Chiang Mai Vegetarian society — Restaurant in Chiang Mai Province

It's an interesting place but if you don't speak Thai fairly fluently you're not going to have any idea what is going on. If you're into very strange vegetarian food that is spicy and know your way around a vegetarian Buffet that is kind of like a vegetarian food Pharmacy you'll probably enjoy it a whole lot. They do sell fresh fruits and vegetables in a limited Supply at extremely low prices. You can also get takeaway both food and vegetarian Health drinks but you must bring your own bags and bottles. There is a very large section devoted to tablets and pills all made from healthy plants and roots and tree bark sold at a very low price and the lady who seems to be in charge of that department does speak English very well. They also have a pre-loved clothing department and I bought a real cute Jersey that was in exceptionally good condition for only 30/B! If you plan to purchase any of the healthy pills and tablets, clothing vegetables or fruit make sure you have bags with you. And if you do not want to wash your own dishes after you finish eating this is not the place for you since everyone is responsible for washing their own utensils and food dishes. This venue is only in Chiang Mai at various times throughout the year since it is run by monks and they travel throughout the entire Kingdom with this movable store teaching other Wats and Monks outside of Chiang Mai province how to set up an run operations that are similar to this. I found it interesting to visit but don't think I will be back again for a second time real soon. That's said, the locals who were familiar with this venue and invited me along for lunch, do go there every week at least once while it's here in Chiang Mai! So my final comment would be a lot of people who eat vegetarian only, may find this an interesting experience while here...

If only every city and town in every country had one of these places. There are around 16 trays of cooked organic vegan dishes served with brown organic rice. You help yourself to as much of whatever you want.

They use a limited amount of coconut oil for cooking and little or no salt for seasoning so the food may taste a little bland to some, but it's ideal food for anyone health conscious.

Rice with 1 topping is FREE. 2 toppings is 10baht; 3 toppings 15baht. They also serve small plates of steamed green veg, soups, bowls of beans, healing herbal tea drinks and juices etc. It's a nonprofit place that relies on donations which is why it's so cheap even by Thai standards.

There's an attached shop with a good selection of herbal medicines, health foods, organic foods, gadgets, soaps etc, all priced slighty cheaper than the recommended retail price.

The staff are all mannerly, polite and courteous, and there is plenty of space in the sitting area where they broadcast a Thai Buddhist TV station. The place is frequented mainly by Thai's with a sprinkling of foreigners. Get there before 11am for the best selection of dishes still freshly cooked.

When finished eating take your dishes and cutlery to the wash area outside beside the car park and wash them yourself in the provided basins.

2 small negatives; Anytime I went wearing shorts my legs were destroyed by mosquitos so wear long pants. They close regularly for "Buddhist training" for long periods at a time. At the time of writing this they are closed from March 24th-April 22nd, open April 23rd 2018.

It's around a 15 minute walk from the center of the South...

2025 Update: Wonderful news they are now serving food in a small eating area. Also, I think the fresh juices, teas, and smoothies selections have expanded as well. What a wonderful delight!

I always enjoy coming to the restaurant and the store. Keep in mind you have to take the food away. COVID had changed the flow of many operations in Thailand.

I remembered when you could get soups and other food prepared on the spot. And a bigger selection of dishes.

Around 9:45 AM the food trays were just about empty. I am not sure how often they replenish the trays.

However, I filled up on the juices and teas. Most have English on the labels. There were a few that were labeled in Thai only. I used Google Translate to sort it out.

I highly recommend going to the goods shop for teas, snacks, grains, oil, body care products, etc. all priced amazingly low.

Part of their mission is recycling and reuse. You will find a huge selection of second hand clothing and other donated items at super low prices.

Lastly, they have fresh organic produce available too. Go...