Chiang Rai — Review by RainaisCrazy
Tustin, United States — Thai
Chiang Rai is a Michelin guided Thai restaurant in Tustin that impressed with a diverse menu and beautiful Thailand-inspired interior. The reviewer enjoyed multiple standout dishes including papaya salad, crispy pork belly, soft shell crab omelette, and Thai tea French toast dessert, with the papaya salad being the favorite for its texture and sauce.
What was great: Papaya salad with crunchy texture and great sauce, juicy fried chicken with sticky rice, crispy pork belly, soft shell crab omelette, flavorful fried pork neck with excellent crust and dipping sauce, Thai tea French toast dessert, beautiful interior reminiscent of Thailand, Michelin guided restaurant with extensive menu
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Chiang Rai offers an impressive array of Thai dishes that showcase authentic flavors and careful preparation. The meal began with a Thai tea float paired with papaya salad and fried chicken. The papaya salad stood out with its refreshing crunch and excellent sauce pairing, while the fried chicken impressed with its juiciness and perfect complement of sticky rice. The spicy Thai fried rice delivered notable heat and depth of flavor. The crispy pork belly served as the protein choice was incredibly juicy with a satisfying crunch. A soft shell crab omelette showcased beautifully fried crab meat encased in a creamy omelette that balanced texture and flavor perfectly.
The curry noodle dish called casoy provided savory satisfaction with interesting toppings that added a crucial crunchy element. Fried pork neck emerged as another standout, featuring delicious flavoring, an excellent crust, and a dipping sauce that elevated the dish. The meal concluded with Thai tea pen, essentially a French toast smothered in Thai tea cream and paired with coconut ice cream. This dessert proved addictive without being overly heavy, providing the perfect ending to the meal.
The Experience
The restaurant itself makes a strong impression with a beautiful interior design that effectively captures the essence and aesthetic of Thailand. The atmosphere appears welcoming and immersive, creating an authentic dining experience that extends beyond just the food quality.
Value and Pricing
As a Michelin guided establishment, the restaurant clearly commands premium pricing, though specific prices were not mentioned in the review.
Notable Moments
I think the favorite dish of I had today was actually the papaya salad because of the nice texture it had and I love the sauce it came with it. Tyu is just so amazing.
Let them know why I sent you. And if you visit, you can come get my stickers for free at the Tustin location.
The Verdict
Chiang Rai comes highly recommended for Thai cuisine enthusiasts seeking authentic flavors and a beautiful dining environment. The extensive menu offers something for everyone, and the quality of execution across multiple dishes confirms why this restaurant has earned Michelin recognition. It's a must-visit destination for anyone in the Tustin area wanting exceptional Thai food.