Based on Chinese Buddhist teachings the festival is a period of spiritual and physical cleansing in reverence to Kwan Yin - The Goddess of Compassion. Also often referred to as the 'female Buddha". The event's origin goes back to the ninteenth century when a wandering chinese opera group fell ill with malaria om the island of Phuket and only recovered by adhering to a strict vegetarian diet and by honoring the gods. Ever since it is believed to bestow good fortune upon those who strict ly observe the ritual. 

The rules of the festival prohibit the use of any animal products as well as ingredients like garlic, onions and cilantro. This kind of food is referred to as Chinese Vegan or 'Aharn Jeh' and it's available at many restaurants in Chiang mai. The restaurants are easy to recognize be the yellow flags with Chinese red letters on them. Beside "Aharn jeh' there is also the 'Aharn-mang-sa-wi-rat', which means include egg and milk products. Great to know if you wish to enjoy a delicious omelet :)

For those who are less concerned about the festival's religious aspects and simply wish to enjoy the eating of food that don't include the killing of animals will find a great opportunity to do so during this period. Many restaurants offer special vegetarian menus and there are plenty of street stalls that are set up specifically for this event. This comes in addition to the large number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants that are spread throughout the city. 

Please check out our adapted Google map for some of our favorite vegetarian eateries. Being a vegetarian for over 12 years i've had the fortune to enjoy Gourmet vegetarian food all over the world, but i have to say that Chiang Mai is probably my favorite place since it offers such a great variety and high quality vegetarian restaurants. 

Adapted by Jan Friman from feature article in Chiang mai Dining Guide, vol 12, oct-nov 2009

Follow us at Twitter @thenorthernrose >