Good restaurants

Tucked along Thanon Arak in the Si Phum district of Chiang Mai's old city, this no-frills local Thai restaurant has built a loyal following among both residents and travellers seeking genuine Thai food at genuinely low prices. Dishes run in the 40 to 50 baht range, with standouts including khao soi and iced milk coffee — the kind of straightforward, flavourful cooking that keeps people coming back rather than moving on. The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, with large portions and the option to request dishes without spice. It is best suited to travellers who want to eat the way locals do rather than those looking for a polished dining experience. Service can be slow and, based on visitor feedback, occasionally inattentive — particularly when the restaurant fills with tourists, which happens regularly given its convenient position near the old city's temples and markets. Good to know: the restaurant gets busy during peak tourist hours and wait times can stretch considerably when it is full. Since opening hours are not listed online, it is worth checking current information before visiting, especially if planning an early breakfast or late meal. Arriving outside the main lunch and dinner rush is the most reliable way to get seated and served without a lengthy wait.