Places to Eat in Chiang Mai

Ask anyone about their food experience during their visit to Chiang Mai and their mouths will start watering instantly. Chiang Mai outdoes itself with its culinary offerings; whether its cheap local street food, delicious traditional Northern Thai curries or even Western dishes with a unique twist – you can find it all.

It’s a running joke that finding ‘decent’ coffee in Asia is a challenge, even in self-proclaimed cafés, but Chiang Mai is the exception with boutique coffee shops offering first class flat whites and creamy cappuccinos.

Thai Food

Northern Thai cuisine is definitely something to be sampled. Thai food, in general, has some of the most exotic flavor combinations but these regional dishes take it to another level with their Burmese and Chinese influences.

For the best Khao Soi, we recommend heading a bit out of the Old City and into the Nimmanhemin district (Soi 7) to Kao Soy Nimman to tuck into this delicious curried noodle soup dish for just THB50-70.

Khao man gai, the Thai version of the Hainanese chicken rice, is another Chiang Mai staple and our favorite haunt is along Thanon Srimankhalajan, at Nan Talam where you can find this crispy chicken and broth for just THB30 and have the opportunity to share your table with the locals. Tip: head down early, it’s only open between 7am-2.30pm.

Street Food

Make sure you’ve saved room for a foray into the street food scene in Chiang Mai – there are so many things to try!

One of the real local markets to try, just out of the Old City walls, is Don Phayam market (another local favorite) where you can literally find everything from dragon fruit to dragonflies to eat. Stroll past the huge woks frying up fresh goodness, and try the traditional Chiang Mai sausage (just THB5!) or a bag of fresh strawberries – don’t forget to haggle.

The South Gate Market is another one popular with the farang, selling Pad Thai for just THB40 and Mango Sticky Rice for around the same price. If you get the chance to try Khao Kha Poo (rice and stewed pork) then we’d recommend that one, too!

Western and International Food

Catering to the more international customers, Chiang Mai offers plenty of options for those looking for a time out from Thai food. One of our favorite burger joints, when we’re feeling nostalgic, is Maya Burger Queen (31 Ratchwithi Road) to get our fix. Offering a range of beef, chicken, and vegetarian options, it’s become so popular they even have a sister branch in Pai, with very loyal customers.

Art Café Chiang Mai is another favorite, located by Thapae Gate, where many heads for brunch. We love the Breakfast Burritos and Buttermilk Pancakes washed down with a fresh fruit smoothie – a great way to start your day.

Cafes and Coffee Houses

You’re certain to get your caffeine fix in Chiang Mai with cafés practically on every corner thanks to the surge in coffee bean production over the last decade – you’ll find Arabica coffee in Northern Thailand especially.

One of our favorite coffee shops is See You Soon, a beautiful bohemian style boutique café-cum-shop with a gorgeous range of artisanal homeware and clothing to peruse while you wait. Prices might be a bit eye-watering, compared to the price of a meal, but that’s the sacrifice for good coffee!

Akha Ama Coffee La Fattoria (opposite Wat Phra Singh) is another stylish café (and one proud to champion sustainable agriculture) worth a visit for its strong espressos and delicious range of pastry delights. If you can find some elephant poo coffee beans, they’re a great one to take home to the family and friends!