Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Pun Pun Organic Restaurant in Chiang Mai

I just got back from Chiang Mai on a research trip. Who would have known that Chiang Mai is a foodie's dream? Every meal I had in this mid-sized city in Thailand's north was outstanding. Perhaps the most memorable was at Pun Pun Organic Restaurant, which serves local, vegetarian slow food. From their website: Pun Pun Organic Restaurant is a project aimed at supporting local organic farmers, farmer networks, and propagating biodiversity. By producing organic produce on our own farm as well as buying from farmers producing organically, we support farmer’s transition to sustainable food systems. Since we ourselves are a seed center we aim to propagate rare and indigenous varieties of edible plants for the public to reintegrate into their diets, improving our health and stabilizing our environment through biodiversity.



It is tucked away behind a beautiful Suan Dok temple, under a Boddhi tree.



The people at the table near us were eating this seductive egg tofu dish, which we immediately ordered for our table. It was a wise choice.





My host said the most unusually delicious item was the fried flowers salad. Crispy and light, and unlike anything you can get in New York City. Special thanks to Mike for recommending this place!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I guess Jean Georges was on to something. He claims his experience as a young chef in Chiang Mai and Bangkok were not only influential in his cooking today, but also reflect on some of the best memories of his life.

Aramis said...

That looks amazing dude! It's going to be sad for as you realize you can't get that quality in Manhattan...