Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food (Chiang Mai Restaurant)
Proper northern Thai cooking with no concessions to nervous palates, and the jackfruit curry proves the point.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 11:00–22:00
- Price
- $$$$
- Mid-range
- 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.
Taste more of Chiang Mai
Street-food tours, market visits and Thai cooking classes near Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food (Chiang Mai Restaurant).
Food toursStreet-food tours in Chiang Mai
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesCookingThai cooking classes in Chiang Mai
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesMarketsMarket tours in Chiang Mai
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesWhy go, and how to do it well
This is northern Thai food cooked for people who want northern Thai food. No softening for tourist palates, no safety-net pad thai energy. The jackfruit curry gets named again and again in reviews, and the hang lay pork comes with the fat left in, which is the whole point of hang lay and also the reason some people push their plate away. Ong pu, the crab fat dish, is the sort of rich, savoury thing you order once and think about later. If you're travelling with someone who won't try new things, look at the menu together before you commit.
It's a big, airy room rather than a cramped shophouse, with an air-conditioned section if the heat has beaten you. The crowd is a genuine mix of foreign travellers, Asian visitors and locals. Vegetarians will find the menu thin, so go in with your expectations set. Prices sit in the middle, and portions are generous enough that a few dishes shared between four or five works out well.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026 · How we check places
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food (Chiang Mai Restaurant), round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
**Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐** Seeking an authentic taste of Northern Thailand led me to **Khoei Chiang Mai** just as they were opening their doors. The decision to arrive early was well-rewarded; the restaurant offers a **spacious and airy atmosphere** that feels comfortable and never cramped, with an air-conditioned zone available for those seeking respite from the heat. The culinary journey was truly exceptional!! The Ong Pu (Crab Fat)is an absolute revelation—rich, creamy, and savory. Pairing it with Black Sticky Rice created a perfect harmony of textures that I cannot recommend highly enough. For a true taste of the highlands, the Hed Thob (Earthstar Mushrooms) served with Nam Prik Kha (Galangal Chili Paste) provided that signature "pop" and crunchy texture that local connoisseurs adore. The Jackfruit Curry with Dried Fish and Stir-fried Pak Wan with Egg further showcased the kitchen's commitment to traditional, bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Every dish was served with a level of refinement that felt both home-cooked and professional. The service was impressively attentive and friendly, with staff members making us feel genuinely welcome. Despite the popularity of the restaurant, the food was served promptly without a long wait. For those driving, parking is conveniently located directly opposite the restaurant, though spaces are somewhat limited, so arriving early is a wise choice. If you are in Chiang Mai, this is a must-visit destination for a balanced and impactful Northern Thai dining experience!
If you truly want to taste authentic local Chiang Mai cuisine, this restaurant is a must-visit. Every dish was delicious, but the jackfruit curry stood out with its rich, flavorful taste. The food was also very reasonably priced, which made the experience even more enjoyable. All five of us had a wonderful and memorable dining experience and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Not really anything to complain about, nice staff and the environment is about the same as everywhere else. But the menu isn’t the best for vegetarians and maybe not for the western turist. If you’re not willing to try new stuff ;) if you’re unsure I recommend you look up the menu before going. We had a tourist at the table next to us being very angry because he didn’t like the food and event over here with a grab. His loss!
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 6,827 reviews on Google.
14 Thanon Santitham, Tambon Chang Phueak, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
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Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food
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.
Use Grab for Delivery
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Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food (Chiang Mai Restaurant): Frequently Asked Questions
Is Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food (Chiang Mai Restaurant) worth visiting?
Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food (Chiang Mai Restaurant) holds a 4.8★ rating from 6,827 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food (Chiang Mai Restaurant)?
Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food (Chiang Mai Restaurant) 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.
How expensive is Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food (Chiang Mai Restaurant)?
Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food (Chiang Mai Restaurant) is moderately priced (฿฿) relative to other restaurants & food in Chiang Mai.
When is the best time to visit Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food (Chiang Mai Restaurant)?
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 Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food (Chiang Mai Restaurant) located?
Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food (Chiang Mai Restaurant) is at 14 Thanon Santitham, 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).
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