Khan-Asa

Khan-Asa

Written by Hawaii-50

Sunday, 10 September 2006

The Khan Asa Pub and Restaurant is located right on the moat which surrounds the original Chiang Mai town. Sripoom Road which separates it from the canal is lined by towering "flaming" trees". From the exterior, this eatery appears more like someone's private large living room than a public space. Inside, one immediately feels the friendly, relaxed and comfortable atmosphere as Somchai Khan-asa (mostly known as Nong) or his wife Pou, the owners, will personally greet you and offer you a table. The restaurant sits about 30 inside with tables well set apart to offer a little privacy, though the loud music will deter you from any intimate conversation. There are 4 more tables outside on the sidewalk. Most of the clientele is composed of young Thai professionals and working foreigners. Customers come for their dinners and stay on for the music personally selected by Nong, a career music reviewer. Nong will be the first one to tell you that "a large number of my clients come over for the great food, the fabulous music, and the very friendly bar staff. As many are aware of my music critic background, much of my time is spent discussing current music trends and all time favourites. Currently, my main bartender is covered with tattoos, so he has become a great conversation topic." Most ordered food items include Phla hoy nang rom (spicy oyster salad), Khao pad nam prik rong rua (fried rice seasoned with chilly paste), Kaeng pa neua kem (spicy vegetable soup with salty dry beef). The cheapest dish is Som tum (papaya salad) at 60 baht, while the most expensive is Pla krapong tod nam pla (deep fried marinated sea bass) at 200 baht. Cocktail prices vary from 75 to 130 baht, spirits from 160 to 1,190 baht per bottle, while selected wines are also available between 60 and 240 baht per glass. Live bands are featured 2 evenings a month with schedules published well in advance. The Khan-asa Pub and Restaurant opened its door to the public 3 years ago. Nong is also the owner-publisher of the "Chiang Mai HIP Magazine", a free publication which concentrates purely on the social and entertainment scene in Chiang Mai. The HIP Guesthouse, which comprises of 9 rooms, is right next door. The nightly 500 baht rate includes air conditioning, hot water, cable TV and free internet. Khan-asa is located at 87 Sripoom Road, Tambon Sripoom, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai 50200. It is open nightly from 6pm till midnight and closed 2 days a month. Tel./Fax: (053) 213 037 Mob.: 086 654 6956 E-mail: khan_asa17@hotmail.com Images of Khun-Asa