You only live once but if you do it right, once is enough

Our journey through northern Thailand brought us to the charming city of Chiang Mai, where we discovered the hidden gem, Reform Kafe. Situated in the vibrant Mueang Chiang Mai district, this plant based, vegan and vegetarian haven came highly recommended by fellow travelers and boasted excellent reviews on Google. With a group of five friends, including several vegetarians, we decided to give this place a try for lunch, and we were not disappointed.

The Ambiance: A Tranquil Oasis

Reform Kafe is nestled in a serene corner, providing a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The ambiance of the restaurant is laid-back and inviting, with a rustic charm that instantly makes you feel at home. The interior is adorned with natural wood accents, potted plants, and cozy seating arrangements. The walls are decorated with vibrant artwork and inspirational quotes promoting healthy living and mindfulness, creating a tranquil atmosphere that enhances the dining experience.

The Menu: Simple and Satisfying

Reform Kafe offers a simple café menu with a focus on breakfast bowls, drinks, and desserts, but they also have a fine selection of plant-based dishes. Their offerings include Western food as well as Thai specialties, fresh garden salads, fruit juices, smoothies, and coffee. Since we arrived at 2 PM, we decided to skip the breakfast items and focused on the appetizers and main courses.

The Food: A Feast for the Senses

One of the highlights of our meal was the Chickpea & Quinoa Burger with Cashew Cheese. This burger was raved about in reviews, and it did not disappoint. The patty was made from chickpeas and quinoa, offering a hearty and satisfying texture, while the cashew cheese added a creamy and rich flavor. This dish proved to be one of the best vegan burgers i have ever had.

Among the array of dishes we enjoyed, one that stood out was the Stir-Fried Tofu with Chili and Herbs. This dish featured cubed tofu stir-fried to perfection, infused with fresh chilies, herbs, and spices. The tofu was beautifully presented on a banana leaf, garnished with chopped scallions and fresh cilantro, adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish. The combination of flavors was outstanding, with the mild tofu perfectly complemented by a hint of spice from the chilies.

Next up, we savored the Spicy Herb Falafel. These deep-fried chickpea balls were seasoned with a mix of local herbs and spices, creating a crispy exterior with a soft interior. Served on a banana leaf with sides of cucumber, cabbage, and green beans, these falafels were decent.

We also tried the Crispy Zucchini Sticks, a unique and interesting dish. These zucchini sticks were coated in a light, crispy batter and deep-fried, served with a tangy dipping sauce. Although flavorful but they were a bit over fried and heavy on the stomach.

Another dish we tried was the Stir-Fried Mixed Vegetables with Rice. This dish featured a colorful mix of fresh vegetables stir-fried to a crisp-tender texture, served with a portion of white rice. It was a simple yet satisfying dish, bursting with the flavors of the vegetables.

For something different, we opted for the Gluten-Free Thai Style Spaghetti. This dish combined fried onions, mushrooms, garlic, chili, basil, and pepper. While it was enjoyable, it didn’t stand out as much as the other dishes, offering a familiar but not particularly unique flavor profile.

Drinks: Refreshing and Invigorating

For drinks, we tried several options, but the ones that stood out were the Mango Juice and the Green Juice. The Green Juice was a mix of celery, cucumber, mint, green apple, lime, and pineapple. This interesting combination of green vegetables and fruits provided a refreshing and invigorating drink that complemented our meal perfectly.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Experience

Our visit to Reform Kafe was a memorable experience, offering a perfect blend of delicious vegan and vegetarian cuisine in a relaxing and charming setting. The flavors and textures of the food were fantastic, proving that plant-based dishes can be wholesome and appetizing without making you miss meat. While the pricing was slightly higher compared to other Thai places, the quality of the ingredients and the overall dining experience justified the premium.

If you find yourself in Chiang Mai, this delightful café is a must-visit for a wholesome and flavorful meal. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply someone who appreciates good food, Reform Kafe will leave you satisfied and eager to return.