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Restaurants & Food
Chiang Mai

Chef Den Seafood

4.4(953 reviews)

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.

Taste more of Chiang Mai

Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near Chef Den Seafood — a guided way to eat like a local.

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Experience hints

Reviews from Google

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!!!

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 🤤

I think other than the large river prawns being ok, the other dishes were just- plain. The seafood curry was really bland. Missed all the intention in flavor. I expected much more from this dish. While the presentation on the dishes was really good, the food was not as enjoyable. Stric rules about beer before 5pm as in most places. But I find myself wondering why some do in tourist areas and some do not like this one being in a tourist area. Anyways, I hope I can give them another chance sometime and try their other dishes. I will Definetly bring my fly swapper next time even though we were indoors with AC.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 953 reviews on Google.

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Chef Den Seafood: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chef Den Seafood worth visiting?

Chef Den Seafood holds a 4.4★ rating from 953 Google reviews — a strong rating for restaurants & food in Chiang Mai.

What are the opening hours of Chef Den Seafood?

Chef Den Seafood is typically open 11:00-22:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

When is the best time to visit Chef Den Seafood?

The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).

Where is Chef Den Seafood located?

Chef Den Seafood is at 4, Muan Dam So Kot Road Soi 3, Tambon Chang Phueak, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).

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 6826
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
WednesdayClosed
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–22:00
Saturday11:00–22:00
Sunday11:00–22:00

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

High

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)

Where to stay near Chef Den Seafood

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Tips 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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Northern Thai restaurant inside Chiang Mai's Jing Jai Market, known for fusion-inflected dishes and fresh market ingredients.

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133 Rattanakosin Rd, Tambon Pa Tan, เมือง Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

A Michelin-recognised family restaurant in Chiang Mai's Pa Tan neighbourhood serving traditional Northern Thai curries and home-style dishes.

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A late-night strip of street food carts on Hussadhisawee Rd, open nightly until 4am with dishes from 50 THB.

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