Banyan Tree Group has teamed up with James Noble, two Michelin-star
chef-turned-farmer of The Boutique Farmers, to open Ori9in – said to be
the first gourmet organic farm in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Set on 142 hectares of land, Ori9in, which is a 30-minute drive out
of Chiang Mai, champions local procurement and sustainably sourced food
by committing to biodynamic farming practices and distributing
high-quality organic products planted by local farmers.
The multi-faceted farm offers farm rental spaces that allow top
Michelin-star chefs from Thailand’s restaurants and hotels to grow
specific ingredients and test and plant overseas produce. Families can
bond over farming and enjoy freshly harvested vegetables and fruit
delivered right to their doorsteps weekly, while local villagers get
complimentary vegetables harvesting from the community garden.
Soulful food experiences
A unique experience offered by Ori9in is its White Menu dining, which
is said to observe provenance and zero waste as almost all ingredients
come from the farm itself or from local cooperatives within a 30-km
radius.
To enable a zero-waste kitchen, diners experience an alternative
gastronomy of fine dining where ingredients and produce take centre
stage.
“Luxury is changing. Fine dining is changing. What people want from
the new norm is to know where their food is coming from…” said chef
James Noble. “All guests just write their preferences on a white piece
of paper, and they love the surprise factor of seeing what I’m able to
come up with between that and when I put the dish in front of them. It’s
in the moment, yet incredibly considered.”
By featuring seasonal ingredients, the farm is able to constantly
refresh its menu with innovative dishes, with healing ingredients like
turmeric, ginger or echinacea also freshly picked and mixed into bottled
drinks.
Come October, the Ori9in farm will be officially opened to the public
from 9am – 6pm daily, with ticketed options for different journeys.
As part of phase two of the farm’s development plan, Ori9in is
looking to welcome MICE groups up to 120 pax and even weddings at the
spacious Wooden Farm Sala and Lanna House Food Venue, according to Mr
Noble.
Teams can also look forward to bonding over hands-on
jam/ketchup-making and crops-planting sessions or checking out Asia’s
largest Maize Maze.
For more information, visit www.ori9inthegourmetfarm.com