Halal rice porridge for breakfast


Best halal stall in town


Fresh Chao Kiow



Pai Masjid

There is only one masjid in Pai. No statistic is available but judging from the daily attendance at the mosque the muslim population here is small.Local said there are about 20 muslim families making the muslim population here around 200-250 people only.Although small in numbers the muslim here made their present felt.Its normal to see women and young girls wearing the hijab in the street and even while doing business.

In the compound of the mosque stand proud a madrasa catering for the religious requirment to teach children of local.About 30 students board the hostel memorising the Quran under a Hafiz teacher.

Helping the Imam is a blind Hafiz and alim Muhamad Islah who studied in South Africa and two years in Kuala Lumpur.We were lucky to be able to listen to his beautiful Quranic recitation when he lead prayers durind the imam absence.We were told the imam was sick an unwell.Muhammad Islah was just married when we arrived and he had to be lead hand held to the masjid everyday.

Strange but it is the work of Allah we were feasted with his wedding walimah( wedding feast) in Chiang Mai before we even arrive in Pai.A family of Mohammad Islah in Chiang Mai who could not attend his wedding was delivered packet of Biryani and we happened to be his guest on that day.


Pai has 2 muslim restaurants with one selling standard Asian food and the other specialising in frs home made bread and ala carte menu.But for those who love street foods there are several stalls to choose.We love the hot porrige at Ali' stall.It appears that the Chinese muslims of north thailand like to name their children after the names of prophets. Favourite are Yusuf,Musa,Ali , Omar,Muhammad etc.

(to be contd)