Auf der Au Garden German buffet — Restaurant in Chiang Mai Province

I wrote this review on the Facebook Group Chiang Mai Eats previously but I think it's worth mentioning to folks who use Google Maps to find this place, just how wonderful this place is. This is my full review of my experience at Auf De Au awhile back:

I get off the plane this evening after an entire day full of flight delays and all I know is I'm hungry and also supposed to meet up for dinner with a couple of heavyweights in this town and it so happens that they had suggested Auf de Au (sounds like "After Hour"), a Thai+German buffet which I've heard about but have yet to try, and incidentally they also happen to have won the CME Food Fight award for "Best Buffet". So I ride my scooter from the airport all the way Southeast and arrive to what can only be described as Christmas dinner in Chiang Mai...

Seriously, if you and your family or friends are ever in the mood for a hearty feast (like the kind you get during Thanksgiving or Christmas), then this is your place. Sure, there are lots of expensive and over-indulgent buffets in hotels around Chiang Mai but this has got something that the rest don't have--it's got the feels, people. There's something special about the feeling of having a feast with family or with friends. And this place has that feeling. No posh and pretense, but rather just simply like going to your favorite uncle's home for Christmas feasting. Don't believe me? Just check out the pictures! (This place certainly gives one an opportunity to practice some self-control!)

Look at the type and quality of food laid out for all to share and enjoy... And look around at the wonderfully homey wooden chairs and tables and matching tablecloth, note the groups of friends or families that are present as well and enjoying in this shared feast. Come here and have a jolly good time. They have German (and other) beers and other ornaments that make the restaurant really feel like you're in a German home and you've come home to family food--only the best and heartiest items, from hot meats to cold meats to breads and desserts, this place provides a huge feast that boggles the mind, especially considering that you are only paying 289THB for this entire experience! This is why I love supporting family-run restaurants and establishments... An honest meal at an honest price; while it's nice to be at posh and pretentious places once in awhile, I always prefer places that feed you like family.

Udo, the German owner, likes to come around and greet guests, to make sure everyone is properly taken cared of. Food-wise, I highly recommend the creamed spinach and mashed potatoes, and their pork kebab; there's so much that one would end the night as a glutton if not careful. Tonight I would say I tried only 25% of all that was spread out and available on their buffet table. As hungry as I was, that was as much as I could take. Seriously, come with friends and take your time. They are open everyday except Tuesday. They have menu items but their super buffet spread is only available for dinner from Wed-Sun, 5:30pm-9:30pm. Oh, Sunday, they have a super brunch buffet as well.

So come hungry if you ever come to Auf de Au, and leave full or in a...

As someone who reads reviews incessantly before deciding on a place to eat (it's an important decision!), I feel bad for the boss who is offering this buffet at such a charitable price and still has to deal with negative reviews from time to time! Some of the bad reviews which concerned me before coming here:

1. Flies. Perhaps some changes has been made or it's the season, I didn't see many flies during my lunch here. We could leave our cakes on the table for 15 mins without attracting any flies.

2. Service. We came on a Saturday lunch, around 11am. The place was perhaps 1/4 full (became full by around 12). Service was quick and attentive. Plates were cleared and water refilled quickly, without being asked. We also didn't feel hurried.

3. Food quality.

I found all the cold dishes and pickles really delicious and fresh. The Germans are known for their pickles and this place does it well. All the vegetables retained the crunch and the seasoning was just right.

The hot dishes in comparison were less impressive, although it's made up by the variety offered! They were not bad, to be clear, but didn't leave a deep impression. My favourite was the boiled sausage! The other thing about the hot dishes is that they were mostly in huge pieces. Since I didn't have a German appetite and didn't want to waste food, I had to skip some of them. It's best if you can come in a bigger group and share!

The desserts were (too) plentiful and tasty! They were mostly not overly sweet, which suits my palate better. My favourite were the fruit tarts (which are usually not my thing) and the strawberry and chocolate mousse! All the fruits we had were sweet and fresh. Coffee was also surprisingly good and smooth for a buffet! There was also a variety of ice cream which I really didn't have any spare calories for.

Overall I really don't think I can fault this place for anything considering the cost, variety, quality of the ingredients and taste. I hope the boss is making money and stays healthy so that I (and many others) can visit this place again when I'm back...

We always enjoy eating at Auf der Au, a cozy German buffet restaurant in Chiang Mai. The owner, Udo, and his team have been bringing the typical taste of Germany to Thailand for many years. Different nationalities characterize the ambiance and make the restaurant a unique experience. Here you can enjoy good food at an excellent price.

What always amazes us is the variety of dishes on offer. The German cold cuts with fresh German bread and a selection of over ten salads kept fresh on ice are a delicious start. The pretzels, a typical German pastry, are another highlight. Especially when paired with sausages and sauerkraut and fresh, crisp salads.

The German sausages, pork knuckles, currywurst, goulash, vegan gyros, fish, sauerkraut and vegetables, and many other side dishes provide a rich meal suitable for all ages and tastes.

For a sweet finish, there is a tempting selection of cakes such as brownies, red velvet cake, stollen, and more, all with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture to be enjoyed with a good cup of coffee.

Remarkably, this German buffet in Chiang Mai offers exceptional quality at an affordable price. The lunch buffet costs only 230 baht per person, making it a bargain. In the evenings and on Sundays, there is a special offer of 280 baht, including water and coffee. It's a culinary trip to Germany you won't want to miss....