Cafe Pandau Review

by Brian Baxter

This much admired cafe-restaurant has only recently moved from premises off the Nimmenhaemin Road, to a charming new building on Soi 3, off Tha Pae Road, not far from Loh Kro Temple. The good news is that the menu has gradually been extended and the quality is as good as ever.

I would not claim this eatery as unique to Chiang Mai, but it is certainly unusual in terms of the ambience created, the choice of dishes and the caring nature of the owner and staff. There are pleasant artefacts for sale, some soaps and unusual shampoos and health products and some CDs. But, of course, the reason for going is the organic produce and style of presentation.
They open from 7.30 in the morning and it is the perfect setting for breakfast, in terms of the cool and relaxed atmosphere. They offer various ‘sets’, with free range eggs and home made bread. They stay open for lunch and close late afternoon. It is not a vegetarian restaurant, although the accent is on salads, vegetables, tofu, fruit and super home made drinks. However, if you are in the mod for a spaghetti with sausages or a chicken breast (free range) then this is one of many meat options. They offer one dish options with rice and a whole variety of sandwiches and daily specials.
On my most recent visit with two English friends I opted for the tuna salad, a shared plate of mini sandwiches and home made lemonade (so delicious I had a second). One friend shared the sandwiches and had a mushroom salad plus a lassi of passion fruit and pineapple. The third member of the group had a baguette with tofu and salad and an iced tea. We completed the meal with a truly delicious apple baked in white wine and cinnamon, topped with home made ricotta cheese.
Our bill came to around 200 baht a head (including five drinks) and given the attractive presentation, the quality of the ingredients and the generous portions this was far from expensive.

Café Pandau has a good stock of wines and they also sell by the glass and carafe. There are also beers and spirits on sale and their intriguing range of drinks, plus teas and coffee. Many of the teas are ‘special’ and include Japanese and South African varieties. The overall décor is very pleasant and you can sit on the verandah with a meal or a drink or inside the predominantly white and immaculately clean ‘restaurant’, with its little bar area and kitchen to the rear. You will find it located in the hear of the lanes and roads behind the Temple and can enter on foot or by car from Soi 3 off Loh Kroh Road or from Kampaendin Road. This is a gem of a place, well worth seeking out, especially if you are in the night bazaar area and want some peace! There are signs with arrows pointing in the right direction but if you have trouble locating it phone them on 053 280 386.

Find more details about the restaurant, recommended menu items, map, etc.