1. Introduction to Chiang Mai & Chiang Mai cuisine

Chiang Mai, located in the mountainous region of northern Thailand, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine with various popular Chiang Mai restaurants. With its ancient temples, lively night markets, and welcoming atmosphere, Chiang Mai offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. One of the highlights of visiting this enchanting city is indulging in its delectable cuisine. Chiang Mai cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, aromatic spices, and use of fresh, local ingredients. From the iconic Khao Soi, a creamy and fragrant curry noodle soup, to the flavorful Sai Oua, a Northern Thai sausage bursting with herbs and spices, the local food scene in Chiang Mai is a paradise for food lovers. Whether you explore the bustling street food stalls or savor a meal in a traditional Chiang Mai restaurant, Chiang Mai’s culinary delights will leave you craving for more.

2. Top 15 Chiang Mai restaurants – Best food & affordable prices

2.1. Chiang Mai restaurants for local foods

2.1.1. Khao Soi Khun Yai Restaurant

Khao Soi Khun Yai serves exceptional khao soi (coconut curry noodle soup). This small eatery, nestled between temples, opens briefly for lunch. Enjoy delicious options of beef, chicken, or pork with a flavorful broth and coconut milk. Customize with lime, chili, and toppings. The tender beef melts in your mouth, a testament to skilled cooking. Arrive early, as meals sell out fast.

  • Address: QXWM+47J, Sri Poom 8 Alley, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
  • Phone: +66 90 651 7088
  • Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 10:00 – 14:00

2.1.2. Rote Yiam Beef Noodle

Rote Yiam Beef Noodle in Chiang Mai is a popular eatery southeast of the Old City. It’s renowned for traditional Northern Thai food, particularly its delicious beef noodle soup. The khao soi is another flavorful option. Visit Rote Yiam Beef Noodle, located about one-kilometer southwest of Wat Chai Mongkhon, to savor authentic Northern Thai flavors.

  • Address: 164, 48 Changklan Road, Tambon Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
  • Phone: +66 53 272 422
  • Opening hours: Daily, 8:00 – 21:00

2.1.3. Huen Muan Jai Restaurant

Huen Muan Jai offers an exceptional dining experience. The restaurant creates a cozy ambiance with its ancient wooden structure and northern folk tunes. Specializing in authentic Lanna cuisine, Huen Muan Jai delights in rich, sour, and salty flavors from local ingredients. Don’t miss their must-try dishes like hang lay (Northern Thai curry) and sai oua (northern sausage). Vegetarians can enjoy delicious jackfruit dishes as a meat alternative. Even meat lovers should savor jackfruit’s unique taste and texture at Huen Muan Jai.

  • Address: 24 Ratchaphuek Alley, Tambon Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
  • Phone: +66 98 261 8029
  • Opening hours: Daily, except Wednesday, 11:00 – 15:00, 17:00 – 21:00

2.1.4. Huen Phen Restaurant

Huen Phen is a budget-friendly eatery serving delicious northern food. With a charming Lanna-style atmosphere, their specialty is flavorful northern fermenting sausages, paired perfectly with local vegetables and nam prik chili sauce. Customize your preferred spice level and savor the delightful flavors and ambiance at Huen Phen.

  • Address: 112 Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chang Wat Chiang Mai
  • Phone: +66 86 911 2882
  • Opening hours: Daily, 09:00 – 16:30, 17:00 – 21:30

2.1.5. Ginger Farm Kitchen

Ginger Farm Kitchen is a stunning Northern Thai eatery. With a rustic-contemporary farm ambiance, the restaurant serves organic food sourced from its own garden. The diverse menu includes savory dishes, energizing health smoothies, and locally roasted coffee. Be sure to try their crispy pork, flavorful relishes, and delicious hang lay curry made with slow-cooked, salty, and dense pig belly.

  • Address: One Nimman, Nimmanhaemin Road, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
  • Phone: +66 52 080 928
  • Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 – 22:00

2.1.6. Tong Tem Toh Restaurant

Chiang Mai’s Tong Tem Toh is a well-known Thai eatery that is nestled away in a peaceful soi (alley) not far from the Nimmanhaemin artist district. This outdoor restaurant is one of the best venues to enjoy delectable northern Thai food in a relaxing setting. The northern Thai style curry, larb kua (fried minced pork salad), deep-fried chicken wings, and nam prik (chili dips) are all must-try items at Tong Tem Toh. Some of the cuisines still employ real ingredients, such as spices. If you’d like your orders cooked more gently, ask.

  • Address: 11 13 Nimmanhaemin Road, Suthep, Chiang Mai
  • Phone: +66 53 894 701
  • Opening hours: Daily, 08:00 – 23:00

2.1.7. Kao Soy Nimman Restaurant

Kao Soy Nimman in Chiang Mai is a charming eatery renowned for its khao soi, the beloved local dish. The restaurant provides a luxurious indoor dining experience and a cozy outdoor patio adorned with palm trees and handcrafted décor. The khao soi stands out with its balanced broth, tender egg noodles, and crispy toppings. Kao Soy Nimman also offers a range of Northern Thai cuisine options and grilled meats to cater to various preferences

  • Address: 22 Nimmana Haeminda Road, Lane 7, Tambon Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
  • Phone: +66 53 894 881
  • Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 – 20:00

2.1.8. Som Tam Udon

Som Tam Udon is a restaurant specializing in som tam (green papaya salad), a beloved Thai dish. They showcase the unique flavors of Northern Thai cuisine with their regional variation from Udon City. The restaurant offers generously portioned meals suitable for groups. Try their standout som tam, which delivers a delightful combination of crunch, sweetness, and tangy lime. If you prefer milder spices, inform the staff. For a satisfying meal, pair the som tam with fragrant jasmine rice and grilled chicken.

  • Address: 3, 2 Soi Tantawan, Tambon Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 
  • Phone: +66 53 222 865
  • Opening hours: Daily, 09:00 – 20:00

2.1.9. Khantoke Dinner at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center

The Khantoke Supper at the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center offers a traditional Thai dining experience with dance performances. Guests sit on bamboo mats, enjoying a variety of northern Thai dishes together. The menu includes rich chicken curry, Burmese-style pig curry, fried chicken, sticky rice, vegetables with hot chili dip, and deep-fried pork skin. Traditional Thai dances, such as sword dancing and drum performances, entertain guests throughout the meal, creating an immersive experience.

  • Address: 185 Wua Lai Road, Soi 3, Haiya, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai
  • Phone: +66 95 145 0296
  • Opening hours: Daily except Sunday, 09:00 – 20:00

2.2. Chiang Mai restaurants for international foods

2.2.1. David’s Kitchen at 909

David’s Kitchen at 909 is a top restaurant in Chiang Mai, known for its blend of French, European, Thai, and international cuisine. Their distinct wine selection and regularly updated fixed 3-course menu ensure a delightful dining experience. What sets this restaurant apart is its attention to detail, superior service, and inviting ambiance. Despite changing locations, the ‘909’ portion of the name has remained unchanged.

  • Address: 113 Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
  • Phone: +66 91 068 1744
  • Opening hours: Daily, 17:00 – 20:00

2.2.2. The Duke’s

The Duke’s is a renowned American-style restaurant offering classic dishes like steaks, burgers, and barbecue in a cozy setting.

  • Address: 55/5 Moo 5, Huay Kaew Road, MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center, Chiang Mai
  • Phone: +66 52 081 095
  • Opening hours: Daily, 10:30 – 22:00

2.2.3. Italics Restaurant

Italics is a popular restaurant in Chiang Mai serving authentic Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, and antipasti.

  • Address: 22/2 Nimmana Haeminda Road., Lane 9, Tambon Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
  • Phone: +66 53 216 219
  • Opening hours: Daily, 07:00 – 23:00

2.2.4. The Salad Concept

The Salad Concept is a great choice for healthy and refreshing options, offering a variety of salads, wraps, and smoothies with international flavors.

  • Address: 49/9-10 Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
  • Phone: +66 53 894 455
  • Opening hours: Daily, 09:00 – 22:00

2.2.5. The Good View Restaurant

Situated along the Ping River, The Good View serves a mix of Thai and international dishes and is known for its scenic view and lively atmosphere.

  • Address: 13 Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 
  • Phone: +66 99 271 0666
  • Opening hours: Daily, 17:00 – 01:00

2.2.6. The Hideout Restaurant

The Hideout is a cozy café offering a fusion of international comfort food. Their menu includes burgers, sandwiches, salads, and brunch options.

  • Address: 95/10 Sithiwongse Road, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 
  • Phone: +66 81 960 3889
  • Opening hours: Daily, except Monday, 08:00 – 15:00

3. Conclusion

Chiang Mai cuisine is very interesting, representing Thailand’s rich cultural variety. If you have the chance to visit Thailand, do not miss out on visiting the Chiang Mai restaurants mentioned above to explore the beauty of Chiang Mai food. Contact to Metta Voyage to explore more interesting tour information of Chiang Mai!

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