A restaurant based on rice? Interesting. That’s what I thought when I read about Meena Rice Based Cuisine in Chiang Mai in the Thailand 2020 Michelin Guide (it is listed as a Bib Gourmand). I visited it on a weekend.
The visit
The place is located between the two ring roads that circle Chiang Mai; it is not far from Dhara Devi resort. It is inside a lively community: along its street there are handcrafts shops and cafes. And countryside and fields all around.
The place is rustic, but with a modern vibe.
The unique feature of the eatery is the selection of rice qualities (all with different colors) that can be combined in cheeky rice triangles.
I had a dish with minced pork and vegetables that also included the rice composition. The minced pork was seriously spicy!
Luckily I had one of their herbal infusions to help me.
Then I had a Thai omelette with vegetables that was really good.
Finally I had chicken wings in soy sauce with mushrooms. Surprisingly tasty.
The check
Total check was a reasonable 384 THB (12.25 USD). Actually, getting to the restaurant and back was more expensive.
Was it worth it? I was hoping in more rice dishes; the menu was actually quite regular for a Northern Thai restaurant. The food was very good and served in a relaxed atmosphere. Did you get the format? Traditional dishes and setting with a cheeky twist. I think it is a very popular format nowadays, but there was substance in the food so it can be a nice destination if you want a getaway just 20 minutes form Chiang Mai Old City.
Where in Chiang Mai:
13/5 Moo 2, San Kamphaeng.
Tip: it is indicated in Grab Car.