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Larb Sanam Keela

Chiang Rai's best-known northern Thai larb shop, near the provincial stadium, popular with locals for larb, steamed beef and garlic-fried fish.

4.3(1,805)$$$$
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Daily 10:30–20:00
Price
$$$$
Mid-range

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.

Details

Full opening hours
Monday10:30–20:00
Tuesday10:30–20:00
Wednesday10:30–20:00
Thursday10:30–20:00
Friday10:30–20:00
Saturday10:30–20:00
Sunday10:30–20:00

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Why go, and how to do it well

Larb Sanam Keela is a northern Thai restaurant near the Chiang Rai provincial stadium (sanam keela means sports field), and it's the local restaurant the Chiang Rai food guides name most often. The cooking is heavy on meat and herbs. People come for the larb, the herb-steamed beef served with a galangal chili dip, gaeng hung lay pork curry and tilapia deep-fried with a pile of garlic.

It's a simple place that's popular with locals, and it's inexpensive, around ฿200 to ฿400 a person on Google's listing. It's open every day from 10:30 to 20:00, a short Grab ride from the clock tower, and it's best at lunch or an early dinner.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026

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Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of Larb Sanam Keela, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Mid-range

151/3 Moo 22, Sanam Keela Rd, Rop Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand

Open in Google Maps

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Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food

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.

Use Grab for Delivery

The Grab app works for food delivery across Thailand, letting you order from street stalls and restaurants alike. It's invaluable on rainy days or when you want to eat in your hotel.

Larb Sanam Keela: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Larb Sanam Keela worth visiting?

Larb Sanam Keela holds a 4.3★ rating from 1,805 Google reviews — a strong rating for restaurants & food in Chiang Rai.

What are the opening hours of Larb Sanam Keela?

Larb Sanam Keela is typically open 10:30–20:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

How expensive is Larb Sanam Keela?

Larb Sanam Keela is moderately priced (฿฿) relative to other restaurants & food in Chiang Rai.

When is the best time to visit Larb Sanam Keela?

The best months to visit Chiang Rai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: Mid-February – April (smoke & heat).

Where is Larb Sanam Keela located?

Larb Sanam Keela is at 151/3 Moo 22, Sanam Keela Rd, Rop Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand, in Chiang Rai. Getting around Chiang Rai: Grab (available in city center); Songthaews.

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