Pai is a quaint but charming town in the Mae Hong Son province of Northern Thailand, and it attracts all types of crowds from the nature-loving travelers to party goers. This town has a lot to offer everyone, but its amazing culinary scene is often missed. It is a little powerhouse thriving on passionate restaurateurs that are in love with their art. From world-class to street food, if you are a traveler that loves to experience food, Pai is a destination that will leave you surprised. Go2askAnne has compiled a small list of eateries that is more than worth a visit. Let’s start!

Silhouette by Reverie Siam

A beautiful resort with a Mediterranean style design and laid-back feel, Reverie Siam is no slouch when it comes to serving up its delicacies. We had their beautiful and delectable eggs benedict; one bite had us oohing and ahhing as it was love at first bite. What caught me by surprise was their warm and soft English muffins. I expected a resort of this caliber to carry quality ingredients but was more than amazed to find out that it was made from scratch in-house. Whether you’re coming for breakfast or dinner, we are sure you won’t be disappointed. I will say this though, if you are trying to plan a romantic evening Reverie, Siam would be perfect, as they know how to set the mood with dinner by candlelight and music.

Silhouette by Reverie Siam

Hours: 8 – 11 am, 12

This cute and sweet little shop embodies the soul of Pai with its rustic, artsy and organic vibes. It’s not every day that you get to eat food that was freshly picked from a garden behind a restaurant. Moreover, If having fresh produce wasn’t enough, everything from the bread to ice cream to mayonnaise is made in-house. The owner Joy has an extensive menu that seems to carry a little bit of everything including a unique pasta made from beetroots topped with yogurt sauce and homemade cheese. The Cuban sandwich was no bungler either. Pulled pork, ham, bacon and chipotle mayonnaise, oh I could eat this all day. This whole experience was pure joy to my taste buds!

Cafecito

In 2015 I had started hearing rumors of this little cafe before my first visit to Pai. Disgruntled and panicky Mexican food lovers who had in their words said, “I can’t find a decent taco in this F****** place” while in Chiang Mai sang praises regarding this cafe. My curiosity peaked, I had to find out what they were talking about, I made it my mission to find out and experience it first hand.  Walking into this shop, I was welcomed by a Day of the Dead inspired logo on the door. When I grabbed the menu my eyes went wide, scrolling down they had tacos, huevos rancheros and waited a minute… they had tortas??! I spent the next 2/3 hours devouring everything I could. It was delicious I couldn’t stop myself. I was fortunate enough to spend the whole time talking to the owner, Chef Dustin who explained that everything was made in-house or locally sourced. Now anytime I visit Pai, a visit Cafecito is mandatory.

Cafecito

Hours: 9 am to 5 pm

Closed Thursdays

Boomelicious

One of the first locations in Pai to make a delicious western style breakfast and one of the first reviews ever done by Anne herself. You can say that Chef Boom, owner of Boomelicious, not only helped shape the culinary scene in Pai but also raised the bar. The Pesto eggs on sourdough and bacon with a delightful herb roasted tomato on the sides perfectly cooked and tasty. What more can you ask for to start your mornings? Of course, coffee and Boomelicious has you covered as they make one hell of a cup of joe. If you’re not a coffee person, then I suggest trying one their juices which are also superb.

Boomelicious Cafe

Hours: 8 – 11 am, 12

Witching Well

The Witching Well is an eye-pleasing restaurant near the walking street. It provides excellent service with a vintage vibe in its restaurant’s design. Extremely photogenic you will not want to forget your camera in your hotel! Operating in Pai since 2006 their menu consists of Mediterranean Italian Fusion cuisine and they carry an extensive wine menu. On your visit, we had the pleasure of eating the spaghetti with salmon and beef carpaccio. The spaghetti was incredibly delicious with the pasta was cooked to perfection coated in a creamy and vibrant sauce. I would put this as one of the possible romantic dinner locations if you’re looking to impress a date. I highly recommend getting the Lime Cheesecake.

Witching Well

Hours: 8 am – 9:30 pm