Fine dining by the Kok

AMONG THE MANY celebrated charms of Chiang Rai – the cooler weather, the healthier pace of life, the lingering allure of Lanna culture – another tempting attraction has recently appeared.
The restaurant Ruan Nalin 9909 capitalises on the province’s other reputation, for great food, offering Lanna traditions with a “contemporary Thai” twist.
Chiang Rai Governor Boonsong Techamaneesathit was at the restaurant by the Kok River to preside over its recent grand opening, joined by several celebrities from both the North and Bangkok.
It was very much a northern affair – beautiful music and abundant flowers, the sounds and the scents wafting on refreshing breeze from the river.

Among the rich and famous enjoying themselves were socialite Ornanong Techamaneesathit, Yupa and Suchaya Nalintragoon and Wisoot Khamyod, general manager of Mae Fah Luang Chiangrai International Airport.
Tinakorn, Ampawan and Kornnika Sittiwong were there with Varavut Laohapongchana and Chayanin Pattapong.
They and many others admired the Lanna dance “Aggi, Dhupa, Buppa and Laja”, re-enacting a sacrifice in appreciation for the sacred gifts of fire (aggi), aromatic smoke (dhupa), flowers (buppa) and water (laja).
“Right from the first time I visited Chiang Rai I dreamed of having a house by the Kok River,” Athikom Nalintragoon, the restaurant’s founder, told his guests.
“I found this place and started thinking about turning it into a restaurant, in these very romantic surroundings, next to a river that’s always been a lifeline for the people of the North.”
The ground floor of the traditional Thai house has been given a more modern look to accommodate the restaurant. The dining room is white yet warm and welcoming. Athikom has enhanced the structure’s landmark elegance to take advantage of the beautiful views of nature and the river, setting up an area for outdoor dining as well.

“Our menu comprises authentic dishes from all four regions, North, Northeast, Central and South, both spicy and savoury, and everything’s prepared with top-quality ingredients,” he said. “Any of the dishes can be tailor-made according to diners’ individual preferences. And we have a professional live band adding to the romantic atmosphere.”
Eye-catching items on the menu begin with Chiang Rai Appetiser, an assortment of northern-style snacks, and Ruan Nalin Green Curry featuring home-made pla krai fish balls.
Specially seasoned Pla Kang Rao Ron, fried Pla Kang (catfish) and Pad Cha, a spicy dish of herbs, are very tasty. Sam Chan Ruan Nalin is terrific deep-fried pork belly made from a “secret recipe”, and Pla Kapong Long Prai is a great deep-fried fillet of sea bass with crisped herbs.
Athikom might have a pro band on hand to do the entertaining, but he’s not a bad singer himself. He thanked the guests at the opening with a hearty rendition of “Rang Wan Dae Kon Chang Fun”.

NORTHERN WARMTH

- Ruan Nalin 9909 is on Kwae Wai Road in Tambol Robmuang of Amphur Muang in Chiang Rai.
- For reservations or more |information, call (089) 933 9909 or (089) 944 9909.