Can’t decide where to go tonight? Here are a few interesting places offering something just a little bit different from the norm.
Maitree est.1987
A Lamphun classic has move to Chiang Mai after the daughter of the original owners of this delicious fish hotpot and Thai food restaurant decided to take over the business, giving it a makeover in the process. Serving up all kinds of central Thai dishes, Maitree est. 1987 is great for families and friends alike, with inside and outside seatings. The design is minimalistic and rustic, a refreshing change to the luk tung styles of the original branch, but expect the same high quality recipes perfected years and years ago, and still made by the same chef. Try their signature dish, the ‘dip fish’ or fish hotpot, with spicy sour tom yum flavours and a choice of tilapia or snakehead fish. Pair it with some classic sweet and sour ribs, hot soups, and a side of steamed fish in lemon sauce, a glass of herbal juice (or a beer if you prefer) for a perfect meal out.
Open 11am – 10pm
Moo Baan Lanna View, Soi 7
081 8843074 / 089 7010198
Facebook: maitreeest.1987
Siamlor
Starting life as a vet, then a drummer in a few popular bars around the city, the owner of Siamlor has now turned his focus towards noodles of a very unique kind. Think Chinese noodles with Lanna flavours, think green curry noodle soup, think cheese toppings…strange but surprisingly delicious. With more than 10 menu items to choose from, this strange fusion noodle shop attracts people from far and wide, promising curious flavours and freshly made food every day. Try the Thai spicy soup with cheese or the northern nam prik ong noodles (a kind of northern Thai style tomato relish) or the soothing calm notes of a green curry served with green egg noodles. Finish off the meal with their signature Kung Fu drink-dessert, a glass filled with coffee ice cubes topped with whipped cream, perfect for the summer months. Prices are also very reasonable so it’s a perfect place for lunch but make sure you get there quick as when it’s gone it’s gone.
Open 10am – 5pm
97/13 Rattanakosin Road, Wat Gate
(opposite the San Gu Lek Cemetery)
081 7833375
Facebook: siamlorcm
Seoul Mind
This modern Korean style café serves up more than coffees and treats. The atmosphere is clean, neat and exciting, with a constant buzz of chit chat from the almost always full tables. If you are a chicken lover, the Korean fried chicken is by far the best thing on the menu, served in two styles, garlic sauce and Korean sauce, a sweet burnt chilli style sauce that glazes the skin perfectly. For those brave enough, go for the large size, with 16 pieces of chicken served up hot and deliciously sticky. Pair it with some Japanese rice, soup or cheesy French fries and fill yourself up good! After you are full of juicy chicken, finish off the meal with a generously large serving of Bing Su – a Korean style shaved milky ice dessert with flavours such as lemon meringue, mango, strawberry and green tea. Great for lunch or dinner before you hit the streets of Nimmanhaemin.
Open 10.30am – 9.30pm
Sirimangkalajarn Soi 11
094 4040292
Facebook: seoulmind