Mr. KAI Restaurant
Cheap Thai food in a plain neighbourhood setting is one of the things Chiang Mai does better than almost anywhere, and this is that kind of place. Budget prices, a spot on Jhaban Road in Si Phum, and a kitchen that runs from 9am to 9pm without shutting for the afternoon. That last part matters more than people expect. Plenty of small Thai kitchens close between lunch and dinner, so if you've come back from a temple crawl at half three and you're starving, having somewhere that's still cooking is worth a lot.
Don't come for the room or the styling. Come because you want to eat properly for very little money, and because it's walkable from most of the old city. It's popular enough that the standard 12pm and 7pm rushes can fill it, so if you'd rather not wait, shift your meal by an hour either way.
Taste more of Chiang Mai
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near Mr. KAI Restaurant — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Mr. KAI Restaurant, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Chiang Mai
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai
No riding, no tricks: a day of feeding and mud with rescued elephants in the Mae Wang hills.
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
Tha Phae Gate
Free, open all hours, and best after dark when the brick gate is lit and the square fills up.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Get there around 7pm, before the crowds land, and browse the whole stretch before you buy anything.
Mr. KAI Restaurant: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mr. KAI Restaurant worth visiting?
Mr. KAI Restaurant holds a 4.7★ rating from 2,505 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Mr. KAI Restaurant?
Mr. KAI Restaurant is typically open 09:00-21:00 — 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 Mr. KAI Restaurant?
Mr. KAI Restaurant is budget-friendly (฿) relative to other restaurants & food in Chiang Mai.
When is the best time to visit Mr. KAI 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 Mr. KAI Restaurant located?
Mr. KAI Restaurant is at 11 5 Jhaban Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
11 5 Jhaban Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand+66 92 631 5943www.facebook.com/p/MrKAI-Restaurant-100054562743868/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)
Where to stay near Mr. KAI Restaurant
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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.
Nearby Places
Rodlamun
A well-regarded daytime eatery on Jhaban Road serving authentic Thai food in a casual, unpretentious setting.
Glyn Chiangmai Thai Cuisine
Charming Northern Thai café on Prapokklao Road serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch with authentic local flavour.
Krua Dabb Lob
A busy local café on Rachadamnoen Road serving flavourful Thai food at genuinely low prices.
Street food for local
A no-frills local street food spot in Chiang Mai's Si Phum area, open weekday mornings only.
Similar Restaurants & Food Across Thailand
Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet
Open-air seafood buffet on the Chao Phraya from 599 baht, and the river seats are worth asking for.
Central Pattaya
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The Village Farm To Café
Looks like nothing from the highway, then opens up into green fields, high ceilings and properly fresh food.
Kodtalay Seafood Buffet Sukhumvit
Live river prawns from the tank, grilled at your table, and no clock ticking on how long you stay.
Where to stay near Mr. KAI Restaurant
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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)