Thai “Desserts” Let’s start this out by addressing a Thai culinary distinction from most Western cuisines. The line between dinner and dessert is a blurry one, namely in levels of sweetness. Thai food… most Thai food that is, encompasses the full scope of a flavor pallet. As such, sugar is less thought of here as… Read More
For better or worse Chiang Mai is changing with the times. There are hipster coffee shops around every corner. The shadows of malls cast over rice fields that were once their foundations. As the years roll on, the East is slowly starting to head west. However, Muang Mai Market seems be staying true, regardless of… Read More
Khao soi is by far and away the most well known dish in Chiang Mai. This old northern capitol is the only kind of place where something like this could be created. A dish shaped by different cultures, trade, wealth, and refinement. In Thai, khao soi translates to “cut rice”. This is in reference to… Read More
Warorot Market or Gad Luang (Big Market is Northern Thai) is more than meets the eye. A place so large and diverse that it would take many hours if not days to fully explore. The area actually houses a few distinct markets, the main one being Warorot. Across the one way street filled with tuk… Read More
There are few buildings more prevalent or iconic in Thailand than 7/11. We’ve all found ourselves desperate and hungry, roasting under the hot Thai sun, and in arms reach of a bountiful assortment of noodle stalls, sizzling street-side stir-fries, and pounded pots piled with som tam. And… we have all decided to pass up on… Read More
It was unfortunate that it took as long as it did for Siri Wattana (Tanin) Market to come come on my radar. I was still enthralled by the markets at Chang Phuak and Chiang Mai Gate the first time I made that left turn off the 107. Not to say these markets are bad, they are far from… Read More
There is by no means a shortage of khao soi available in Chaing Mai, unfortunately not all of it’s good. This is a real shame on account of most of the khao soi sold outside the northern half of this great country is already “meh”. I’m not talking Seattle or London here, you’d be hard… Read More
So, I know I recently wrote about how Chiang Mai Gate Night Market was the best place to experience Thai food for the out of towner, but Chang Phuak Gate Market gives it a run for its money. Not nearly as big and equal distance from Zoe or Spicy, this little market has some big… Read More
Let’s talk about tea. It’s that amber liquid, (ice cold and sickeningly sweet), that offers relief from a Savannah Summer. The ectoplasmic green goop frothed by a whisk, handcrafted with an almost unfathomable amount of precision. It’s the fuel for conversation in countless Middle Eastern speak easys. To call it a “beverage” would be selling… Read More
Chiang Mai Gate Night Market might be the best place for a first timer to dip their toe into the cuisine of this great country. They have all of the “cooking class foods”, you know the ones: pad Thai, green curry, tom yum, som tam, and the ubiquitous mango sticky rice. All delicious, even if… Read More
Sanmai Has the best Ramen in Chiang Mai. Full stop. I usually stay away from words like “best” and instead use “my favorite”, but Sanmai is in a league of their own when it comes to ramen. I’ve tried most of the other dozen or so ramen joints in Chiang Mai, and while I haven’t… Read More
Ordering noodles in this country is easy to do but hard to do right. If you can’t speak Thai you’re either stuck with the “point and pray” method, or ordering off menus with pictures. Both acceptable choices but it limits the potential for your meal. You may not know what goodies are hidden amongst the… Read More