We have a common kitchen and eat our weekday meals there. The menu consists of Thai dishes but because our staff comes from all over Thailand, you will enjoy food from all parts. Onsite, we have some snacks and drinks for sale, and a small coffee shop selling hot and cold drinks, and western pastry snacks. There are also a couple of shops and cafes in Baan Leepa (the village just outside the foundation) selling daily essentials.
Vegetarians and those who have other dietary options shouldn't be worried, as we do our best to cater for you, but please make the staff aware on the application form - we can't promise to be able to cook according to your specialised needs, but we do try. Sometimes, you may have to buy your own ingredients if your diet is quite specific. We have at least two members of staff who are vegetarian, so please ask if you have any questions. We ask that you eat only what you have indicated on your form, otherwise you are taking someone else's food - we bulk buy once a week, according to the diets listed on the volunteer forms.
Mealtimes are usually 8:00am, 12:00 noon and 5:00pm (These times may vary depending on the work schedule). Meals are provided during the working week (Tues-Sat) and Monday evenings as well.
- The Thai custom is to share food. Usually there are a number of dishes on the table and people will take from these to their own plate (or just eat directly from these dishes).
- Please remember you are sharing the food on the table.
- It is customary to eat whilst sitting on the floor, not at table and chairs.
- Please wash your dishes and cutlery and return them to their rightful place after your meal.
- No food is provided at the weekends, so please ensure you have sufficient supplies to cover these times. There are a couple of shops in the local village, and Chiang Rai town is about a 25 minute taxi ride away.
You are in Thailand so expect to eat a lot of rice. We do vary the menu daily, and usually have fruit as a dessert, but try to step out of your comfort zone, and eat food that you will rarely have the chance to experience at home.