Best Restaurants & Food in Chiang Mai
125 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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CHARMM : BISTRO & GALLERY
A bistro-gallery hybrid in Chiang Mai's Sri Phum area, blending creative cuisine with rotating art exhibitions.
Chada Vegetarian Restaurant Chiang Mai
Plant-based Thai cooking at old-city prices, open all day, no fuss about it.
Thai Food Resto
A popular Old City Thai restaurant known for generous portions and rich, flavourful classics.
Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food (Chiang Mai Restaurant)
Proper northern Thai cooking with no concessions to nervous palates, and the jackfruit curry proves the point.
Madame Lee Fun Dining
A fine dining gem in Chiang Mai's old city blending Thai and Asian cuisine with inventive signature cocktails.
Loi Kroh Thai Foods
Late-night Thai street food spot in Chiang Mai's Chang Khlan area, serving fresh, home-style dishes until 3am.
Cheap and cheerful 30 baht Thai Food
Thirty baht a plate, cooked to order by an auntie, and the pork leg's gone by mid-afternoon.
Copacabana Rooftop diner
Rooftop sunset bar on Tha Phae Road with bohemian vibes, live DJ sets, and views of Tha Phae Gate.
JAI LOY CAFE & ROOFTOP
Rooftop bar and cafe on Chang Moi Road with city views, affordable Thai food, and midnight closing hours.
Blanc Chiang Mai
A cosy Italian-leaning restaurant in Chiang Mai's Suthep area, known for quality steaks and relaxed ambience.
Busarin
A Michelin-recognised family restaurant in Chiang Mai's Pa Tan neighbourhood serving traditional Northern Thai curries and home-style dishes.
Sapiens Restaurant
An intimate fine-dining restaurant in Chiang Mai blending Thai and Western flavours, open evenings only.
Food Patio
A popular open-air food court in Fa Ham offering a wide variety of affordable Thai dishes.
Saen Kham Terrace Restaurant
A scenic terrace restaurant near Chiang Mai with rice field and mountain views, generous portions, and warm service.
9 Siblings Restaurant
Authentic Thai restaurant on Samlan Road, open daily 8am–8pm, well-regarded by locals and visitors alike.
Thai Food Good Taste - Chiang Mai
Authentic Thai restaurant on Rachadamnoen Road, open daily until 11:30 PM with great food and friendly service.
Reform Kafé - Vegan Garden Restaurant
A leafy vegan garden near the moat where lunch turns into two hours without you noticing.
Mr. KAI Restaurant
Cheap, no-fuss Thai food inside the old city, open from breakfast right through to dinner.
Bodhi Terrace
Riverside dinner terrace at the Anantara hotel, open evenings only with elegant outdoor dining along the Ping River.
Alice's Restaurant
Organic cooking at fair prices on Loi Kroh, open from noon until nearly midnight every day.
Dongcnx Local Food
Evening Northern Thai dining spot on Prapokklao Road, known for authentic flavours and small plates.
The garden by lemongrass
A garden restaurant on Loi Kroh Road serving Thai cuisine nightly until 1 AM in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Baan Mae Café & Restaurant
Superb Thai food served in the garden of a restored historic home, in Chiang Mai's Santitham area.
Jarid Thai Food & Fine Wines
Refined Thai dining and fine wines on Nimmanhaemin Road, open daily for lunch through late evening.
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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.