Chiang Rai is exactly why you don't judge a book by its cover. You could easily walk by its generic-looking facade, but that would be such a shame indeed. Inside, it's delightfully quirky and colorful with a contemporary vibe. And then there's the food. There is a lengthy Thai menu spotlighting Northern specialties and street food, but skip straight to the Chiang Rai Local Food portion and order away. The kitchen caters to the American palate, so if you're a heat seeker don't be shy about speaking up. Khao soi, a classic northern Thai curry, is given a twist here with thin slices of raw ribeye over thin egg noodles. Hot soup is then ladled over it to gently cook the tender meat while delivering a depth of flavor for a supremely satisfying meal.