Savoring a Baht 3,500 Birds Nest Soup at Natural Bird Nest by Burapa

Aug 3, 2018

Savoring a Baht 3,500 Bowl of Birds Nest Soup at 'Natural Bird Nest by Burapa'

Location: Natural Bird Nest by Burapa, Chiang Mai, Thailand

$2,425/kilo Birds Nest Soup
The closest thing I've ever come to a birds nest soup was from a Knorr instant soup package. The real thing is outrageously expensive, it's worth a king's ransom. The most expensive I've seen from Burapa is B80,000/kilo (US$2,425/kilo). B3,500 seems like a lot of money for soup, but for authentic bird's nest, all we could get for that kind of money was a medium-sized bowl - trippy! If you talk about food for the gods, this might as well be it. But I'm jumping ahead of myself. How did all this come to happen when I struggle to find a decent B30 meal on the streets of Chiang Mai?

Just Wanna Say Thank You
It all started with intention. Mike, my host in Chiang Mai, has been killing me with kindness and all I wanted was to say 'thank you' in my currency - not money because I have none. The intention puts things in motion behind the scenes - even from me.

Nick of Natural Bird Nest by Burapa Nick
The next moment, I was inside this resto, Natural Bird Nest by Burapa, talking to traditional Bangkok-based Chinese Thais serving/selling authentic birds nest in Chiang Mai. I met Nick - young (22 years old), grounded, US-educated, smart and forward-thinking. I explained to him my proposal. He was interested, consulted with his Mom (who I initially thought was his girlfriend - seriously!), and we shook hands on the barter deal - one year ad placement in exchange for bird nest soup dinner worth B3,500.

Mike and Bee
I'm glad Mike brought his wife, Bee. I've heard so much about her. Now, I finally met this special woman whom Mike gave up his gallivanting life as a bachelor for. And yes, for good reason! Bee is lovely with a disarming charm. The 3 of us met at Chiang Mai's popular Hand-Made Pizza. Mike had the foresight that a small bowl of soup cannot feed 3 grown-ups. He brought out brandy and I joined him - my first drink in 6 months. The 3 of us had synergy. I enjoyed watching the couple play their dynamics. It felt like a ringside seat to a play. There is something theatrical about them when they are together. After 2 pizza pies, we headed out to Natural Bird Nest by Burapa where Nick welcomed us.

The Tour
After the proper introduction, Nick was kind enough to give us a tour of the shop/resto. He showed us partially prepared bird's nest and shark fin in jars soaked in ice. Bird's nest soup ranged from B100 to B4,000 per bowl! The bird's nest in elegant dry packages reached a staggering B8,000/100 grams. It was mind boggling for me how some people can fork that kind of money for a soup. But just before we arrived, the place was packed full!

I failed to ask Nick what the difference is between the B100/bowl soup and the B4,000. Will the B4,000 soup cure your cancer? Will it keep you young forever? Will it give you a 24/7 hard on? Or is it just a taste difference?

The Soup Ritual
Instead of us choosing what's on the menu, Nick graciously offered to prepare everything for us in a way he saw fit. Wow! You don't get that kind of service everyday. Apparently you just don't gobble down such a prized soup. There is a reverential ritual to it. First, an intro birds nest soup (not the main deal yet) was given to us to which honey was added together with a yellow fruit. It was supposed to enhance the taste. Halfway through our individual bowls, a 6-min soft boiled egg was mixed into the soup before it was finished. That alone was richly satisfying already. But the main dish has yet to be savored.

The Main Deal: B3,500 Bowl
While we were enjoying the intro portion, the main dish was being heated in front of us. Finally, it was ready and we took turns to ladle it onto our soup bowls. I was waiting to hear to a drum roll before I took the first spoonful. I rolled it inside my mouth, allowing it to mantle all the taste receptors, pretty much like tasting vintage Bordeaux. The texture was slimy with the gelatinous and stringy fiber-like strands of the bird nest. Taste? It was heavenly delicious - maybe if you die and go to heaven, this is all you eat. The experience? Pure bragging rights!

divine moments over a hearty soup with Mike, Bee and Nick

Mike and Nick
What grabbed my attention (aside from the price tag of the bird's nest) was the dynamics of Mike and Nick. It was like having a ringside seat to an animated encounter. I would liken Nick to be a prim-and-proper British gentleman who can effortlessly blend in any major capital's polite society with his social grace. On the other hand, Mike is like a blazing gun-slinger exploding out from the rough-hewn annals of the wild wild west! These are two people on the extreme opposite ends of a broad spectrum. However, they do have common ground - they both perfect their game and both enjoy playing with their grown-up toys (a string of hotels and top-of-the-line birds nest). I was surprised to see Mike hold his own talking about birds nest. He even knows how a Chinese can buy 100 kilos of birds nest within China - which is a near impossibility given the tight restrictions. They were talking in Chinese so I couldn't fully understand what was being said except for the few English words being thrown around. From what I could discern, this is how the conversion was going:

Nick: my hotel has 200 rooms! (I have a big dick!)
Mike: my newest hotel has 7 rooms with a swimming pool inside every room! (my dick is harder!)

I was laughing on the floor as they compared notes - in their own mildly-subtle Chinese way. At the end of it, I found them more similar than they were different - I think they felt the same way. It was fascinating and hilarious! It was the highlight of the evening together with the B3,500 bowl of soup in front of us!

Ending Thoughts
For a guy who struggles finding a decent B30 meal on the roadside eateries of Chiang Mai, I was able to host and treat Mike and Bee to a special dinner. I'd been wanting to thank Mike for all his kindness, but didn't know how, until my universe stepped-in. Even a magician would be hard pressed to pull a rabbit out of a hat like that. Indeed, the universe works in mysterious ways to manifest my deep-seated desires.

Of course I am grateful to be savoring such expensive delicacy. Who knows if I ever get this opportunity again?

Thank you Nick for being such a wonderful and gracious host. You didn't have to, but you went the whole 9 yards making us feel welcome and at home. This is one experience I'll be committing to memory.

--- TheLoneRider
YOGA by Gigit | Learn English | Travel like a Nomad | Donation Bank

the most expensive I've seen: B80,000/kilo

our soup condiment: honey, yellow fruit and 6-min soft boiled egg

Reader Comments:

Chai

(Aug 11, 2018) That was funny! Haha and I can imagine Nick and Mike's comparing notes 🙂 Amazing how the universe makes things happen for you! Tama, setting intentions din talaga which is what I am experiencing din 🙂 (Right, setting intentions, really, which is what I am experiencing as well). I envy you for having tried authentic bird's nest!! I might try that 100B next time but maybe that's the very diluted version! Maybe 99% is water LOL

Mike

(Aug 5, 2018) I almost died laughing reading what u wrote. hahahhahah

Mike blogs:

2022: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2022
Chiang Mai Peoplescape Oct 10, 2022
Chiang Mai Peoplescape Jul 31, 2022
April Chronicles 2022 Apr 30, 2022
February Chronicles 2022 Feb 28, 2022
2021: A Year In Review Dec 31, 2021
Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug 31, 2021
Continuing Friendships in Chiang Mai Jun 30, 2021
On the Brink of Hunger, the ENABLERS Come to Light Jun 21, 2021
Morphing Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 31, 2021
Coffeemates, Breadmates and Yogamates in Chiang Mai Jan-Mar 2021
2020: A Year In Review Dec 31, 2020
Shifting Peoplescape Of Chiang Mai July 2020
2019: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2019
Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24-Mar24, 2019
Resuming Life in Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019
Overnight in Pai with Mike Jan 1, 2019
2018: A Year In Review Dec 31, 2018
Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Dec 12, 2018 - Jan 1, 2019
Mike Chong Aug 8, 2018
Kneaded and Pampered at Zira Spa Aug 4, 2018
Savoring a Baht 3,500 Birds Nest Soup at Natural Bird Nest by Burapa Aug 3, 2018
Chiang Mai's Amazing Peoplescape Apr 9-23, 2016

Next stop: Kneaded and Pampered at Zira Spa

Chiang Mai Map

Chiang Mai, Thailand

IMPORTANT PLACES

Bus Station

Train Station

Chiang Mai International Airport

Nong Buak Hard Park - free yoga classes daily

HOTEL

Arun Dara Villa - 7 exclusive rooms, 1 swimming pool for every room, grand opening

Nawa Sheeva Hotel - big rooms, high ceiling, salt-water pool, restaurant, cafe

Nawa Saraan Hotel - low density (4 spacious rooms), stone garden setting, Koi fish pond, Old City location

Arun Suite - 3 bedrooms in a 3-storie guesthouse within Old City, ideal for families

RESTAURANT

La Pizza Chiang Mai - Italian pizza, pasta, wine, dessert, coffee

Natural Bird Nest by Burapa - authentic bird's nest soup

WELLNESS

ITM - International Training Massage School - Chiang Mai's most prestigious massage school

Float Chiang Mai - sensory deprivation float pod

Zira Spa - upscale authentic Thai massage and spa treatment

MOTORBIKE RENTAL

Tawan Bike - motorcycle rental | +66 91 635 2863 | Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

Chiang Mai INFORMATION

Chiang Mai Map

Chiang Mai, Thailand

IMPORTANT PLACES

Bus Station

Train Station

Chiang Mai International Airport

Nong Buak Hard Park - free yoga classes daily

HOTEL

Arun Dara Villa - 7 exclusive rooms, 1 swimming pool for every room, grand opening

Nawa Sheeva Hotel - big rooms, high ceiling, salt-water pool, restaurant, cafe

Nawa Saraan Hotel - low density (4 spacious rooms), stone garden setting, Koi fish pond, Old City location

Arun Suite - 3 bedrooms in a 3-storie guesthouse within Old City, ideal for families

RESTAURANT

La Pizza Chiang Mai - Italian pizza, pasta, wine, dessert, coffee

Natural Bird Nest by Burapa - authentic bird's nest soup

WELLNESS

ITM - International Training Massage School - Chiang Mai's most prestigious massage school

Float Chiang Mai - sensory deprivation float pod

Zira Spa - upscale authentic Thai massage and spa treatment

MOTORBIKE RENTAL

Tawan Bike - motorcycle rental | +66 91 635 2863 | Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

Chiang Mai FYI / Tips

crop-burning season in Chiang Mai is between late Feb to early April. But laws change everytime. This year, 2019, there is a 61-day ban on burning so the farmers started burning early. When my plane was approaching Chiang Mai on Jan 24, 2019, there was already a thick blanket of smog covering the entire city (and beyond). But within the city itself, you won't feel it (but that doesn't mean the air is healthy). To monitor air conditions in real time, refer to site: Chiang Mai Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI)
hot season begins March and lasts until June
wet season begins July and lasts until September
best time to visit Chiang Mai is mid-September to mid-February - after the monsoon and before the burning
you have to try Khao Soi, this is north Thailand's culinary staple
the tourist area where most of the hotels, restaurants, ticket offices, tour operators are, is located in the Old City
to exchange your dollars to Thai Baht, the Super Rich Money Exchange give the best rates. There are many branches scattered around Chiang Mai
get a red cab (songthao) outside the train station for Baht 50 (instead of paying B100 if inside the train station) to Old City - if you haggle nicely enough...I did!
shared red taxi (songthao) - B30 standard fare plying all over Old City
for only B50/day, best to rent a bike to go around the Old City - it's a 2.5km² with lots to discover
FREE daily yoga classes from 9:00am to 10:15am at Nong Buak Hard Park (southwest corner of Old City). Resident and passing-through teachers take turns conducting yoga classes.

Blues/Jazz Bars in Chiang Mai

North Gate Jazz Coop - at Chang Phueg Gate, great Tuesday jam session, Blues on Sundays at 11pm by the Chiang Mai Blues band
Boy Blues Bar - at the Night Bazaar. Mondays at 9:30pm is open mic
My Secret Cafe - near Wat Phra Singh. Tuesdays at 7:30pm for the changing front-act and 9:00pm for the Panic Band
Taphae East - 88 Thapae Rd. (just north of Night Bazaar). Fridays at 9:30pm by Chiang Mai Blues Band

Chiang Mai Cost Index

B60 Chiang beer
B250 1 hour drop-in yoga session
B200 one hour Thai body massage at WAYA Massage (highly recommended)
B50 noodle soup with meat
B50 coffee
B40 pad thai
B30/kilo wash-only laundry
B50/kilo wash+iron laundry
B100-150 dorm bed/night
B250 fan room/night
B30 internet cafe/hour
B170-190 Movies Sat-Sun and public holidays
B130-150 Movies weekdays
B100 Movies Wednesdays (movie discount day)
B750 1/2 day Thai cooking lessons
B900-1000 1 full day Thai cooking lessons
B400 Muay Thai boxing ticket
B2500 starting room rate at the luxury hotel, Nawa Sheeva (highly recommended)

Transportation

B450 bus, Chiang Mai to Bangkok
B160-180 bus, Chiang Mai to Pai
B1250 bus, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
B1650 slow boat, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
B210 bus, Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, 3-4 hours
B360 Green VIP bus, Chiang Mai to Mae Sai (Thai border town for visa run to Tachileik, Myanmar)
B50 bicycle rental, 24 hours
B200 motorbike rental, 24 hours
B273 #51 sleeping train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
B638 #7 a/c train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
B50 red taxi fare from point to point
B100 red taxi fare from train terminal to city

Tours

B2000 full day elephant sanctuary
B750 Chiang Rai one-day tour
B1500 mountain biking scenic ride

Chiang Mai Trains by Train36.com

Chiang Mai trains for Bangkok - 2 day trains, 3 night trains, daily schedule
Train 14 to Bangkok - departs 5pm daily, arrives BKK 6:15am, 1st class and 2nd class sleeping accomodation, Special Express
Chiang Mai trains to other destinations -

Chiang Mai to Bangkok Trains

source: railway.co.th

Check Train Schedule & Fares
Book Online - direct booking with State Railway of Thailand. Best to register first. If going to BKK from CNX, click "Northern Line".

note -- big difference between booking direct with the State Railway and booking with an online 3rd party agent. 12GO was charging B1330 for the same trip that only cost me B941 with the State Railway.

note -- Oct 2022, I took the #10 Train from CNX to BKK, upper berth, 2nd class, a/c, sleeper, B941. The train was clean, fast, comfortable and modern. If you have heavy luggage that will cost more money in flight checkin, I would suggest this train. Otherwise, the flight now is so much cheaper it doesn't even make sense to take the bus or train.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Train from Bang Sue Train Station

For more train info: Bangkok to Chiang Mai trains - departing from Hua Lamphong - MRT (Bangkok)

(I'm using Bang Sue as a starting point because I was closer to it, but you may be closer to the Hua Lamphong station)

take the MRT train to Bang Sue Station. Take the #1 Exit to the north provincial trains
Proceed to Counter 2. You will see an information booth, a train schedule chart and the ticket counter. Choose the train and pay at the ticket counter.
daily train schedule:
- 8:48am - #7 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:30pm, not sleeper, B638
- 2:06pm - #109 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 4:05am, sleeper
- 6:31pm - #9 Premium Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:15am, sleeper, B938 upper deck, B1038 lower deck
- 7:56pm - #13 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 8:40am, sleeper, B768 upper deck, B838 lower deck
- 10:22pm - #51 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 12:10pm, sleeper, 3rd class B270 (non sleeper), 2nd class B438, B728 upper deck, B798 lower deck

Loei to Chiang Mai by Bus

From Loei town center, take a tuk-tuk ride to the bus station, B30. There is only one bus station.
As of June 28, 2020 (still on Covid schedule), there are only 3 night trips: 8:30pm, 9:30pm and 12 midnight. 9 hours, B470.
The bus makes the following stops at the following times from a 9pm Loei departure: Phu Ruea (9:50pm), Phitsanulok (12:40am), Uttradit (2:20am), Lampang (4:35am)
Final bus stop is at the Red Bus Arcade, Chiang Mai, 9 hour-trip, arriving 6am (from 9pm Loei departure).
Take a red songthaew to Old City, B50. They'll try to charge you B100, but they'll take B50 (just assure the driver you won't tell the other passengers).

Chiangmai Blogs by TheLoneRider

Goodbye Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019 - Oct 10, 2022
Chiang Mai Peoplescape Oct 10, 2022
Siamaya Chocolates Oct 2, 2022
September Snapshots Sep 30, 2022
Carrot Cake Sep 12, 2022
Making Coconut Bread Sep 3, 2022
August Snapshots Aug 31, 2022
Yoga Nidra with Chunyah and Tom Aug 18, 2022
Coconut Pancake Aug 11, 2022
July Snapshots Jul 31, 2022
Chiang Mai Peoplescape Jul 31, 2022
Jason, Max and Elizabeth Pizza Nite Jul 28, 2022
Yakiniku Dinner with Max and Jason Jul 25, 2022
Icebath at Nawa Saraan Jul 6 - Oct 5, 2022
June Snapshots Jun 30, 2022
Tom, Chunyah and Simona Pizza Nite Jun 23, 2022
Yoga Class Pizza Nite Jun 15, 2022
Pranayama with Nicha Jun 14, 2022
May Snapshots May 31, 2022
Lover's Quarrel May 26, 2022
Getting Lost on a Hike May 25, 2022
Biohacker Meetup at 'Living with The Spirit' May 22, 2022
Music and Magic at Paapu House May 5, 2022
Breathwork + Icebath @ Alt_Chiangmai II Apr 20, 2022
April Chronicles 2022 Apr 30, 2022
Tombstone Epitaph Apr 29, 2022
Kayaking along the Ping River with the BioHackers Apr 24, 2022
Pizza Nite with Jerry, Paolo and Abby Apr 9, 2022
Tom Maher's Muay Thai Fight Apr 8, 2022
Breathwork + Icebath @ Alt_Chiangmai Apr 6, 2022
Yoga with Leo Apr 5, 2022
March Chronicles 2022 Mar 31, 2022
Street Photo Mar 31, 2022
Peoplescape Mar 31, 2022
Chiang Mai's Recovering Music Scene Mar 31, 2022
Street Photo Mar 31, 2022
Yoga and Fitness Mar 26, 2022
Friday Bitcoin Meetups Mar 18, 2022
Pizza Nite with Aida and Sophie Mar 14, 2022
Pizza Nite with Kevin, Jamie and Kris Mar 10, 2022
In Search of Genetic Immortality Mar 5, 2022
February Chronicles 2022 Feb 28, 2022
Palm-Feeding Wild Birds Feb 26, 2022
Cuckoo Feb 16, 2022
Tell John Feb 16, 2022
Pizza Nite with Kris, Simona and Mary Feb 15, 2022
Pizza Nite with the Chiang Mai Boyz Feb 6, 2022
Welcoming the New Year Jan 31, 2022
January Snapshots Jan 31, 2022
ABS Fitness Challenge Jan 16 - Apr 16, 2022
Pumpkin Tahini Recipe Jan 3, 2022
2021: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2021
Pizza Nite with Simona and Lisa Dec 28, 2021
Tahini Salad Dressing Dec 27, 2021
Baba Ganoush Recipe Dec 23, 2021
7 Universal Laws Dec 20, 2021
Sacred Circuitry Dec 18, 2021
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Tummo Yoga + Wim Hof Breathing + Full-Body Muscle Contraction Dec 13, 2021
Monk Chat Dec 10, 2021
Making Tahini and Hummus Dec 8, 2021
Watering the Plants Hands-Free Dec 2, 2021
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The Bliss of Inner Fire: Book Summary/Review Dec 1, 2021
The Bliss of Inner Fire: Heart Practice of the Six Yogas of Naropa Dec 1, 2021
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Cancel Culture Attack Oct 31, 2021
Mantra Primer Oct 29, 2021
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Muay Thai at the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium May 30, 2019
Yoga Flow Through the 7 Chakras by Sabrina Pilz May 30, 2019
The Outsiders (people you need to push out of your sacred circle) May 31, 2019
Fascinating Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 22, 2019
World Meditation Day at Heart Space May 21, 2019
Abs Yoga by Gigit May 12, 2019
Kundalini and Vinyasa Yoga with Nicola Symons May 10, 2019
Secret Sunrise Interactive Dance May 9, 2019
Tok Sen Massage from Ying May 8, 2019
Bruschetta: Nawa Saraan Style Apr 22, 2019
Thai Cooking at Pra Nang Thai Cookery School Apr 20, 2019
Bonding with the Elephants in Chiang Mai Apr 11, 2019
Ziplining in Chiang Mai with Eagle Track Zipline Apr 10, 2019
Getting Thai Massage from Chiang Mai's Best (Lar Thanakrit Khamtanong) Mar 21, 2019
Being the Soul of Nawa Saraan Hotel Mar 18, 2019
Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24 - Mar 13, 2019
Curing Cancer with Yoga? Feb 21, 2019
International Training Massage School (ITM): Level 1 Feb 11-15, 2019
Sandesch Album Launch by Christoph Joerg Feb 13, 2019
Meditation in a Sensory Deprivation Tank at Float Chiang Mai Jan 29, 2019
Reiki Share at the Mastermind Brain Spa Jan 26, 2019
Resuming Life in Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019
4 Days in Chiang Mai at Nawa Saraan Hotel Jan 2-6, 2019
Mike Chong Aug 8, 2018
An Intimate Conversation with my Universe in Chiang Mai Aug 8, 2018
Kneaded and Pampered at Zira Spa Aug 4, 2018
Savoring a Baht 3,500 Birds Nest Soup at Natural Bird Nest by Burapa Aug 3, 2018
Yoga Exploration at The Yoga Tree with Gernot Aug 1, 2018
Laughter Yoga with Saffiya Arnous July 31, 2018
Yoga with Adam at Hidden House Yoga, Chiang Mai July 29, 2018
2 Weeks in Chiang Mai July 25 - Aug 7, 2018
A First Timer in Chiang Mai Apr 9-23, 2016
Chiang Mai's Amazing Peoplescape Apr 9-23, 2016
Dance Mandala in Chiang Mai at The Yoga Tree Apr 19, 2016
Songkran Waterfight Festival in Chiang Mai Apr 13-15, 2016
Border Crossing from Siem Reap (Cambodia) to Bangkok (Thailand) to Chiang Mai April 9-10, 2016

General Travel Tips

arrive early - in case there is a snag (visa snag, documentation snag, transport ticket snag, etc.), you will have ample time to troubleshoot the problem if you arrive early (to the airport, to the bus terminal, etc.)
put detailed itinerary on the Calendar apps of your smart-phone according to timelines - this is where you do all your thinking and planning. Once written down, you don't have to think anymore while you are on the journey...you just follow the steps. This frees your mind for something else that might happen while you are already en route
avoiding scams - as a general rule, I ignore the touts or anyone I don't know who call out to me. The calling comes in many forms - "Hi! Where are you from?", "Excuse me! Excuse me!", "Where are you going?". I don't look them in the eye and I remain non-verbal with them. If you reply to them, you just gave them an 'in' to hound you. In order not to look rude, I smile and wave the 'not interested' hand to them, without looking at them.
power bank - hand-carry your power bank. Do not check it in. You can be called in when you are already inside the plane to go all the way to the loading dock so you can personally remove the power bank...and chances are, you'll have to surrender it to them. And you might delay the plane departure!

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