The Swan

With its close proximity to Myanmar, Chiang Mai is home to several Burmese restaurants, though not as many as you would expect, with one of the best being The Swan located near Tha Pae Gate. Opened in 2010, the restaurant serves up a range of Burmese dishes featuring only the freshest ingredients. Myanmar is made up of many different ethnic groups and the restaurant’s menu reflects that by offering “traditional” Burmese dishes along with several lesser-known options. Popular with savvy travelers and Chiang Mai’s expat crowd, the restaurant may look small from the entrance on the main road, but actually has tables on several levels so don’t be afraid to pop in even if it looks busy.

Diners can choose from a selection of Burmese- and Shan-style salads, curries, soups, stir fries and noodles as well as several Thai favorites such as mussaman curry and stir fried morning glory. Popular Burmese dishes include gaeng ner gai, Shan-style soup with chicken, tomatoes, onions, garlic and lemon basil, amare dar hin, beef curry with garlic, onion, tomato, ginger and cumin, and lar pat toke, also known as green tea leaf salad, made with fermented tea leaves, cabbage, peanuts, tomatoes and garlic – delicious!