Tichaa Tearoom by Harnn
This new addition to the Nimman neighbourhood has already garnered quite a bit of attention for its gorgeous, Silk Road-inspired architecture and décor, organic teas, yummy food and fabulous health and beauty products. Enter the shop and you’ll immediately be enveloped in rich and delicious scents as you browse the offerings on hand, from body lotions to soaps to prettily packaged gift sets. Step past the buffet table laden with baked goods and other treats under glass and into the gilded dining room, all ornately carved dark wood, fanciful brocade cushions and antique tea sets lining the walls. Here you can order from a light menu featuring pastas (we recommend the spaghetti tom yum prawn for 240 baht), salads, quiche and tonnes of tasty desserts.
Outside, you’ll find a pretty courtyard with a koi pond, perfect for settling in for a spot of tea – which is, of course, Tichaa’s signature offering. They’ve got quite a selection of regionally flavoured tisanes (caffeine-free herbal infusions) to suit any need, including invigorating lemongrass, nourishing butterfly pea, soothing ginger, rich roasted black rice and refreshing pandanus, all certified organic and mixed with white mulberry. Or, try a cocktail or a mocktail like the Tichaa Loveberry (190 baht): roasted white mulberry tisane mixed with wildberry, raspberry and mint.
For the month of March, Tichaa will offer a special set menu featuring any pasta dish plus their famous Tichaa Rose drink for 360 baht.
Open daily, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
16/1 Soi 17, Nimmanhaemin Road
092 269 2776
Tex Mex Cafe
Tacos, burritos, quesadillas and so much more can be found at the excellent Tex Mex Cafe in Nong Hoi, which is certainly worth the trip. Outside, you’ll find a spacious lawn and garden area perfect for dining and drinking with large groups, and lit by pretty lights at night. Step inside the window-lined dining room with vintage American and Mexican posters on the walls and a full bar serving some seriously tasty margaritas any time of the day. Leo on draft is also available in mugs or towers, as well as a selection of other beers, including (appropriately) San Miguel, as well as cocktails, fruit shakes, milk shakes and Irish coffee. During Happy Hours, which take place daily from 5-7 p.m., it’s buy two get one free on glasses of wine and bottles of San Miguel.
For grub, the possibilities are endless, with pages of Mexican and American favourites, and all quite true to form, from Texas style taquitos to sizzling fajitas to sloppy joes and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches. For breakfast there’s huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos, and for dessert there’s golden deep fried apple or banana burritos, sundaes and banana splits. Not sure where to start? Try the March specials, which include the fried fish taco salad, steak chimichanga (heavenly) and the fish burrito. Most dishes run in the 100-200 baht range, and food sets with rice and beans start at 160 baht. Tex Mex Café also offers takeaway, delivery and catering.
Open daily, 10 a.m. – 9.30 p.m.
Chiang Mai 89 Plaza, Chiang Mai – Lamphun Road, T. Nong Hoi
lovelovemexican@gmail.com
053 334 442