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| Chiang Mai's Top 10 Street Food & Restaurant Spots |
Chiang Mai is a haven for food lovers. From street food stalls serving up authentic Thai cuisine to fine dining restaurants earning Michelin stars, this northern Thai city has an incredible diversity of flavors.
In this article, I'll share my 10 favorite spots to eat in Chiang Mai, ranging from local street food favorites to upscale chef's tables. These picks highlight the best of Northern Thai cuisine, while also featuring international options, sustainable seafood, award-winning coffee, and more.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning traveler, these restaurants and street food stalls should be on your Chiang Mai food bucket list. Let's explore the top foodie experiences this city has to offer!
Best Street Food Spots in Chiang Mai
For many visitors, eating street food is an essential part of experiencing Chiang Mai's local culture. Some of the tastiest and most authentic food can be found at humble street stalls and markets across the city. Here are my picks for the best street food spots to check out.
Huen Muan Jai
This small street stall is hugely popular with locals for its delicious khao soi, a signature Northern Thai curry noodle soup. The broth at Huen Muan Jai is rich and full of flavor, made with a homemade curry paste and topped with crispy noodles and condiments. It's the perfect comfort food experience.
Location: Near Wat Ket Karam, Suthep Road
What to order: Khao soi noodle soup
Baan Rai Yam Yen
Specializing in khao lam, a Lanna-style sticky rice baked in bamboo tubes, Baan Rai Yam Yen serves this hearty snack all day long. Choose from sweet or savory fillings like pork belly, chicken, taro, or red bean. It's a great breakfast or afternoon snack.
Location: Si Phum, near Chiang Mai Gate
What to order: Khao lam (sticky rice in bamboo tubes)
Takawa Halal Cuisine
For excellent halal Thai food, head to Takawa Halal Cuisine near Chiang Mai University. This casual spot serves halal versions of Thai favorites like massaman curry, pad thai, and tom yum soup. Everything is flavorful and fresh.
Location: Nimman Soi 7, near Chiang Mai University
What to order: Massaman curry, pad thai
Maadae Slow Fish Kitchen
Run by a local fisherman and chef, Maadae is a tiny restaurant using sustainable seafood in creative Thai dishes. They only serve a few items per day based on what's fresh. The menu has things like seabass green curry and squid ink stir-fried rice.
Location: Si Phum, down a small soi (side street)
What to order: Whatever seafood specials are available that day
Blackitch Artisan Kitchen
At this artsy coffee shop along the Ping River, you can try Thai-style toasties - grilled sandwiches stuffed with goodies like braised pork belly, chicken kimchi, and Thai sausage. They also serve specialty coffee drinks and teas.
Location: Charoenrat Road alongside Ping River
What to order: Braised pork belly toastie and iced coffee
So if you're keen to sample authentic local flavors, be sure to try one or more of these excellent street food spots on your visit to Chiang Mai. They offer a fun, casual way to experience Thai cuisine and culture.
Top Restaurants in Chiang Mai
In addition to street food, Chiang Mai also boasts some incredibly talented chefs putting a creative spin on Thai cuisine at sit-down restaurants around the city. Here are my top picks for the best restaurants in Chiang Mai across a range of culinary experiences.
Roast8ry Coffee
Coffee lovers shouldn't miss Roast8ry, run by Thai barista champion Nutch Tasinan. Their specialty coffee drinks use beans sourced from Chiang Mai's highlands and expertly roasted on site. Beyond coffee, they also serve food like all-day breakfast, sandwiches, and cakes.
Location: Si Phum
What to order: Any of their specialty coffee drinks, avocado toast
Khao Soi Mae Manee
Ask any local where to find the city's best khao soi, and Khao Soi Mae Manee will inevitably be one of the top recommendations. This humble shop only serves khao soi, but it's regarded as some of the most delicious you'll try anywhere.
Location: Samlan Road Soi 5
What to order: Khao soi (egg noodles in curry broth)
Suki Changphuak
Featured in the Michelin Guide, Suki Changphuak serves high-end suki, or hotpot, in a beautifully renovated traditional wooden house. You can create your own hotpot with ingredients like wagyu beef, fresh seafood, duck, and vegetables.
Location: Phra Pokklao Road Soi 4
What to order: Create your own suki hotpot
Kuay Chap Sam Ka Sat
Locals line up daily at this stall selling kuay chap, a Chinese-influenced noodle soup with braised pork belly and pork offal. Their kuay chap broth is incredibly flavorful and served with homemade chili sauces on the side.
Location: Sriphum Road Soi 1
What to order: Kuay chap noodle soup
Madame Koh Fun Dining
Madame Koh Fun serves upscale versions of classic Thai and Chinese dishes in an open-airfine dining setting. Their menu changes seasonally depending on ingredient availability. Dishes range from whole fried fish to massaman wagyu steak.
Location: Rachamankha Hotel
What to order: Seasonal set menu
From Michelin-recognized spots to local favorites, these restaurants highlight the diversity and talent found in Chiang Mai's food scene today. They offer a more upscale dining experience beyond street food stalls.
Food Experiences Not to Miss in Chiang Mai
Beyond everyday eats, Chiang Mai also boasts some one-of-a-kind culinary experiences for travelers who want to dive deeper into Thai food and culture:
Michelin Guide-Recommended Restaurants
While Chiang Mai has no formal Michelin star restaurants yet, the Michelin Guide does recommend several excellent establishments like Suki Changphuak, mentioned earlier. Trying one of Chiang Mai's Michelin-recognized restaurants is a great way to experience elevated Thai cuisine.
Halal Food
Given the city's large Muslim population, Chiang Mai has fantastic halal Thai food. Takawa Halal Cuisine is a top choice, but also search for halal food stalls at night markets.
Sustainable Seafood
Eateries like Maadae Slow Fish Kitchen showcase how chefs are supporting sustainable fishing and sourcing seafood locally in northern Thailand.
Chef's Table Experiences
Several high-end restaurants like Madame Koh Fun offer chef's tables where you can watch the chefs prepare your meal right in front of you - a unique experience.
Award-Winning Coffee Shops
Places like Roast8ry Coffee and other specialty coffee shops allow you to taste beans sourced from Chiang Mai's coffee-growing highlands, freshly roasted by champion baristas.
Khao Soi at Local Favorites
While available citywide, for the best khao soi in town, join the lines at decade-old shops like Khao Soi Mae Manee serving this iconic Chiang Mai curry noodle dish.
Immerse yourself in the local food culture by seeking out these unique and memorable eating experiences on your trip.
Planning Your Food Adventure in Chiang Mai
Hopefully this list has your mouth watering and ready to devour all the delicious food Chiang Mai has to offer! Here are some tips to help you plan your culinary adventure in this Thai foodie haven:
Dedicate ample time to roam around and sample street food - don't try to cram it all into one day.
Come hungry! Bring an appetite to fully enjoy the gigantic portions.
Ask hotel staff or local contacts for off-the-beaten-path recommendations not listed in guides.
Consider a street food tour for a local guide who can point out the best spots.
Join a cooking class to learn Thai culinary skills first-hand.
Don't miss the Saturday and Sunday night walking streets for tons of food stalls.
Check the dates for Chiang Mai's annual food festivals and events.
Budget accordingly - meals at nicer restaurants can be pricey. Street food is very affordable.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes - you'll likely be standing to eat at street stalls.
I hope this guide provides plenty of inspiration to experience Chiang Mai's diverse and exciting food scene for yourself. Let your taste buds lead the way and enjoy all the incredible flavors this city has to offer. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chiang Mai Food
What is Chiang Mai known for food-wise?
Chiang Mai is best known for Northern Thai cuisine, particularly dishes like khao soi curry noodles, sai oua sausage, and hang lay curry. The city also has excellent street food and specialty coffee shops.
What should I avoid eating in Chiang Mai?
Avoid drinking tap water or eating raw, unpeeled fruits/veggies that could be contaminated with bacteria. Also use caution when eating at very cheap street stalls that may have questionable food safety standards.
What is there to eat in Chiang Mai for vegetarians?
Lots! Many Thai dishes are naturally vegetarian or can be made meat-free. Try veggie curries, pad thai, stir-fries, and soup noodles. Ask "jay" to confirm no meat. Morning glory and veggie stir-fries are plentiful.
What food does Chiang Mai do better than Bangkok?
Chiang Mai is considered better than Bangkok for sampling Northern Thai cuisine like khao soi, as well as for specialty coffee shops using local beans. Street food in both cities is excellent.
What should I eat in Chiang Mai at night?
At Chiang Mai's night markets and walking streets, you'll find street food classics like grilled meat skewers, khao soi, pad thai, curries, roti pancakes, fresh fruit shakes, and more.
What is the most authentic Thai food in Chiang Mai?
For the most authentic Thai food, head to street stalls and markets frequented by locals. Dishes to try include khao soi, kuay chap noodles, nam phrik chili dips, and khao lam sticky rice.
Is the food spicy in Chiang Mai?
Thai food can be very spicy but most dishes are mild to moderately spicy. Say “mai phet” if you don’t want spicy. Have cooling drinks like fresh fruit shakes on hand to balance the heat.
Where can I find halal food in Chiang Mai?
The best area for halal food is around Chiang Mai University, like Takawa Halal Cuisine and street stalls on Nimman Soi 7. Chiang Mai has several mosques where street vendors sell halal snacks.
Are there any Michelin star restaurants in Chiang Mai?
Not yet, but Chiang Mai does have restaurants recognized in the Michelin Guide like Suki Changphuak. The city's culinary scene is progressing toward Michelin standards.
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