Smoothie Blues

Tuna melt & the Berry, Berry Booster smoothie

While some like to start the day with cigarettes and coffee, we prefer more substantial and tasty options. And when we are in Chiang Mai, breakfast at Smoothie Blues (SB) is a must - a tradition now - as it meets these twin needs and more.

Sublime sandwiches, waffles, muffins, french toast, breakfast burritos, fruit smoothies (of course), pancakes, bacon, sausages, eggs (a super eggs benedict), muesli, porridge and more, much more, are some of the standouts of their four-page menu.

My favourite order is the grilled-to-perfection tuna melt sandwich washed down with a Berry, Berry Booster - this combo will have you more than ready to seize the week.

Eggs Benedict & salmon.

Their bagels are also among the best - a bit of crunch on the outside and chewy (in a good way) on the inside - we've ever eaten in the Kingdom.

Like an all-conquering football team, SB do the basics superbly and we've been regulars since 2006. About the only thing they could improve on is a slightly stronger black coffee.

Sitting on the corner of Soi Nimmanhaemin 6, SB is a Chiang Mai institution, especially among expats and overseas students, and besides top nosh, it's one of the best places in the city to people watch.

Dear SB owners please consider opening a branch in the capital.

Smoothie Blues FB page

Roast beef baguette with mustard and salad.