Best Restaurants & Food in Chiang Mai
89 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.
Book food tours & dining experiences in Chiang Mai
Street-food crawls, cooking classes, and tasting tours — book the experiences behind the meals.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Free Bird Cafe
Free Bird Cafe is Chiang Mai's feel-good vegan institution — a bright café whose profits fund Thai Freedom House, a language and arts centre for refugees from Myanmar and hill-tribe families.
Khao Soi Khun Yai
Khao Soi Khun Yai serves what many consider Chiang Mai's definitive bowl of khao soi from a garden shack beside the old-city moat near Wat Kuan Kama.
Pun Pun (Wat Suan Dok)
Pun Pun is the vegetarian institution in the garden of Wat Suan Dok — an open-air restaurant run by a sustainable-farming collective, serving Thai standards built on organic vegetables, house-made tofu, and seeds saved from its own farm.
Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant
Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant turned a tiny Nimman-side kitchen into one of Chiang Mai's most loved meat-free tables — a daily-changing blackboard of Thai dishes cooked vegetarian by default and vegan on request, from butterfly-pea-flower rice to herb-heavy curries and som tam.
The South African Cafe, Restaurant & Rooftop
A hidden gem café and rooftop restaurant serving South African cuisine in the heart of Chiang Mai.
Street food for local
A no-frills local street food spot in Chiang Mai's Si Phum area, open weekday mornings only.
La Vida Hostel
A spotless western-style hostel and restaurant in central Chiang Mai, known for Alsatian cuisine and rooftop pool.
LayLam Home Cooking
A beloved Chiang Mai home cooking spot serving authentic Thai evening meals on Sridonchai Rd.
Ikigai Restaurant
A creative Western-Japanese fusion dining experience in Chiang Mai, built around an ever-changing chef's tasting menu.
Rodlamun
A well-regarded daytime eatery on Jhaban Road serving authentic Thai food in a casual, unpretentious setting.
Garden to Table Chiangmai
Farm-to-table dining in Chiang Mai's old city, with fresh local produce and budget-friendly prices.
Sapiens Restaurant
An intimate fine-dining restaurant in Chiang Mai blending Thai and Western flavours, open evenings only.
Friend's Table (reservations required)
A reservation-only fine dining experience in Chiang Mai's Hang Dong area, serving creative multi-course menus in an intimate woodland setting.
Chai 'N' Thai @ Nimman
Authentic North and South Indian restaurant in Nimman, serving halal, vegan, and gluten-free options daily.
Glyn Chiangmai Thai Cuisine
Charming Northern Thai café on Prapokklao Road serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch with authentic local flavour.
Khum Hmon Somm
A family-run northern Thai kitchen in Hai Ya, beloved for its khao soi and warm, unhurried atmosphere.
Ghin
Refined Thai dining in Chiang Mai's Old City, blending Lanna-inspired flavours with attentive, personalised service.
The OT Dispensary - OLD TOWN
A laid-back cannabis dispensary and lounge in Chiang Mai's Old Town with a rooftop, PS5, and friendly staff.
B Samcook Home16
Beloved home-style Thai eatery in Chiang Mai's Hai Ya neighbourhood, open six days a week.
The Gad Lanna and Kam Lobby Lounge
Upscale all-day dining lounge inside Chiang Mai's InterContinental hotel, open daily from breakfast to late evening.
Another World
An evening dining destination in Chiang Mai's Old City, open nightly from 6pm to midnight.
ด่อง-Dông.cnx (local food)
Evening Northern Thai dining spot on Prapokklao Road, known for authentic flavours and small plates.
ลอยเคราะห์ไทยฟู้ดส์
Late-night Thai street food spot in Chiang Mai's Chang Khlan area, serving fresh, home-style dishes until 3am.
CHARMM : BISTRO & GALLERY
A bistro-gallery hybrid in Chiang Mai's Sri Phum area, blending creative cuisine with rotating art exhibitions.
Find a place to stay in Chiang Mai
Compare live rates across booking sites.
- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fees
- Compare live prices
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Best rates in Asia
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Hotels.com Rewards
Sponsored — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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.