Sign out front
Situated at the end of a quiet wooded soi (lane) off Nimmanhaemin Road in the trendy shopping area west of the Old City in Chiang Mai, Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant displays its sign proudly advertising that their vegetarian menu is “so delicious you won’t miss the meat” and it’s true. Anchan occupies the second floor with a narrow balcony overlooking the soi, and its open kitchen allows you to watch the chef and owner, Aye, create your meal.
Open Kitchen
Local, organic and made from scratch – The Trifecta!
Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant offers 55 menu items, including soups, salads, curries, omelets and pastas. Some Western dishes, such as pesto, are also available. In addition, be sure to look at the colorful menu board for their specials and fruit smoothies, which are updated based on what local produce is in season.
Deep Fried Tofu in Tamarind Sauce
Anchan is proud to buy organic ingredients from local farms. By not adding MSG, fish sauce or shrimp pastes, Anchan has created a flavorful, chemical-free menu. Since its grand opening in October of 2012, the restaurant has been quickly gaining in popularity, with its dozen or so tables consistently full with a variety of tourists, expats and Thais. The secret, says Aye, is in the sauce. Unlike curries and sauces in many other restaurants that are made from a pre-purchased paste from the market, Anchan’s curries are made completely from scratch.
Vegan
It’s easy to eat vegan at Anchan as they cater to and understand the vegan diet. If you say you are vegan, they will automatically substitute glass noodles for egg noodles and regular tofu for egg tofu. In addition, they gladly adjust levels of salt, sugar and spice. Animal free products, such as soap, shampoo and spices, are also sold at Anchan.
Tom Yam Noodles
Recommended Dishes
As an appetizer we recommend Deep Fried Tofu with Tamarind Sauce which is a combination of sweet, tangy and a touch of spice. We have often ordered this starter with friends and it is always enjoyed by all. Ligeia enjoys the Tom Yam Noodle, but be sure to tell them that you are vegan so they change the egg noodles to glass ones. It’s both flavorful and spicy. One of Mindy’s favorites is the Sweet and Sour Veggies as the colorful vegetables are perfectly cooked and the sauce is delicious. Be sure to order brown rice with this dish! All of Anchan’s curry dishes are spectacular and again, this is because the curry is made from scratch. We particularly enjoy the Massaman and Pumpkin Curry.
Sweet & Sour Vegetables
Darrick Thomson
WHAT IS MISSING IN OUR MENU, AND HOW CAN WE CHANGE IT SO THAT YOU MIGHT SUPPORT US ? CURRENTLY, OUR RESTAURANT SUPPORTS OUR DOG PROJECT WHICH SEVERELY LACKS APPROPRIATE FUNDING…
Mindy & Ligeia
Hey Darrick, it’s definitely not the food that’s lacking at Taste From Heaven. We’ll be writing up a review soon, as well as many other places in Chiang Mai. 🙂
Jess | GlobetrotterGirls
We don’t know this…why don’t we know this place?! Is it new? We never heard of it in our couple of months of serious ‘research’ on the subject but next time we’re in town we will definitely have to eat here! Thanks for posting about it! 🙂
Mindy & Ligeia
Hi Jess,
Anchan opened in Oct of 2012. It also doesn’t seem to have much of an online presence. The next time you’re in Chiang Mai, we will have to take you there! 🙂
Franca
I’m craving for these delicious food now. Sadly we didn’t go to this place while in CM, shame because the food looks like our cup of tea. I’d happily try the ‘Deep Fried Tofu in Tamarind Sauce’ which I’ve never had before. Miss the Asian vegan/vegetarian food at times, it can be so good!
Mindy & Ligeia
Well, we’ll be happy to introduce you to Anchan when you come and visit Chiang Mai again! 🙂
Nicole Rossetti le Strange
I love Anchan – I had my 50th birthday party there in July this year (before heading over to Soho with Aye’s husband, Wouter), where Shauna had set aside a whole rum-soaked watermelon – with a sparkler – for me!). Aye made me the most fabulous birthday cake, filled with truffles! Mmmmmm!
I adore the food – and the portions are enormous! My favourite, I think, is the banana flower salad, which if you haven’t tried it, is a must! It was recommended by my friend Li Li, who painted that glorious wall. I also love the mussaman curry, and the Anchan fried rice. Oh, and the vegetable omelettes of course. I could quite happily eat there every day of the week…. but then I’d never get to have Emidio’s wonderful pizza at Why Not!
Anonymous
would like to come there sometime DARRICK
Mindy & Ligeia
Darrick,
Let us know when you want to go so we can meet you there. 🙂