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Asia

International Thai restaurants in Asia

  1. A

    Riverside Bar & Restaurant

    This rambling set of wooden buildings has been the most consistently popular riverside place for over 20 years. The food – Thai, Western and vegetarian – is just a minor attraction compared to the good-times ambience. The clientele is a mix of Thais and fa·ràng. There's inside and outside dining: the bar area inside is musty and worn, and rather boisterous, while outside by the river is more sedate. Some veterans opt to dine on the docked boat before the nightly 8pm river cruise. It's right on the river just 300m north of Saphan Nawarat.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Ratana's Kitchen

    For all the talk of Chiang Mai having cool temperatures, it still gets hot by midday. Jump out of the oven and into Ratana's kitchen. It isn't a culinary legend but the dishes and prices are sensible and it's got a prime spot near Pratu Tha Phae for wilting tourists.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Siam Indigo

    A stylish, whitewashed, shabby-chic gem, nestled in an 80-year-old Sino-Portuguese relic that specialises in Royal Thai cuisine with a twist. There’s a fiery seared tuna larb (minced chicken, beef or pork salad mixed with chilli, mint and coriander), minced and spiced pork satay roasted on steamed lemongrass, grilled duck breast sliced and stewed in a massaman curry, as well as a few Phuketian dishes, including gaeng poo, a sweet and spicy crab-meat curry. Siam Indigo has style, soul (check out the work of local artists on the walls) and insane food, which makes it one of the best restaurants on the island, if not the best. Be sure not to miss it.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Spirit House

    Sometimes the most charming restaurants are just display cases for an eccentric personality. This antique-filled dining room is the creative outlet for the American owner who's a master of many trades, from antique dealer to classical musician. A former chef in New Orleans, he's a self-described 'nut about food' and builds the daily menu around what looks interesting at the market. The leafy surrounds and rustic feel add to the charm. This place is just off busy Th Chang Pheuak, near the market.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Goodmook*

    This fun place has all the ingredients of a travellers' cafe – a mix of Thai and Western food (from đôm yam to T-bone), free wi-fi, art on the walls – except a room full of travellers, though many of those who do stop in Mukdahan longer than needed to change buses do cosy up here at some point.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Khrua Canadian

    This is the place to go if you want to forget you're in Asia for one meal. Dave, the Canadian, brews his own coffee and also offers homemade bagels, deli meats and cheeses, in addition to a huge breakfast menu. The servings are large, the menu is varied, and when you finally remember you're in Thailand again, local information is also available.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Coffee Cup

    If you're staying in the old city or are an early riser, come here for breakfast; the coffee is strong and the bread is fresh.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Pathé

    The modern Thai equivalent of a 1950s-era American diner, this popular place combines solid Thai food, a fun atmosphere and a jukebox playing scratched records. The menu is equally eclectic, and combines Thai and Western dishes and ingredients; be sure to save room for the deep-fried ice cream.

    reviewed

  9. I

    Moxie

    In the DusitD2 hotel; offers edible sculptures of Thai, Japanese and Italian components.

    reviewed

  10. J

    Mahanaga

    The Chiang Mai branch of a Bangkok-based fusion restaurant, Mahanaga is all style and romance with flickering candles, traditional Lanna-style buildings and tall trees. The menu features Thai food: classic recipes using high-end, imported meats, such as grilled Australian chilled ribeye with spicy Thai sauce. It's on the same street as Riverside Bar, about 1km further north.

    reviewed

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  12. K

    Coriander in Redwood

    The city's poshest restaurant, this attractive wooden structure makes a big deal of its steaks, but we'd suggest sticking with Thai dishes such as the various nám prík (chilli-based dips). There's also ice cream and iced coffee drinks for an afternoon cooler.

    reviewed

  13. L

    Fern Restaurant

    The Fern is almost certainly Mae Hong Son's most upscale restaurant, but remember, this is Mae Hong Son. Nonetheless, service is professional and the food is decent. The expansive menu covers Thai, local and even European dishes. There is live lounge music some nights.

    reviewed

  14. M

    Bai Fern

    The cosy, wood-furnished Bai Fern has a pleasant atmosphere and is popular all day long.

    reviewed

  15. N

    Casa Mia

    Tucked down a side street, this simple restaurant serves the cheapest homemade pasta dishes you'll find anywhere. And better yet, they're right tasty. They also do Thai and Burmese, and some exceptional desserts, including a wicked banoffee pie.

    reviewed

  16. O

    Phayao Bakery

    It may look closed with its heavily tinted windows, but inside you'll find a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with real coffee, a variety of baked goods and ice cream. Air-conditioned, it's a great place to escape from the heat.

    reviewed

  17. P

    Poo Restaurant

    Unfortunately named and deceptively simple, this restaurant offers a diverse menu of breakfasts, hearty sandwiches, Belgian beers and even a few Thai dishes.

    reviewed

  18. Wrap & Roll

    If you're checking out the Saturday Walking Street market, and want to get off your legs for a breather, this place offers the perfect respite. Cold beer, wine by the glass, ice-cold soda water with fresh lime, and well-prepared dishes like fresh spring rolls, or healthier wraps, can be consumed at outdoor tables while you keep an eye on all the goings-on of the market.

    reviewed

  19. Q

    Riverside Bar & Restaurant

    This wooden shack that appears to be on the verge of tumbling into the Mae Wang is extremely popular with visiting and resident foreigners. Live music, a full bar and an expansive menu of local and Western dishes bring in the crowds. You'd be wise to plan your visit around the homemade pizza nights (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday).

    reviewed

  20. R

    First Choice

    The closest thing Khon Kaen has to a backpacker hostel, First Choice serves the standard guest-house menu of local and fa·ràng dishes, the only difference is that the Thai food isn't bad. The no-frills rooms upstairs (150B to 200B) are cheap for good reason.

    reviewed