Self Cultivation of A Foodie, Chiang Mai Gourmet Search

Deck 1 is located on the banks of the Mae Ping River outside the ancient city. The restauranthas an open-air dining area facing the river. On a clear moonlit night, sit on the deck and enjoy the panoramic view of the lights on both sides of the Mae Ping River pair with exquisite Thai and Western dishes. The restaurant also offers a floating lantern experience. If the weather allows, you can launch the lantern with your blessing after dinner on the deck of the restaurant.

Deck 1 serves mainly Thai and Western fusion dishes, with an average of about ฿1,000 per person (approximately ¥200). This restaurant charges to a higher-end compare to the local Thai prices. With an elegant environment and exquisite dishes, although it is a little bit pricey, it is still considered to be within a reasonable range.

The front hall is decorated in the traditional Thai style that is like an art exhibition store. The back hall is the dining area with the Chinese-style door and the carved Chinese character "Yongyuan" , which turn back the time for decades.

You can enjoy the Antique Chinese decoration whilst waiting for the dishes. In the outdoor terrace along the river, the candles are lit at the tables along with the natural sound of the surroundings that gives it a romantic dream-like environment.

More surprising is that the dishes are cooked with the same amount of detail and thought, and the cutlery is simple and rustic with a rich Thai flavor. Although the price is higher than the local standards, you will still feel the great value with the setting and quality!

A stall named Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak is known as “Fengfeifei Pig's Leg Rice" in China, and is located in Chang Phueak night market at the north gate of Chiang Mai. It serves the best pigs in Chiang Mai! A delicious plate of pork leg with rice is only ฿30 (approximately ¥6).

The Chinese name of the stall comes from the beautiful stall owner wearing a different cowboy hat every night, as a reminder to the "Queen of hats" Feng Feifei. The legendary aura andmouth-watering dishes make Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak (“Fengfeifei Pig's Leg Rice”) well known among Chinese tourists.

Black Forest Restaurant is in the southwest of the Chiang Mai Airport. The reason for recommending and describing this restaurant can be summed up in two words – “absolutely stunning”!

As soon as you walk into the restaurant, you will see the trees and clear springs flowing, like walking into nature, and even the WC is very unique. If you go there early, we suggest you dine at the lakeside and enjoy being embraced by nature in every second.

Kaow Tom 1 Baht is a Thai-style Chinese restaurant located opposite to Wat Phan ran by local Chinese. During the store’s ten plus years of operation, it has been selling porridge at only BHT 1 each which gives its Chinese name of “One Bhat Porridge Store”. With yummy dishes at an affordable price, this small store is always packed in the evening.

Since it was opened by local Chinese, most of the store staff know some Chinese and it also has a Chinese menu making it very convenient for Chinese tourists. The signature dishes in the store include porridge, basil egg, Thai-styled stir-fried morning glory with garlic and fried sweet pork.

When you go to Chiang Mai, you must try the famous Hainanese chicken rice! The signatureHainan chicken in the store is fresh and juicy and the chicken soup is rich and delicious. Although it is located in the deep alleyway, it is packed all the time with dishes sold out before noon each day.

Keatocha Chicken Rice is located in an alley by the Three Kings Monument which opens every morning at 8:00. The Hainanese Chicken Rice includes a bowl of broth, a chicken oil-infused rice and a portion of selected chicken parts. The price is equivalent to ¥20-30, which is super affordable.

Huen Phen is a famous authentic northern Thai restaurant in the ancient city. Its most well-known dish is northern Thai fried chicken. The chicken is crispy, tender and juicy and is served with sweet and sour Thai spicy sauce. It has a complex rich flavor and is known as the most delicious fried chicken in Chiang Mai.

In addition to the delicious authentic dishes, Huen Phen is also known for its unique furnishes and decorations. The back hall that only opens to the public at night is like a treasure vaultwhere over many years the owners have carefully arranged collectibles making it like a dining experience in a museum.

Huen Phen promotes the affordable Northern Thai local dishes in the day time at the front hall and opens up the museum-styled back hall at night.