Four Seasons Chiang Mai: A Culinary Journey Through Northern Thailand's Seasonal Delights

Nestled in verdant rice paddies and within close proximity to Northern Thailand’s most well known farms, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is idyllic for gourmet dining experiences. Here in the heart of Mae Rim, every season brings with it new flavours and fresh produce. With a star-studded team of chefs, the Resort is quickly emerging as a prime destination for food lovers from all over the world.

Led by the heralded Executive Chef Alvin Dela Cruz, the Resort features award-winning dining concepts that are now very much on the radar of global food enthusiasts. With gratifying grilled to perfection at North by Four Seasons, comfort Thai cuisine at Khao by Four Seasons, exemplary culinary knowledge at Rim Tai Kitchen, and so many other bespoke experiences to choose from, a visit to the Resort is a treat for gastronomic enthusiasts.

Grilled to Perfection

North by Four Seasons is Chef Alvin Dela Cruz’s culinary playground, where traditional spit-fire roasts and rustic open-flame grilling are the central themes. Carefully selected premium cuts of meat and field to fork ingredients are served sizzling at this magnificent patio setting. Seasonality is a core concept with Alvin, and menus are constantly refreshed to accommodate the most recent market arrivals. “Capturing the essence of a tropical destination while retaining my international repertoire of recipes is the opportunity. Our aim is to create an award-winning bouquet of global flavours while still championing this remarkable Thai countryside,” he shares.

Pan Thai Delights

Thai cuisine needs no introduction, but here in Northern Thailand, there are many little nuances that separate the local cuisine from those in other regions of the country. Sous Chef Naruchit Taingtrong is steadily carving out a reputation in renaissance Thai cooking, with his focus on heritage dishes and flavours that he has perfected over the years. His passion for time-honoured techniques and local ingredients has led him to travel across the region in the search for traditional recipes to reinterpret through his innovative approach in the kitchen. Celebrating the diversity in Thai cuisine, the menus at his restaurant follow the seasons, with special focus on local produce and regional flavours. “Every meal is a journey that transcribes the rich culinary landscape of Thailand and is delivered with a spectacular view overlooking the rice-paddies,” he remarks.

Constantly in search of cultural elements with which to embellish his presentation, Sous Chef Taingtrong collaborates with local artisans and craftspersons to create unique tableware. Local classics such as Khao Soi Gai are dressed up to represent more than just a meal – shaped like a lotus, the crispy noodles sit in the middle of a special lotus-leaf shaped plate, with edible flowers as decorates to represent a Resort’s lotus pond.

Leisurely Afternoons

Afternoon Tea is a lesser-known secret at the Resort, as Executive Pastry Chef Yanisa Wiangnon presents a tropical-fruit inspired extravaganza of sweet and savoury treats every day between 1:00 and 5:00 pm. Guided by a commitment to sustainability and eco-consciousness, Chef Wiangnon passionately seeks out local suppliers to source some of her most exotic and unique ingredients. Strawberries are brought in from the Sakura Ichigo farm right here in Mae Rim, where delicious organic fruits are produced year-round. Free-range organic eggs from Hilltribe Organics are the secret to some of her most exceptional baked desserts. Guests can look for an offering of her finest desserts twice every month at her popular Sweet Sensation dessert buffet. Chef Wiangnon’s very own Khao Mak Cheesecake is a bold balance of vernacular fermented rice with the cured local cheese profile of a traditional cheesecake. “My passion lies in sourcing the finest local ingredients and supporting our dedicated farmers. By celebrating the richness of our local harvest, I strive to craft desserts that not only delight the senses but also honour the true essence of our community’s bounty,” explains Wiangnon.

Balanced Menus

Personalized menus are a cornerstone of the dining experience at the Resort, and nourishing recipes, vegan choices, and even ingredient selection options to cater to dietary preferences. Central to Junior Sous Chef Suwattana Boonyarattananusorn’s Cooking Class at Rim Tai Kitchen, fresh herbs and seasonal produce make for those perfect recipes that can be learned in a fun and interactive session. "Through our cooking classes, we hope to not only teach guests the secrets of Thai cuisine but also inspire a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of flavours and traditions that make up our global culinary heritage,” he remarks. The collaborative aspect of a traditional Thai kitchen, where community and families come together to create a meal, is another important aspect of wellbeing that Junior Sous Chef Boonyarattananusorn actively promotes.

Wellness at the Forefront

Every aspect of the wellness cuisine at the Resort is carefully curated by nutritionists, ensuring that each dish meets the highest standards of quality and nutritional balance. From selecting the freshest produce to determining portion sizes that support a healthy lifestyle, the Resort's culinary team prioritizes the well-being of guests at every stage of the dining experience. Understanding that the cooking process can impact the nutritional content of food, the chefs use cooking techniques that preserve the integrity of ingredients while enhancing their flavour and texture. “By carefully considering factors such as temperature and cooking time, we ensure that guests receive the maximum nutritional benefit from every meal without sacrificing taste or quality,” says Chef Alvin Dela Cruz. 

Spirited Beverages

Not to be left out in this line-up of celebrity passionate curators, Bartender Ampon Pinpumboonchu invites guests to try his wellness beverages alongside the more illustrious signature cocktails at Ratree Bar. Mentored by the remarkable Javier de las Muelas, Pinpumboonchu is always innovating, bringing essential Thai local products to the forefront at Ratree Bar. With evocative creations such as Bee’s Knees, Wild Kitchen, and latest concoction The Big Cherry, he is making a splash in the world of mixology.

“There is just so much to savour and enjoy when it comes to food and drink at the Resort,” grins Executive Chef Alvin Dela Cruz. “We want every meal to feel more than just the sum of its parts. Our teams create a narrative with each menu, so that guests feel excited to explore the culinary destination that is Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai!”

Indulge in an unforgettable dining experience at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai. For reservations, reach out at 053 298 181, email fb.chiangmai@fourseasons.com, or connect via the FS Chat App.