Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today
Chef Sasa
Restaurants & Food
Chiang Rai

Chef Sasa

4.5(686 reviews)

Situated on Phaholyothin Road, one of Chiang Rai's main thoroughfares, Chef Sasa has established itself as a reliable dining destination in the heart of the city. Its consistent popularity among both locals and travellers points to a kitchen that takes its food seriously, making it a worthwhile stop for those looking to eat well without straying far from central Chiang Rai. Diners can expect a welcoming atmosphere suited to a range of occasions, from a casual solo meal to a group dinner while exploring the northern Thailand food scene. The restaurant's position on a major road means it sits within easy reach of other attractions and accommodation in the Mueang Chiang Rai area, making it a convenient choice when planning a day out in the city. Good to know: Specific opening hours are not listed online, so it is worth confirming times before making the trip, particularly for early dinners or late-evening meals. The Phaholyothin Road location is well-served by local transport options, and the restaurant is straightforward to find for first-time visitors navigating central Chiang Rai.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Chef Sasa, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – February

Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)

Rainy season

June – September

Avg. temperature

14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)

Crowds

Moderate

Peak: December – February

Getting there

Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. Scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.

Getting around

  • Grab (available in city centre)
  • Songthaews
  • Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
  • Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)

Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food

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.

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.

Also Popular in Chiang Rai

Rong Suea Ten Temple

Rong Suea Ten Temple

4.6(25,999)
306 หมู่ที่ 2 Maekok Rd, Tambon Rim Kok, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand

A striking modern Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai, famous for its vivid electric-blue architecture and intricate carvings.

Wat Rong Khun

Wat Rong Khun

4.6(24,551)
Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand

A dazzling all-white contemporary Buddhist temple covered in intricate mirrored mosaics, located just outside Chiang Rai city.

Golden Triangle

Golden Triangle

4.3(16,493)
932M+W6X, 370 ถนน ท่าแพ, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Chiang Saen, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57150, Thailand

Where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge — a historically significant landmark above the Mekong River.

Wat Huay Pla Kang

Wat Huay Pla Kang

4.7(16,022)
553, Tambon Ban Du, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand

A vast Buddhist complex in Chiang Rai featuring a 79-metre Guan Yin statue and a climbable 9-floor pagoda.

Similar Restaurants & Food Across Thailand

Aonchorn Thai restaurant ออนชอน ราชดำเนิน
Featured

Aonchorn Thai restaurant ออนชอน ราชดำเนิน

4.9(818)
21 Prachathipatai Rd, Khwaeng Wat Bowon Niwet, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

Authentic Thai street food restaurant in Phra Nakhon serving flavoursome dishes at remarkably affordable prices.

Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet

Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet

4.9(44,430)$$$$
11, 3 Soi Charoen Krung 58, Khwaeng Yan Nawa, Khet Sathon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10120, Thailand

Riverfront seafood buffet in Sathorn with fresh grilled prawns, wide variety, and open-air Chao Phraya views.

Central Pattaya

Central Pattaya

4.5(36,230)
333/102 Thanon Pattayasaisong, ตำบล หนองปรือ, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20260, Thailand

A large, modern mall on Pattaya Beach Road with an extensive food court and broad shopping options.

The Village Farm To Café

The Village Farm To Café

4.9(30,594)$$$$
ทล 323 Thanon Sangchuto, Tambon Nong Bua, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71190, Thailand

A deceptively spacious farm-to-café on Highway 323 that opens into a lush, village-like retreat.