Simply Northern Thai Food
Tucked along Nhong Boor Road in the Rop Wiang area of central Chiang Rai, this neighborhood restaurant specialises in Northern Thai cuisine, offering a straightforward, no-frills window into Lanna food traditions. The name references laab, a herb-forward minced meat salad that is a cornerstone of Northern Thai cooking, and the menu stays true to regional classics rather than adapting dishes for outside tastes.
The atmosphere is casual and local in character, drawing residents alongside travellers who seek genuine Chiang Rai cooking over tourist-oriented interpretations. Pricing sits firmly in the budget range, making it an accessible choice for those wanting to eat well without spending much. The consistent quality across a strong volume of reviews suggests reliable execution of the dishes it puts forward.
Taste more of Chiang Rai
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near Simply Northern Thai Food — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Simply Northern Thai Food, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Chiang Rai
Rong Suea Ten Temple
Free to enter, electric blue from floor to ceiling, and quieter first thing in the morning.
Wat Rong Khun
All white plaster and mirror glass, dazzling in the sun, and packed with people from the moment it opens.
Golden Triangle
Stand where three countries meet on the Mekong, then decide if the 1.5-hour drive was worth it.
Wat Huay Pla Kang
A 79-metre Guan Yin you can climb inside, plus a nine-storey pagoda and hilltop views, all free to enter.
Simply Northern Thai Food: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simply Northern Thai Food worth visiting?
Simply Northern Thai Food holds a 4.7★ rating from 357 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Chiang Rai.
What are the opening hours of Simply Northern Thai Food?
Simply Northern Thai Food is typically open 10:00-22:00 — 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 Simply Northern Thai Food?
Simply Northern Thai Food is budget-friendly (฿) relative to other restaurants & food in Chiang Rai.
When is the best time to visit Simply Northern Thai Food?
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: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Simply Northern Thai Food located?
Simply Northern Thai Food is at 47/4 Nhong Boor Rd, Tambon Rop Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand, in Chiang Rai. Getting around Chiang Rai: Grab (available in city centre); Songthaews.
Location Info
47/4 Nhong Boor Rd, Tambon Rop Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand+66 65 878 6978Visitor 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). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a 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)
Where to stay near Simply Northern Thai Food
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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.
Nearby Places
JINLU RESTAURANT
Authentic Chinese restaurant in Chiang Rai serving Cantonese, Shanghai, and Hong Kong-style dishes daily until 10pm.
THE SHACK f
Acclaimed BBQ spot in Chiang Rai serving slow-smoked ribs and grilled chicken with a relaxed, casual vibe.
Mheewok
A beloved made-to-order Thai kitchen in central Chiang Rai, open late most nights with standout wok cooking.
Book’s Cafe & Bistro Chiangrai
A laid-back garden bistro and live music venue in central Chiang Rai, open afternoons through late night.
Similar Restaurants & Food Across Thailand
Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet
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Central Pattaya
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The Village Farm To Café
Looks like nothing from the highway, then opens up into green fields, high ceilings and properly fresh food.
Kodtalay Seafood Buffet Sukhumvit
Live river prawns from the tank, grilled at your table, and no clock ticking on how long you stay.
Where to stay near Simply Northern Thai Food
Find hotels in Chiang Rai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a 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)