Pun Pun

This is hands down my very favourite restaurant in Chiang Mai. And let me tell you, there's some serious competition there. Serious. However, in the end Pun Pun leaves its competitors behind. As cheesey as it is to say this it's completely true; Pun Pun is more than just a restauratnt, it's a dining experience.

The all-vegetarian menu is spectacular. Everything we've ever had there (with one exception) has been amazing. The ingredients are beyond fresh and used in a most interesting way. Some menu highlights are the suki yaki, pad thai, all of the curries, mushroom salad, spinach salad, deep-fried edible flower salad, banana flower spicy salad, and tofu steak. I could go on, but then I'd just end up typing the whole menu. They also make really good shakes and juices. Try the pineapple, ginger and honey one for a pleasant surprise.

The other extraordinary thing about Pun Pun is the setting. Nestled in a small courtyard that centres around a giant bodhi tree, the restaurant is scattered wtih wood and bamboo furniture that creates a rustic, natural environment.

Another highlight of this idyllic spot is the staff. While we were going there, the staff was excellent. They spoke great English, but were happy to let us practice our Thai on them. They always take care of you and do they best they can with the staff they have.

It's an out of the way spot, but well worth the quest. The last 6 months we were in Thailand we ate lunch there every day, except Wednesdays of course. And next time we go to Chiang Mai we intend to do the same again.

One final note of warning, try not to go during the lunch rush. It gets pretty crowded and the service consequently becomes proportionally slower. The best time to go is either before it (11am-12pm) or after (1.45pm onwards). It's just nice to have a chance to relax and enjoy this peaceful spot in the middle of a hectic city.