When you think about Thailand, do you also immediately think of all the delicious and colorful food? We could stroll through street food markets for hours and try one dish after another. But of course, there is so much more to experience and that’s why we are going to tell you today where you will not only find food stalls but also star restaurants – and this will be delicious, we promise!

Food is the key to Thai culture. You can hardly get to know Thailand better than through its cuisine and especially away from the big cities we’ve met so many great people thanks to our food journeys. The cuisine differs greatly depending on the region, and this is exactly what the new MICHELIN Guide 2020 addresses. The Chiang Mai region, which is considered a Mecca for foodies, is part of it for the first time.

On the road for good taste

The “Rose of the North” is shaped by the former Lanna empire and all the dishes are very colorful and rich in flavor. Thanks to the 27 Royal Projects, which were established by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej for the sustainable development of the area, the vegetables are mostly organically grown and regional varieties often end up on the plate – such as the jackfruit.

We are big fans of the fruit, which can be used wonderfully as a meat substitute and also scores with many nutrients and vitamins. Last but not least, the name Khanun, as the jackfruit is called in Thai, is attributed with luck and so you’ll find jackfruit dishes even on festive occasions such as weddings. We especially like Tam Khanun, a salad made with young jackfruit and lots of fresh spices. The fruit is cooked and goes perfectly together with ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and chilies. If you want to cook the dish at home and can’t find young jackfruit, you can simply take a canned one.

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The MICHELIN Guide also recommends the traditional Saa makua – and we can only agree. 🙂 Here, eggplants are cut into thin slices and seasoned with chili paste and garlic, served with pork. Delicious! By the way, 50 more restaurants in Chiang Mai are recommended by the MICHELIN Guide – you are spoiled for choice!

Thai cuisine for vegans? No problem!

Do you prefer jackfruit instead of pork? Then Chiang Mai, a small paradise for vegans and vegetarians, is perfect for you! You should visit the Pun Pun, which mostly gets its ingredients from its farm. Here you can enjoy delicious curries, soups, and salads as well as organic coffee and colorful smoothies. There is also a shop with homemade yogurt, organic vegetables, and even body care products from the Pun Pun Farm – maybe you would even like to visit the farm yourself or work there on volunteering stay?

The Free Bird Cafe looks so inviting and colorful that we were magically drawn to it. Fortunately, because otherwise we would not have enjoyed the Burmese salad made from fermented tea leaves and would not have tried the delicious banana-peanut-chocolate smoothie. Besides, all proceeds go to the Thai Freedom House, which supports refugees from Burma and offers them language courses, art therapies, and health education, among other things. Delicious, purely plant-based food for a good cause – count us in!

Have you ever been to Chiang Mai? Do you have any dishes or restaurant tips that we have to include? Tell us about it! 🙂

You would also love to experience some wellness? We have tips for your extraordinary wellness vacation in Thailand.

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