The Quest for Khao Soi

Just found this blog highlighting the Northern Thai specialty: Khao Soi. Check it out for tons of suggestions and reviews on Chiang Mai--and international versions of--Khao Soi. Unhealthy, but a necessary splurge. Check it out HERE!

Beverage: Mont Clair Red Wine

Never underestimate the benefits of a tall glass of red wine! After spending a semester abroad in Florence, Italy, these benefits became all too clear for me. Unfortunately, in Chiang Mai, wine can be an expensive--and absent--commodity.

Luckily, I was introduced to a replacement for my wino days in Europe: Mont Clair Red Wine. Though I'm no wine expert, I know enough to say that the price is right on this wine--especially in Chiang Mai. Despite its qualm of being a boxed wine, this South African wine acts as a perfect table or every day wine for casual wine drinkers. Obviously there are better options; obviously these have higher prices.

A 5L bag of Mont Clair will run you 950 THB, approximately 142 THB per bottle. As far as I know, a glass of wine at most restaurants will be at least 80 THB: for the habitual wine drinker, this provides significant savings. Another advantage is that the box easily can fit in your refrigerator, making it a perfect option if you only want a glass or two.

Though drinking a glass with a friend is advised, Mont Clair makes a glass of wine a night possible even on your own--no need to leave an unfinished bottle lying around. Purchase at 7-11, Tesco, or any local licquor store.

Restaurant: The Salad Concept

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I have a sick, undying obsession with Salad Concept, affectionately known by me as S-Concept or, simply, "The S." This restaurant, which recently expanded to fill the growth of enlightened salad lovers, has exactly what most Thai food is missing: uncooked vegetables, organic produce, and healthy portions of MEAT (or tofu)! Bring on the protein.

Salad Concept, located on Nimmanhaemin, has the unique allure of allowing customers to individually create their own salad. Customers can pick 5 toppings (50 baht), add meat or tofu (25 baht), and then add cheese (20 baht). The ingredients are fresh, the dressings are original (choices include pumpkin, japanese soy sauce, tofu, carrot, and passion fruit), and the service is on-point. And, last but not least, the salads are HUGE!

S-Concept also has some notable beverages and sweets. Beverages include health smoothies like a banana peanut butter mix and hangover cures like wheatgrass shots or beetroot juice. Having a vivacious sweet tooth, I would definitely recommend trying some type of dessert while you're there--they are the closest thing that I've found in Chiang Mai to Western desserts (meaning over-sized, cream cheese frosting covered, and deserving of "I really shouldn't...).

My perfect (hungry man) Salad Concept order:

Salad: grilled chicken, Feta cheese, sweet corn, red beans, onions, whole-wheat noodles, beet root served with Japanese soy sauce dressing.

Beverage: iced caramel latte.

Dessert: Apple cheesecake strudel.

Highlights: Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, homemade salad dressing, amazing dessert selection, great service, indoor & outdoor seating.

Don't forget to order a homemade wheat roll or try a Salad Concept set salad!

Activity: Namo Yoga

When I am tired of my normal workout routine and am feeling particularly stressed, there's always one place that I know I can turn (no, not iBerry). Namo Yoga is a studio located on Moon Muang on the east side of the Old City. They offer massage and yoga courses, though I have only personally dabbled in the yoga classes.

The classes run at 200 baht each, though a nine-class pass can be bought for 900 baht. Depending on your needs, this could be a worthwhile investment. There are usually two classes a day (10 AM and 6 PM) and each class runs for an hour and a half. I liked Namo yoga because the classroom setting was laid-back and relaxing, necessary requirements for the type of yoga I prefer. Despite being located off of the Moon Muang, the hectic east moat road, the wood-paneled second floor of Namo is dark, quiet, and a great place to collect your thoughts. And the instructors are encouraging no matter your skill level.

Check out the schedule to figure out what works best for you! A must-do in Chiang Mai, even for the novice yogi. No need to bring your own mat, but water is a definite must--it gets a bit warm inside.

Snack: Broad Beans

When I'm out and about in Chiang Mai, I often find it difficult to avoid the temptation of purchasing a greasy street food snack. Initially, I saw no other filling option for hunger on the go. However, I have recently discovered broad beans.

These beans, found at any 7-11 store, are salty, crunchy, and full of protein to ward off hunger between meals. With one package at around 10 baht, they are definitely affordable as well. Also known as "fava beans," these are an alternative to almonds or peanuts (9g of fat per bag), and have considerably less fat. For one bag, there is about 210 calories. While this definitely is hefty, a bag is pretty big--and you can't discount the protein that you gain from this caloric investment.

For a light meal, grab a bag and a 0% Fat Coconut Dutchie yogurt--only 290 calories, 25 baht, and available at any 7-11.

Restaurant: Cathouse

Lots of Thai food should be "healthy": the ingredients usually consist of fresh vegetables and meat. However, without growing up on a Thai diet, the oil, coconut milk, and rice (not to mention MSG) can begin to unpleasantly add up.

To balance out my Thai meals, I usually go to a more Western restaurant a few times a week. One notable restaurant is Cathouse. This restaurant--located on Soi 3 Sirimankalagan--has a relatively simple, but refreshing, menu.

"We wanted to make healthy food within reason for a reasonable price. Because there are places [in Chiang Mai] that have really healthy food, but it's always expensive," explains owner Steve Harjula.

And affordable it is! The menu has four categories: "Big Green Salad," "Sandwiches," "Spaghetti," "Fries." The salads range from 50-70 baht; the sandwiches range from 75-85 baht; the spaghetti is 60 baht (or the spaghetti and salad combo is 80 baht); and the fries are 35-40 baht.

Highlights: price, Wi-Fi, variety of fries (zucchini, eggplant, sweet potato, pumpkin), salad dressings (creamy ginger, sesame olive oil, sweet and sour pumpkin passion fruit).

Don't forget to try the Garlic Mayonnaise dipping sauce!

They also have YOGA upstairs! Check them out at cathouse-cm.com

Article: Eat Well to Be Well

Proof that this blog is, in fact, relevant: New York Times' Article, Eat Well to Be Well.