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