Pad Thai Jet Yod
Tucked away in the Wiang area of central Chiang Rai and easy to miss from the street, this small, family-run restaurant has earned a loyal following among travellers and locals alike. Run by a grandmother who cooks and welcomes guests herself, it specialises in pad thai and egg fried rice prepared in the straightforward, unfussy style that defines genuine neighbourhood Thai cooking. Its position directly opposite a local wat makes it a natural stop before or after sightseeing in the area. The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, with outdoor seating that suits the relaxed pace of the surrounding neighbourhood. The pad thai is the headline dish, praised by many visitors as a highlight of their time in Chiang Rai, though the egg fried rice with prawn and fried egg has also drawn repeat visits from guests staying nearby. Opinions on value for money are mixed, with most finding it a solid and satisfying meal, though portion sizes have occasionally drawn comment. Good to know: The restaurant opens daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, making it well-suited for lunch rather than dinner. As there is no website listed and payment details are unconfirmed, bringing cash is strongly advisable. The entrance is easy to overlook, so look out for someone cooking at the front — that is usually the clearest sign you have found the right place.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Pad Thai Jet Yod, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
My partner and I loved this little find! We had had a few not so great meals in Chiang Rai off the back of recommendations so didn’t have high hopes, but this place was absolutely delicious! Really cute little corner location with indoor and outdoor seating! I have never seen a tree growing through the middle of a restaurant before but this just added to the quirky charm of the place. My partner had the Pad Thai with shrimp and egg and I had the Pad Thai wrapped in egg! Both dishes were packed with flavour and the noodles cooked the perfection! The staff were all very friendly and welcoming and even had a table set up with all of the extra garnish for a Pad Thai where you can help yourself to additional spring onions and bean sprouts etc with no extra charge! Thank-you for a delicious lunch! Would 100% recommend if you fancy a great Pad Thai when exploring Chiang Rai!
A hidden gem that's barely visible from the street - I only noticed it because I saw someone cooking! This unassuming spot serves one of the best Pad Thai dishes I've had during my stay in Thailand. Their signature egg-wrapped Pad Thai is absolutely delicious. The ladies running the place are incredibly friendly and welcoming. What makes it even better is the surprisingly low prices for such quality food. Don't let the modest appearance fool you - this tiny streetside spot is definitely worth stopping for. If you weren't looking carefully, you might walk right past it, but that would be a mistake. A perfect example of how some of Thailand's best food can be found in the most unassuming places.
This is the best food that we had in Chiang Rai. We came back as often as we could. Egg fried rice with prawn, topped with a fried egg was brunch during our stay. The staff were friendly ad welcoming. Inside was cooled. Optional outside seating too.
Location Info
WR3J+CPV, Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, ThailandTips 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
Monumental, modern Buddhist temple distinguished by its vivid blue coloring & elaborate carvings.
Wat Rong Khun
Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior.
Golden Triangle
Educational park at the intersection of Myanmar, Laos & Thailand, once known for opium production.
Wat Huay Pla Kang
Temple complex featuring a 9-floor pagoda with 12 surrounding structures & a giant Buddha.
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Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet
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Central Pattaya
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Location Info
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
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)