Le Grand Lanna

Frommer's Review

Le Grand Lanna [STSTST] [find] THAI -- Since the opening of the luxury Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, which took over this long-established, traditional eatery, nothing much has changed but the prices. Modeled on a Lanna nobleman's home, it's entirely built of old teak and is on raised stilts. Located a 20- to 30-minute ride east of town, it's a good stop before, or after, a trip to the craft workshops at Sankampaeng. The restaurant provides icy cool air-conditioned rooms inside, or terrace seating outside, with cooling mist-spraying fans and umbrellas. You'll be surrounded by Lanna art and a beautiful tropical garden with birds and butterflies. Evening meals are candlelit, with flaming torches and the dulcet tones of traditional music accompanying your choice of food. For starters, try pomelo salad (if needed, ask to reduce the spiciness) as a main course; then try the superb khao sawy or gaeng hang lan mop, a dry, fiery red curry that will knock your socks off and which is best mollified by a sweet mango chutney. Also don't pass up their signature sai ua, or Chiang Mai spicy sausage. Follow up with great homemade ice-cream made of local litchi (lychee) or taro (yam). If you're short of time or money, come for a drink, at least.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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