Tom Yum Yen Ta Fo at Ratchawong Fish Ball Shop, Chiang Rai Province

Tom Yum Yen Ta Fo at Ratchawong Fish Ball Shop, Chiang Rai Province

When talking about Chiang Rai, besides mountain views, beautiful temples, and the captivating Northern atmosphere, local food is something mr.hotsia never misses. Especially the “Tom Yum Yen Ta Fo” at Ratchawong Fish Ball Shop, located in the heart of Chiang Rai city. This place is not only known for its fish balls but also for the rich and spicy tom yum broth that lingers on the tongue, making you want to come back for many more servings.

The last time mr.hotsia had the chance to visit Chiang Rai, I stayed at Sooknirand Hotel, which is located next to the Chiang Rai Clock Tower. The location is very convenient, close to the morning market, evening market, and the Saturday walking street called “Kad Chiang Rai Ram Luek.” Getting to Ratchawong Fish Ball Shop was easy, just a few minutes’ walk or motorcycle ride from the hotel. The shop is filled with the aroma of tom yum spices and hot broth that whets the appetite perfectly.

This is an old shop that mr.hotsia discovered by chance while strolling around Chiang Rai city (for those interested in the city atmosphere and evening markets, you can read more in the articleStrolling Around Chiang Rai City). I ordered the first bowl of Tom Yum Yen Ta Fo. The tom yum flavor was intense with a perfect balance of sourness and spiciness. The broth was bright red and flavorful without being overwhelmingly spicy. The fish balls were firm, bouncy, and crunchy. Side ingredients like fish wontons and boiled pork blood added variety to the bowl, keeping it interesting.

Compared to other restaurants in Chiang Rai city, mr.hotsia rates Ratchawong Fish Ball Shop highly for the freshness of ingredients and the non-greasy taste. The tom yum broth here is not just spicy but has a balanced dimension of sour, sweet, and salty flavors. It’s perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and want a change from the usual Yen Ta Fo.

Importantly, the price is very affordable, around 40-50 baht per bowl. This is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy delicious food in Chiang Rai without spending much. Just like when I stayed at Sooknirand Hotel, a budget-friendly and quality hotel in Chiang Rai city (read the review atBudget-Friendly and Quality Hotels in Chiang Rai City), this trip ended with both a full stomach and a happy heart.

Atmosphere and Lifestyle at Ratchawong Fish Ball Shop

This shop has a simple roadside atmosphere but is filled with warmth from locals and tourists who stop by. Many visitors to Chiang Rai come here to enjoy Tom Yum Yen Ta Fo before strolling the walking street or after visiting the nearby Wat Rong Khun (recommended to read about Wat Rong Khun atWat Rong Khun, the White Temple of Chiang Rai)

). mr.hotsia enjoys observing the lifestyle here because besides enjoying delicious food, you also see the friendly interactions between vendors and customers, feeling like part of the Chiang Rai community that hasn’t been overly commercialized for tourism.

Especially if you come in the morning or evening, you can see the fresh markets and shops around selling fresh produce, local snacks, and the famous Yellow Truck Coffee of Chiang Rai (for those interested in Yellow Truck Coffee, read more atYellow Truck Coffee, Clock Tower, Chiang Rai). Stopping by Ratchawong Fish Ball Shop feels like recharging before continuing to explore the city or driving to Doi Chang, which is not far away (read the review atDriving Trip to Doi Chang)

).

Tips from mr.hotsia for Tom Yum Yen Ta Fo Lovers

• For those planning to try Tom Yum Yen Ta Fo at Ratchawong Fish Ball Shop, here are some small tips from mr.hotsia:
• Visit in the morning or evening when the shop is lively and you can experience the authentic Chiang Rai community atmosphere.
• Don’t forget to order a variety of side ingredients like fish wontons, fish balls, and boiled pork blood to add delicious variety to your bowl.
• If you don’t like it spicy, you can tell the staff. They are happy to adjust the flavor to suit every customer.

Continue your stroll at the Saturday walking street “Kad Chiang Rai Ram Luek,” which is not far from the shop. This is an activity mr.hotsia recommends for weekend visitors to Chiang Rai.

Tom Yum Yen Ta Fo at Ratchawong Fish Ball Shop is not just an ordinary restaurant but a connection point between local flavors and the lifestyle of Chiang Rai people that still preserves authenticity well. If you come to Chiang Rai and want to try something different from typical Northern food, come here. mr.hotsia guarantees you won’t be disappointed.For those interested in planning a full Chiang Rai trip including accommodation, food, and attractions, you can also follow other articles by mr.hotsia such asStrolling Around Chiang Rai Cityor visit the beauty ofWat Rong Khun

which is not far from the city center.

Watch mr.hotsia’s review of Tom Yum Yen Ta Fo at Ratchawong Fish Ball ShopFor those who want to see real images and atmosphere from this shop, you can watch the video on mr.hotsia’s YouTube channel at this link:Tom Yum Yen Ta Fo at Ratchawong Fish Ball Shop, Chiang Rai Province