Chiang Mai — Where to Eat, What to Try, Prices
Chiang Mai is the cultural capital of northern Thailand, known for its unique cuisine that differs from the cuisine of other regions of the country. Northern Thai cuisine is less spicy, more aromatic and uses more local herbs and vegetables. In this article we'll tell you about the best places to eat in Chiang Mai, share tips on choosing restaurants and help you discover all the diversity of northern Thai cuisine.
Top 5 Restaurants in Chiang Mai
1. Khao Soi Nimman
Specialized restaurant dedicated to the famous northern Thai dish — Khao Soi. The restaurant offers several versions of this noodle soup, from classic with chicken to vegetarian. Especially popular among locals and tourists.
Must-try dishes:
- Khao Soi Gai — classic Khao Soi with chicken
- Khao Soi Neua — version with beef
- Khao Soi Pak — vegetarian version
- Nam Prik Ong — northern sauce with tomatoes
Khao Soi is not just a soup, it's a symbol of northern Thai cuisine. This dish can only be tried in northern Thailand, and Chiang Mai is the best place for it.
2. Huen Phen
Authentic northern Thai restaurant located in the old city. The restaurant has been operating since 1973 and is famous for its traditional dishes. The restaurant's interior is decorated with antique furniture and art objects, creating an atmosphere of old Chiang Mai.
Restaurant features:
- Traditional northern Thai cuisine
- Authentic atmosphere of old Chiang Mai
- Moderate prices with high quality
- Especially good dishes with herbs and spices
3. The Good View
Restaurant with a view of the Ping River, offering Thai and international cuisine. Especially popular for sunset dinners when the river reflects the setting sun. The restaurant has an open terrace and live music in the evenings.
4. SP Chicken
Small restaurant specializing in Thai-style grilled chicken. Chicken is cooked on charcoal and served with sauces and rice. Especially popular among locals and tourists looking for authentic taste.
5. Dash! Restaurant & Bar
Modern Thai restaurant with live music and atmosphere. The restaurant offers both traditional Thai dishes and modern interpretations. Especially popular among young people and tourists.
Street Food in Chiang Mai
Street food in Chiang Mai differs from street food in other Thai cities. Here there's less spiciness, more aroma and local ingredients. Be sure to try Khao Soi — famous noodle soup that is the hallmark of northern Thai cuisine.
Best places for street food:
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Sunday Walking Street — huge market operating on Sundays. Here you can find everything: from traditional northern dishes to handicrafts. Open from 4 PM to 10 PM.
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Saturday Night Market — market operating on Saturdays in Wualai Road area. Especially popular are stalls with local delicacies and handicrafts.
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Warorot Market — traditional market operating daily. Here you can find fresh produce, ready-made dishes and local delicacies. Especially popular are stalls with Khao Soi and northern sausages.
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Street stalls around the old city — many stalls offer diverse food at affordable prices. Especially popular are stalls with Khao Soi, Larb and grilled chicken.
Street food in Chiang Mai is not only cheap, but incredibly delicious. Northern Thai cuisine differs from central, and here you'll discover new flavors.
Popular Dishes in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is especially good at cooking several classic northern Thai dishes. Be sure to try Khao Soi — famous noodle soup that can only be tried in the north. Also don't miss Larb — spicy salad with meat and herbs, which is a popular northern dish.
Top 5 dishes to try in Chiang Mai:
- Khao Soi — noodle soup in coconut curry, unique northern dish
- Larb — spicy salad with meat, herbs and lime juice
- Sai Ua — northern sausage with herbs and spices
- Nam Tok — salad with grilled meat and herbs
- Khao Man Gai — steamed chicken with rice
Features of Northern Thai Cuisine
Northern Thai cuisine differs from other regions' cuisine in several ways:
Less spiciness: Northern cuisine is less spicy than central. Here more attention is paid to the aroma and taste of ingredients.
More herbs: Northern cuisine uses more local herbs, leaves and vegetables. Popular are dishes with mint, cilantro, basil and other herbs.
Unique dishes: Some dishes, such as Khao Soi, can only be tried in the north. These dishes reflect the cultural heritage of the region.
Influence of neighboring countries: Northern cuisine has been influenced by Myanmar and Laos, which is reflected in the use of certain ingredients and cooking techniques.
Best Districts for Food in Chiang Mai
Old City
Historic center with many restaurants, cafes and street stalls. Here you can find both traditional Thai restaurants and modern cafes. Especially popular are restaurants around temples and on main streets.
Nimmanhaemin
Modern district with many cafes, restaurants and bars. Especially popular among young people and tourists. Here you can find both Thai and international cuisine.
Ping River Area
Area along the Ping River with restaurants overlooking the water. Especially popular are restaurants for romantic dinners and sunset dinners.
Tips for Tourists
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Try Khao Soi — this is a unique dish that can only be tried in the north. In Chiang Mai it's cooked especially well.
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Don't be afraid to experiment — northern Thai cuisine differs from central, and here you'll discover new flavors.
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Visit night markets — Sunday Walking Street and Saturday Night Market offer huge variety of food and entertainment.
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Try local herbs — northern cuisine uses many herbs that give dishes unique aroma.
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Use FoodSensAI — our AI assistant will help you find the best places for northern Thai cuisine near you.
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Try northern sausages — Sai Ua and other sausages are popular snacks in northern cuisine.
Conclusion
Chiang Mai is a unique place to get acquainted with northern Thai cuisine. From street food for 40 baht to exquisite restaurants — here everyone will find something to their liking. The main thing is not to be afraid to experiment and try new things. Northern Thai cuisine is rich in flavors and aromas, and Chiang Mai is the perfect place to discover all its diversity. Use our recommendations as a starting point, but don't be afraid to explore on your own — the best discoveries are often made by accident!
