A star in Chiang Mai’s vibrant vegetarian scene, Anchan showcases local produce in classic Thai recipes. The daily offerings chef Naphat Na Talang chalks onto the walls at Anchan reflect the cuisine of his southern Thai childhood. “I learned to cook in my grandmother’s kitchen,” he says, “and now my mom helps me with the restaurant.” In fact, she grinds all the fresh curry pastes by hand. Don’t miss the yum hua plee, Na Talang’s take on a Thai classic—deep-fried banana blossoms tossed with cilantro, onions, chilies, tomatoes and radicchio. He grows several of these ingredients in his garden, along with organic bananas, tropical fruits and his restaurant’s eponymous anchan, the striking blue butterfly pea flower. Look for this blossom, known for its ayurvedic healing properties, sprinkled throughout the menu.
Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi Hillside 3, Muang, Chiang Mai; +66 83 581 1689