In Chiang Mai and don't know where to dine? This could show you the way to a satisfying meal

 Chiang Mai has plenty of dining venues, serving a range of cuisine – from delicious Northern treats to finely made Japanese and Western dishes. And they come with a wide variety of services and prices that suit wallets of all sizes.

Khao Soy Fahaam
On Fahaam Road along the Ping River on the east side, are two nice restaurants which serve the best khao soy in town. These two establishments, simply named Samer Jai and Lam Duan, are clean and comfortable though they are always crowded with the city’s residents and visitors during the lunch hours. Prices are pretty modest – just Bt20 to Bt25 for a bowl of pork, chicken or beef khao soy. Another popular choice is kanom jeen nam ngiew, or northern noodles, at the same price. Both places also serve great pork satay at a Bt2 a stick and fresh juice for Bt10 a glass.
Fahnaam Road Muang, 11am to 3pm daily.

Palaad Tawanron
Palaad Tawanron offers the most romantic dining experience in town. It’s the only restaurant at the foothills of Doi Suthep and you get a good view of the city below. Adding to the ambience is the sound of water rushing down the Palaad waterfall at a distance, musicians singing love ballads at your table and a fantastically huge menu of Thai and international food. But remember not to drink and drive because the road downhill twists and turns a good deal. Among the recommended dishes are Tawanron deep-fried pork (Bt280), tom yam kung (Bt230) and fried crab with black pepper (Bt390).
End of Suthep Road, 11.30am to midnight, (053) 216 039,
(053) 216 576.

Room Bar
A chic restaurant in the eye-catching Room#1 Project on Nimmanhaemin road. With its elegant interior decoration, cosy ambience and jazz music, the place is suitable for romantic dining or just hanging out. The prices are very reasonable, ranging from Bt65 to Bt125 a dish. The bill for a dinner for two should amount to less than Bt500.
Some of the dishes worth trying are the Room Bar spring rolls (spring rolls with spinach and cheese stuffing, Bt85), the omelette in sour soup (Bt105) and pork ribs in apple sauce (Bt95).
Nimmanhaemin Road, 10am to midnight, (053) 215 277.

The House
The House offers a first-class dining experience – superb, creative cuisine, elegant setting and service with the proverbial smile. There’s also a comprehensive beverage and wine list. Friendly host, Hans, is always happy to offer suggestions to the uninitiated. There is an authentic tapas bar, which gets rocking later in the evening. Try the delicious spicy grilled prawns (Bt260), tuna wrapped in seaweed (Bt240), home smoked salmon cranberry salsa (Bt490) and red snapper caramelised jackfruit with vegetables and pork (Bt430). The restaurant was nominated by Thailand Tatler as one of Chiang Mai’s top 10 eating places.
199 Moon Muang Road, 6pm to midnight, (053) 419 011.
 
The Monkey Club
and Moon Lover
(Mo’C Mo’L)
Just 200 metres from Chiang Mai University’s gate, Mo’C Mo’L is a hip restaurant in natural surroundings, which combines a modern design and decor with a resort-like ambience. A wide selection of Thai, Western and Japanese dishes are available at affordable prices such as seafood with spicy sauce on a hot plate (Bt180) and salmon steak with mustard sauce (Bt120). Live jazz and acoustic music is featured every night from 6.30pm to midnight.
A chic cube-shaped coffee shop is situated on the same premises and it serves fresh coffee, smoothies and baked items (open from 10am to 10pm). 
233 Huay Kaew Road,
4pm to midnight daily,
(053) 226 997-8. n
– Citylife, Chiang Mai

Phumiphat Jiarajetchai