DONPIN8-Timeless House Chiang Mai

Eung Kham Sai has been run by the same family for over a century and is still serving up classic Northern Thai recipes handed down the generations. The modest space has traditional decor; large windows frame the view outside. Try the freshly made khao bai, rice wrapped around a pork, fish or beef filling, or the spicy Northern-style curry, made from scratch with local beef brisket and exuding fruity acidity. Some ingredients come from local farms.

With its simple, rustic look, this quaint eatery specialises in northern lap dishes, paired with a local chaeo dipping sauce with the aroma of toasted sticky rice. The spicy, sour and fragrant beef soup is a must.

Aeeen goes the sound of Ken’s unique laughter, according to wife Yuki. Under the concept of Neo Shojin Ryori, the Japanese couple craft their plant-based menu using seasonal ingredients. The dining areas span two floors of a cute wooden house that feels like rural Japan. Lines of jars contain the fermented ingredients they use in the food. We recommend the perfectly judged soymilk udon noodles and refreshing mango with ginger and honey drink.

This charming restaurant by the Ping River blends traditional and modern design, with warm wooden decor, brick walls and high ceilings. Woven crafts add a Northern Thai touch. Passionate about Western cuisine, the owner-chef fuses Thai ingredients with European techniques. Standouts include penne with Thai sour pork sausage in pesto and red curry with crispy duck confit and lychee. For an optimum experience, sit out on the riverside terrace and take in the view.

The cosy design and small counter foster a vibrant, relaxed dining experience. The small yet high-quality dishes combine Japanese Izakaya style with Thai ingredients, enhanced with wasabi or yuzu. The ham comes from a Yunnan village in Chiang Mai, perilla from Mae Hong Son, sashimi-grade fish from the south, and meat from organic farms. We recommend the corn-fried rice Yunnan ham and the house-made ponzu sauce, elevated by a refreshing Somsa citrus oil.

This popular open-air eatery serves well-sized northern Thai favourites at fair prices. Kang Liang, the peppery curry paste in spicy mixed vegetables goes well with the prawns’ natural sweetness; while the local fish marinated in herbs and spices is grilled in a bamboo tube until soft, with a smoky aroma. Do check the blackboard for specials of the day, which often focus on seasonal dishes.

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