Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand
Pai's dishes highlight fresh local ingredients, herbs, and spices.
Common elements: Sticky rice, various chilies, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, kaffir lime leaves. Fish sauce and palm sugar are common. Coconut milk less prevalent than in Southern Thai cuisine. Flavors tend to be rich, aromatic, combining spicy, sour, and savory notes.
Meals are typically shared among diners. Ordering several dishes to share is common.
Use a fork and spoon. Spoon is the main eating utensil; fork helps push food onto spoon. Chopsticks for noodle dishes.
Tipping is not customary in Thailand but is appreciated for good service.
A rich, creamy, slightly spicy curry noodle soup, often with chicken or beef, topped with crispy fried noodles.
Served with pickled mustard greens, shallots, lime.
A mild, rich, slightly sweet pork curry with ginger, garlic, peanuts.
This dish a Shan and Burmese influence.
A flavorful grilled pork sausage with chili, ginger, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves.
You will often find it at markets.
Best for street food in evenings: Roti (banana/condensed milk), Pad Thai, Spring Rolls, Grilled Skewers, Fruit Shakes.
Mango Sticky Rice (seasonal), Coconut Ice Cream. Refreshing and creamy.
Pai Walking Street transforms into a large street food market every evening. It is the place for budget-friendly meals.
Small restaurants catering to locals often the best value and taste. Look for places busy with Thai customers. Pai Market (day market) for fresh produce, meats, local snacks, catering mainly to residents.
Pai wide options: Western (pizza, pasta, burgers), Indian, vegetarian, and vegan cafes.
Limited. Halal food at specific stalls for Muslim travelers. Kosher food unavailable.
Not widespread.
Awareness is increasing. Communication can be a barrier. Carrying a Translation card is helpful. Rice-based dishes often naturally gluten-free.
The Google Translate app or Thai Food Allergy Cards assist.
Several guesthouses offer Thai cooking classes, often including market visits.
Some organic farms near Pai offer tours or dining, insight into local agriculture.
Pai has cafes with unique themes or settings, for example, in rice paddies or with mountain views.
When dining at street food stalls, choose vendors with high turnover and visible hygiene practices.
Fine dining is limited. Focus is on casual dining experiences.
Some upscale resorts may offer more refined dining.
Numerous small, independent restaurants offer both Thai and international cuisine.
These provide a comfortable setting with good service and reasonable prices.
Pai is very vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Many restaurants cater specifically to these diets.
Use the Google Translate app, or print "Thai Food Allergy Cards" available online.
Several guesthouses and dedicated schools offer Thai cooking classes, often including a market visit to learn about ingredients.
Some organic farms near Pai offer tours or dining experiences, providing insight into local agriculture.
Pai has numerous cafes with unique themes or settings, for example, those located in rice paddies or offering mountain views.
Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen) and Thai Iced Coffee (Oliang) are sweet and popular refreshments.
Local beer brands: Singha, Chang, Leo.
Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niao Mamuang) is a seasonal dessert. Coconut Ice Cream for a refreshing treat.
Available seasonally or widely.
Pai's cuisine is mainly Northern Thai, known as Lanna food, influenced by Shan (Tai Yai) people.
The town's tourist appeal has led to significant adaptation for international palates, offering a wide array of choices.
Dishes emphasize fresh local ingredients, herbs, and spices, with rich, aromatic flavors.
Exploring Pai's culinary scene offers many options, from street food to cafes.
