Banyan Tree Group has opened ORI9IN, the first gourmet organic farm in Chiangmai, Thailand, together with James Noble, Two Michelin-Star Chef-turned-Sustainable-Farmer of The Boutique Farmers, established as a reputable grower. This venture of Agro-tourism aims to lead the curve in sustainable retained farming and cooperatives for living and eating well.
ORI9IN is the only retained farming operation globally that partners with a network of restaurants and hotels to focus on import substitution, and reduce carbon footprint without sacrificing flavour. Set on 350 acres of land, ORI9IN is a multi-faceted farm with extensive facilities. It is committed to land stewardship through biodynamic farming knowledge and methods and market distribution of high-quality organic products planted by local farmers.
A joint venture with Banyan Tree Group, the farm is the brainchild of James Noble and Khun May of The Boutique Farmers Pak Nam Pran which now at an expanded scale, consumers can learn the art of growing and save costs on healthier products suitable for both commercial tables and homes.
ORI9IN features retained farming with farm rental spaces to grow specific ingredients as well as to test and plant overseas products for over 15 top Michelin-star chefs hailing from Thailand’s restaurants and hotels. Families can also rent land, bond over farming and enjoy the harvest of vegetable and fruit salad, delivered to their home weekly.
The farm’s community garden grows a variety of vegetables such as
- Aubergine
- Kale
- Chillies
- Pumpkins
- Green Beans
- Basil
- Lemongrass
- Garlic
- Tomatoes
The farm also provides complimentary vegetables harvesting to villagers daily.
The farm is also home to the world’s very first White Menu dining experience, observing provenance and zero waste. Almost all ingredients come from the farm itself or from local cooperatives of 30 km radius. To enable a zero-waste kitchen, diners experience alternative gastronomy of fine dining where ingredients and produce take centrestage over price and plate presentation.
With the change in seasons, each dish may never repeat itself. Ingredients dictate the culinary direction and incorporate healthful traditional techniques of solar-baking, 16-hour earth oven roasting, fermenting, sun-drying, pickling and curing of the food.
The farm has created cooperatives in the community and help develop livestock farmers, fishermen and artisans who contribute to the menu from plates, furniture and food. Examples of a menu focused on creativity, seasonality and surprise are Fig with Tomato Bruschetta & Garlic Flowers, Sweet & Sour Duck Hearts, Sambal Babaganoush Croquettes and Duck Marquez Sausages with Pumpkin Chilli Mash. From the Herbalist Medicine Garden, healing plants such as Turmeric, Ginger, Dok kajon, Echinacea and Gingko can be picked and mixed into bottled drinks as traditional remedies to build immunity.
Come October 2020, the ORI9IN farm will be officially opened to the public from 9 AM – 6 PM daily, with ticketed options for different journeys. A 30-minute drive out of Chiangmai towards Phao, guests can enjoy a full day of fun at the farm, the highlight of which is Asia’s largest Maize Maze, and experiencing first-hand the practice behind crop planting and jam factories.
Additionally, the spacious Wooden Farm Sala and Lanna House Food Venue will soon welcome MICE groups and Wedding events.
