Usually this occurs in charming venues that offer alfresco dining in lovely environments with plenty of plants, and a crooner on a guitar in the background. Many of these are found along the Ping riverfront. Wandering around the ancient Old City and tourist area reveals an astonishing selection of eateries that cater mainly to tourists, but locals and foreigners mingle at numerous places, ranging from luxury foreign cuisine restaurants to huge food halls, street side noodle shops and ubiquitous Thai restaurants. The liveliest restaurants are located along the river, near Narawat Bridge, and there are more the farther north or south you venture from here. Chiang Mai also boasts some excellent upmarket and international restaurants including French, Italian, Middle Eastern, Indian, Greek, German and of course, British-style pubs and American steakhouses. Local magazines are full of adverts for these, and it’s perhaps the best place in Thailand to spoil yourself with affordable silver service, making dining out a highlight of the city. Within the four and five-star hotels are several silver service restaurants that present good value. Khao soi (chicken in thick Burmese nutty curry with noodles) is a humble favourite. Gang hung lay is another Burmese-influenced dish of supple beef or pork in a thick brown spicy curry. Sai ua is a spicy pork barbecued sausage that the locals love. Fruit is widely grown and popular, and is found at all local markets. Tap tim (tilapia) fresh fish is found on all menus, and it’s delicious poached in a spicy soup. Another perennial favourite for all Thais is the sharp tasting tom yum soups, usually enjoyed with prawns inside and consisting of a delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty and bitter flavours. | 
