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Mr. KAI Restaurant

Cheap, no-fuss Thai food inside the old city, open from breakfast right through to dinner.

4.7(2,505)$$$$
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Tue–Sun 09:00–21:00
Price
$$$$
Budget

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.

Details

Full opening hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday09:00–21:00
Wednesday09:00–21:00
Thursday09:00–21:00
Friday09:00–21:00
Saturday09:00–21:00
Sunday09:00–21:00

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Why go, and how to do it well

Cheap Thai food in a plain neighborhood 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.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026

Stay within reach of Mr. KAI Restaurant

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Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of Mr. KAI Restaurant, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite
Budget-friendly

11 5 Jhaban Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Open in Google Maps

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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

The Grab app works for food delivery across Thailand, letting you order from street stalls and restaurants alike. It's invaluable on rainy days or when you want to eat in your hotel.

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: Mid-February – April (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 center).

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