Chiang Mai is Thailand's cultural capital in the north, a city of ancient temples, night markets, and misty mountains. Once the heart of the Lanna Kingdom, it blends centuries of history with a thriving modern scene of cafes, art galleries, and wellness retreats.
Chiang Mai is the culinary heartland of Northern Thailand, home to the distinct Lanna food tradition that differs markedly from Bangkok or southern Thai cuisine. Lanna food is milder in chili heat but rich in umami from fermented soybean pastes, pungent herbs, and slow-cooked meats. Sticky rice (eaten with the hands) replaces steamed rice, and a meal typically centers on a communal spread of dipping sauces (nam prik), sausages, vegetables, and curries. The city has also developed a world-class specialty coffee scene with dozens of artisan cafes sourcing beans from hill-tribe farms in the surrounding mountains.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Chiang Mai.
Khao Soi
The signature dish of Chiang Mai: egg noodles in a creamy coconut-curry broth, topped with crispy fried noodles, shallots, pickled cabbage, and chili oil
Where to try: Khao Soi Khun Yai, Huen Phen, any local restaurant
Price: $1.30-3
Sai Ua (Northern Thai Sausage)
Grilled pork sausage packed with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili - aromatic and herbal unlike any other sausage
Where to try: Walking street markets, local butchers on Wualai Road
Price: $1-2
Gaeng Hang Lay
A rich, slow-cooked pork belly curry with ginger, tamarind, and black soy sauce - Burmese-influenced with no coconut milk
Where to try: Huen Phen, traditional Northern Thai restaurants
Price: $2-4
Nam Prik Num
A smoky, pungent dipping sauce made from roasted green chilies, eaten with sticky rice, vegetables, and pork cracklings
Where to try: Huen Phen, Tong Tem Toh, local markets
Price: $1-2
Khao Kha Moo
Braised pork leg slow-cooked in soy, star anise, and cinnamon until fork-tender, served on rice with a soft-boiled egg and pickled greens
Where to try: Kiat Ocha, local market stalls
Price: $1.50-2.50
Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niao Mamuang)
Sweet sticky rice with fresh mango and coconut cream - a dessert perfected in Chiang Mai with local sweet mangoes
Where to try: Walking street markets, dessert stalls
Price: $1.50-2.50
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Khao Soi Khun Yai
A legendary hole-in-the-wall in the Old City that many locals and food critics consider the definitive khao soi in Chiang Mai. The curry broth is rich and complex, balanced perfectly between coconut cream and spice, served with tender braised chicken and topped with crispy noodles.
Known for: Best khao soi in Chiang Mai
Faham Road, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50000
Huen Phen
Chiang Mai's most celebrated traditional Lanna restaurant, a local institution since the 1960s, serving pre-prepared Northern Thai curries and dishes in an antique-filled dining room overflowing with Lanna artifacts. The evening menu is more extensive and features rare Lanna specialties.
Known for: Authentic Lanna cuisine in antique surroundings
112 Ratchamankha Road, Phra Singh, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
SP Chicken (Rot Dee Chicken)
An iconic Chiang Mai institution that has been serving perfectly rotisserie-roasted chickens since the 1950s. The whole chickens are marinated with local herbs and slow-roasted to golden perfection; served with sticky rice and a fiery jeow dipping sauce, it's the quintessential Northern Thai meal.
Known for: Famous rotisserie chicken
Maneenoparat Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Kiat Ocha
A beloved Chiang Mai breakfast institution that serves khao kha moo (braised pork leg on rice) from a street-front counter, attracting a loyal following of locals, Bangkok food pilgrims, and in-the-know travelers. The pork is fork-tender, the braising liquid is deeply savory, and the pickled mustard greens cut through the richness.
Known for: Famous braised pork leg rice
38 Intawarorot Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Dash Restaurant & Bar
A stylish restaurant and bar in a beautifully restored century-old teak mansion in the Old City, offering a thoughtful menu of modern Thai dishes alongside international comfort food. The garden terrace and wooden interior make it one of Chiang Mai's most atmospheric dining spots.
Known for: Thai dishes in a historic teak mansion
38/2 Moon Muang Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Ginger & Kafe
A charming restaurant and design shop in the heart of the Old City featuring a menu of creative Thai dishes with international influences alongside beautiful handmade homeware and gifts. The interior blends vintage photographs and antique furniture with a fresh, contemporary aesthetic.
Known for: Creative Thai dishes with homeware boutique
199 Moonmuang Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Blue Diamond Breakfast Club
A legendary vegetarian breakfast and brunch cafe in the Old City that has been a favorite of health-conscious travelers and local yoga practitioners for over 30 years. Fresh juices, organic granola, eggs Benedict, and incredible fresh-baked goods make it the best breakfast in Chiang Mai.
Known for: Best vegetarian breakfast in Chiang Mai
35/1 Moon Muang Road Soi 9, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Ristr8to
Chiang Mai's original specialty coffee temple, founded by national barista champion Arnon Thitiprasert, and a pilgrimage site for coffee enthusiasts. The precise, Japanese-influenced approach to espresso and filter coffee is complemented by excellent croissants and light bites.
Known for: Award-winning specialty coffee
15/3 Nimmanhaemin Road, Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Thai
Pun Pun Organic Restaurant
An organic vegetarian restaurant inside the grounds of Wat Suan Dok, operated as a social enterprise supporting sustainable agriculture. Thai curries, stir-fries, and traditional dishes are made with seasonal organic produce, and profits support local farming communities.
Known for: Organic vegetarian Thai in a temple setting
Wat Suan Dok, 139 Suthep Road, Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Chef's Table at Dhara Dhevi
An exclusive farm-to-table dining experience at the magnificent Dhara Dhevi Resort, featuring a private table in the resort's organic kitchen garden. Chef personally curates each seasonal menu using produce grown on-site, paired with premium wines.
Known for: Exclusive farm-to-table tasting experience
The Dhara Dhevi, 51/4 Chiang Mai-Sankamphaeng Road, Tasala, Chiang Mai 50000
The Riverside Bar & Restaurant
A Chiang Mai institution since 1987, perched on the banks of the Ping River with wide wooden decks for al fresco dining. Live music every night, an extensive menu of Thai classics and Western comfort food, and a convivial atmosphere make this a reliable evening out.
Known for: Riverside dining with live music nightly
9-11 Charoenrat Road, Watgate, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50000
Sunday Night Market Food Stalls
The greatest concentration of Northern Thai street food in Chiang Mai, with dozens of vendors lining Wualai Road every Sunday evening. From khao soi and sai ua to mango sticky rice and fresh coconut ice cream, this is the ideal introduction to Lanna food culture.
Known for: Best street food selection in Chiang Mai
Wualai Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Khun Churn Vegetarian
A much-loved all-vegetarian Thai restaurant offering an extensive buffet of freshly made Lanna dishes, stir-fries, soups, and curries that are refilled throughout service. Beloved by locals and expats for its freshness, variety, and exceptional value.
Known for: Best-value vegetarian buffet
31 Nimman Soi 17, Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Fern Forest Cafe
A beautifully designed cafe and restaurant set in a tropical garden with a vintage wooden interior, serving all-day breakfast, Thai dishes, and excellent coffee. One of the most Instagram-worthy cafes in Chiang Mai with genuine quality to match.
Known for: Garden cafe with Thai-international fusion
39 Charoen Prathet Road Soi 6, Chang Klan, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50100
Zoe in Yellow
More famous as Chiang Mai's top nightlife venue, Zoe in Yellow also serves reliable Thai and Western bar food from afternoon through late night. The outdoor garden setting with picnic tables creates a lively social atmosphere that extends well into the early hours.
Known for: Lively outdoor bar and food garden
40/12 Arokayasala Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Imm Aim (Northern Thai Vegan)
A tiny, beloved restaurant near Tha Phae Gate serving traditional Northern Thai dishes in fully vegan versions that match and sometimes surpass the originals. The chefs use tofu, mushrooms, and jackfruit to create convincing meat-free versions of sai ua, larb, and khao soi.
Known for: Best vegan Northern Thai food
23 Moon Muang Road Soi 3, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Woo Cafe Art Gallery
A sophisticated cafe, art gallery, and lifestyle concept store in a converted teak house near the Night Bazaar, featuring a regularly rotating art exhibition. The menu spans artisan coffees, fresh-baked pastries, and light Thai fusion dishes in a beautifully curated atmosphere.
Known for: Art gallery cafe in a teak house
80 Charoenrat Road, Watgate, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50000
Nong Bee Northern Thai Kitchen
A respected local restaurant near the Old City serving the full range of Lanna cuisine in generous portions at street-food prices. The daily-changing specials board features seasonal Northern Thai dishes rarely seen at tourist restaurants, making it a treasure for authentic food experiences.
Known for: Authentic Lanna home-cooking
Arak Road, Phra Singh, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Swan Thai Restaurant
A welcoming mid-range Thai restaurant popular with both tourists and locals for its consistent quality, generous portions, and friendly service. Serves the full spectrum of Thai cuisine from mild pad thai to fiery laab, with an extensive vegetarian menu.
Known for: Consistent crowd-pleasing Thai menu
29 Moon Muang Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Tong Tem Toh
A popular restaurant in the Old City known for its vibrant presentation of Lanna appetizer platters featuring sai ua, nam prik, crispy pork skin, and sticky rice. A great spot for experiencing the full breadth of Northern Thai snacking culture in one table spread.
Known for: Lanna appetizer platters
Singharat Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Baan Suan Dok Restaurant
A romantic garden restaurant on the grounds of a colonial-era mansion near Wat Suan Dok, serving Thai and international cuisine under fairy lights strung through tropical trees. One of Chiang Mai's most charming evening dining experiences.
Known for: Romantic garden dining
Suthep Road, Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Cherng Doi Roast Chicken
A roadside vendor in the Doi Saket area that draws devoted customers from across the city for its wood-fired rotisserie chickens, considered by many to rival SP Chicken in quality. The chickens are marinated overnight in local herbs and spices.
Known for: Wood-fired rotisserie chicken
Highway 118, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai 50220
Tanin Market
A large covered local market in the Santitham area that operates morning to afternoon, offering the most comprehensive selection of Northern Thai street food in one location. Dozens of vendors sell boat noodles, kanom jeen, curries, fresh juices, and local sweets.
Known for: Local market street food
Tanin Market, Chotana Road, Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50300
Chalong Silom Seafood
Despite being far from the coast, this popular seafood restaurant sources fresh daily deliveries from the Gulf of Thailand, serving whole steamed fish, grilled tiger prawns, and Thai seafood curries at very competitive prices. A local favorite for special family occasions.
Known for: Fresh seafood from the coast
Chang Klan Road, Chang Klan, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50100
Sunday Night Market Food Court
The massive food court area at the Chang Klan Night Bazaar, operating nightly with an enormous selection of Thai and international street food. Multiple stalls in a covered venue with communal seating, serving everything from pad thai to rotisserie duck.
Known for: Huge variety of affordable street food
Anusarn Market, Chang Klan Road, Chang Klan, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50100
Cherng Doi Restaurant
A refined Northern Thai restaurant in a colonial teak villa serving elevated interpretations of Lanna cuisine with premium ingredients. The tasting menu showcases dishes rarely found outside home kitchens, presented beautifully with cultural context from the knowledgeable staff.
Known for: Elevated modern Lanna cuisine
Huay Kaew Road, Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Ratana's Kitchen
A consistently excellent and affordable Thai restaurant near Tha Phae Gate, popular with travelers and expats for its large menu of well-executed Thai classics. The outdoor terrace is a pleasant spot for lunch, and the khao soi and green curry are standout choices.
Known for: Reliable Thai classics near Tha Phae Gate
320/10 Tha Phae Road, Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50300
Lanna Herb Restaurant
A health-focused restaurant near Chiang Mai Gate specializing in medicinal herb-infused Thai dishes based on traditional Lanna herbal medicine principles. The menu features detox soups, herbal steam plates, and low-oil curries beloved by wellness travelers.
Known for: Traditional herbal medicine cuisine
Bamrungburi Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
SP Fah Lanna
An atmospheric restaurant in a restored Lanna wooden house near the Old City serving genuine home-style Northern Thai cooking, including rarely found dishes like kaeng ot (bitter vegetable curry) and tom seua (tiger soup). The antique furniture and traditional Lanna music create an immersive cultural dining experience.
Known for: Rare traditional Lanna home cooking
5 Singharat Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Khao Tom Camille
A simple but outstanding rice porridge restaurant open from midnight to noon, serving the best khao tom (Thai rice porridge/congee) in the city. A go-to spot for both late-night revelers and early-rising locals, with toppings ranging from minced pork to century egg.
Known for: Best khao tom (rice porridge) open late night
7 Kotchasarn Road, Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50300
Santitham Night Market
A local neighborhood night market in Santitham popular with Chiang Mai University students, offering cheap and delicious street food away from the tourist trail. Stalls sell Northern Thai sausages, grilled meats, fruit smoothies, and pad kra pao at prices well below tourist market rates.
Known for: Local student night market, away from tourist prices
Chotana Road, Santitham, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50300
Specialty Coffee
Ponganes Espresso
A hip specialty coffee shop in Nimman area with a minimalist industrial interior, serving single-origin Thai coffees and excellent breakfast plates. Known for one of the best flat whites in the city and beautifully photographed espresso drinks.
Known for: Single-origin Thai coffee and breakfast
10/2 Nimmanhaemin Soi 7, Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Heartist Cafe
A creative brunch cafe in the Nimman area favored by Chiang Mai's design community, with an ever-changing menu of inventive breakfast dishes, excellent matcha and specialty coffees, and a beautiful interior showcasing local artists' work.
Known for: Instagrammable brunch and specialty coffee
Nimmanhaemin Soi 7, Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Akha Ama Coffee
A socially conscious specialty coffee shop sourcing single-origin Arabica beans directly from Akha hill-tribe farmers in Mae Jam, Chiang Mai. Opened by Lee Ayu Chuepa, a member of the Akha community, to support fair pricing and sustainable farming. One of the best-quality coffees in northern Thailand.
Known for: Fair-trade Akha hill-tribe coffee
175/1 Ratchamankha Road Soi 3, Phra Singh, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
French
David's Kitchen
Chiang Mai's most acclaimed fine dining restaurant, serving classical French cuisine with a modern Thai influence in an intimate candlelit Colonial-era home. Chef David's tasting menus showcase imported European ingredients alongside the finest local produce.
Known for: French fine dining in a colonial mansion
113/1-3 Moon Muang Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
International
Service 1921 Restaurant & Bar
A sophisticated restaurant inside Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, housed in the former British Consulate building (established 1921). The colonial-era atmosphere is impeccable, and the menu offers refined international dishes alongside a meticulously curated wine cellar and craft cocktail program.
Known for: Colonial-era fine dining with cocktail bar
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, 123 Charoen Prathet Road, Chiang Mai 50100
International Brunch
Cafe de Nimman
A large and social brunch cafe on Nimmanhaemin's main strip with a sprawling menu ranging from eggs Benedict and pancakes to Thai breakfasts and smoothie bowls. Consistently full on weekends, it's the social hub of the Nimman morning scene.
Known for: Bustling Nimman brunch hotspot
1 Nimmanhaemin Road, Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Vegetarian
Goodsouls Kitchen
A bright and welcoming vegan cafe in the Old City serving wholesome plant-based breakfasts, smoothie bowls, and healthy lunches. Popular with yoga retreaters and health-conscious travelers for its creative menu, fresh ingredients, and excellent vegan Thai dishes.
Known for: Creative vegan and vegetarian breakfast
13 Moon Muang Road Soi 5, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Food tours & tastings in Chiang Mai
Eat your way through Chiang Mai with a guide.
Browse food experiences in Chiang MaiWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Khanom Krok (coconut pancakes)
Tiny rice-flour and coconut milk pancakes cooked in a cast iron mold, crispy outside and custardy within
Find it at: Morning markets, Warorot Market entrance
Boat Noodles (Kuay Tiao Ruea)
Rich pork or beef broth noodles in small bowls, traditionally sold from boats - now found at Tanin Market
Find it at: Tanin Market, Santitham area
Roti
Flaky pan-fried flatbread served sweet (banana, condensed milk) or savory (curry), a late-night staple
Find it at: Night Bazaar area, late night food stalls
Grilled Corn (Khao Phot Ping)
Sticky rice-flour-coated corn grilled over charcoal and glazed with sweet soy sauce
Find it at: Walking street markets
Fresh Fruit Smoothies
Blended tropical fruit smoothies from fresh-cut mango, papaya, pineapple, and local varieties for 30-60 THB
Find it at: All markets and roadsides
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Warorot Market (Kad Luang)
Chiang Mai's oldest and most authentic market with fresh produce, dried goods, and hill-tribe products
Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Chiang Mai Gate Market
The best early-morning street food concentration in the city at the south Old City gate
Hours: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tanin Market
Large covered local market in Santitham with the best selection of Northern Thai street food dishes
Hours: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM daily
Sunday Walking Street
Chiang Mai's biggest night market with dozens of street food stalls alongside craft vendors
Hours: 4:30 PM - 12:00 AM Sundays
Saturday Wua Lai Market
Saturday night market with local street food and the city's best artisan crafts
Hours: 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM Saturdays
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Cash is essential for street food and small restaurants - carry small bills (20, 50, 100 THB)
The queue is your guide: locals choose the vendor with the longest wait
Khao soi varies widely - try it at 3-4 places to find your favorite
Most local restaurants close by 9-10 PM; for late dining, head to Night Bazaar or riverside
Air quality in February-March (burning season) can make outdoor dining unpleasant
Northern Thai food is generally milder than southern Thai - ask for 'ped nit noi' (a little spicy) if needed
- Vegetarian
- Chiang Mai is excellent for vegetarians with many dedicated vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Use the word 'jae' (เจ) for fully vegan dishes
- Halal
- Halal-certified restaurants available in the Charoen Prathet area and some Night Bazaar stalls; look for the green crescent symbol
- Gluten free
- Rice-based cuisine is naturally gluten-light but soy sauce (used widely) contains gluten; request 'mai sai si-iu' (no soy sauce). Sticky rice meals are naturally GF
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $1.50-4 per meal | Street food, market stalls, and simple local restaurants serving khao soi, pad thai, and rice dishes |
| Mid-range | $8-20 per meal | Sit-down restaurants with table service, including popular Thai and international restaurants |
| Upscale | $40-100+ per meal | Fine dining tasting menus at David's Kitchen, Anantara, and luxury resort restaurants |