The vegetarian festival offically starts tomorrow, the 13th October, and runs until around the 23rd. I have heard a lot of people asking about what actually happens during this festival! The main festivities and ceremonies happen in Phuket, so what actually happens in Chiang Mai?
1. Thai Vegetarian Restaurants are open later and have free food.
Thai style local vegetarian restaurants which serve only Thai food and usually buffet style typically close fairly early. During the festival these stores will stay open later than normal and some will even have free food. They will be a lot busier than usual and in some of them you may even have to queue for your food. The vegetarian society of Chiang Mai offer some free food and are open every day from 6.00 AM until 2:00 PM including Saturday and Sunday (they are normally closed on these days.) As always, everything is 100% vegan. You need to wash your own dishes before you leave.
2. Western Style Vegetarian Restaurants will have events, discounts and special offers.
Khun Churn are offering their lunchtime buffet in the evening times as well. 169 BAHT. This is usually only at lunchtimes. This is for the duration of the festival.
Amrita Garden are offering a dinner buffet on the 16th October and a lunchtime buffet on 18th October.
Cafe Din Dee are offering 10% off from all their food that is vegan for the duration of the festival.
As I find out about more offers, I will add them here.
3. There are stalls set up around the city selling only vegan food.
I have seen stalls at Tapae Gate and temples such as Wat Upakhut at the start of Chang Klan Road in town and other local temples in and outside of the centre. Maya mall has a huge area with stalls set up every evening from 4PM until 10 PM.
4. Chain Stores will have ready made take away vegan food.
7-Eleven, Tesco Lotus, S N P Bakery, Black Canyon Cafe and other chain stores will have special jey menus and pre-packed ready to eat jey food. This has begun already since about one week ago and you can probably expect it to last until the end of the month.
5. Non veg places will sell vegan food.
Your local market will have special vegan food stalls and regular restaurants will offer vegan food in their menu. Personally, I urge you to support the restaurants that actually serve vegan food all year round where possible.
Eat well and enjoy your festival! It's a very convenient month for us this month!
Dee x
