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Staff Writer

May Kaidee's vegetarian Thai 'soul food' has been popular among Bangkok's vegetarians, vegans and 'in-the-know' foodies for over 20 years now.  

Since the restaurant's humble beginnings, founder May Kaidee (pronounced 'My' Kaidee), has gone on to open two more outlets in Bangkok, all within walking distance of Khao Sarn Road, along with a branch in Chiang Mai.
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While a good deal of the restaurant's reputation has come through 'word of mouth' recommendations, its fame has also spread globally, having been featured in the New York Times. Nevertheless, the restaurant still manages to retain its renowned laid back, backpacker-friendly appeal. And, thankfully, it also doesn't seem as though May or any of her staff will be trading in their down-to-earth charm for a haughty hi-so approach any time soon.

may_kaidee-04.jpgA 'hidden gem' off Khao Sarn
Two of the three Bangkok branches are located in a quiet alley not far from Khao Sarn Road. The alley is located off Tanao Road, tucked behind a branch of Burger King. This is at the end of Khao Sarn Road that is not located near the police station.

It's a great place to avoid the Khao Sarn crowds, particularly if you head to the restaurant late in the morning for an early lunch. But if you find that there aren't many other customers during your visit, don't fret, it has no reflection on the standard of the dishes served up here.

May Kaidee's other Bangkok branch is located off Samsen Road, while the Chiang Mai branch is located in the old city, off Ratchapakinai Road.

Seriously delicious vegetarian fare
The restaurant claims to be one of the 'strictest' in Bangkok in terms of vegetarian and vegan food preparation; if 'strict' vegetarian guidelines means amazing dishes, their efforts certainly do pay off.

I ordered a lunch of Massaman Curry with Potato and Soya Bean Curd, Sweet and Sour Vegetables, with a portion of brown rice. The main dishes were priced at 60 baht (US$1.71) each, while the rice cost 30 baht. The ingredients used in the dishes, along with the brown rice, were all very fresh, and the Massaman was by far the best I've ever sampled.

Other popular Thai dishes available at May Kaidee include: Pad Thai (60 baht); Kaeng Khiew Wan ('Thai Green Curry', 60 baht); and Tom Yum (60 baht). The restaurant also offers up some lesser-known dishes, such as Steamed Vegetables in Red Curry with Coconut Milk (70 baht) and Banana Flower Salad (60 baht).
 


Learn from the leaders
It's also possible to learn some of May's culinary secrets through her popular cooking courses, which run Sunday through Friday from 9.30 am-1 pm (1,200 baht per person). These are usually immensely popular, particularly among folks staying in the nearby Khao Sarn Road area, so reservations are recommended. This can be carried out at May Kaidee's website .
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Fruit carving courses are held daily, while on Saturdays, the restaurant holds an all-you-can-eat buffet (90 baht) starting at 8 pm.

Thanks to her culinary exploits, May has gotten to visit many corners of the globe, where she has taught cooking courses and appeared on TV.

So for seriously delicious and healthy vegetarian fare, pay a visit to one of Bangkok's true 'foodie gems'.

For further information or to make a reservation at the Bangkok branches of May Kaidee, call Tel: +66 (0)89 127 3173. May Kaidee's other Bangkok branch is located off Samsen Road, while the Chiang Mai branch is located in the old city, off Ratchapakinai Road. You can contact the Chiang Mai outlet at Tel: +66 (0)87 717 5275.

For further general information on May Kaidee, visit the restaurant's website .

Transport connections:
Bus: Khao Sarn Road is located near Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen Klang Road. Air-conditioned bus numbers 6, 12, 32, 33, 39, 44, 59, 60, 68, 70, 79, 82, 157, 159, 170, 171, 174, 183, 203, 509, 511, 512, 516, and 556, all service this part of town.