Bodhi Tree Cafe strictly serves Western and Thai vegetarian dishes, but vegans will be pleased to hear that there are also many of egg, butter, milk, yogurt, and honey-free finds on the menu, as well. Lotus is the heart and soul of the kitchen at Bodhi Tree Cafe, and she and her staff of all women will certainly make you feel at home as you indulge in the sweet finds here. The long-term goal of the cafe is to create a community made up of like-minded human beings, made up of both locals and travelers alike.

Old-timers still call this establishment “Bodhi Tree Cafe 2”, even though Cafe 1 closed down some time ago, leaving this former extension as the only Bodhi in town. The place is a little hard to find, given its location in a back alley down Chiang Mai Old City, but one visit is worth it for devoted vegans and vegetarians. The menu consists of vegetarian Thai, fusion Western, and raw food; you’ll enjoy your meal in a homey, rustic setting, with a choice of outdoor and indoor seating.

Bodhi Tree Cafe’s rustic ambience transports you back to your backpacker days, many young travellers sitting cross legged on one of the low tables, eagerly scribbling their adventures into their journals. All ingredients used when possible come from the cafe’s very own garden. Dried herbs and fruits are homemade and so are the incredibly delicious and unique tasting mayonnaise, nut milks and yoghurts which are a culinary highlight not just for vegans.

Bodhi Tree Cafe 2 | We ate here on our last day and were sad, we hadn’t tried it earlier. Right in the most hectic corner of the Old Town, but located in a tranquil side alley, Bodhi Tree Cafe dishes up delicious homemade meals and drinks. It is a cafe, but also a social space with a yoga room on the top floor and a few basic rooms for accommodation. The Tom Yam soup I ordered here was definitely the best Thai dish I ate throughout the trip!

I'd have to stay, that of all the vegetarian restaurants in Chiang Mai, the Bodhi Tree Cafe is, in my opinion, the best. It is set in the shadow of one of the many temples in the heart of Chiang Mai - but off the main drag, making it a peaceful place to eat. It is also the best spot in the city for raw dishes, and is even raw-vegan friendly, which is a rarity anywhere.

Congee is delicious for breakfast, but you may want to mix it up every now and then. Undoubtedly, the Coffee Club or Burger King will tempt you through their sparkly double doors with the lure of acai bowls and a good ol’ English breakfast. Fortunately, Bodhi Tree Cafe is twice as tasty as these big chains, and half the price.

Bodhi Tree Cafe – A cozy cafe for the mind, body, and soul with yoga classes on the roof, an array of interesting people to get chatting to, and of course delicious smelling and tasting vegan dishes that are both healthy and creative. Relax with a coffee on cushions or sit with friends and discuss the meaning of life.

Bodhi Tree is the first restaurant we went to and it was really good, cheap and the staff is very friendly. They serve traditional food, smoothies and coconuts. You can also book a room upstairs or join their yoga classes.

Bodhi Tree Cafe is a vegetarian restaurant located in Old City. I only went to Bodhi Tree Cafe one time, and I did not take a picture of my meal. I ordered a smoothie and veggie burger.