4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Miss Khantoke Traditional Dinner When Visiting Chiang Mai
First of all Chiang Mai is a beautiful place to visit, you can see the mountain from everywhere in town and it is the third highest mountain in Thailand. It is a very quiet town and most resorts, hotels and guesthouses are located outside the town near the Chiang Dao Cave.
If you want to take advantage of the place you will need a guide who knows all the secret trails, you can do hiking, trekking and exploring on your own, of course make sure to bring warm clothing because in the winter it gets cold ! You can also rent a Motorbike Rental in Chiang Mai and drive up to Doi Luang for some amazing views of the mountains and fresh mountain air. So enjoy in the daylight this amazing views and spots and for dinner check out the wonderful experience in the food area.
You will never really appreciate a place unless you understand its culture. Culture is usually manifested in the behaviors of the locales, the food they eat, and many more.
Chiang Mai is famous throughout the kingdom of Thailand for its incredible cuisine and rich Lanna culture. And you can experience the best of both these worlds in one evening at a Khantoke Traditional Dinner.
Here are the 4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Miss Khantoke Traditional Dinner When Visiting Chiang Mai:
- Experience a Lanna Thai Tradition
The name Khantoke refers to the low round teak wood table used to hold the food, and its origins can be traced back to 1953 when Ajarn Kraisee Nimmanahaeminda held a dinner party for some distinguished guests. She brought in traditionally dressed singers and dancers to add some flair to the evening, which was so well-received that she continues doing it each time there is a significant event. Even among average Lanna people, a Khantoke meal is always done at important occasions such as weddings, housewarmings, celebrations, novice ordinations, and so forth.
- Festive Settings and Ambiance
One thing which makes the Khantoke Traditional Dinner standout is the setting and ambiance of the place. In Khum Khantoke where I had the opportunity to have this traditional dinner, their spacious hall was built of teak with intricate curving designs that are very Thai. The place is well decorated which speaks, of course, about Thai Culture. Colorful cushions are neatly arranged in the carpet where diners will eat. There’s no roof on the main hall, which means you will be dining al fresco and under the moonlight and with sounds created by the traditional Thai musical instruments. All personnel of the place is dressed in their Traditional costumes, not forgetting, of course, their signature smiles and gentle greetings. If you love “selfies,” all over the place are picture perfect corners, and the staff in costumes would be felicitous to have their photos taken with you.Footwearss are also not allowed in the main hall.
- Experience at Least 5 Traditional Thai Different Dishes Served in Old Fashion
At Khantoke Traditional Dinner, guests will be treated to northern-style dishes in traditional Thai fashion by sitting on the floor and eating off large low round tables known as a toke. While you sample the many dishes offered, skilled dancers will perform traditional Lanna dances such as fon lep (finger dancing), ram dab (sword dancing), and fon than (candle dancing). Genuinely skilled cultural performers like those used by Chiang Mai’s leading Khantoke venues are a dying breed, so whether you come for the food or the dancing, don’t miss this particular experience.
Five different Lanna dishes, accompanied by a large basket of sticky rice, are traditionally attended to in a Khantoke dinner. They include gaeng hung-lay (Burmese pork curry), Gai tod(fried chicken), paad pugg (cooked cabbage), Nam prik ong(tomato, chili and minced pork dip) and keb moo (fried pork rinds). Chopped cucumber and other fresh garnishes round off the picture. You should use your fingers to pull clumps of sticky rice from the basket and scoop out a bit of each dish. However, forks and spoons are always available if this proves too challenging.
In Thailand, many people still eat with their hands, and this has nothing to do with social strata. Using the fingers of the right hand, a small portion of sticky rice that is served in little woven bamboo baskets is kneaded into a bite-sized ball (it takes a little practice!) and the ball is dipped into the desired main dish (a portion can be melded onto the rice ball) before being popped into the mouth. The fingers shouldn’t enter one’s mouth (the food shouldn’t be crammed) as the movements are politely delicate. A rinse of the fingers and the process is repeated again and again. Thais from the humblest to the highest continue to dine in this traditional manner when the social or home occasion arises, and they are adept at making it look smooth and gracious.
- Enjoy A spectacular Thai Music and Dance Entertainment
Aside from meals, the traditional dance is one of the main highlights of the event. Halfway into your meal, the traditional dancing will commence with their Khantoke Parade coming from the main entryway of the foyer. The classical Thai orchestra using time-proven musical instruments set the scene as little groups of dancers dressed in the beautiful costumes move across the hallway. The dances performed at a Khantoke dinner are rooted in the history, stories, and culture of this region of Thailand and are very old.
The dances range from sublime visual creations like the candle dance, where women hold tiny candle bowls in their palms as they bend and swirl about the floor, to more violent acts such as the sword dance, performed by a single, dexterous and brave new man. Dances such as the magic fowls dance and silk reeling dance represent the folklore and everyday animation of traditional Lanna culture.
Later a few introductory rounds so that you, the guests, can see how it is practiced, the dancers will ask for you to join in on a cheerful, friendly finale to the evening’s plan.
Nice! I want to go there and taste the yum foods 🙂 Also the entertainment I’m sure visitors will surely enjoy here.
Thanks!
Thailand is really my dream place to go to. Noted this traditional dinner. I tried doing so in Cambodia 🙂
I have never been to Chiang Mai, if given a chance, I will not miss Khantoke Traditional Dinner event!
The Khantoke Traditional Dinner speaks of the culture of Chiang Mai. Truly an event that one shouldn’t miss.
After our visit to Bangkok, we wanted to visit other parts of Thailand and Chiang Mai is one of them.
Wow. How’d I wish I could visit the place and see their music and entertainment. So unique.
I remember when I was in high school, I danced with some of my classmates and my costume was just like those in the photos. 🙂 I enjoyed your post, thanks.
I really hope that one day I get to travel with my family to Thailand. It’s on my bucket list. 🙂
This can really give you a better appreciation of their customs, culture and traditions.
I love to visit Thailand. I would love to taste authentic Thai foods! Nice photos and great write-up!
Wish I were there, I really love the whole style including the Thai foods!
Oh wow! Awesome post, really makes me want to go to Thailand! Thanks! 🙂