Places We Love: Jagajee & Bar Fry in Chiang Mai
This has to be the best place to eat in Chiang Mai. The owner is a Thai who worked and studied in Germany. His European influence is noticeable on the menu and in the decor. But don’t let it fool you. This guy loves Thailand. All of the products he uses for his dishes are local, and are the foundation for his ever-changing menu. He visits the local market every morning and based on what he finds there, he makes up a menu daily. My favorite tapas was the gnocchi, so simple yet so tasteful. He’s always up for a chat, so if you’ve got any questions about one of his dishes, his ingredients or his business’, ask away (provided he’s not swamped, leave him alone in that case).
Next door is Bar Fry, owned by the same guy. They sell high-end French fries. The fries are seriously delicious and come with a great variety of sauces. Being from Holland, we love fries and we hadn’t had decent fries for a long time and these were such a treat. You can order fries while eating at Jagajee.
“We are a simple, but true eatery, trying to tickle your taste buds with tapas from fresh seasonal and locally grown products with minimal seasoning to taste the nature of our tapas.” This is one of the writings on the wall of Jagajee (which means ‘tickling’ in Thai) and it pretty much sums up the food. Great, fresh products made into the best tapas you can find in Asia.
Jagajee Tapas Restaurant / Bar & Bar Fry
1/1 Nimmanhaemin Road Soi 15
(Jagajee is on the main road, near the corner of Soi 15)
Chiang Mai, Thailand.
11 Comments
Steph (@ 20 Years Hence) // // //
I feel a bit ambivalent about visiting Chiang Mai (probably the subject of a different comment/post!), but I’m sure we’ll spend a few days there at least when we make it back to Thailand… when we do, I know where I’m heading! This place looks AMAZING! I miss tapas so much!
Angela // // //
I know, because everybody goes there right? That’s how we felt. Luckily we were able to find an apartment way out of town. At first we rode our bikes to town almost every day, but soon we made our own little bubble where all we saw all day was Thai people. When we emerged from our bubble after a month it was overwhelming to go in to town and see so many white people. What I want to say with this not incredibly relevant story is, Chiang Mai is great. It’s not without reason everyone goes there, but yes, everyone goes there. And you should too. And eat tapas. And write a story about it. And have fries with mayonnaise.
Sofia // // //
I didn’t know about this place when we were in Chiang Mai, good tip for next time though!
Angela // // //
It’s on Nimmanhaemin and the amount of great places to eat there is just too much. I’m sure we missed a million of great places.
Franca // // //
How could we have possibly missed this place after having been to Chiang Mai three times? I love the interior design and the style, I can see the Western influence as you mentioned.
Do they have vegetarian and/or vegan options on their menu? I’m confident we will be back to CM one day.
Angela // // //
Yes they do! The gnocchi was completely vegetarian and they also have some veggie dishes. And I’m pretty sure if you drop by a day in advance the chef will be more than happy to make you some vegetarian/vegan dishes! 🙂
Agness // // //
Damn! How could I miss this place, so cozy! The food looks so nice and there is such a great atmosphere there 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it.
Angela // // //
Next time Agness! I’m pretty sure that everyone that has been to Chiang Mai has plans to come back someday 🙂
Casi @HeyNoobz // // //
Headed to Chiang Mai in two days. I’m definitely trying some of those fries!!
Angela // // //
Nice! Also try the gnocchi, it’s the best! Enjoy Chiang Mai 🙂
Caro // // //
LOVE! We’re in Chiang Mai right now so well be giving it a try tonight! I 100% trust your taste!