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.
It’s Good Kitchen
Authentic Thai kitchen near Wat Phra Singh, beloved by locals and travellers alike for honest flavours and budget prices.
LINK Cuisine
Contemporary Thai dining on Arak Road, open daily with mid-range pricing and extended hours until 10:30pm.
Gord Chiangmai Kitchen ครัวกอดเชียงใหม่ - Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch in the garden
A garden café near Chiang Mai's old city serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch daily until 3:30pm.
Chiang Mai University Main Food Court
Affordable air-conditioned food court inside Chiang Mai University, popular with students and savvy travellers alike.
Moose Rooftop Wine Bar
A rooftop wine bar atop Moose Hotel in Nimman, offering sunset views and cocktails from the 8th floor.
Baan Buri Café & Restaurant
Art-infused café and restaurant on Chiang Mai's Old City Rachadamnoen Road, open daily 8am–9:30pm.
Food Market
A buzzing open-air food court in Chang Khlan serving authentic Thai dishes from multiple vendors at local prices.
Good restaurants
Affordable local Thai restaurant in Chiang Mai's old city, known for huge portions and authentic flavours.
Kad Luang Airport Local Shop
Bustling airport-area food court offering northern Thai specialties and local snacks at budget-friendly prices.
Central Chiangmai
Chiang Mai's largest modern mall, with two food halls, designer boutiques, and a grocery store along the superhighway.
Krua Dabb Lob
A busy local café on Rachadamnoen Road serving flavourful Thai food at genuinely low prices.
Baan Landai Fine Thai Cuisine
Michelin-recognised Northern Thai restaurant in Chiang Mai's Old City, open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday.
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.
ร้านหม่าล่า88 麻辣烧烤 The Thai Street
Lively Sichuan-Thai grill and skewer spot on Ratchamanka Rd, open daily until 1am with local prices.
Tops Food Hall Central Chiangmai
Premium supermarket and food hall inside Central Chiangmai, stocking quality groceries, fresh produce, and ready-to-eat meals.
294 Bistro Chiangmai
A relaxed all-day bistro in Chiang Mai's Old City, praised for its matcha, brunch plates, and attentive service.
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.