Chef Den Seafood
Tucked into the Chang Phueak neighbourhood of Chiang Mai, this seafood restaurant draws a loyal crowd of locals and travellers looking for solid, flavourful cooking in a relaxed setting. It sits roughly ten minutes on foot from the popular Jingjai Market, making it a natural stop for those already exploring the area. The air-conditioned interior keeps things cool and comfortable, and the atmosphere leans casual rather than formal. The menu centres on fresh seafood preparations, with standout dishes including stir-fried curry crab, soft shell crab curry, salted egg squid, and grilled prawns. The deep-fried seabass also comes well-recommended. The owner is known for engaging with diners directly, often suggesting dishes and creating a more personal experience than a typical restaurant visit. Pricing draws consistent praise for its value, with full meals including drinks coming in at a reasonable cost. It is worth noting that a small number of reviewers have found certain dishes, particularly some of the curries, to be milder or less complex in flavour than expected, so those who prefer bold, intensely seasoned food may want to communicate their preferences when ordering. The restaurant opens at 11:00 AM every day of the week and closes at 10:00 PM, with no weekly closing day, which gives travellers on varied schedules good flexibility when planning a visit.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Chef Den Seafood, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Air conditioning inside clean and calm Food was lush. The crab meat curry was my personal favourite!!! All of this food plus a plate of fries and a large beer came to 23 euros great value!! Full of locals inside as well which is always a great sign!!!
Chef Den Seafood is truly a gem! We tried the Stir-Fried Curry Crab, Salted Egg Squid, and Grilled Prawns, and every dish was exceptional. The Stir-Fried Curry Crab was bursting with flavor, with the rich curry perfectly complementing the sweetness of the crab meat. The Salted Egg Squid was crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated with a savory salted egg sauce that kept us reaching for more. The Grilled Prawns were succulent and juicy, with a smoky aroma that made them absolutely irresistible. This is hands down the best Thai seafood we’ve had in Thailand. We recommend it to everyone looking to experience authentic Thai flavors—definitely a must-visit for seafood lovers!
Five stars for the friendly owner that shared memories of his US roadtrips while we enjoyed our meal. We ordered the soft shell crab curry and grilled prawns thanks to his recommendations. We also got an order of morning glory and a shrimp crab curry… photos attached along with copy of receipt for itemized cost details. Also threw in a bonus pic of caged chicken from the bar next door. Looking forward to more seafood restaurants in Chiang Mai 🤤
Location Info
4, Muan Dam So Kot Road Soi 3, Tambon Chang Phueak, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand+66 64 982 6826Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food
Learn the Spice Scale
Say 'mai pet' for no spice, 'pet nit noi' for a little spice, or 'pet mak' if you want it Thai-hot. Most cooks will default to a toned-down version for foreigners unless you specify otherwise.
Follow the Crowds
The busiest street stalls are almost always the best — high turnover means fresh ingredients and a recipe that locals vouch for. An empty restaurant at dinner time is a red flag.
Ice Is Safe
Factory-made tube or cylinder ice (used in virtually all restaurants and stalls) is made from purified water and is safe to consume. You don't need to skip the iced Thai tea.
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Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)