Kaohsiung Thai Restaurant Old Shop - Hi Thai Bistro, located near Dayuanbai, has very authentic Thai decor that creates a good Thai atmosphere. In addition to Thai cuisine, it is also a bar, and it’s quite busy, so remember to make a reservation in advance.
We ordered the set meal for eight people for NT$4800, which included unlimited Thai jasmine rice. The rice was very fragrant and served in a special pot, adding to its authenticity. The dishes were mostly spicy, truly capturing the feel of Thailand; every dish was incredibly delicious with rice—I ended up having three bowls!
The curry chicken was very rich; it was the only dish that wasn’t spicy and actually had a hint of sweetness, making it perfect for friends who are not accustomed to spicy food. The chicken was tender and paired wonderfully with the curry sauce.
The tom yum soup was only sour but not spicy enough; it felt like it was missing a flavor. The other dishes were all up to par.
Although the storefront is quite large (there's an outdoor seating area that also belongs to the establishment), there are quite a few diners during the holidays, so you need to wait a little.
Once you enter the restaurant, the staff will give you a cup of water and a QR code. You then scan the code to order your food, which arrives very quickly. This time, I ordered the curry chicken leg noodles; the broth was quite good, and the curry was flavorful without being too spicy. As for the main dish, it was decent too, although the chicken leg was a bit dry; everything else was acceptable.
Overall, the only downside is that aside from checkout and bringing you to your seat, there is hardly any other service, yet they still charge a 10% service fee, which seems unnecessary.
Braces user review: Although the location of the washbasin is a bit small, the overall environment is still very comfortable, and the decor is filled with Thai style.
This restaurant has been on my list for a while, and I finally had the chance to try it. This time, three of us went together and ordered several dishes.
First, the jasmine rice is refillable, making it the perfect base to pair with all the dishes.
The green papaya salad is refreshing and appetizing, with a sour and spicy flavor that is perfect for this weather.
The Thai moon shrimp cakes have a solid texture and taste like they are freshly wrapped, especially delicious with the restaurant's special sauce.
The crispy stir-fried kale and shrimp paste stir-fried cabbage are great side dishes for rice; the vegetables are crunchy yet rich in flavors. The crispness of the kale is particularly addictive.
The lemongrass fried chicken wings have a crispy exterior and juicy interior, enhanced by the refreshing aroma of lemongrass. The sweet and spicy chicken has a moderate sweetness and tenderness, making it the unanimous favorite among the three of us.
Finally, the Thai iced tea is on the sweeter side, but after tasting a series of bold dishes, it feels like a perfect way to end the meal.
I forgot to note the prices 😂.
I went to the Air Force Command Headquarters to hold an event, but it rained heavily that night and many shops were closed, so I ended up at the student cafeteria of National Taipei University of Technology. I've heard that the buffet at the student cafeteria is the most famous, but due to my hunger, I chose the first one that looked good.
This place mainly sells Thai tea drinks, but they also offer bento boxes. I ordered a barbecue rice bento, and the portion of meat was quite generous, plus it came with a boiled tea egg and a fried egg. Perhaps because it's a student cafeteria, the portion of rice is also quite large, but unfortunately, there were very few vegetables. Given the soaring prices nowadays, one might not be able to compare current prices with those of the past student cafeterias.
In addition to having a spacious dining area, the cafeteria also has a designated area for trash and leftover plates. So, after eating, you have to clean up by yourself.
Thailand, Bangkok - When shopping at Central World, if you don't know what to eat, just open Fooday to see if there are any well-reviewed restaurants. We decided to try this one!
📍 CLAM & CHILI PASTE OMELETTE RICE 185 THB
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
The clam chili sauce omelette rice is really delicious! The aroma of basil, combined with the rich Thai chili sauce and the omelette, is simply satisfying! It's just the right portion for one person, highly recommended.
📍 Mixed Seafood Tom-Yum Soup 260 THB
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌘
The mixed seafood tom yum soup is generous in portion, with shrimp, fish, squid, and clams, along with mushrooms and tomatoes. The spicy seasoning combined with coconut milk creates a well-balanced flavor.
📍 Deep-Fried Chicken Wings 155 THB
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
Some people recommended the fried chicken wings, which are indeed quite special. They are fried to a drier texture, but the chicken is crispy and fragrant, without any extra batter, making them less greasy. Not bad at all!
▶️ Environment
🔹 The indoor space is large and comfortable.
🔹 The decor has a tropical style, featuring a big bar.
🔹 Cutlery will be automatically provided.
▶️ Helpful Reminders
🔹 Staff will come to take your order.
🔹 No drinking water is provided; you have to pay for water.
🔹 Credit cards are accepted; towards closing time, staff will come to facilitate card payments at your table.
▶️ Overall Rating
🔹 The food quality is quite good! However, the attitude of one of the servers was really surprising; when we had some issues placing our order, he even chuckled, which was really impolite. Is this how all Thai servers are? If you're in this big mall, you can come here to eat!
The taste and value for money are five stars, but the downside is that the business hours are really unpredictable 🥹 It might be open on public holidays, but when I go during what should be open hours, it’s often closed. This happens quite frequently; I've been there five times and found it closed four times, hahaha. One time I went, the owner said he couldn't find help, so the hours are not fixed. The shop also doesn’t have a phone number for communication, so if you get to eat there, consider yourself lucky!
Everyone in the shop is Thai, and every time I go, there are many international workers dining there. In a way, it should be quite authentic 🇹🇭 I’ve tried several dishes, and they’re all pretty good, but the best is still the stir-fried rice noodles, which is in a spot on the menu that’s obvious yet easily overlooked. It’s sour and spicy, with shrimp, and uniquely served with peanuts and sugar. It has a great wok aroma and rich flavor; I love it more each time I have it, and it only costs a hundred NT dollars (if you don’t like it spicy, make sure to tell the owner not to add chili; otherwise, you might need to buy two bottles of milk to counter the spice—this place does not joke around with their chili 🌶️).
Anyway, every time I finish eating there, I only feel two words: happiness (although my friend from Myanmar really doesn’t understand why sugar is added to rice noodles 🤣 Maybe everyone has different habits; my Taiwanese stomach feels it’s acceptable, and I really like it 💕).
I hope they can find a little helper soon—I’ll be a regular customer!
Overall Review: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
Dickson's Fooday Mouthwatering Food Review #232 - Chiang Mai, Thailand
🌟Michelin🌟 One Star Awarded
It's quite rare to see Dickson give a restaurant a five-star rating that you must visit 👍👍👍
But this restaurant is truly the best one I’ve had in Chiang Mai, Thailand!
A definite five-star recommendation~⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Initially, I hadn’t planned to come to this restaurant.
Another place that was on my list happened to be closed,
so this became my second choice.
What a coincidence that I got the chance to have such a delicious meal!
This restaurant is located towards the eastern side of Chiang Mai,
close to the night market area.
The restaurant specializes in various authentic Thai dishes,
including some Northern Thai cuisine which you can see on the menu.
The fixed menu already had quite a number of items,
but unfortunately, there was no Chinese menu available.
At least there was an English menu that I could manage to understand.
In addition to the basic menu,
there’s a whiteboard on the wall listing today’s specials.
However, everything on it is in Thai, which made it a bit tricky.
That day, to understand what the specialties on the whiteboard were,
Dickson had to painstakingly take a picture of the menu,
then use Google Translate to figure out what the specials were~~
It was a bit tough! 🤣🤣🤣
The menu had so many dishes listed,
and the portion sizes looked quite large.
Though many dishes looked tempting to try all at once,
since I was solo, it was a bit challenging to handle a meal meant for sharing.
So if you plan to visit,
I recommend going with a group of friends.
That way, you can order several dishes to share,
and enjoy various unique Thai dishes together.
Regardless, the flavors of the food at this place are truly amazing.
I sincerely recommend that anyone visiting Chiang Mai check out this restaurant!
Additionally, the atmosphere inside is nice,
with a very relaxed and elegant style.
The dining environment is quite pleasant too!
I genuinely recommend that everyone come and give it a try~~~~
Food: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌖
Drinks: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌖
Atmosphere: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
Service: 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑
Price: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
⭐️ Food section
After diligently reviewing the menu,
I originally had grand aspirations,
wanting to order two or three dishes to try.
But after seeing the food on the table next to me,
I decided to abandon that idea,
since there’s no way I could finish it all alone 🤣🤣🤣
👉 Crab Fried Rice
Don't let the simple name fool you into thinking it's just an ordinary crab fried rice.
This fried rice is among the most delicious I've ever had.
It uses Thai rice,
which is quite different from the rice in Taiwan.
The seasoning has a distinctly Thai flavor,
bringing a unique local taste to it.
I couldn't help but devour it quickly, one bite after another.
I can only say that this fried rice, while looking plain,
is incredibly delicious!
👉 Northern Thai Spicy Chicken Soup
I'm not exactly sure what the proper translation is,
but from the menu, it seems to be a spicy chicken soup from Northern Thailand.
Though labeled as spicy chicken soup,
the actual heat level was quite mild when served.
However, Northern Thai cuisine is something we encounter less frequently.
The taste and presentation were quite different from what I had imagined.
It was a special experience,
though I might not have been used to the flavor.
In terms of food, I found both dishes to be very tasty,
especially the fried rice, which surpassed my expectations.
Unfortunately, since I was alone,
I only ordered these two dishes,
but there are so many more I wanted to try on the menu!
⭐️ Drinks section
I really must highlight this:
The Thai milk tea here is incredibly delicious!!
I finished my first glass right when the first dish arrived.
Without hesitation, I ordered a second glass right away 🤣🤣🤣
Though it is quite commercialized,
each glass had a lot of ice,
but I must say it's super tasty.
I was even contemplating ordering a third glass 🤣🤣🤣
But this Thai milk tea isn't cheap;
the price is about the same as in Taiwan.
⭐️ Service section
Unfortunately, the menu lacks Chinese,
which means I had to spend more time understanding it when ordering.
Because of this, I was hesitant to experiment too much with my choices.
The specials on the whiteboard looked quite appealing,
but I wasn't quite sure what the dishes meant either 🤣🤣
Additionally, the staff's English skills aren't very strong,
so communication might present some challenges.
Other than that, it's the basic service of taking orders and delivering food.
⭐️ Atmosphere section
The dining atmosphere in the restaurant is very nice,
but perhaps because I arrived after the peak dining time,
around one or two in the afternoon,
there weren't many other diners.
Therefore, it was quite quiet.
The space of the restaurant isn't large,
but it has a rather high-quality feel.
Also, because the space is limited,
there aren't many tables,
which is why it's suggested to make a reservation online 🤣🤣
However, I think the quality of the meals and the ambiance are both excellent!
⭐️ Price section
This restaurant is slightly expensive compared to local prices in Chiang Mai,
but in terms of overall spending levels, it is comparable to Taiwan.
However, it feels quite pricey for the locals.
Nevertheless, a meal there costs around $500 TWD,
which I believe is very worth it based on the quality of the dishes!
⭐️ In summary
In this trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand,
this restaurant truly received my highest rating!
Though I didn’t order a wide variety of dishes,
both the food and drinks amazed me.
Moreover, the dining environment and atmosphere are also quite impressive.
For those who want to sample various local Thai delicacies or Northern Thai cuisine,
as I mentioned earlier,
you should definitely bring a few friends or family along.
That way, you can enjoy more diverse and unique dishes!
I definitely recommend visiting this place~~~
Overall Review: 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑
Dickson's Fooday Food Review #231 - Chiang Mai, Thailand
🌟Michelin Star +1🌟
This time in Chiang Mai, Thailand, we arrived at one of the Michelin restaurants. However, it’s quite different from traditional Michelin restaurants; it feels more like a street-side snack stall. The main feature is curry noodles, and the menu shows a wide variety of curry noodles with various kinds of meat combinations. Aside from the famous curry noodles, this restaurant is known for its skewers as well.
Besides the curry and skewers on the menu, they also sell many traditional Thai dishes, like Tom Yum Goong, and others.
Since we came specifically for the special curry noodles, we had to order them. In addition to selecting the meat, we could also choose the ingredients inside. Furthermore, we could inform the restaurant in advance about our preferred flavors. The curry varieties are divided into yellow curry and green curry, catering to those who enjoy spicier or sweeter tastes.
It’s quite a flexible restaurant. But since it's very well-known online and Michelin-rated, is it really that impressive when you actually eat there?
Unfortunately, after personally enjoying it, I felt it was overly praised. Many people have expressed similar opinions in Google reviews. The curry here doesn’t have any special flavor and is not significantly different from typical Thai street food. The taste is somewhat flat, but it’s still worth trying. I suppose high expectations didn't meet Michelin standards.
Looking at it from another perspective, it’s like finding a beef soup stall everywhere in Tainan and expecting a Michelin-rated beef soup that’s exceptionally good, only to find it’s quite similar to the beef soup around the corner from my house. That’s a bit disappointing.
However, because it's a Michelin place, there were quite a few people. We went for lunch and had to wait about 15 minutes before getting a seat.
The advantage is that it doesn't feel like an ordinary street stall; there is an air-conditioned indoor seating area. If there are too many people, you might have to sit outside.
On a scorching summer day, sitting outside while eating curry noodles can be really hot!
I think if you are still interested in curry noodles and this Michelin restaurant, you can still come by. After all, the table turnover rate is very fast, so you won’t have to wait too long for a seat.
Additionally, each dish’s portion isn’t large, making it perfect to drop by for a taste.
Food: 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑
Beverages: N/A
Atmosphere: 🌕🌕🌘🌑🌑
Service: 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑
Price: 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑
⭐️ Food Part
👉 Braised Beef Curry Noodles
As mentioned before, the meat for the curry noodles can be selected. The menu states there is beef, pork chop, or chicken thigh, and as someone who loves beef, I naturally chose the braised beef.
But, as previously mentioned, I feel the curry here lacks any special characteristics, so there’s nothing particularly memorable for me, which is a bit disappointing.
Moreover, each portion isn’t too much. For an adult male, you might need to order two servings to feel somewhat full.
So I recommend pairing it with some skewers or trying some traditional Thai dishes here too.
That day I also had some skewers, and I feel their performance was slightly better than the curry, though it's still quite standard without anything special.
Thus, I think the food part is unfortunately not deserving of a high score; in terms of flavor, I don’t think this restaurant is a must-visit.
⭐️ Beverage Part
We didn’t order any specific drinks that day, so I won’t comment on that.
⭐️ Atmosphere Part
Although the restaurant sells more traditional curry noodles, the overall design and decor have a modern touch, so you won’t feel like you’re eating curry noodles on the street. The internal space is divided into outdoor and indoor areas.
The indoor area has typical restaurant features like air conditioning and tables, while the outdoor area is still under a roof but generally has an outside feel. If the weather is bad or too hot, it might not be very comfortable.
⭐️ Service Part
The menu is available in Chinese as well, so I believe there won’t be significant issues in ordering. The staff mainly provide standard service for delivering food and taking orders, with nothing particularly special.
⭐️ Price Part
For a Michelin restaurant, this is really a low-cost option. A bowl of curry noodles costs around TWD 150, which is quite reasonable.
So even though the portion isn’t large, I think the cost-performance ratio is quite high. It’s a low price for a Michelin experience!
⭐️ Overall
I feel that despite this being a Michelin restaurant, their curry noodles don't have any particular special characteristics.
Therefore, I don’t think this place is one that’s essential to visit. But if you want to enjoy the Michelin experience, it’s quite easy to achieve here. First of all, its location is very convenient. Additionally, you don’t need to make a reservation; just come and wait for about 15 to 20 minutes to get a seat.
Furthermore, it's affordable, and the portions aren't large, making it suitable for those wanting to try a taste.
Friends visiting the Nimmanhaemin area in Chiang Mai might want to consider this place!
Overall Review: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌘
Dickson's Fooday Mouthpiece Review #230 - Chiang Mai, Thailand Edition
🌟Michelin Spotting🌟 +1
This time, Dickson visits a Michelin restaurant in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
It's a bit far from the city center, but it's quite a well-known establishment.
The main offerings focus on creative Thai cuisine.
Additionally, the whole space has its own unique characteristics, featuring strange bear figures everywhere!
Since the restaurant is located in a more remote area, I recommend that anyone planning to go make a reservation in advance and leave early.
This Michelin restaurant doesn’t follow a typical commercial model, but I think the overall food is even better!
Moreover, there are quite a number of distinctive dishes on the menu.
However, before ordering, you should be aware that the menu is really extensive.
Although it is categorized into various types, the number of dishes in each category is still quite overwhelming.
For instance, they have curry that is divided into many types, such as yellow curry, green curry, and soup curry, with each type further classified with different ingredients.
So just trying to place an order can be quite a struggle for those who are indecisive 🤣🤣🤣.
Of course, you can do some research online beforehand to see which dishes have received the best reviews.
I remember seeing that the so-called watermelon dish was quite famous from my online research.
So we definitely had to order it on that day to give it a try!
The decor in the restaurant is quite unique.
As mentioned earlier, there are many strange bear dolls outside, and of course, there are also plenty inside the restaurant.
The overall style doesn't resemble traditional Thai ambiance at all!
In terms of the overall taste of the food,
I think it was the best among the few Michelin restaurants I visited during my stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand!
Therefore, if friends happen to be in the vicinity of Chiang Mai,
I highly recommend trying this place!
Food: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
Drinks: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
Atmosphere: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
Service: 🌕🌕🌕🌘🌑
Price: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌘
⭐️ Food Review
👉 Signature Watermelon Dish
This dish truly is the star of the restaurant!
Using watermelon in cooking is quite special,
and this watermelon dish is not just a simple fruit.
As you can see in the picture, there’s quite a lot of powder sprinkled on the watermelon,
and this powder complements the sweetness of the watermelon, creating a wonderful contrast!
If you visit this restaurant,
I highly recommend ordering this dish!
👉 Moon Shrimp Cakes
We often eat Thai-style moon shrimp cakes in Taiwan,
but of course, we had to try the authentic version here in Thailand!
The way the cake is made is quite different from Taiwan.
Some moon shrimp cakes in Taiwan have a crispy skin.
Here, the texture is quite soft,
paired with some special sauce in the middle,
making it taste quite rich!
👉 Meat Platter
I'm not quite sure what the full name of this dish is,
but it mainly consists of various meats and some small cucumbers and peppers on the side,
paired with some special sauce.
You can mix everything together to eat or just eat the meat slices alone.
You can also wrap it in vegetables to make a meat wrap.
I personally highly recommend this because
it has a lot of versatility.
The meat alone is already very delicious.
It’s not overly cooked, which makes it more tender and bouncy!
I suggest people who come here definitely try it!
👉 Lemon Sauerkraut Fish
This dish is quite different from the sauerkraut fish in Taiwan or China.
It has more of a sour and spicy flavor on top,
but here, it leans more towards a sweet and sour lemon taste.
And with the lemon combined with the sauce,
it tastes quite refreshing and balances the heat of Thailand’s weather!
I think the food at this restaurant is overall very special.
Several dishes even give you a surprising feeling,
like the watermelon dish mentioned earlier.
Why isn’t there a similar dish like this in Taiwan?
A Michelin-level restaurant really has its strengths!
Many dishes are above average and have a personal touch.
Therefore, I think the presentation, flavor, and experience of the food here are really excellent!
⭐️ Atmosphere Review
Although the restaurant is somewhat off the beaten path on a country road,
there are quite a few parking spaces if you arrive by car.
As mentioned earlier, there’s a distinctive bear wandering around the entire restaurant,
and just in the parking lot, you can see a headless bear figurine! 🤣🤣
The space inside the restaurant is actually quite spacious.
The dining area has a fantastic atmosphere.
On that day, since we had a larger group,
we were arranged in a more private dining area.
Inside the private room, there are many display cases.
We faced a display case filled with various Apple products,
which were quite a complete collection.
In addition to various iPhone models,
there were also iPads and long-lost retro products!
It’s truly creative and thoughtful.
Moreover, the different private rooms feature varying displays.
I can only say this Michelin restaurant really offers a variety of unique experiences!
The dining environment is also of high quality,
with stylish tables and chairs in the private room.
It’s perfect whether it’s a date or a gathering of several people visiting Chiang Mai!
⭐️ Service Review
I recall that the service staff weren’t particularly notable
because there are many tourists in Chiang Mai.
Most of the menu items are available in Chinese,
so there’s not much need for introductions.
However, if you have other questions,
the staff is very eager and will respond to you in English!
⭐️ Price Review
Likewise, this Michelin restaurant is really not expensive.
In Taiwan, the price would be like a typical casual restaurant meal.
But here in Thailand, you can enjoy such a high-end Michelin experience,
both in terms of food and the restaurant's atmosphere, which are quite superb.
So when in Chiang Mai,
I feel you should take the time to try several Michelin restaurants!
⭐️ In conclusion
I believe this Michelin restaurant is a must-visit when in Chiang Mai.
Except for the inconvenient transportation,
the quality of dishes and overall atmosphere are quite excellent.
But remember that if you plan to come here, you definitely need to make a reservation in advance.
Additionally, since the cost of living here is relatively low,
you don’t need to worry too much about prices!
Eating at a Michelin-star restaurant in Thailand is just amazing~~
🤪 Dickson’s Mouthpiece Area 🤪
If we go to Chiang Mai with the ladies,
there are various ways to enjoy the area.
You can choose to focus on historical temples,
go on outdoor jungle adventures,
or, like me, indulge in food and leisure.
Each type of itinerary should be quite different.
If you're into food and leisure,
follow me to explore various quirky cafes and Michelin restaurants!
This option is naturally more comfortable and enjoyable,
because it’s so hot in Thailand this month!
When you arrive in the vacation paradise of Chiang Mai,
of course, you should get massages and then enjoy a big feast to end a happy day.
Of course, I won’t mention any dark itineraries here,
like buying trouble or partying at nightclubs in Thailand, etc. 😍😍😍😍
🤪 We can talk about these troubles again when fate allows it! 🤪
Overall Review: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
Dickson's Fooday Tongue-Tied Food Review #228 - Chiang Mai, Thailand
Michelin Spotting 🌟+1
In Chiang Mai, Thailand, there are quite a few Michelin restaurants, and this visit is to one located in the Nimman area, inside the well-known Nimman 1 mall.
Nimman 1 is a large shopping complex, and the first floor has many market-like stalls. This Michelin restaurant is conveniently located right next to the building's entrance, making it easy to find.
There are two entrances: one inside the mall and one outside, allowing access from both sides.
Whether entering from the front or the back, the doors of the restaurant are plastered with Michelin logos, indicating that this place has held Michelin stars for several years!
Since this is a Michelin-starred restaurant, I was worried about not getting a reservation while still in Taiwan, so I booked online quite early.
The reservation system here is different from the inline booking method used in Taiwan. If you want to reserve a table, there’s a link available on Google Maps for easy booking.
If you are still concerned about securing a reservation, you can also fill out your information on the restaurant's official website.
When it's time to dine, simply show up and provide your name and reservation code. It's actually quite straightforward!
This restaurant mainly serves authentic Thai cuisine, and each page of the menu features dishes that look incredibly appetizing. I spent a significant amount of time just deciding what to order.
Moreover, the prices here are quite reasonable. Even at this Michelin-star restaurant, the costs are still very different from those in Taiwan.
It's comparable to the prices at a regular budget Thai restaurant in Taiwan, allowing you to enjoy Michelin-star Thai cuisine in Thailand! Therefore, that day, I was determined to order a lot and try as much as possible.
However, although I mentioned that prices are cheaper here, it’s relative to Taiwan's prices. If we compare the restaurant's prices to those of typical street vendors, there's clearly a significant difference.
So, I initially ordered a round of dishes that I frequently eat. In terms of flavors, I found the Thai dishes here to be quite authentic, but there was nothing particularly surprising. It is more aligned with traditional Thai cuisine.
In Taiwan, many Thai restaurants cater more to local tastes. However, I think that this Michelin Thai restaurant needs to accommodate tourists, thus the flavors don’t fully embody that traditional Thai essence, leaning more towards a commercial twist.
Nonetheless, since it is a Michelin restaurant, the dishes and flavors are generally quite good.
For friends fortunate enough to visit Chiang Mai, Thailand, if you’re aiming to grab some Michelin stars, I believe this restaurant is truly worth considering.
Firstly, because you can reserve online, and its location at the Nimman 1 mall, a place you’ll definitely visit while in Chiang Mai, makes it quite convenient!
Food: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌘
Drinks: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌘
Atmosphere: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
Service: 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑
Price: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
⭐️ Food Section
👉 Meat Platter
The menu here features names I'm not familiar with, so I refer to this as a meat platter. Essentially, it has a variety of different meats cooked by grilling or boiling. The quantity of meat is substantial, and with the different cooking methods and dipping sauces, you can experience varying flavors.
However, the downside is that due to the large portion, it can feel a bit greasy after eating too much.
👉 Crab Soup with Rice Noodles
This dish primarily uses crab soup paired with rice noodles, along with additional condiments for guests to customize their dish. Personally, I found this dish quite ordinary, perhaps due to the crab soup's flavor being lacking. The rice noodles mixed with the other condiments reminded me of eating Taiwanese rice noodles.
👉 Crab Omelette
Although named crab omelette, I honestly couldn't identify the omelette when it was served. This might be due to the difference between Taiwanese and Thai omelettes. This dish is very unique and quite authentic; I’ve never encountered it in Taiwan.
The omelette here resembles a firm cookie texture, as the egg is cooked until solid! Then, a pile of crab meat is placed on top, making it feel like you’re eating a cookie with a base of egg and a topping of crab meat—quite a special dish.
In terms of taste, I found it just okay, but due to its novelty, I'd recommend everyone try it!
👉 Crab Fried Rice
The fried rice was rather ordinary, resembling typical egg fried rice but with added crab meat. The flavor is not significantly different from Taiwanese fried rice, so you don't need to making a special order for it.
👉 Thai Spicy and Sour Shrimp Soup
From the name, I expected it to be very spicy and sour. It indeed looked intimidatingly red when served, causing some initial fear about the spice level.
However, the spiciness was actually manageable, but because of that, it felt less distinctive. I remember this dish ended up being left uneaten.
👉 Crying Tiger
It's unclear why this dish is named crying tiger.
From the picture, it resembles grilled meat. I would recommend trying this because, compared to the earlier meat platter, these grilled meats overall are quite delicious!
👉 Mango Sticky Rice
I think everyone has probably seen this commonly available in Thailand. It’s a very popular dessert and snack, typically involving sticky rice mixed with mango—sweet and refreshing!
However, this dish is ubiquitous, so the price at a Michelin restaurant might be slightly higher, but there’s no remarkable difference compared to street vendors.
So if you really want to enjoy it, it's better to find other restaurants or roadside stalls!
Overall, I feel that this Michelin restaurant doesn’t have overly impressive offerings. While most dishes differ significantly from Taiwanese flavors, if you want authentic Thai cuisine, you’re likely to enjoy small vendors or eateries more.
Overall, this restaurant feels stable, serving flavors that won’t be too extravagant or hard to accept, while still showcasing the essence of Thai cuisine.
It’s a safe, tasty, and acceptable spot, but if you desire a more intense local flavor, you might need to venture out and explore further.
⭐️ Drinks Section
That day, I subconsciously ordered a coconut juice, which is just coconut juice and doesn't need further introduction—it’s everywhere on Thai streets!
⭐️ Atmosphere Section
The restaurant's indoor space isn’t particularly large, so there aren’t many tables. Much of the space is used for decorations, with plenty of flowers and plants, creating a cozy ambiance without feeling too sparse.
However, it may be because of all the greenery that my dining companions complained about being bitten by mosquitoes.
This does result in some points being deducted, but for visual appeal, the restaurant successfully creates a dining experience reminiscent of eating in a jungle.
⭐️ Service Section
Earlier, I noted that the restaurant allows online reservations, which means you don’t have to wait long to be seated during your meal—this is quite commendable for a Michelin restaurant.
Most of the staff can communicate in English, making it easy to order. Furthermore, the menu is also available in Chinese, so even if you’re dining alone, there won’t be too many barriers.
Aside from that, the service offered is standard—taking orders, serving food, and refilling drinks.
⭐️ Price Section
As mentioned earlier, Thailand's overall cost of living is lower than Taiwan's, so even dining at a Michelin restaurant here won't lead to exorbitant expenses.
If you're looking to explore different Michelin options, Chiang Mai is a great choice since there are quite a few Michelin restaurants available.
Given the price situation, it's also relatively affordable!
Overall, this meal feels reminiscent of dining at some traditional Thai chain restaurants in Taipei's northern district.
⭐️ In Summary
If you’re a tourist visiting Chiang Mai for the first time and wish to try some well-known Michelin restaurants, this place is indeed a great option.
Firstly, it's convenient for reservations, and its accessible transportation and geographical location are very favorable.
The overall dining cost isn’t burdensome, and the food obviously has a certain level of quality.
So, if you're visiting Chiang Mai for the first time, consider adding this Michelin restaurant to your itinerary!