-MIGUEL’S CAFE, open daily from 09 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tel. 053-874 148 -MIGUEL’S CAFÉ & BAR, open daily from 09 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tel. 053-334 442

Mexican food is considered one of Chiang Mai’s more exotic cuisines by Thais but it’s the number one ethnic food served in the U.S. And for good reason. If you’d like to give it a try, and want to know where to go, drop by at MIGUEL’S. Well-known for its authentic Mexican food, serving savory Mexican dishes from north and south of the U.S border, MIGUEL’S is understandably popular among both foreigners and Thais here.

And when you’re comfortably seated in Miguel’s, you shouldn’t miss popular Mexican dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, sizzling fajitas and more. Stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner or just for a quick snack. This writer’s preference is to start the day off with breakfast at Miguel’s - Huevos Ranchos a personal favorite.

Now just where and which of the two locations should you perch yourself at?

MIGUEL’S CAFE, open daily from 09 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tel. 053-874 148, is rated “excellent” by many of the travelers on Tripadvisor, a travel website that contains travel information, posting reviews and opinions from travelers around the world, and it’s located on the Chaiyaphum Road (near the Sriphum corner of the city moat). You can get the same popular Mexican dishes at reasonable prices at MIGUEL’S CAFÉ & BAR, open daily from 09 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tel. 053-334 442, Chiang Mai 89 Plaza (T. Nong Hoi), on the Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road.

For more online information, please visit www.miguels-cafe.com.

Rakutenchi Japanese Restaurant

Rakutenchi is located in the Say Hi Project on Sri Donchai Road opposite the Pantip Plaza Chiang Mai and is open daily from 5 p.m. till midnight. For more information or reservations, please contact 053-235 573.

Japanese recipes, including many kinds of sushi, fresh raw fish called sashimi, many kinds of noodles (Ramen, Udon), introduce many Japanese favourites to Thai people. It seems that many dishes like these are becoming popular among discerning customers at the numerous Japanese restaurants here in Chiang Mai. However, it’s at Rakutenchi Japanese Restaurant, near Pantip Plaza that is serving a succulent Japanese dish that you shouldn’t miss, called “Motsunabe!”

Motsunabe is a Japanese-style sizzling giblet that all Japanese epicures love, and to get it at its best they go to the restaurant in Japan that for the last 30 years has had especial cachet, Rakutenchi. Now, a new branch has been launched right here in Chiang Mai.

The ingredients of motsunabe include pork or beef giblets sautéed with cabbage and Chinese chives before being boiled in a Japanese soup, and served with sizzling side dishes, including boiled rice, tofu, egg, chicken, kimchi and udon noodles. Also not lacking are the drinks available, while around you the decor and the kimono-clad staff will add that especial Japanese flavour to your evening out.

So why not come along with family and friends to this highly-recommended restaurant, and savour an evening of authentic Japanese cuisine?