Maadae Slow Fish Kitchen
Maadae Slow Fish Kitchen brings a slow-food philosophy to seafood dining in the heart of Chiang Mai, sitting on the well-travelled Tha Phae Road within easy reach of the Old City. The restaurant specialises in Thai fish and seafood dishes prepared with quality ingredients and careful technique, drawing a loyal crowd of both locals and travellers. Standout dishes include grilled fish, grilled squid, and fresh pomelo salad, with visitors frequently praising the quality of dipping sauces and the bold, well-balanced flavours across the menu. Coming with a group is recommended, as the menu rewards sharing and allows the full range of dishes to be explored. The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, with good service noted by regulars. The mid-range price point reflects the quality of preparation without tipping into fine-dining territory, making it an accessible choice for those wanting something more considered than a standard tourist restaurant. The pomelo dish in particular has drawn comparisons to home-style Thai cooking, suggesting the kitchen leans toward familiar, grounded flavours rather than crowd-pleasing adaptations. Good to know: Reservations are strongly advised, as the restaurant fills quickly and walk-in waits of around 20 minutes or more are common, particularly at dinner. Guests who arrive without a booking may also find service stretched during busy periods, so booking ahead significantly improves the experience. Check with your accommodation for current opening hours, as these are not consistently listed online.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Maadae Slow Fish Kitchen, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
I came here alone, so I just ordered two dishes. Personally, I liked the food. I enjoy a variety of flavors, and everything had a nice mix of sweet, salty, and bold tastes. The pomelo dish reminded me of yum from Isan food, a bit sweet and salty with that kick of kapi flavor, which I really liked. I also ordered a 600g fish. Yes, you can squeeze some lime over it and dip it in seafood sauce, then eat it with rice. So good.The only downside is the price. It’s not exactly budget friendly, but I can understand. *** I recommend booking before you go to save time and avoid long queues. They do accept walk-ins, but you might have to wait a while.
Love the place! We literally ordered every food on the menu! Some dishes could taste alright but most of them are super delicious. Highly recommend to come with a group of friends so you can enjoy as many dishes as you can. We also ordered dessert which made from the real sako tree and they have homemade cola. Definitely going back there again! Highly recommend for those who wish to escape the normal northern local food!
I make a reservation for dinner time. The service are good. The grilled fish and squid taste fresh. The dipping sauce is nice. If you are around Ching Mai, is worth for a visit. The drink is nice too! I ordered cola - is their home drink. Could not find elsewhere
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.
Also Popular in Chiang Mai
Doi Suthep Temple
Hilltop temple overlooking Chiang Mai with stunning golden chedi

Tha Phae Gate
Chiang Mai's iconic eastern gate to the Old City, a historic Lanna-era landmark free to visit any time.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Bustling night market featuring street food vendors & local crafts, plus souvenirs.

Wat Phra That Doi Kham
A hilltop golden Buddha temple near Chiang Mai offering panoramic city views, free entry, and genuine tranquillity.
Similar Restaurants & Food Across Thailand
Aonchorn Thai restaurant ออนชอน ราชดำเนิน
Authentic Thai street food restaurant in Phra Nakhon serving flavoursome dishes at remarkably affordable prices.

Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet
A riverside seafood buffet in Sathorn serving fresh catches and Thai dishes daily from 2 PM.
Central Pattaya
A large, well-organised shopping mall in central Pattaya with extensive dining, a food court, and retail options.
The Village Farm To Café
A scenic farm-to-table café on Highway 323 in Kanchanaburi, serving fresh, locally-sourced food in a spacious, village-style setting.
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)