Social enterprise restaurant est. 2009 serving healthy, vegan food. Menu is based on Shan, Burmese, Thai, and western breakfast dishes. Operates a zero waste kitchen working with local organic farmers. Makes almond and coconut milk for coffee and tea. Smoothie bowls, juices, and milkshakes are on offer as well as cakes, pies, brownies, and ice cream. Ingredients are listed for each dish. In the same compound is My Best Life CNX and a charity thrift store. Air-con room inside & outside dog-friendly seating. Computer use allowed and has power outlets. Note that whilst the cafe is vegan, items with beeswax are sold on the premises. Previously at 116 Maneenoparat Rd. Open Tue 9:00am-5:00pm, Wed-Thu 9:00am-8:00pm, Fri 9:00am-10:00pm, Sat 9:00am-8:00pm, Sun 9:00am-5:00pm. Closed Mon.
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14 Sirimankalajarn Soi 9, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 50300
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Last update on 12 Dec 2025 by LilacHippy
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182 Reviews
First Review by eatyourveggies
Noellec
Points +241
Amazing place! - Edit
Review 2025 (new location):
Read moreWhat a cozy place! The prices are quite high but the food, drinks and vibes are very nice.
We had:
- stuffed tofu (ordered without coriander!)
- miso ramen
- thai milk tea (hot)
- mango kefir yoghurt (is with ice by default, so order without if you don’t want)
Will come back 🤩
Review 2018 (old location):
Such an amazing and inspiring place. Had a great pancake and smoothie, and loved sitting there surrounded by all the decorations. Not only do they serve amazing vegan food there (which I wished I would've gotten the chance to try all), they also sell 2ndhand books, goods and clothes, and other sustainable products.
Updated from previous review on 2025-12-20
Guest
frankinjection
Points +1388
Perfect Bali Vibes - Edit
Thrift store, vegan treats, relaxing and centering atmosphere and super delicious and nutritious bowls. What more can you ask from a morning?
Read morelisabyrd
Thank you so much for the lovely review, we hope to serve you again soon!
Read moreGuest
niniilein
Points +120
Lovely place - Edit
Es ist ein sehr schönes Restaurant mit freundlichen Mitarbeitern und sehr leckerem Essen. Große Auswahl, nett angerichtet. Sehr guter Service.
Read moreEbenfalls gibt es einen kleinen Laden. Es werden soziale Projekte finanziell gefördert.
Updated from previous review on 2025-11-08
Pros: Leckeres Essen, Nettes Personal, Schöne Atmosphäre
lisabyrd
Wow, thank you for the lovely review and photos!
Read moreGuest
Jeff81
Points +432
Disappointed - Edit
Two of us recently ate there, and neither of us enjoyed the taste of our meal. It was poorly seasoned and the recipes were uninspired. It appeared that very little effort was made to prepare an appealing dish.
Read moreIn addition, the portion sizes were quite small even though the price charged was above average for vegan food in Chiang Mai. With the abundance of fresh vegatables and other ingredients available in Chiang Mai, it is a shame that Freebird doesn't make more of an effort.
Updated from previous review on 2025-10-25
Guest
AlexMarc
Points +361
Such a nice vibe! - Edit
I love this place, so much that I booked some accommodation nearby so I could eat here regularly! It has a very chilled out vibe, especially the outdoor bit where you can relax and listen to the water feature and wind chimes while waiting for your food - totally zen!
Read moreEverything I’ve tried so far has been delicious, and for the first time I’ve been able experience Burmese dishes and flavours. So good.
Much of the food is gluten-free (which I need), and is clearly labelled. They claim that they cook the gluten-free food in separate pots and pans, according to the info on their menu.
I don’t understand the recent bad reviews at all! Friendly staff, quick service, great food and portion sizes, not as expensive as some reviews make out. Pretty average costs for a wellness-focused vegan cafe.
Updated from previous review on 2025-10-23
Pros: Very chilled , Great tasting food , Lots of gluten-free
lisabyrd
Thank you so much for your lovely and honest review, so glad you like the zen spot outside and our food, thank you for staying nearby, I do that when I travel too, must have good food nearby. We hope to serve you again soon.
Read moreGuest
ppandya
Points +145
Over rated and over priced - Edit
All packaging and posturing. Stingy portions. We liked the place, ambiance and the fact they they have their own eco system and store they support. The menu looks good too. The portions are so stingy given the price that you have to order minimum 3 main items for a real meal and that just makes the place way overpriced.
Read moreIf you wanted to have some side items or starter items this would be $$$$$$$$$$ on a scale of $-$$$.
Pros: Not your standard fare, Burmese flavors in Thailand, Ambiance
Cons: Super tiny stingy portions, Waaaaayyyyy overpriced, Don’t expect to walk out satisfied
Guest
tristbrook
Points +66
Great food, lots of options! - Edit
We had a couple cocktails, Shan Creamy Tofu Salad, Thai Khao Soi, Sesame tots and the Snickers bar. All of it absolutely delicious!
Read moreIt’s a little pricey for Thailand at a total of around 775bhat (£18). So not somewhere we’d go for every meal. But back in the UK the same meal would be a least £50-£60.
Didn’t meet the owner as the other reviewer did so can’t comment on that, but for us it was a pretty relaxed vibe.
Updated from previous review on 2025-09-11
lisabyrd
Thank you for your review, so glad you found us and we hope you had a lovely time in CNX.
Read moreGuest
catandcupcake
Points +7568
Excellent place - Edit
Fab initiative, charity shop with vegan cafe. Lovely space inside. We weren't too hungry but what we tried was delicious. Could stay here for hours.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-07-06
lisabyrd
Thank you so much for your review and spending time with us, we hope to serve you again soon!
Read moreGuest
sourdoughbutch
Points +123
Racist, rude owner - Edit
HAPPY COW WONT ALLOW ONE STAR
Read moreThe staff were gorgeous and the food we had was good. However, the white American owner was awful.
We witnessed her abusive, racist behaviour towards her staff. She very sternly talked down to a staff member repeatedly in front of customers, making not only staff uncomfortable but also customers. It was as if she was telling off a naughty child, acting as if the staff member was incompetent and punishing her for the smallest things.
She told off the staff member for using basic Thai phrases with customers (e.g. thank you) and criticised her pronunciations of English words. This is unacceptable as we tourists are in Thailand and should all be completely prepared and excited to hear Thai language, and grateful to Thai people for learning English to communicate with foreigners. She clearly enjoys being condescending and having the upper hand by only communicating with her staff in English.
We heard her speaking rudely and condescendingly to staff throughout our meal, completely ruining the atmosphere. My friends and I felt very tense and uncomfortable, and felt on edge and watched for the remainder of our brunch. We all felt relieved once we had left the cafe and the tense environment.
For someone who is has posters on the walls about workers' rights and repeatedly replies to reviews mentioning the cafe's good working conditions, her attitude and behaviour are not those of someone who lives by her words. The whole thing felt very performative and for show.
I want to reiterate that the staff were amazing, especially while working under these conditions. They must feel so under pressure and on edge throughout their shifts.
I should have read more Google reviews before coming here. When she is criticised for her abusive behaviour, she is extremely defensive and quick to write angry paragraphs accusing the customers of being rude. She even writes about checking the cameras and acts as though she can remember every customer and order. She also admits that she should have talked to/yelled at her staff in private, which is not much better for the poor staff members. She is obviously insecure and revels in her power and white saviour complex.
I will never support this cafe again, and there are so many other places in Chiang Mai that are Thai owned and run that I could recommend. I suggest that the owner has a think about her actions and the many, many customers who have alerted her and the public to her terrible behaviour.
Updated from previous review on 2025-07-04
Cons: Horrible owner, Poor treatment of staff, Tense atmoshere
lisabyrd
Hi, I am just seeing this review here on Happy Cow, so I will copy my reply from Google, for the sake of others who may wish to see my reply.
Read moreThank you for taking the time to share your experience. I’m truly sorry that your visit felt uncomfortable.
That said, I’d like to clarify a few things. The interaction you overheard was a brief and necessary correction between myself and our manager, who has worked closely with me, every day, for over 11 years. We take holidays together, in the past we were roomates, she is my equal, not a subservient under an oppressor. She also calls me out and corrects me when I am wrong. It was not about language, nor was it racially motivated. It was about a serious thing that happened earlier. She is not Thai, and I absolutely support our staff using Thai, Shan, Burmese, and English with customers depending on the context to avoid misunderstandings. This is something we actively encourage and value. Since Thai is not her language, it wouldn't make sense to force her to speak it all of the time either. I also speak fluent Thai and communicate with both staff and customers in multiple languages.
The issue at hand had already been discussed in private and I was still quite upset, so yes, you could sense my mood in my curt replies to her. But obviously, from your remarks, you didn't hear or understand at all what we were talking about. To characterize a few minute conversation as abusive or oppressive is both inaccurate and unfair—not just to me, but to the team we’ve built over the last 16 years. Many of our staff members have stayed with us for over a decade, not because they are under pressure, but because they feel respected, empowered, and well-supported. If our workplace were as toxic as you described, that simply wouldn’t be the case, especially in a city where you can find a job in a cafe within a stones throw.
You mention that many, many customers have raised similar concerns. That is factually untrue. Out of close to 1,000 reviews here over 16 years, there are only three that refer to a moment where I corrected a staff member in front of customers. In each case, I’ve acknowledged the need for more discretion and have taken that feedback seriously. But to claim that numerous people have been “warning the public” is an exaggeration that doesn’t reflect reality.
We do review video footage when issues are raised-to seek clarity, make improvements, and take accountability when we are in the wrong. That includes myself.
Guest
sophie____
Points +413
Everything stunning 💚 - Edit
Super yummy, lovely service, and the whole place is so nice 💚💚💚 will def be coming back
Read morePros: Thai ‘omlette’, Chill ambience, Shop
lisabyrd
Thank you so much for your review and cute photos!
Read moreGuest
DominiqueIsis
Points +398
Espacio muy agradable - Edit
Muy cómodo y grande el lugar, la comida muy rica excelente atención
Read morePros: Tienen productos veganos a la venta, Tienen ropa a la venta justo al lado, Muy rápido todo
lisabyrd
Thank you!
Read moreGuest
peanutbella
Points +118
good circle consept - Edit
Spending money here is putting money to great causes. It’s a non-profit organization where the money goes to the Shan people. The food is good, real and vegan. They have a great variety. The portions could have been more generous, but still 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read morelisabyrd
So happy you loved our food, thank you for the review!
Read moreGuest
food4ricky
Points +2203
Good food, good cause - Edit
Very sympathetic cafe, which donates their profit to projects for Burmese fugitives.
Read moreFood is good! In Pai I visited the cafe multiple times. Here I had the chickpea omelette over rice for breakfast, which was really good. Accompanied by a carrot juice.
Nice store, friendly staff.
However, only 4 stars because the items on the menu were more expensive than in Pai.
lisabyrd
Hi, so happy you loved our food, I hope you could also see that in Chiang Mai, we have a much larger location, larger menu, a/c room, triple the staff and event space, thrift store, in a high market value area of town, of course our overhead is higher, therefore our prices are higher than Pai, where we have a smaller location, menu, team and grow many of our veggies.
Read moreGuest
gracie777
Points +73
Food Ok- but bland - Staff unfriendly - Edit
Food not cooked fresh, as soon as you order, food comes in about 4 minutes. I hope they don’t use a microwave to heat the food.😒#Veganuary
Read morelisabyrd
Hi, owner here, I will clarify that we don't even have a microwave, never have. We do have a well organized and efficient kitchen where every single dish is cooked from scratch, we don't even batch cook things except for dipping sauces, vegan cheese and tofu which we make fresh daily. Most people are happy about food that comes out fast, sorry that it made you feel that it was rewarmed, I hope you feel better knowing it def wasn't.
Read moreGuest
ashferns23
Points +1379
Great concept, tasty food - Edit
Amazing spot to drop by for food, conversations, used clothes and sharing with the community. They have a great mission.
Read moreFood was good, but portions were small for the price. Menu has dishes inspired from Myanmar.
Service was quick, but it’s a bit inconvenient, coz you need to go to the cash counter and you place your order and pay in advance, so Not ideal for a big group.
Also was a bit surprised to receive the brownie we ordered, handed over to us, wrapped in a piece of paper and not served on a plate.
Pros: Good mission , Good vibe
Cons: Expensive , Small portions
lisabyrd
Hi, our staff should have asked if you wanted the brownie on a plate, a lot of people are so full from their food that they just take it home, so the wrapping is convenient. And I should clarify that ordering at the counter and paying when ordering is very common in Thailand and ensures that the order goes to the kitchen promptly and can be made fresh and quick, it works great for large groups, of which we serve many.
Read moreGuest
marionMainadi
Points +114
Happy safe place 🤩 - Edit
Found it without looking at the app but it was so cool ! We tried appetizers and limo matcha, then I was so happy to try a veg version of Khao soi !
Read moreNice staff and even found nice clothing pieces in the second hand store.
Would definitely recommend !
Pros: Nice staff, Calm and peaceful , chill space , Good food
lisabyrd
Thank you so much for the lovely review, happy that you were able to try our vegan Khao Soi, (we make vegan versions of local dishes because I myself love to try local, authentic food when traveling but often can't find a vegan version) and something in our thrift store. We hope to serve you again someday!
Read moreGuest
VancityVeganWendy
Points +129
Delicious and filling, with a side of a great cause - Edit
Pancake was big and delicious couldn’t finish and def didn’t need the banana fritters but they were also delicious as was the stuffed French toast my breaky companion had
Read moreHighly Recommended
Pros: Cause
lisabyrd
So happy you loved our food, thank you for the review!
Read moreGuest
vannyy.o
Points +1937
One of our favorite Breaky spots! ✨ - Edit
Seems like they’ve updated their menu. They have amazing breakfast, lunch & dinner options. We’ve been there for breakfast twice and loved it! They have traditional and international food options on the menu, also nice drinks & desserts. Would highly recommend the matcha-affogato, vegan omelet with rice & Mac n cheese. Also great smoothie bowls.
Read morelisabyrd
Thank you so much for noticing! We do update our menu yearly, so happy you like the new and classic options. We hope to serve you again soon.
Read moreGuest
BeaGomez
Points +109
A haven of goodness - Edit
Ordered some of their cheesy dishes because as a vegan with a bad cashew allergy, I was excited to find vegan Mac and cheese that had a creamy cheese not made of cashew, and that Mac and cheese did not disappoint!
Read moreNot only does Free Bird offer delicious, vegan food, they offer many eco conscious products, incredible thrift options, and community events.
They have weekly events, like the Women's Lunch on Wednesdays, and special events to check out.
Pros: Community space to make connections
lisabyrd
Thank you so much for the review, I am so glad you loved our nut free vegan cheese :)
Read moreGuest
JuajanChuwera
Points +17
อร่อย - Edit
ฮัมมุสอร่อย ปริมาณอาหารต่อจานเยอะมาก
Read morePros: อาหาร, บริการ, บรรยากาศดี
Cons: ไม่มี, -, -
lisabyrd
Thank you!
Read moreGuest
zozosnax
Points +149
Amazing - Edit
This is a cafe restaurant, community space, shop and second hand store all in one. It’s a great place to relax, and the food is delicious. Would absolutely go here again!
Read morelisabyrd
Thank you so much!
Read moreGuest
BonnyDiesels
Points +143
Super - Edit
Leuke zaak voor het goede doel. Ik nam een fruit juice en had hem binnen 2 minuten en erg lekker.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-10-05
Pros: Goede doel
lisabyrd
Thank you!
Read moreGuest
Florian2410
Points +96
Great concept, good food - Edit
Had a yummy lunch at this place. Friendly staff. Very casual.
Read morelisabyrd
Thank you so much!
Read moreGuest
ColmMutton
Points +649
Incredible space and food - Edit
If you’re in Chiang Mai you must visit! The space is amazing and the food was delicious. It was very sustainable, inclusive, LGBT friendly. Staff were very polite and attentive.
Read morePros: Massive menu, Quick service, Great atmosphere
lisabyrd
Thank you so much, I am glad you enjoyed our food and vibes :)
Read moreGuest
jollyhoe
Points +971
Amazing! - Edit
Such a brilliant cafe. Amazing food with a great variety of dishes.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-06-25
lisabyrd
Thank you so much!
Read moreGuest
SharonR
Points +3374
No waste restaurant - Edit
Tried the kao soy (yellow curry) and a chickpea tofu dish. Both pretty good.
Read moreLots of sitting available. The restaurant also appears to serve as a community space, there was a large group having lunch and what seemed like their regular meeting.
Updated from previous review on 2024-06-15
Guest
Fourfold
Points +563
Fab lunch spot with really good tasty food, all for a good cause - Edit
Very pleasant vibe and excellent choices. Very polite staff. We had crispy tofu salad with roti, Thai chick pea omelette over rice, crispy miso ramen soup and rainbow pad Thai. All dishes were excellent.
Read morePros: Fab food, Nice vibe, Good cause
Guest
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