For centuries, the lands of northern Thailand belonged to the Lanna Kingdom. AS a result northern cuisine is quite distinct from its central Thai counterpart-and the lack of coconut milk is only one difference.Ancient trade with Burmese and Chinese traders brought in spices not often seen in the south.And thanks to the region's cooler weather, higher altitudes and dense forests, the cuisine draws from a wide variety of seasonal vegetables and mushrooms.It's normal to see many types of vegetables and greens in the same dish.each contributing notes of sweetness.bitterness and sourness towards the overall balance of flavour.