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Smer Jai Khao Soy on Th Faham

Chiang Mai, Thailand – Returning to Chiang Mai always feels like coming home, even though I’ve never held a residence here.  It’s a welcoming city, sunny and slow, with enough to do to keep things from getting boring, yet contained enough to retain a neighborhood feel.  Of course, the first thing I ate here was khao soi, the famed northern curry with egg noodles. There’s many spots to grab a bowl around town, but I decided to return to Smer Jai Khao Soy on Th Faham because the last time I went there the chicken khao soi was all out and we had to make do with beef.  I’m glad I returned.  The chicken khao soi, much preferable to the greasy, overly rich beef version, was creamy, sweet and spiced with a good dose of sourness and served up with plenty of smiles.  I also tried a plate of khiew ngiew, minced pork and rice grilled in a banana leaf, which, unfortunately, was completely overpowered by the fried garlic topping, a taste that’s been sitting on my tongue ever since.  No matter though, one out of two isn’t so bad for my first day back. 

Khiaw Ngiew (Rice with Minced Pork Grilled in a Banana Leaf)