Ci Xin Jai — Restaurant in Mae Hong Son Province

Today, I left with a heavy heart…(2025/6/18)

I have deep respect for vegetarian restaurants that especially venerate Guanyin Bodhisattva. I believe such places are founded with the intention of embodying Guanyin’s compassion. However, this restaurant acted in a way that goes against that very compassion.

This morning, as soon as I walked in, an older lady asked me if I could speak Chinese. She then spoke to me in a serious tone, without a smile, and asked what I wanted to eat. I told her I’d like to order a mixed fruit juice first and order lunch later. So I began reading my book, looking forward to my meal…Around 11am, the same lady came over and told me I had already been sitting there for over an hour, and that many people would be coming soon, “essentially asking me to leave.” I calmly explained again that I intended to order lunch. I asked her directly and calmly: Was this directed specifically at me, or was it the restaurant’s policy?

Anyone who comes here often would’ve noticed a Western male customer who uses his laptop in the restaurant and stays for over half a day. I thought this kind of compassion was exactly what such a restaurant stood for. Her response was, “He didn’t come today!” Clearly dodging my question. (Also, when I ordered, I clearly said I would have a juice now and order food later ,she clearly knew and agreed to this.)

I felt uncomfortable, especially because it was in a familiar language, which made the unfriendly treatment even more apparent. I then walked over to the chef sitting at the back and asked if it was the restaurant’s rule or if he had told her to speak to me. He simply said the lady is the owner! I replied I understood, but asked whether they were applying a double standard for Westerners?

He argued, “You’re sitting at a four-person table.” I explained I understood the restaurant’s perspective, which is why I put my bag on the floor and didn’t take up extra space. Moreover, there were only three customers in the restaurant at the time, including myself. If the place were really full, I would have been more than willing to move.

I pointed out that another customer was also sitting at a four-person table. The chef said, “He’ll leave once he finishes.”

I pointed to another customer who had finished eating but hadn’t left, and the chef replied, “He’s sitting by the wall.” So…double standard?

I couldn’t recommend this restaurant for the following points:

Point 1: You’re absolutely allowed to set any rules for your restaurant, and as a customer, I’m willing to follow them. But treating people who speak your language as easier to push around, while applying different standards to others? Why not use the same standard and speak English with the Western man too? This made me feel discriminated against.

Point 2: The deities you venerate — Guanyin Bodhisattva, Ji Gong, Maitreya Buddha — are ones I deeply respect. I grew up under their teachings of compassion. Yet in this restaurant, I saw a stark contrast between what is preached and what is practiced.

Point 3: I must also mention that the food is overly salty.(Some google comments mentioned this too) Even before I came, two of my Chinese friends had mentioned this, and when I arrived, I saw a Chinese woman having to dilute her food with water because it was too salty. I understand taste is subjective, but with the cultural background we share, we know what “too salty” means. (It’s like an Italian abroad saying the pasta is too salty, then you’d get what I mean.) Healthy vegetarian food should taste fresh and hydrating. You should feel nourished by the plant-based ingredients ,not thirsty. If you feel the need to drink water while eating, then beware excessive salt may be drawing water from your body.

For me, not a single kind star I would rate, but except by one kind-hearted girl at the cashier. In my moment of helplessness, she stepped in and spoke kindly on my behalf. I’m truly...

Bad restaurant experience ever! The owner is very rude man ever! My bf and I ordered 3 menu. We were starving and wait for the food 15-20 min something I can't remember. Then I went to the kitchen told them if they finish something, they can bring first and I found out that the chef wasn't there. She will back soon which I don't know how soon and again we were starving. So I ask them to change the menu to something ready to eat and cancel the previous one which they didn't cook yet. The owner man came out and raise his voice that I have to pay for the previous one too and stare on me and point his finger on me and everywhere. First, I talk to him nicely that can we change the menu because we are starving and don't know how long we have to wait. He acts very rude and raise his voice like I'm going to steal something! He said you can change but you have to pay for the previous menu too. I said we can't eat everthing, we just want to eat now and go. He said wait for 5 min, the chef is coming now. So I said ok 5 min if the food is not ready, we go. He raise his voice lounder that you have to pay for this anyway. I feel this is not right and I can't take his food inside my body. This is really bad energy. So, we decide to walk out. He follows us and raise his voice even louder that we have to wait and take that food. I'm not patience anymore! I'm really angry too and raise my voice even louder than him. We fighting for awhile until the staff came to me and say sorry and he walk back behide the restaurant and then we left.

Everthing will be fine if he treats and talks to us nicely. I don't mind to pay and wait a little bit if he say sorry and find out the solution.

I can't remember I ever raise my voice and fighting with somebody like this before.

The staffs are nice and I feel sorry for them to work with...

🌟🌟🌟🌟 Authentic Local Thai Eatery – Tasty, Affordable, and No-Frills

🍛 Flavorful Local Dishes Classic Thai favorites like pad kra pao, tom yum, green curry, and som tum packed with bold, authentic flavors. Cooked fresh and served hot — exactly how local Thai food should be.

💰 Affordable Prices Great value for money. Generous portions and wallet-friendly pricing make it perfect for daily meals or casual drop-ins.

🧑‍🍳 Home-Style Cooking No over-styled plating or gimmicks — just honest, home-cooked food from a local kitchen. The kind of place where the flavors speak louder than the decor.

🪑 Simple, Casual Setting Basic tables and fans, often street-side or open-air. Not fancy, but clean and comfortable enough to enjoy your meal. Expect plastic chairs, metal tables, and a few locals chatting nearby.

🤝 Friendly Local Vibe Staff are kind, even if English is limited. Pointing to dishes or photos on the menu works just fine. Warm smiles and quick service make you feel welcome.

⚠️ Minor Drawbacks Limited English signage or menus. Expect to sweat a little if you’re sitting outside during the day. Sometimes they run out of popular dishes later in the evening.

If you're looking for real Thai food the way locals eat it — flavorful, fast, and full of soul — this kind of place...