Doug M.
Yelp
Tasty, highly flavored, and well plated dishes for the wife and I were experienced during our lunch at Chiang Mai. This is a fairly small storefront in Old Webster Groves, but pleasant inside and with tables well spaced. We started with two nice chai iced teas. Then ordered a selection of small plates which filled us up well. Three of the small plates came out fairly quickly, with the sausage order taking a few minutes longer to cook. As should be done with small plates/tapas, the first ones were delivered as soon as ready so that the meal could start.
Nua Sawaan (marinated coriander beef strips, sea salt, palm sugar, flash fried) had a fairly intense flavor without heat, with a side dish of chili paste allowing you to dip in and set your preferred heat level (or not). It also came with a side plate of pickled veggies (think like kimchi) to contrast the marinade/cool down the heat/add some tang.
We ordered both types of poh piah todd (crispy rolls) that were on the menu - vegetarian and cheese, with a side dish of sweet chili sauce. Very good, crispy, not greasy. The vegetarian rolls were savory, and the cheese rolls were filled with a sweetish cream cheese. I recommend ordering both (two separate orders) to contrast one with the other.
Sai Oua (grilled pork sausage, aromatic spices and fresh herbs), were pretty good too - with well spiced sausages (both for flavor and not too bad on the heat), and a side of fresh cabbage slices, fresh cilantro, and fresh ginger. It actually paired pretty well with the sweet chili sauce that came with the crispy rolls. They should consider including that with it. I did think the three small sections of sausage were kind of light for the price, though.
There's a lot more on the menu. I'll have to try out the other choices on my next visit.