WHERE TO FIND THE BEST KHAO SOI IN CHIANG MAI

We know everyone is frantically trying to find the best Chiang Mai Noodles when they arrive in the Northern city. Famous for its Khao Soi, a coconut milk curry soup with noodles, crispy noodles, pork-chicken or beef, pickled mustard greens and shallots, locals and tourists alike argue over which place does the best version.

Some versions of Khao Soi are more milky and thin, some thicker and sweeter, some more like a Laksa in texture. Noodle quality varies across the board, as does the tenderness of the protein or the spice-level of the homemade chili paste.

Since our job is to cut through all the garbage to give you the keys to the kingdom, we took it upon ourselves to try over 25 Khao Soi, over a period of 20 years, going back to our favourite spots again and again to make sure they are consistent. Having found the bowls that we think are the best in town, here they are displayed for your ease in a tidy list. If you don't see a place on there that you have visited, either we went and didn't like it as much as you do, or don't know it, so feel free to send us a message on Instagram and we'll hit it next time we're in town.

And before some of you cry foul, we did try Mae Manee, three times, and found it utterly overrated on all occasions. Khun Yai is fine but too creamy/heavy, Khao Soi Islam is too watery for our personal taste but we need to hit it again since it's been a decade, and Samerjai tastes like candy.

It is what it is. You do you.

#THEMOUTHSCHOICE

PRINCE MAEJO

Taking all things into consideration, this is a notch above. The whole experience of driving 25 minutes outside of town builds that expectation, and Khao Soi Prince does not disappoint. Everything here is pretty much perfection, and the chef and host are exceptionally friendly.

Shout out to Andy Ricker for divulging his precious tips in various online interviews. He's right as hell about this one.

PA POM

Arrive before midday if you want to partake in this particular Khao Soi gem, they sell out every single day. Hidden from the prying eyes of most tourists, there are no English signs, no English menu's and no option but to head in, say "Khao Soi Gai" and wait your turn.

One of the best hidden gems in Chiang Mai.

LUNG PRAKIT KAT GORM

You come here for the noodles and the broth. At times the beef can be chewy or "knuckly" but the rest of the bowl makes up for it. Head in, grab a piece of paper, ask a local for help in writing out your order, give it to the man at the entrance and wait to be called in.

MAESAI

The beef at Maesai is the most tender and succulent in town. Be prepared to wait, arrive early, grab a number from the chef and wait to be called. Eating Khao Soi here without annointing it with their chilli paste is downright sacrilege.

As usual, it used to be better, and the quality can be wildly inconsistent, but if you're downtown and like beef Khao Soi, cross your fingers and hope for the best.

LAM DUAN FA HAM

Said to be the original gangster in the Khao Soi scene, slamming bowls since the early 1940's, Lam Duan does a very decent bowl of Chicken Khao Soi.

MUEANG KLAENG

Tucked in a sidestreet a few blocks from the North Gate, this local favourite quietly pushes out bowl after bowl of delicious Khao Soi without fanfare. The restaurant itself is worth a look, and the bowl is no joke. Again, a touch on the sweet side, but worthy of exploration.

ASA VEGAN KITCHEN

Fear not plant eaters! This Khao Soi is worthy of sitting amongst any of the aformentioned beasts. Delicious and delicate and downright sippable.