Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Chapter 20. LUNCH @ 100 YEARS OLD HOUSE RESTAURANT


Main Entrance - 100 years old house

After checking in to our hotel, we returned to Mr. Korn's car and instructed pleaded with him to bring us to lunch. The poor guy had to wait for us downstairs while we refreshed ourselves upstairs.

I've heard that it's much cooler in Chiangmai compared to Bangkok, but so far we're still very much feeling the heat. ;(


Old motorcycle deco

We wanted to taste something local, none of that touristy mumbo jumbo. I was quite eager to try the food at a local food market we drove past on the way to the hotel, but he suggested this "100 years old house" that serves local cuisine.

We decided to go with his suggestion as he's the guide+local. Besides, don't you think that's an interesting name for a restaurant?


Ancient sawing machine turned table


Outside the house - dining area

The 100 years old house is built entirely of golden teak, a very expensive and lasting wood. The design is of Europe + Lanna architecture. The reason for its name? It was built in 1877, that's 131 years old to be exact.

The decorations here are kinda "antique"cy and quite unique. I liked the sewing machine that is now a table. Of course we chose that table. ;p


Khour Krae - 79Baht (3.5/5)

Its deep fried spicy meat with mixed vegetables. The gravy is quite tasty and the spice was mild. The assorted vegetables are quite unique, have never tasted them before.

The round green vegetable is good for preventing cancer, claims Mr. Korn.


Kaeng Pak Kad Jor - 79Baht (3/5)

It is sweet and sour Chiangmai northern Thai soup with pork ribs. We were contemplating to order this OR the tomyum.

But upon Mr. Korn's recommendation we went with this dish, which is absolutely identical to the pork ribs soup we're used to having back home, just a little more spice.


With the food


Sai-Aour - 79Baht (3.5/5)

This is Fried assorted pork & pork skin sausage that is most unlike our "hotdog". It is 100% handmade and is a local dish that most of the locals enjoy. It has a fair amount of herbs in the meat.

The sausages itself isn't spicy, but we're supposed to consume it together with the peanuts and green chillies in the middle. I like the fact that the chillies aren't overly hot, at least I could still taste the sausages.


Pad Yod Ma Kue Sawan - 89Baht (3/5)

This is fried young vegetables with oyster sauce with prawns.


Our 1st lunch in Chiangmai

1st impression of Chiangmai food - they don't look very appetizing. The food up north is quite different from the usual Thailand food we're used to in Bangkok.

The food here is definitely more spicy. The taste is hard to describe and gets a little getting used to. I think "exotic" is the word to describe it. Even the names are so hard to pronounce.


Indoor dining

After lunch, we proceeded inside the house to peek around upon gaining approval from the proprietor.


Lower Ground

It is a 2 storey house, with 3 rooms in each floor that can open through to every room. The house appears well ventilated and it is indeed very cooling inside, might be due to the wood architecture.


Teakwood

The teakwood architecture is quite awe-inspring. It gives the house a very antique touch and felt like walking back into time for a brief moment.

The walls of the house remain very much intact and looks quite new, despite the fact that it is over a hundred years old.


Tables

There are only a few tables inside, which was designed mainly to maintain the "feel" of the place, rather than over-crowding it.


Antiques

Staying true to its name, there are also tons of antiques and collectables being portrayed around the house. I love this blue typewriter that might be older than me.


Wood Carvings


Welcoming couple

The wood carvings around the place adds to the mystic and grandeur of the house. Like this strategically placed couple on the steps that welcomes guests into the house.


Backview

This is definitely good recommendation from our guide. We could probably get the same local food at the local market with lower price, but it is definitely worth it to pay slightly more for the environment.


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