Today was a very good day, but then, every day is special in my favourite Asian city. We’re in Chiang Mai again, and each time I visit, my heart grows fonder. Like an old lover, Chiang Mai unfolds slowly and deserves many visits. It’s no wonder that so many expats call this town home.
Today we ate at a remarkable Thai vegetarian restaurant, and since we have discovered the word Jeh, along with the little yellow and red flag displaying this symbol, เจ, we then found some more.
Thai Vegetarian and Vegan food is not at all boring and holy. You won’t miss onions, meat or eggs when you taste these treats. Deep fried shitake mushroom sate with peanut sauce, minced tofu larb studded with dried chilli and basil leaf, a refreshing drink of crushed lemongrass on ice, and so much more. I wanted to order everything from the menu at Pun Pun Slow Food Vegetarian Restaurant. Visit and be delighted by this wonderful temple cafe. Cost, around AU$10 for two.
That evening, following a siesta and another temple visit, it was off to Taste From Heaven. Deep-fried mushrooms, coated in a sesame seed batter, made an excellent appetizer to go with a cold beer (Chang, of course). The rain bucketed down outside, and we continued to order. Next a rice noodle dish, a vegetarian version of a Pad See Ew arrived. I love big fresh rice noodles: smoked by the breath of a hot wok, the dish was classic comfort food and went well with the rain. Another dish, a deep-fried tempura morning glory vine, kangkung, with cashew nuts and tofu, was a surprising twist on the meal. All were helped along by a generous portion of red rice. Vegan chocolate brownie? Yes indeed, and a little fork war followed.
My glorious day will be followed by more, I know. But today was the day of the Jeh restaurant discovery. I’m in heaven.
The details:
Pun Pun Restaurant, Wat Suan Dok temple, Suthep Road, Chiang Mai. Or see other locations here. http://punpunthailand.org/restaurant/index.html
Taste from Heaven, Ratmakka Road, Chiang Mai. or see http://taste-from-heaven.com/
For my brother Michael, who loves Chiang Mai too.
ALMOST ITALIAN 
Nothing boring here. A tofu larb! Oh yes. Just showed the Yak and our itchy feet became itchier. Tofu and cashew nuts is his fave, particularly if there is a chilli jam involved. Pad See Ew, a veggie version, even better. 😁 I can almost hear the rain coming down whilst you dine. What a sweet brotherly shout out as well.
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A good day indeed! Thank you for taking us!
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Thanks Leah.It’s a special spot.
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I’m becoming almost Thai reading your delicious post!
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Thanks Francis, I might becoming one too- and there are plenty of expat Italians who have found a niche here.
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What a good day you had. The photo shots of the food made my mouth water. Love the Writer’s Club Wine Bar. Very interesting.
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Yum! I shouldn’t be reading this before breakfast. Hungry now. Going to bake bread and make pancakes.
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I agree with NapoliRestaurantAlert, I shouldn’t be reading this before breakfast! No onion? That really would be heaven for me. Glad you are having a very good day!
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A truly excellent day by your account. Look forward to hearing about more new discoveries?.
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Yum.. I love vegan & vegetarian cooked by skilled creative people… they can make it so much more appertising than some meat dishes. Even the G.O. meat lover that he is, is a fan so long as there’s no rice and not too much chili/spice!
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Love the food in Thailand. And even the cheapest street food beats anything here!
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The food sounds wonderful. Chang mai is my favorite city in Thailand
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Lyn, You and I are on the same wavelength. It is the best city for sure.
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Wish I’d been in that restaurant! Looks like a great day 😀
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Chiang Mai is a wonderful haven for great food. I couldn’t eat enough while I was there!
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