From Farm to Flame: Khon Kaen’s MICHELIN-Recommended Hotspot
01-Sep-2026
Category: News Stories
For a true taste of Isan cuisine with a twist, look no further than the MICHELIN GUIDE-recommended Food by Fire at the stylish Ad Lib Hotel Khon Kaen, Thailand. This innovative grillhouse draws inspiration from the bold, spicy and vibrant flavours of northeastern Thailand. By elevating traditional dishes with a modern wood-fired technique, Food by Fire celebrates the region’s natural produce, wild ingredients and its long-standing history of cooking with fire and fermentation.
Adding to the bold ambiance, the restaurant features a striking Tiger Carpet made from upcycled ocean plastics, created by local artisans and community weavers. This captivating artwork symbolises strength and vitality, perfectly complementing the fiery flavours found in every dish at Food by Fire.
Sustainability and Tradition at the Core
Food by Fire’s ethos is rooted in sustainability and Isan traditions. The restaurant uses Binchotan charcoal and lychee wood to create a distinct smoky flavour while maintaining eco-friendly practices. Fermentation also plays a central role, with natural local Sinthao Salt, or rock salt, harvested from prehistoric underground salt layers beneath the Isan basin, enhancing the bold, tangy umami notes of house-made pickles and slow-fermented rye sourdough. This approach not only adds depth to the dishes but also supports the local community through partnerships with regional farmers and producers, ensuring the freshest seasonal ingredients for every meal.
Flavours That Ignite the Senses
Expect dishes that celebrate Isan’s love for grilled steak, including premium Thai wagyu and chocolate-fed beef, alongside fresh seafood, organic vegetables, fiery chilli pastes and tangy herbs—all enhanced with a smoky edge. Each dish strikes the perfect balance between tradition and creativity, providing a modern yet authentic culinary experience that pays tribute to Isan’s rich food culture.
Signature Offerings
Food
• Herb-Marinated Chicken – made with locally sourced and home-grown herbs, celebrating the work of a new generation of farmers in Khon Kaen.
• Smoked & Roasted Thai Wagyu Picanha
• Mackerel Pla Som
• Wolffia Chawanmushi – with oysters from Trat and black Asita rice
• Dry-Aged Duck Breast – with bamboo and watercress duxelles
• Isan Thai Wagyu & Chocolate-Fed Beef Steak
Drinks
• Homemade Sato – a traditional Isan rice wine, fermented with an herbal yeast starter to create a cloudy, sweet and lightly fizzy drink.
• MakMao Berry Juice – made from a native Thai super berry.
An Immersive Dining Experience
Beyond the food, the atmosphere is equally compelling. The open-kitchen design lets you watch as chefs expertly handle local ingredients over flames, blending traditional flavours with contemporary creativity. Paired with an impressive selection of wines and cocktails, each meal becomes a sensory journey through Isan’s rich culinary landscape.
Adding to the bold ambiance, the restaurant features a striking Tiger Carpet made from upcycled ocean plastics, created by local artisans and community weavers. This captivating artwork symbolises strength and vitality, perfectly complementing the fiery flavours found in every dish at Food by Fire.
Whether you're craving a taste of local culture or seeking an unforgettable dining experience, Food by Fire serves up the best of both worlds—authentic Isan flavours and innovative wood-fired creations. Don’t miss this fiery gem in Khon Kaen!
Ad Lib Khon Kaen is represented by Red Elephant Reps.
