Gastronomic Odyssey in Chiang Mai

The following are restaurants, in order of visit during our trip that were gracious enough to host us:

dusitD2 chiang mai-Moxie- This was our first official meal of the trip and WOW, was it unforgettable! Moxie, dusitD2's signature restaurant was named "Thailand Best Restaurant 2009" by Thailand Tatler. As we quickly found out, it was well-deserved. The hotel is extremely modern and chic and the restaurant fits that description as well. The service was top-notch and all of our questions about the menu were answered in full. The menu is mostly Thai-fusion; however, there are European dishes as well. For an appetizer, we went with a sampler of Northern Thai food, which was delicious, and a devine ahi tuna dish. For main course, we had beef tenderloin and it hit the spot. We left Moxie full and satisfied, and exhaustedly made our way to our comfy rooms upstairs.

The Riverside- The Riverside has been known throughout the city as "The Legend of the Ping River" since 1984. The Riverside Restaurant faces the Ping River, which offers dramatic views and a romantic setting. The pub is a great place to knock back some Chang beer and Mekhong-infused cocktails, while listening to lively bands. The pub and restaurant were PACKED because this is the hottest place to be on any given night in Chiang Mai. Lucky for us, we had a reservation, so make sure to call and book ahead. The menu has a staggering 500!?!? items; I had the kao soi, the famous northern Thai dish made up of egg noodles in curry with chicken. Aubrey had the tom yam khung, her favorite Thai dish. We both were pleasantly surprised with how good they both tasted and they were cooked exactly to our specifications-not too spicy (ped nid noy)! The staff was so welcoming and hospitable, I even got a complimentary t-shirt as we were leaving! What an great dining experience on the beautiful Ping River!The Riverside

9-11 Charoenrat Road
Chiang Mai Thailand

Tel: +66 53 24 3239

THE CHEDI- Lavish, breathtaking, relaxing, spacious, and superb. These are a few of the first adjectives that come to mind when you walk through the entrance of the world-renowned Chedi Chiang Mai. This lavish, five-star hotel was incredible; the service was unparalleled. The friendly staff were helpful in answering questions about the menu and the the view of the Ping River was exquisite. Mix in some music and candlelight to add to the ambience and what you have is one of the most romantic dinner settings you could ask for. The meticulous attention to detail in the presentation of the food was what really grabbed me; we just had to take pictures of every dish because they all looked like a work of art. There is also a beautifully designed bar, terrace bar, and cigar lounge.

THE CHEDI

123 Charoen Prathet Road | Tambol Changklan, Amphur Maung,

Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

Tel: (66 53) 253-333

Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center- Khantoke Show and dinner-The Khantoke Show at the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center had perhaps the most gracious management and staff we have ever encountered while going to dinner. We were treated so well by the staff and they presented us with a beautiful commemorative chest when we arrived to the show. The delicious food was classic Northern Thai and you get a bit of everything without having to bother with a menu, which was nice. Also, when you finish with a dish, the staff promptly brings you a new one! We enjoyed quenching our spicy dishes with Chang beer, and we had fun with a few of the beautiful dancers who allowed us to video them speaking in Thai about the different items on the Khantoke tray. The show was also very intriguing; it was interesting to see ancient Lanna dance and it really adds to the festive mood of your meal. We were in such a festive mood that we got up and did a Thai dance with some of the other audience members (not pretty). What a way to go out though! We had some good fun, good food and fantastic service at the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center and would recommend it to all travelers!
Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center

Wualai Road T.Hayya, Muang District Chiang Mai 185/3
T.Hayya, Muang District, เชียงใหม่ 50100, Thailand
084-1702772