There are some places that you visit once and somehow they stay in your memory, not just because of the food, but because of the feeling that the place gives you. During our second visit to Chiang Mai, we knew that we wanted to drop by Chom Tong again and revisit Nornnuea Cafe. It was one of those places that gave us a very warm memory from our first trip, so of course we had to come back hahaha.
One of the main reasons why we returned was because we missed their food. But aside from that, we also wanted to say hi and catch up with the Auntie who runs the place. During our first visit, she was very helpful to us. She took the time to teach us how to navigate Chom Tong, where to go, and how to move around the area. For travelers like us, that kind of kindness really makes a big difference. It made the cafe feel more personal and memorable.
The cafe itself still has that calm and cozy charm that I really like. The wooden tables, soft colors, green plants, and warm lighting make the whole place feel peaceful. It is the kind of cafe where you do not feel rushed. You can sit down, relax, enjoy your meal, and just appreciate the slow and simple rhythm of the day. The ambiance is really perfect, especially if you want a quiet lunch away from the busy tourist spots.
After catching up with Auntie for a few minutes, we finally ordered our food. Since we were not super hungry, we decided to share our favorite dish, which is the fried rice with pork. It was really more about missing the taste and wanting to experience it again. We also ordered drinks, and mine was Thai milk tea. Of course, being in Thailand, I wanted to enjoy that authentic Thai milk tea experience here in Chom Tong. We also added something sweet to the meal, which was a simple waffle with syrup and sliced almonds.
The first items served were the drinks, and honestly, just by looking at the presentation, I was already impressed. The Thai milk tea had this beautiful orange color, topped with a soft layer of foam, while the green drink beside it also looked refreshing. We asked for the drinks to be less sweet because sometimes Thai drinks can be quite sweet, but this one was perfectly balanced. The sweetness was just right, and the flavor was still very present. I really enjoyed it so much.
Then came the fried rice with pork, and yes, it was still as good as I remembered. The rice was flavorful, nicely cooked, and mixed with generous bits of pork, egg, and vegetables. It had that homemade comfort but still tasted special enough to feel like a cafe dish. I also liked the fresh vegetables on the side because they added a nice refreshing balance to the meal.
For dessert, the waffle was such a satisfying treat. It had a crunchy exterior but was soft inside, almost like a nice doughnut. With the syrup and sliced almonds, it became simple but very enjoyable. It was not too complicated, but sometimes that is exactly what makes dessert good.
Overall, our revisit to Nornnuea Cafe was such a lovely experience. The food was still good, the drinks were well balanced, the dessert was enjoyable, and the ambiance was still very relaxing. But more than anything, it was the warmth of the place and the kindness of Auntie that made this visit special again.
Bon appetit.
