Chiang Mai's Huen Phen: A touch of northern spice.

Northern Thailand has it's own distinctive brand of Thai cuisine, quite distinct from the southern and central parts. And Huen Phen is well regarded among local Thais as perhaps the best local restaurant for northern Lanna Thai food ...

Walk in via a beautifully lit stone walkway into a restaurant which is quite big, but all the diners are separated by Lanna wooden screens, creating cozy corners and privacy. Lush decoration of handicrafts and artifacts from this region set the tone for an upmarket local experience.

Huen Phen feels more like you've accidentally walked into an antique store.

Enjoy their extensive menu of local items, all of which they can do in low, medium or oh-my-good-someone-call-the-fire-brigade-and-maybe-the-proctologist-too spicy. Jing jing!

Suggestion: ask the waiter to bring a selection of plates, ie something with pork, chicken, fish, veggies to put in the middle. The hors d'oeuvres are stunningly presented too. It's all great! And when you get the bill, a pleasant surprise. Three of us ate our fill (with a large beer each) for 300 baht a head! That's about 10 bucks in your language.

My Favorite Dish: You've gotta try the Khao Soi noodle, a Chiang Mai speciality. Locals argue it's the best in town. Also have local spicy sausage and sticky rice with whatever you order for something different.

Phone: 053-814548
Address: 112 Rathchamanka Rd, Chiang Mai.