Mai Restaurant & Bar’s New Menu Supports Local Farming

Mai Restaurant & Bar’s New Menu Supports Local Farming

High above the bustling streets of Chiang Mai, on the 21st floor of the Meliá Chiang Mai hotel, Mai Restaurant & Bar is redefining what it means to dine sustainably. Blending the bold flavors of Northern Thai cuisine with Mediterranean finesse, this intimate venue isn’t just about food—it’s about mindful dining with purpose. And the panoramic views over the city and Doi Suthep temple add a touch of magic to every meal.


The 360° Cuisine Concept

Meliá Chiang Mai’s signature restaurant Mai Restaurant & Bar has unveiled a new menu of innovative dishes

At the heart of Mai Restaurant’s philosophy is Meliá’s 360° Cuisine concept, a thoughtful approach that reduces food waste and lowers the kitchen’s environmental footprint. Executive Chef Suksant Chutinthratip (Billy) and Sous Chef Karn Phojun partner with ethical, chemical-free farms such as Rong Khum in San Pa Tong and SEED in San Sai. Every ingredient is used to its fullest—leftovers are composted back at the farms, and even cooking oil is recycled into biodiesel.

It’s a closed-loop system that keeps the farm-to-table connection alive while championing sustainability.


A Menu that Tells a Story

Executive chef Suksant Chutinthratip (Billy) and Sous Chef Karn Phojun craft dishes featuring fresh produce from the hotel’s network of ethical and chemical-free suppliers

The newly unveiled menu offers a vibrant range of dishes:

  • Appetisers like Hoi Shell Samunprai—seared scallops with turmeric chips and chili—or a refreshing Khao Soi Salad with organic produce.

  • Main courses that highlight local flavors, from the juicy Cheeva Pork Chop with wild peppercorn sauce to Neau Yang Nam Prik Kha, featuring Thai-Angus ribeye with galangal gravy.

  • Seafood delicacies such as Kanom Jeen Nam Prik Goong Pao with tiger prawns and curry sauce.

  • Vegetarian delights like Yum Makeua Yao, a grilled eggplant dish with chili-soy dressing.

To finish, diners can indulge in creative desserts like the Lum Yai Pudding, made from organic longans grown at the innovative Rong Khum Farm Lab—a project dedicated to regenerative farming and soil healing.


Dining in Style

To round off the dining experience, four desserts are on offer including ‘Lum Yai Pudding’, comprising organic longan pudding, butterscotch sauce and coconut ice cream

The setting is as memorable as the food. Guests step through an arch inspired by Chiang Mai’s temple architecture before entering a dining room that pays tribute to the city’s artistic heritage. Ceiling installations resemble umbrella ribs from Bo Sang Village, while antique textile artworks and patterned carpets echo Chiang Mai’s cultural tapestry.

The 38-seat restaurant sits just below MAI The Sky Bar, the highest rooftop bar in the city, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner followed by cocktails with a view.


A Model for Sustainable Travel

Mai Restaurant & Bar doesn’t just serve exquisite dishes—it offers travelers a chance to support responsible tourism in Thailand. By choosing a meal here, guests contribute to local farms, reduce environmental impact, and experience a culinary journey that blends tradition, innovation, and sustainability.

For travelers passionate about eco-friendly experiences, this is more than dinner—it’s a statement.


Plan Your Visit

For reservations, call +66 52 090 603, email fb@meliachiangmai.com, or visit Meliá Chiang Mai’s official website.

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About the author

Thomas holds a university degree with a focus on Languages, Humanities, Culture, Literature, and Economics, earned in both the UK and Latin America. His journey in Asia began in 2005 when he worked as a publisher in Krabi. Over the past twenty years, Thomas has edited newspapers and magazines across England, Spain, and Thailand. Currently, he is involved in multiple projects both in Thailand and internationally. In addition to Thailand, Thomas has lived in Italy, England, Venezuela, Cuba, Spain, and Bali, but he spends the majority of his time in Asia. Through his diverse experiences, he has gained a deep understanding of various Asian cultures and communities. Thomas also works as a freelance writer, contributing short travel stories and articles to travel magazines. You can follow his work at www.asianitinerary.com

View all articles by Thomas Gennaro