Gymkhana Club

SETTING

There are few locations in the kingdom as stunning as the 107-year-old Chiengmai Gymkhana Club. The country’s oldest sports club sits in the heart of Chiang Mai city amidst an oasis of gargantuan raintrees, a verdant golf club and a distinguished colonial-style clubhouse. Non-members are welcome. Sit on the verandah and enjoy views which are virtually unchanged in nearly 110 years, or take a meal in the sophisticated dining facilities.

FOOD

Although Thai, Western and Japanese food is served, the highlight of the kitchen is its Chinese and seafood dishes. Flown in fresh from the Gulf of Thailand a couple of times a week, the gigantic lobsters, succulent fresh fish and crustaceans are undoubtedly the city’s freshest seafood offerings. Sashimi lobster dipped in wasabi is so fresh you can virtually hear the waves crashing with every bite, and snapper and pomfret cooked in multiple ways rival those of any seaside restaurant. The chef also recommends chinese liquor roast chicken which arrives tender and fragrant from the wine. Food is served all day and the noodle dishes such as the Shanghai or Hokkian-style preparations are delicious.

WINES

Sadly the wine menu does not do the cuisine justice, which is why most diners looking for a proper feast bring their own bottles. However, decent table wines are available for even more decent rates.

SERVICE

Members of the club have been complaining of the service for nearly a century and changes are not likely to happen soon. The staff is poorly trained, but eager to help.

PRICE

A regular meal for two will not cost more than 600 baht, but for a full-on Chinese or seafood banquet, expect to pay up to 1,500 baht for an eight- dish meal for two.

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