Foodies are heading 50 minutes north of Chiang Mai to dine at small boutique mini-resort, Chiang Dao Nest. Joanna Peios discovers its not just the food drawing the crowds.
Chiang Dao Nest, or The Nest as its affectionately known by regulars, is a popular remote mini-resort for trekking and birdwatching, and is fast becoming a foodie destination in its own right. One well known food bible recently named it: ‘The best restaurant between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai’ and it certainly lived up to its accolade.
If you are looking for a place to get away from the bustling urban jungle, Chiang Dao Nest is a back-to-nature experience that’s hard to beat. With car rental cost at around 1000 Baht a day, my husband and I decided to make a weekend of it and explore the surrounding area. We took Highway 107 north from Chiang Mai towards Fang and Tha Ton and drove 72km to Chiang Dao town.
The scenic drive was easy and you really felt like you were getting away from the city as we weaved our way up the Doi Chiang Dao mountain road towards Doi Chiang Dao mountain. Nestled away at the foot of Chiang Dao's spectacular mountain, we arrived at the beautifully situated mini-resort, which is made up of a scattering of 10 immaculate rattan bungalows set among a sprawling landscaped garden with giant trees. It’s clear that the resort was designed to blend into the surroundings and as loud music is actively discouraged here, it’s a great spot to kick back, read a book or simply tune into the sounds of nature around you.
As expected the hub of the resort can be find at its excellent restaurant. It’s easy to see how many Chiang Mai residents regularly escape to the hills of Chiang Dao to experience a bit of quality international cuisine and a relaxing return to nature. The Nest's menu is a fusion of European and Western cuisine with a daily-changing menu prepared by Europe-trained head chef Wicha Cavaliero. The menu includes a wide array of adventurous dishes that make use of the freshest ingredients from northern Thailand's farms and hill tribe villages. Happy to give me a tour of the spotless kitchen, Wicha says: “We use only the freshest ingredients from northern Thailand farmers and tribes. The menu changes every day, depending on the fresh ingredients available, and the creative cuisine reflects the inclinations and training of my time as a chef in Europe.” Our mains of grilled duck with passion fruit and slow cooked lamb with spices were expertly executed and the care and attention to detail was something you rarely find outside of high-end resorts. The desserts of creme brûlée and devil's food cake with hot chocolate sauce were equally delicious. Service was professional yet friendly and suited the informal setting.
The following night was all-you-can-eat barbecue night, when the place was buzzing with locals and guests alike, enjoying a banquet of carefully selected cuts of meats including buffalo with black peppercorns, seasonal grilled vegetables and inventive salads, all cooked by the chefs on open grills in front of diners.
Pure theatre, the enjoyment the chefs take in preparing the food is clear, as was Wicha’s genuine concern for the wellbeing of her guests. A local musician played Northern Thai folk songs while we dined and the convivial atmosphere continued late into the night as people converged round the fire pit. All agreed there was no better place in Northern Thailand for a gourmet back-to-nature experience. I’ll certainly be back soon to try out sister resort, Chiang Dao Nest 2’s Thai restaurant, run by Wicha’s sister no less; I hear culinary excellence runs in the family.
Chiang Dao Nest Chiang Dao Nest Mini Resort, 144/4 Moo 5, Chiang Dao, Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai 50170 T: (053) 456 242, (0860) 171 985 F: (053) 455 931
www.chiangdao.com/nest
Restaurant open 7 days a week Service hours: 11.00 to 17.00, 18.00 to 21.00
Head Chef Wicha
The Restaurant
Resort grounds
Chiang Dao Nest, or The Nest as its affectionately known by regulars, is a popular remote mini-resort for trekking and birdwatching, and is fast becoming a foodie destination in its own right. One well known food bible recently named it: ‘The best restaurant between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai’ and it certainly lived up to its accolade.
If you are looking for a place to get away from the bustling urban jungle, Chiang Dao Nest is a back-to-nature experience that’s hard to beat. With car rental cost at around 1000 Baht a day, my husband and I decided to make a weekend of it and explore the surrounding area. We took Highway 107 north from Chiang Mai towards Fang and Tha Ton and drove 72km to Chiang Dao town.
The scenic drive was easy and you really felt like you were getting away from the city as we weaved our way up the Doi Chiang Dao mountain road towards Doi Chiang Dao mountain. Nestled away at the foot of Chiang Dao's spectacular mountain, we arrived at the beautifully situated mini-resort, which is made up of a scattering of 10 immaculate rattan bungalows set among a sprawling landscaped garden with giant trees. It’s clear that the resort was designed to blend into the surroundings and as loud music is actively discouraged here, it’s a great spot to kick back, read a book or simply tune into the sounds of nature around you.
As expected the hub of the resort can be find at its excellent restaurant. It’s easy to see how many Chiang Mai residents regularly escape to the hills of Chiang Dao to experience a bit of quality international cuisine and a relaxing return to nature. The Nest's menu is a fusion of European and Western cuisine with a daily-changing menu prepared by Europe-trained head chef Wicha Cavaliero. The menu includes a wide array of adventurous dishes that make use of the freshest ingredients from northern Thailand's farms and hill tribe villages. Happy to give me a tour of the spotless kitchen, Wicha says: “We use only the freshest ingredients from northern Thailand farmers and tribes. The menu changes every day, depending on the fresh ingredients available, and the creative cuisine reflects the inclinations and training of my time as a chef in Europe.” Our mains of grilled duck with passion fruit and slow cooked lamb with spices were expertly executed and the care and attention to detail was something you rarely find outside of high-end resorts. The desserts of creme brûlée and devil's food cake with hot chocolate sauce were equally delicious. Service was professional yet friendly and suited the informal setting.
The following night was all-you-can-eat barbecue night, when the place was buzzing with locals and guests alike, enjoying a banquet of carefully selected cuts of meats including buffalo with black peppercorns, seasonal grilled vegetables and inventive salads, all cooked by the chefs on open grills in front of diners.
Pure theatre, the enjoyment the chefs take in preparing the food is clear, as was Wicha’s genuine concern for the wellbeing of her guests. A local musician played Northern Thai folk songs while we dined and the convivial atmosphere continued late into the night as people converged round the fire pit. All agreed there was no better place in Northern Thailand for a gourmet back-to-nature experience. I’ll certainly be back soon to try out sister resort, Chiang Dao Nest 2’s Thai restaurant, run by Wicha’s sister no less; I hear culinary excellence runs in the family.
Chiang Dao Nest Chiang Dao Nest Mini Resort, 144/4 Moo 5, Chiang Dao, Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai 50170 T: (053) 456 242, (0860) 171 985 F: (053) 455 931
www.chiangdao.com/nest
Restaurant open 7 days a week Service hours: 11.00 to 17.00, 18.00 to 21.00
Comments