12 days in Thailand 1/7- 1/18/2025

Day 8- Dinner at Favola, Chiang Mai-1/14/2025

In the evening, we made our way to Favola Chiang Mai, located inside the elegant Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel. As a Michelin Guide-listed restaurant, Favola offers a completely  a refined, modern Italian cuisine set in a polished, contemporary space.

 Stanidng in front of the large glass windows, the design feels sleek yet inviting.

Inside, the long open kitchen counter becomes a centerpiece. It stretches elegantly along one side, allowing people to watch the chefs at work, plating dishes with precision, moving in a rhythm that feels almost choreographed.

This open concept adds energy to the space, giving people a glimpse into the craftsmanship behind each dish.

Another standout feature is the wine display. Bottles are showcased like a curated collection, often arranged in a glass-enclosed wall or shelving that highlights both variety and quality. It adds a sense of depth and sophistication to the room, reinforcing Favola’s focus on pairing great food with excellent wines.

The dining area itself is spacious and thoughtfully arranged, with comfortable seating and a warm, ambient glow. It strikes a balance between fine dining and relaxed comfort, refined without feeling stiff. The materials, wood, stone, and soft lighting give it a modern Italian feel while still blending seamlessly with the hotel’s overall design.

 The menu at Favola represent authentic Italian flavors with a refined presentation.

At Favola Chiang Mai, the evening started with high expectations, but the experience quickly felt a bit off. Hoa ordered a Negroni and Minh went with a classic martini, both solid, timeless choices for a place like this. But what should have been a smooth start turned into an early frustration. The cocktails took an unexpectedly long time to arrive, and by the time they finally reached the table, our appetizers had already been sitting there for at least 15 minutes. That kind of delay is noticeable anywhere, but especially in a Michelin-listed restaurant where timing and pacing are part of the overall experience. Drinks are meant to arrive first or alongside the starters, setting the rhythm of the meal, so having them come late disrupted that flow right away.

While you were still waiting on the cocktails at Favola Chiang Mai, the food started to arrive, almost out of sync with the rest of the experience.

Insalata Favola came out first, mixed salad with marinated beetroot, green apple, caramelized walnuts, and pomegranate seeds, mixed in a yogurt and honey dressing., and to be fair it delivered exactly what we expected. It was fresh, well-balanced, and clean in flavor, crisp greens, bright dressing, and nicely composed. It felt like a reassuring start, a reminder of the level this restaurant is capable of.

But that moment didn’t last long. The Fritto Misto followed, a deep-fried calamari, prawns, and fish, served with a paprika tartare sauce, and this is where things started to slip.

Instead of arriving hot and crisp, it was only lukewarm, and the batter lacked that light, crunchy texture you expect from a well-executed fritto. Without that crispness, the dish felt heavy rather than delicate, and the seafood lost some of its appeal.

Next came a plate of French Fries that was crispy and was done properly.

The Favola Pizza, topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, Parma ham, rocket, and shaved Parmigiano, was solid. The balance of salty prosciutto, peppery greens, and creamy cheese worked well, and it felt like a dependable, well-executed dish, simple but satisfying.

Cheers!

The Spaghetti Piccante Vongole Bottarga had a strong foundation: the clams were fresh, and the combination of chili, cherry tomatoes, and white wine sauce gave it a nice aromatic base. The addition of bottarga added depth and a slightly briny richness. Still, it didn’t quite hit the mark as it needed more sauce, which left the pasta feeling a bit dry and less cohesive than it should have been.

Then came the standout: the Fiorentina. The 1 lb. charcoal-grilled Black Angus T-bone steak was clearly the highlight of the meal.

Cooked perfectly, with a beautiful sear and juicy interior, it delivered exactly what you’d hope for from a dish like this. .

The flavor of the beef came through clean and rich, and the roasted vegetables, carrots, potatoes, asparagus, and mushrooms rounded it out nicely. This was the one moment where the kitchen truly matched the restaurant’s reputation.

Dessert brought things back to a high note. The pistachio and sabayon gelato was excellent, smooth, rich, and full of flavor.

Panna cotta, traditional Italian panna cotta served with strawberry sauce and chocolate crumble.

The panna cotta, elegantly presented with strawberry sauce and chocolate crumble, was another success: silky, delicate, and well-balanced between sweetness and texture.

And yet, despite these strong dishes, the overall experience didn’t meet expectations. The early missteps, slow cocktails, poorly timed service, and the disappointing fritto misto set a tone that the rest of the meal couldn’t fully overcome. Even with a few highlights, it felt inconsistent, especially for a Michelin-listed restaurant where you expect precision from start to finish.

In the end, it wasn’t a bad meal, but it didn’t live up to the level you were hoping for, making the experience feel more underwhelming than memorable.

Our time in Chiang Mai was a well-rounded journey filled with meaningful experiences, pleasant surprises, and a few unexpected letdowns. One of the biggest highlights was your Thai cooking class, we didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as you did, but learning the techniques and flavors firsthand gave you a deeper appreciation for the cuisine you had been enjoying throughout the trip. Visiting the elephant sanctuary was another memorable moment, offering a chance to connect with these gentle animals in a more ethical and intimate setting. The hike through the village added a cultural and scenic layer, giving us a glimpse into local life and the surrounding landscapes. Temples like Wat Pha Lat stood out for their peaceful, nature-filled atmosphere, providing some of the most reflective moments of the trip. On the other hand, some of the more famous stops, like Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) and Wat Rong Suea Ten (the Blue Temple), didn’t quite live up to your expectations despite their striking visuals. Altogether, the trip was defined by immersive experiences, great food, and quiet cultural moments, with the highlights far outweighing the few disappointments.

NEXT... Day 9- Arrival in Phuket

Filed under: Restaurants