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A Moment of Peace

4 Posted on 10 / 06 / 2012

I think the description of the CMVS and the associated reviews of this particular organization are quite accurate and sufficiently informative so as not to warrant further explanation of the CMVS mission statement. As other have stated, the food is remarkably inexpensive! A real treat that. :) The menu changes daily and all items are tasty enough to please. Further, I would offer that the menu is a bit broader than as been suggested. All good things.

What impressed me most, however, was the powerful sense of peace I experienced from the moment I pulled up outside. The interior space is unexpectedly interesting in terms of design...sort of a low budget tropic chic. *laugh* The atmosphere is quiet, open air, somewhat communal, with a very interesting use of space. Its a great way to start the day or briefly break from the world any time of day. Honest smiles, comfortable setting, and good simple food. I love this place.

Pros: Comfortable Setting, Great Price, Great Cause
Cons: Open Air Means Open To Insects (Clean), Clean Your Own Dishes :) (Negative?)

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Good Natural Products and Groceries

5 Posted on 07 / 30 / 2012

Run by the same foundation in BKK. The stores surrounding the rest. have a good supply of many organic and all natural seaweeds, oils, baked goods, supplements, health and beauty products, teas, etc. Also, lots of book info. in mainly Thai about organic gardening and health.

They offer free and very low cost food at the rest. as they are a not for profit organization. The people who volunteer there are lovely.

The food is very basic and bland. It is very macrobiotic in appearance and taste.
Updated from previous review on Thursday December 01, 2011

Pros: cheap, vegan, Good selection

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proletariat heart of compassion

5 Posted on 08 / 16 / 2011

This place is humble, noble, and embodies cooperation and compassion. It is a really fun place to be, watching all the volunteer workers prepare this good energy food, and seeing the people who enjoy eating there. Many people offer prayers before having their lunch. One topping with rice is actually free! That said, no western person should leave without making a contribution. Even if you have an enormous appetite or get overwhelmed by the numerous choices, the price is so, SO inexpensive that it is jaw dropping. Plus, you wash your own dishes! It makes me feel good about my whole day. I definitily recommend this place to friends!

Pros: the pinnacle of noble vegetarianism, a good energy place to be, incredibly humble

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Labor of Love

5 Posted on 08 / 14 / 2011

The Chiang Mai Vegetarian Society is a Thai organization that operates this wonderful restaurant and shop not far from the airport and airport mall.

They are not trying to make money on its operation but seek to provide wholesome vegetarian food and supplies to the community. The food is very basic and extremely inexpensive in their attempt to make it totally affordable to everyone in the community. Do not expect fancy service or elaborate dishes but instead appreciate what they are trying to accomplish.

The store they run has everything a vegetarian needs to cook and this is a godsend here in this area. The prices are great and the staff radiates appreciation for your patronage. Make sure you bring your carry bag as store adheres to a no plastic policy.

Note though that operations are only from 7-14:00 and they are definitely closed on all holidays. Patronizing this establishment is helping to preserve a valuable community asset.

Pros: Staff, Food & Products, Community involvement
Cons: Not open for dinner

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Ok

3 Posted on 04 / 17 / 2009

Ok place for cheap thai food. Not the best kind - they use garlic. There is also a shop selling pills, healthy products.

Pros: Big selection
Cons: Garlic

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Simple food, but very inexpensive!

2 Posted on 06 / 03 / 2008

Was completely shocked at how low the prices were here; noodle soup is 5B (though it's a small bowl), rice with one item is free, with two items 10B, and with three 15B. The food is very healthy, meaning no coconut milk and very little oil. But I found both the noodle soup and my rice dish to be bland, and most of the buffet was either watery curries or plan green vegetables. Didn't have the variety that most Thai veggie places in Chiang Mai have.

Pros: very cheap, healthy food
Cons: plain food, lack of variety