What is it:
Despite their playfully blue name, Chiang Mai’s legendary salad spot is a favourite among families, officials and critics alike. Brainchild of two friends, a small salad plantation has turned into a fresh produce empire, serving restaurants and stores in Chiang Mai, Bangkok and other major cities as they continue to grow.
Why we love it:
While you can’t beat a good salad, servings come as exceptionally large portions to make sure you’re really full of green goodness. With a love for family and the idea of mothers both feeding and eating well, their concepts are inspired by what they think is best for the soul. While they don’t shy away from the odd deep-fried morsel or rack of ribs lathered in barbecue sauce, most dishes would make your gym trainer proud you chose it over a burger – even if the portions are monster-sized. Oh and we also love the name – a wordplay on ‘Au’ and ‘Jo’, the nicknames of the founders who love to lean into the joke with the odd phallic symbol or suspiciously feminine shell shaped urinals.
Time Out tip:
Don’t bother with the ‘salad for the table’ impulse order because you think your dish looks quite small in the picture. We’ve never had anything served to us on a plate or bowl smaller than 12 inches – be prepared to take a meal of leftovers home once you’re done.
Ohkajhu Sansai (original branch). 061 274 9977. 9am-9pm.