Pretty sure this is quite new to a lot of you as honestly, this type of food is new to me too! Shan food! First of all, Shan is a city and the people (largest minority group of Myanmar) but they also live across Laos and Thailand as well. Mostly in northern Thailand I believe and that's why I have been seeing a lot of Shan food here in Chiang Mai and not anywhere else in the country I have been to. Shan people have their own culture, cooking and eating. Learn more about Shan here.
Anyways, I wouldn't say it's that much different than Thai food I used to since we're neighbors anyways. Though, it's not 100% similar either.
A few weeks ago, my vegetarian friend who's been living in Chiang Mai for almost 2 years took us to this place that serves vegetarian Shan food. So it's double interesting level kind of food (+ plus, hella healthy, yes)
Paa Yawd not only serves Shan cuisine but also northern Thai food and a few Thai food in general. Though, if you come to a place where they even have the word 'Shan food' in the name, might as well get some Shan in the system!
First thing I would love to recommend (not only here but all Shan food places) this thick chunk of Khao Ram Fuen, a brick of rice and/or pea flour they use in a few dishes. You could order it as a noodle dish, salad, deep fried and so on. The one with pea has yellow color and the one with rice only is white color. Totally go for the yellow one if you love protein!
I honestly not a fan of Khao Ram Fuen but I recommend it because most of my friends like it for the fact that it's healthier than other regular noodles. For me, it's just too soft.
We ordered Khao Ram Fuen noodle soup, pickles, Khao soi, dumpling, and a few stir fry veggies dishes. Most of the food here taste good! The friend who took us there really recommend 'The vegetarian Khao soi'. He said it's the best one in Chiang Mai even.
Since the first time we got brought there, we went there a few more times already because my friends love it. It's affordable (regular Thai price from 30-60THB per dish which is aweeesome!), good portion and healthy (somewhat). If you've never tried Shan food, and you love vegetarian food, this place sounds like a good one to visit while in Chiang Mai! Paa Yawd Shan food (ข้าวแรมฟืน ป้ายอด เชียงใหม่)
https://g.page/Payodshanfood?share
