There is something about getting a massage that makes the body feel relaxed, but at the same time, it also makes the appetite go wild LOL. Right after our massage at Calm Massage & Spa, we suddenly felt so hungry that we wanted something satisfying, filling, and of course, delicious. Good thing we were in downtown Chiang Mai, which honestly feels like a paradise for food lovers like us.
This is one of the things that makes me really like Chiang Mai. The food here is not only delicious, but also affordable. There is always this feeling that the ingredients are fresh and that the restaurants really care about serving food that people will enjoy. Whether it is a simple food stall or a casual restaurant, the flavors always seem to have that comforting Thai charm.
Just a few minutes walk from the spa, we found ourselves at Aroy Dee. It is a simple restaurant, but it has a very interesting and artistic personality. The interior has wooden details, paintings on the wall, and these different lights hanging from the ceiling. In my eyes, the lighting has a kind of pleasing chaos hahaha. It is not too polished or too fancy, but that is exactly why I felt comfortable there.
Honestly, I am more comfortable eating in places like this compared to expensive restaurants. For me, it is really all about the food. A place does not need to be luxurious as long as the food is good, the ambiance is relaxed, and the experience feels genuine.
Aroy Dee has a wide variety of dishes on the menu, which made choosing a little bit difficult. But since I am a fan of Pineapple Fried Rice, that was the dish I ordered right away. I chose the prawn version because prawns and fried rice are always a good combination for me. We also ordered Phad Thai because it is too popular and iconic to ignore, right? And to make the meal even more exciting, we added Roasted Pork as well.
For drinks, we ordered fresh coconut and a mango-passion fruit smoothie. I already knew that with the dishes we ordered, these drinks would be a good way to balance all the savory and rich flavors on the table.
The Pineapple Fried Rice was really enjoyable. It remains one of the best Thai dishes in my opinion because it has that combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The rice was flavorful, the prawns added that seafood sweetness, and every spoonful felt exciting. It is the kind of dish that makes me understand why Thai food is loved by so many people.
The Phad Thai was also very nice. I liked the mix of textures from the noodles, egg, vegetables, and toppings. The flavors were balanced and familiar, yet still very satisfying. There is a reason why this dish became popular in almost every corner of the world hehehe.
But the star of the night for me was definitely the Roasted Pork. The crunch of the skin was out of this world. I do not think I have tried anything this crispy and satisfying before. The meat was tender and juicy, and when paired with the dipping sauce, it became even better. It was simple, but so perfect.
The drinks were also a great match for the meal. The fresh coconut was refreshing, while the mango-passion fruit smoothie gave that fruity and slightly tangy reset in between bites.
