Jia Tong Heng Restaurant — Restaurant in Chiang Mai Province

"Wait.. you're seriously also out of rice... like... steamed rice...?" This was the moment I realized we had really effed up coming here.

Long story short: unless you specifically know this restaurant, we strongly suggest to either not come here, or for the love of god get here at opening time, since the restaurant's service and efforts become absolutely dismal if you get there even 45 minutes before closing. Read on for absurdity:

Basically, after arriving we ordered three dishes, one of which was unfortunately out. This was totally fine: we had arrived 45 minutes before closing, so it was understandable. We switched the dish to something else, and it was seemingly all good. However, after waiting for some time, we were told that one of our main dishes was out: not so nice, as we had already been waiting for quite a while. Then, a few minutes later, we were told that they were also out of another dish we ordered: rice. (I'm not joking, they literally told us they were out of rice, and couldn't make anymore for some reason.) Reminder, this was still a full half hour before closing time, and we had arrived even earlier.

At that point, we were quite annoyed, as half the dishes we actually ordered turned out to be unavailable, and we had been told that not immediately, but instead just minutes before our other dishes were ready. I completely understand running out of a dish later in the evening (maybe not rice) but it's not understandable to wait until the other dishes are almost served: that's just tricking the customer.

Since more than half our desired dishes (including you know... rice) weren't available, we communicated that we would cancel our order and come back some other day. This then caused a commotion, and as we were trying to pay for the beer we had ordered, we were repeatedly asked to wait. Miraculously, as we were still trying to pay, steamed rice was brought out! Somehow, someway, they found some rice somewhere - I think it had to do that another table had a similar issue.

In the end, we decided to stay so they wouldn't have to throw the food away. The food was alright, but neither of us are experts in this cuisine, so I don't feel too comfortable about reviewing it. Either way, it did not come close to making up for our experience.

Not long after, we and the rest of the tables were rushed out - the table nearest to us left more than a third of their food uneaten. The whole time the service was cold and disinterested.

Unreal to me that they received a Michelin review - they must have...

EATERS BEWARE AND READ BEFORE YOU GO INTO THIS RESTURANT.

The food was bland. I order a coconut drink and they forgot my order and gave me a lemonade. i told them i did not order lemonade and ask them to check my order, they check and say they bring the wrong drink and going to give me my coconut drink but in the end, they totally forget about it and they still charge me 80 baht for the drink they did not come. I told the waiter where they hand me the bill and later they cancel my drink and wanted to charge my 10% service fee. I told them, 1st, u brought me the wrong drink which i did not order, 2nd I told you I ordered coconut drink which they confirm my order, 3rd you forgot my drink till I finish my dinner.

I asked the Manager, 1 you forgot my drink? 2 you serve me the wrong drink ? 3 you came back 2nd and 3rd time with lemonade which I did not order? 4 you totally forgot my coconut juice ? 5 you try to bill me my coconut juice which you did not serve me?

Now, tell me, why should I give 10 % service charge when your service is horrible and not up to standard?

The carrot cake was bland, they call themselves Teh chew Restaurant which I beg to defer, I come from a Teh chew family.

the braised duck was horrible, wrong pickles. peanuts on the side were raw, not fully cooked.

the fried carrot cake not suppose to have peanuts according to teh chew style. it was bland, no taste, too much flour and flour wasn’t mixed well, not enough white carrots when mixing the carrot cake, no seasoning when mixing the white carrots and flour. The carrot cake was hard, they did not steam for min 1 hour and let it cool down in the fridge or 18 hours and above. When they deep fried the carrot cake, they did no heat up the oil and not correct temp before they fried the carrot cake. The whole carrot cake was too oily and soaked with full of oil. When they deep fried carrot cake, The oil smells of other stuff. 2 piece of the carrot cake was burned.

I think I can make better carrot cakes then a Michelin...

History & Reputation Jia Tong Heng is well-established — over 60 years serving Teochew/Chinese cuisine. It’s considered a local icon, with recipes passed down through generations.  It’s also recognized in the Michelin Guide for Chiang Mai (Bib Gourmand or recommended list, not stars) which adds to its draw.  Variety & Signature Dishes They have a wide menu. Some of the dishes often praised: • Hoi Jor (deep fried crab meat rolls)  • Pot-stewed duck, roasted duck, crispy roasted pork belly  • Steamed fish (snow fish / sea bass) with soy / lime sauce  • Stir-fried clams with chili, vegetable dishes, soups, etc.  Value for Money (in many cases) Several reviews say that while the portions are large, prices are reasonable, especially given its reputation. For many, food quality as compared to price is good.  Ambience / Multiple Branches They have several branches (original Sri Don Chai / Si Don Chai, One Nimman, Mae Rim, Faham). Some are more modern or upscale (One Nimman) than the original.  The new branches bring cleaner décor, more comfortable settings. Good if you prefer nicer ambience.  Friendly Staff (most of the time) Many reviews mention attentive,...