Each Thai district has its own unique dishes. So does Northern Thai. We went visit this place 'Laab Patan Dee Khom' where they serve 'Laab' (as the main dish in their restaurant name) and a bunch of other dishes that were so good that we literally licked our plates clean!
Now, let's talk about the star of the show, the northern style laab. Oh my.. if you've never had laab before, you're missing out. It's a minced meat salad that's full of herbs and spices, and it's a staple in Northern Thai cuisine. But this laab, this laab was on a whole other level. The meat was perfectly seasoned, and the herbs and spices were intense. It was spicy, tangy, and just overall freakin' delicious.
The mixed grills were also amazing. There were all kinds of meats on there - pork neck, pork meat, intestines, lung, and so on. And they were all cooked to perfection. The steamed beef with spicy herbal paste was also a standout dish. The beef was so tender, and the herbal paste was the perfect complement.
The bitter soup with organs. I know what you're thinking - "organs? Gross. bitter soup? wtf." But trust me, it was so good. The bitterness from the bile of the soup was balanced out by the richness of the organs, great flavor. In Northern Thai and North Eastern Thai, they love to put bile in all soups and salad.. Umami they say!
The grilled fermented pork sauces with fresh chili served in banana leave was so good that we ordered two more plates of it.
The atmosphere of the restaurant was also really great. It was a casual, laid-back local vibe.
If you're in Chiang Mai and you're a foodie like me, you have to check out Laab Patan Dee Khom. It's a little bit out of the way and off the tourist trap, but trust me, it's worth it. Super local, super delicioso.