediterranean cuisines by Spanish Chef Kike and Tapas Corner. He opened his restaurant “Mi Casa Stanley” in Hong Kong in 2002. It was a holiday in Chiang Mai, that turned him here. ThailandTatler recommends saffron infused lobster paella, which has to be ordered two days in advance, as highlight. Good selection of Rioja wine. Good reviews by tripadvisor.com and spicemag.net. See video by OpenChiangmai.


Mexican
Miguel's Café: Good reviews by tripadvisor.com and cunyqueen.


Sandwich
Amazing Sandwich: 252/3 Pra Pokklao Road. Open daily 10am to 7pm (Sunday close 5pm. With free internet service. Choose from 14 meats including Roastbeef, Pastrami, Salami, Parma ham, smoked chicken and turkey breast, 8 types of cheese, 10 vegetables, 8 dressings & sauces and 6 herbs & spices and pack them into your chosen "vehicle".


Vegetarian
Aum Vegetarian: 65 Mun Mueang Road. One of the oldest vegetarian restaurants with Thai and Chinese dishes and Hilltribe Organic Coffee - and over 3500 books to read while drinking coffee! See the menu and read reviews of Yahoo Travel.


















Picture by cunyqueen.blogspot.com

Blue Diamond: 35/1 Mun Mueang Road, Soi 9. Not 100 procent vegetarian. Superb, according to reviews by happycow.net. Also herbal teas. "Marvellous" is one comment on chefmoz.org. "They have it all. They make their own soy yogurt, baked goods including cinnamon rolls, cookies, and bread, soy ice cream (about 15 flovors), fresh juice, and soy milk.", writes xviolettx. Read also Earthworm Envy.

Dindee ร้านกาแฟ: Food in an earth house at The Art Museum of Chiang Mai University, opened by Japanese Ayumi Loenthaisong in March 2007. Thai and Japanese dishes and a wide tea selection. Read more at muantae.com


























Khufa Mangsawirat: 152/6 Kaew Nawarat Road. Very good review by happycow.net. See pictures by rheanna2. And see description of Chiang Mai Vegetarian Project.

Khun Churn: 120/2 Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi 17. Northern cuisine with influences from China and Burma with affordable prices. Read the review of The Nation. Excellent review at happycow.net. See also Chiang Mai Vegetarian Project and look at video

Mangsawirat Suan Dok: 15 Suthep Road. Read the review of happycow.net.

Pun Pun: Inside Wat Suan Dok under a large old Boddhi tree. Pun Pun, run by a Thai/American couple, cooks organic vegetarian food, grown at Pun Pun Organic farm in Mae Taeng, outside Chiang Mai. "Amazing", according to earthoria.com. Read background on the blog Stomachs ond legs. Pun Pun is a project in the owners words "aimed at supporting local organic farmers, farmer networks, and propagating biodiversity. By producing organic produce on our own farm as well as buying from farmers producing organically, we support farmer’s transition to sustainable food systems. Since we ourselves are a seed center we aim to propagate rare and indigenous varieties of edible plants for the public to reintegrate into their diets, improving our health and stabilizing our environment through biodiversity." To get to Pun Pun, at Wat Suan Dok walk down the road to the left of the main temple towards the back of the temple grounds, it is on your right near the back. See pictures by flickr.com.

Thai Orchid: 419/24 Witchayanon Road.

Thai Vegetarian Food Restaurant: 65 Inthawarorot Road. Good review by happycow.net. See pictures by Rheanna2.

Vegetarian Society of Thailand: 42 Mahidol Road. "Didn't have the variety, that most Thai veggie places in Chiang Mai have", means a review on happycow.net. See pictures on flickr.com

Whole Earth: 88 Sridonchai Road. A vegetarian Thai and Indian restaurant, but some meat and fish dishes are available. Mixed reviews on happycow.net and tripadvisor.com.




















Others
Room-Bar: 61 Nimmanhaemin Road. The Room complex includes also a coffee, a boutique and decor shops. The restaurants special in main courses is a deep fried chicken with mixed herbs, as you can read in Chiangmai-Mail.com. Elegant interior decoration in red and purple.

Rose Restaurant: 87 Ratchamanka Road. See video at Chiangmaipods.com English or American breakfasts, burgers and pizzas, fish and chips. And also Thai food.

Sojo's Café: 169/4-5 Sridonchai Road and 178/178 World Club Land – Nongkwai, Hang Dong. American, Asian, Mediterranean Bistro and La Mesa Latina.

The Drunken Flower: 28/3 Soi 17 Nimmanhaemin Road. The funnny name comes from the time, when it was Chiang Mai's first wine tasting club and also sold importet flowers. Cocktails, house wines, Thai, international and Mexican food. And music from a big CD-Collection or from live performances. All this attracts a mix of young and old Thai and Westerners.