Eating Khantoke Dinner in Chiang Mai ‘Feel the authentic taste of northern Thai food unlimetedly’
How can you just arrive Chiang Mai and suddenly leave without tasting any northern Thai food? No, no way! If you do that, it won’t be like you have been to Chiang Mai at all.
And, speaking of northern Thai food, of course, most everyone must know the word ‘Khantoke’.
Khantoke dinner is named after the table it is served on, traditionally the table used for dinner in Lanna, a Kingdom that ruled over North Thailand from the end of the 13th century until the 18th century. A Khuntoke is a small round wooden table, adorned with carvings and finished with lacquer. In the old days wealthy families had their Khantoke tables decorated with gold. Khantoke dinners were held for special occasions as festivals and weddings, or ordination of a son into monkhood.
What is Khuntoke anyway?
Usually, Khantokes are used for…
- Food set containing for families and guest. The cups and bowls will be put on them, just like on plates.
- Flower and joss sticks containing.
- Fruits containing.
There are three kinds of Khantokes.
- Khantoke Luang : This kind is made of big piece of wood. They can be at 25-50 inches. Mainly, Khantoke Luangs are used within palaces of high-classed people or town rulers.
- Khantoke Harm : This kind of Khantoke will be at middle size, about 17-24 inches. They’re always used by rich families or big groups.
- Khantoke Noi : The smallest size of Khantoke, about 10-15 inches. They’re used in wedding ceremonies for brides and grooms or in small families.
How can I find Khantoke Food to eat?
Surely, after hearning about what Khantokes are, you must want to eat northern Thai food in them at least once in your lifetime. But, how are you going to find any place to do that? Here are your suggestions. All of these provide you Khantoke buffets, which mean you can eat as much as you want, unlimitedly!!!
- Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre : The ‘No.1 Khantoke Land’ is absolutely this place! You will absolutely enjoy eating northern Thai food in the middle of traditional atmosphere. It had been opening for more than 40 years and tourist love it. Just sit and relax under the Lanna-style wooden house and taste your meal. Moreover, there will be some special performances at around 20:00-21:30. During the performances, if your stomach still has more space, you can refill the foods to your Khantoke more and more, unlimitedly. The price is 520 Baht, but it’s not included beverages. If you want to drink something, you have to order additionally from the menu.
- Khum Khantoke : This one is located just behind Big C Extra, very easy to find. It is one of the most popular Khantoke restaurants. The price is 590 Baht. But, children under 4 years old are able to eat for free. Khum Khantoke, The Lanna cultural attraction, is known as the reception room of Chiang Mai province. Preserving the traditional Thai lifestyle in combination with a traditional Lanna atmosphere of clothing, language, dining and performances, it is presented under an exquisite and enchanted applied Lanna architecture that ensures satisfaction to all visitors. Experience Lanna dining with “Khantoke” or “Toke”, a round rattan tray, serving various kinds of authentic northern Thai dishes and national Thai food. As you enjoy the tasty food, you will be entertained by spectacular and fabulous classical dances from northern Thailand and from around the nation.
- Benjaron Khantoke : This one is located on the suburban area, not too far from Suthep District. You will see it just before Rajaphruek National Park. Benjarong Khantoke also provides you a nice view of ancient wooden house, with a big stage in the middle . The food tables are just like ones in Japanese style. You can sit and relax without having to worry about getting your feet sore, while watching night time shows. The price is 350 Baht(shows and beverages included).
- Khantoke Palace : Located on Changklan Road, near the entrance of Chiang Mai Land Village, this one will provide you a nice cool atmosphere in an air-conditioned room. You won’t have to sit on the floor. The price is 450 Baht. But, for foreign tourists, the price will be plus by another 100 Baht.
- Muslim Khantoke : Specially for Muslims! With Lanna food in 100% Halal style. There are no porks, of course. The restaurant is located nearby Chiang Mai-Lampang Road, just on your left side before Sarapee Junction.
Khuntoke Food is usually opened for service at night. Therefore, if you have time at daytime, you may tour other places in Chiang Mai first.
Enjoy an evening out by having a Khantoke Dinner, the customary northern Thai style of eating with food being served in large platters at low tables while you sit on mats on the floor.
As you enjoy your meal, let yourself be entertained by a selection of northern cultural performances including the charming Fon Lep (Thai Finger Dance), Ram Dab (Thai Sword Dance), Fon Thiean (Thai Candle Dance), and Ram Wong (Group Dance).
Interesting night activity and attractions in Chiang Mai
Chiangmai Night Safari park is part of the Thai government’s huge multi-million baht plan to increase Chiang Mai’s attraction to tourists. It has three animal zones are set around the lake; two (Savanna Safari and Predator Prowl) are accessible via open-sided safari trams and one (Jaguar Trail) is a walking trail that you can wander along at your own pace.
Chiang Mai night bazaar is an area that comes to life when the sun goes down. During the day you will be hard pushed to experience the energy and sheer vibrancy that emerges with the setting up of the stalls and consequent crowds of people. Like the goods on sale at the Night Bazaar, the nightlife is varied.
Tha Phae Sunday Walking Street (or Sunday Walking Street) is a large market located right in the centre of the old walled city area of Chiang Mai. Starting at the Tha Phae Gate at one end the Sunday Market extends for roughly 1km down the full length of Ratchadamnoen Road. You can go to the Market every Sunday from 4pm till midnight.
A fantastic night market! Crowded but still not too hard to navigate, packed with locals and visitors alike. The food on offer is absolutely sublime – there are pockets of food stalls at the ends of the markets and in the little side streets branching off the main drag – catering to nearly any taste imaginable. Prices are often marked too, happily for the foreigners. Classic Thai fare, noodles, soups, salads, satays, Indian, gyoza, sushi, sticky rice, crepes, juices, ice cream, brownies etc.
[…] and coconut shell are commonly used as raw materials for making food tray and container products. Khantoke is the circular wooden tray set on a pedestal that serves as a table. Originally made with a big […]