The Taste of Chiang Mai: Aroon (Rai) 45 Kotchasarn Rd., Chiang Mai Tel. 053-276 947

If you are looking for a restaurant that serves up authentic Northern food just the way the locals like it then check out the real taste of Chiang Mai at the long-time hit restaurant, Aroon (Rai). The name of the restaurant is a combination of the owner’s grandfather’s and father’s name. This is because the restaurant was passed from her grandfather to her father and then to her, so she wanted to honor them both by placing their names together.

Recommended by Lonely Planet as a ‘must-try’ restaurant, Aroon (Rai), has held its own as an authentic Northern Thai restaurant for generations, with a large clientele of both locals and foreigners. Just a few steps from Thapae Gate a wide selection of Lanna dishes awaits you. You can enjoy a reasonably-priced breakfast, lunch or dinner every day. Though simply decorated, what really draws tourists to this restaurant is the taste that’s hard to find elsewhere. Recommended dishes are chicken curry, Hunglay curry, many Northern curries, chili dip and much more. Judging by the number of repeat and regular customers at Aroon (Rai), it’s safe to say that the quality of flavor and cost here can be trusted.

A Good Tradition: Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center The restaurant opens nightly at 7pm-9.30 p.m. For more information: Tel. 053-202 993-5, 053-274 093, 053-275 097 or www.oldchiangmai.com.

Since 1971, the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center has been offering traditional Northern Thai food, served on a khantok - a pedestal tray used as a small dining table - alongside traditional local and hilltribe shows. The beautiful architecture of a Lanna building and the style, art and cultural experience will give you a real feel for a traditional Northern Thai dinner and the lifestyle of the Northern people. It is very important for the Old Chiang Mai Culture Center to preserve the traditions of Lanna culture, so you can be assured of an authentic experience.

The food on offer includes Northern food such as Hunglay (Burmese pork curry), fried chicken, fried cabbage, pork and tomato in chili paste (mildly hot), fried pork skin (for dipping into the paste), fresh cucumbers (also for dipping into the paste), fried banana and fried rice crispies. Two kinds of rice are served: sticky rice, put inside bamboo baskets, and plain rice. (Islamic and vegetarian food should be ordered in advance for faster service).

As well as enjoying your dinner you can also enjoy watching wonderful Northern Thai classical dances and hilltribe shows.

If you want to touch the magic of the Lanna Kingdom while having dinner with a very impressive service, this is the place to choose.