Places to eat in Pai

Pai’s food scene has greatly improved over the last few years turning it into a top destination for foodies.

Before, its night market with tempting local delicacies was the be all and end all, but now, you’re as likely to have a slap up sit down meal as you are to sit on the street. That’s what we love about Pai – you have everything at your fingertips, no matter your mood; whether it’s a spicy green curry, avocado on toast, or Pad Thai from the street vendor.

Street food in Pai

At around 4pm you can see the locals flocking to the Walking Street (Rungsiyanon Road) to set up their stalls for the market each night. Lining the street on both sides you can find every cuisine from local regional Thai dishes, Indian, French crepes, Mexican burritos, and more!

We love the Pad Thai lady, right at the corner of Tesaban Road, where you can enjoy a filling dinner for less than a dollar and watch her prepare it in front of you. If you’ve still got room after that, why not try a delicious fruit smoothie from the exotic fruit stalls or follow the sweet smells of the waffles and crepe stalls wafting their goodness down the street.

Thai food

There aren’t too many authentic Thai-only restaurants in the centre of Pai, however, stop at any menu in town and you’ll see pages of Thai dishes to choose from among other items.

Pai River Corner restaurant enjoys lovely views over the river and serves adventurous dishes of chicken feet soup and a delicious spicy green curry (kaeng kiaw wan) where you’ll look to spend around THB200/USD6 for a main dish.

For something a little cheaper, Karsa Long Thai Food is another option if you’re on a tighter budget end where you can enjoy a massaman curry for just THB70/USD2 and plenty of delicious healthy vegetarian options, too.

Western and International food

Pai is great for those with a more Western palette – the Walking Street is teeming with restaurants catering to home comforts.

One of the most popular eateries is Maya Burger Queen (which also has a sister restaurant in Chiang Mai) where you can feast on a wide range of beef, chicken, and veggie burgers for around THB80/USD2.50 – we love the Chicken & Sweet Chilli – and don’t miss their ‘famous homemade chips’ either.

Just down the road is Baan Pizza, serving a surprisingly authentic Italian menu (try the delicious bruschetta for under a dollar!).

Café de Pai, on the night market street is a great place for brunch (they have their own bakery!) where you can enjoy avocado on toast and your choice of eggs for just overTHB70/ USD2.

Café and Coffee Houses

If you’re a coffee fiend you’ll get your fix in Pai, no problem! The newly opened Witching Well is one of our favourite places to indulge in a delicious local coffee and large slice of cake at any time of day for around THB50/USD1.50 (try the mango cheesecake!)

Slightly further out of town you’ll find the Coffee in Pai café perched on the hill with breath-taking views of the surroundings. If you’re heading out of town to visit the canyon or Pam Bok Waterfall, stop in along the way for a pick-me-up.

Cafecito, around the corner from the Pai Police Station, in town, is another of our favourites, too, which takes real local coffee to another level. Their iced coffees are especially refreshing in the hotter months.