Best Restaurants & Food in Chiang Mai
123 places found in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai's food culture is distinct from Bangkok and the south — Northern Thai (Lanna) cuisine features dishes you won't find elsewhere in the country. Khao soi, the iconic coconut curry noodle soup, is the city's signature dish, with every local having their favourite stall. Sai oua (herbal sausage), nam prik ong (tomato-pork dip), and gaeng hang lay (Burmese-influenced pork curry) round out the northern specialities.
Beyond Lanna food, Chiang Mai has become a hub for health-conscious and international dining. The Nimman area is packed with excellent cafes, organic restaurants, and fusion spots. The Warorot Market and surrounding food stalls offer the most authentic local experience. For a true cultural dining experience, try a khantoke dinner — a traditional Lanna meal served on a raised pedestal tray with multiple dishes and classical dance performances.
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PARI-
Michelin-recognised evening dining spot in Chiang Mai's historic Phra Sing district, open nightly from 6 PM.
Blackitch Artisan Kitchen
Artisan dinner restaurant in Chiang Mai's Nimmanhemin district, open evenings daily from 5 PM.
Baan Landai Fine Thai Cuisine
Dinner-only Lanna cooking in a blue-walled Old City room, and the pork ribs are the reason people book.
Baan Khun Nine Kitchen
A well-regarded neighborhood dinner spot in Chiang Mai's Si Phum district, open evenings daily.
Oh Talay
Seafood restaurant on the fourth floor of Maya Lifestyle Shopping Centre in Chiang Mai's Chang Phueak area.
Kung Yim Shop (2nd Branch)
An 850-baht seafood buffet with a three-hour window, big prawns and a service pace that can drag.
Chiang Mai University Main Food Court
Cheap student canteen food in air-con comfort, but get there by lunchtime or the stalls start shutting.
Good restaurants
Affordable local Thai restaurant in Chiang Mai's old city, known for huge portions and authentic flavours.
Gord Chiangmai Kitchen - Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch in the garden
A garden café near Chiang Mai's old city serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch daily until 3:30pm.
Krua Dabb Lob
A busy local café on Rachadamnoen Road serving flavourful Thai food at genuinely low prices.
Street Food & Kalare Night Market
A lively open-air night market in Chiang Mai offering street food, live music, and local arts every evening.
Food Market
A buzzing open-air food court in Chang Khlan serving authentic Thai dishes from multiple vendors at local prices.
Tha Phae Grill
Rooftop Thai grill on Rachadamnoen with sunset temple views and skewers worth climbing five floors for.
Rooftop Bar & Bistro
A local rooftop bar and bistro in Chang Khlan offering affordable cocktails, BBQ, and sunset views.
Airniversary Chiang Mai
A multi-level treehouse restaurant with koi ponds, live music, and a lush garden in central Chiang Mai.
Paak Dang Riverside Restaurant
A social enterprise riverside restaurant blending Thai and Singaporean flavours beside the Ping River.
Kad Luang Airport Local Shop
Bustling airport-area food court offering northern Thai specialties and local snacks at budget-friendly prices.
Khao Soi Maesai
The locals' khao soi champion in Chang Phueak — Michelin-listed bowls that sell out by early afternoon, worth planning a morning around.
294 Bistro Chiangmai
A relaxed all-day bistro in Chiang Mai's Old City, praised for its matcha, brunch plates, and attentive service.
Late Night Street Foods And Noodles
A late-night strip of street food carts on Hussadhisawee Rd, open nightly until 4am with dishes from 50 THB.
88 The Thai Street
Lively Sichuan-Thai grill and skewer spot on Ratchamanka Rd, open daily until 1am with local prices.
Suki Changphuak
Thai-style suki done cheap and fast, from 5pm to midnight, at a no-frills open-air stand.
The River Lofts
A riverside restaurant and bar on the Ping River with live music, outdoor seating, and daily hours until midnight.
Huen Muan Jai
Northern Thai done properly, but you'll queue on the spot for it, so turn up as the doors open.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find the best khao soi in Chiang Mai?
The most famous spots include Khao Soi Khun Yai (widely considered the best), Khao Soi Mae Sai near the Old City, and Khao Soi Lam Duan Fah Ham near the river. Each has a slightly different style — some creamier, some spicier. Expect to pay 50-80 THB per bowl.
What food markets should I visit in Chiang Mai?
Warorot Market (Kad Luang) is the main day market with excellent prepared food. The Saturday Walking Street (Wualai) and Sunday Walking Street (Ratchadamnoen) have the best night market food. Thanin Market is a lesser-known local favourite for morning noodles.
Is Chiang Mai good for vegetarian and vegan food?
Exceptionally so. Chiang Mai has Thailand's largest vegetarian and vegan dining scene. Many restaurants cater specifically to plant-based diets. Try Pun Pun (organic Thai vegetarian), Reform Kafe (vegan), or the Jay (vegetarian) food stalls at any temple festival.