FOOD GUIDE TO CHIANG MAI
NORTHERN EXPOSURE
Apart from the overflow of tourists, Chiang Mai acts as a soothing balm after the gridlocked traffic of Bangkok. Surrounded by hills and temples, the old city still retains it's charm, whilst the suburbs grow ever outwards like a spider on steroids. Tucked amongst the shopping malls and souvenier shops lie some of Thailand's best street stalls and restaurants, largely overlooked by the rabid crowds heading to restaurants on tourist-mile where English menu's take away the awkwardness, but also the authenticity.
The following list is of places we visited over the years that set themselves a part from the bland faceless institutes rammed full of holidaymakers who are petrified of a chilli. Sure, some of these are featured in the Michelin Guide, and a lot of them have been mentioned in reverential tones by Chiang Mai-phile
Andy Ricker, but we take our tips from people we trust, and give them kudos when warranted.
There are absolutely no excuses to visit Chiang Mai and not dine at a few of these spots. According to us, these are the best restaurants in Chiang Mai. If you are a coffee-holic, then take a look at our comprehensive guide to the Northern Thai coffee scene in and around the city here.
Another alternative to maximize your experience is with the TAGTHAi Chiang Mai Day Pass, where you can enjoy amazing restaurants and a range of unique experiences throughout the city—all for one price.
For a full link of all the places on google maps, click the icon below:
KHAO SOI PRINCE
There has never been a better time to order a taxi and drive 20 minutes outside of Chiang Mai to taste this Khao Soi. Housed in a small shack near Maeju University, they serve up the perfect balance of thin/thick, creamy/soupy Khao Soi to be found.
Tip: Call ahead since a couple of occasions they were closed and its a bitch to drive there and not get fed.
MAADAE SLOW FISH KITCHEN
The old proverb of never ordering fish far from the ocean couldn't be more untrue in this instance. Crowded with customers licking their fingers voraciously, this gem of a restaurant is one you cannot miss on a visit North.
Tip: Reserve a table on weekends, opt for the meatier fish that can withstand the coal. The spicy barracuda fish soup is amazing.
NENG EARTHERN JAR ROAST PORK
Despite the intense fanfare created by a Korean instagram influencer, this roadside megalopolis of porcine flattery is worth an hour of your time. Order the crispy roast pork, some sticky rice and a plate of tart and refreshing somtum. They don't overload the somtum with sugar here which is always a plus.
THREE
There is an entire article dedicated to the glory of coffee in Chiang Mai located here, but if you just want a quick fix of something exceptional, then Three is the place for you. Not to mention that the phenomenal duck noodle soup spot (see directly below) is 100m down the same road.
MAE CHAN MHEE KHAO
You come here for the duck noodles in soup, spattered with a few greens, some juicy dumplings and springy noodles. The place itself is a torture chamber on hot days, but you might aswell punish yourself even further by ingesting hot soup and succulent duck and pass out in glee.
p.s. Thanks to the owner of Yourproject_ for recommending this spot!
LARB TON YANG
A female run and fronted operation in a humungous shed 15 minutes outside of Chiang Mai, this is the kind of place you come for delicious local food and an authentic experience. Bring a phone so you can translate the menu since it's all in Thai and spoken English is minimal.
Tip: The pork larb was fire, as was the beef soup and fermented pork.
PUN PUN VEGETARIAN SLOW KITCHEN
The vegetarian/vegan food scene in Chiang Mai is bountiful in it's choices. Pun Pun, located just within the temple walls of Wat Suan Dok, makes delicious, clean and cheap vegetarian dishes to those who know where to find it.
MAMA FAH THANI
If you happen to be of a caucasian persuasion, then chances are you'll be the only one here. The stares are more out of curiosity than malice, but these bowls of Tom Yum Mama noodle soup are dank and divine. Packed with every type of meat and seafood under the sun, and paired with an egg, these bowls are what dreams are made of.
JAY MAI JUMJAY
Vegans don't get a lot of love in Chiang Mai, but this Shan vegan-vegetarian shack in a delightful part of town serves up some stunningly delicious food. You cannot tell me whilst sipping on the broth of their amazing Nam Ngiao that you're missing any form of animal product, no, I don't believe you.
SP CHICKEN
The best kind of advertising is the sight of juicy chickens rotating on a rotisserie right out front. Step in here for some succulent signature chicken, solid somtum and a few ribs if the hunger pangs are real. You can't go wrong eating here, we do regularly.
HUEN MUEN JAI
For Northern Thai, you won't find many better places. Everything on the menu is worth ordering, so come with a crowd of gluttons.
ACCHA
Numerous are the Indian restaurants in Chiang Mai, few are the tasty and consistent ones. Accha is both. We have been eating here for years and the fluctuations are minimal, and the overall flavours delightful.
NONG BEE BURMESE FOOD
Housed in a non-descript room behind an outdoor kitchen area, you come here for the fresh and flavourful Burmese salads. Portions are small so order a bunch and share.
Tip: The tea leaf and young tamarind salads are recommended.
KHANOMJEEN PA POM
Khao Soi Prince is the best, but if you're not keen on spending an hour back and forth in a cab, then this place will definitely satisfy your Khao Soi cravings. The khanomjeen here is also solid, and the location is just confusing enough to deter the twat kind of influ-losers.
ROAST CHICKEN WICHIENBURY
Arrive just before peak-hours to guarantee a piece of this bird. It's definitely worth the non-AC torture, even on a summer day. Their somtum is great, but that chicken is life-changing. Smokey and perfectly juicy!
KRUA YA
Daytripping to a river-side idyll shaded by trees, serving up clean and solid versions of Thai favourites? This is your spot! After your food walk across and try the amazing coffee at Asama.
Tip: The spicy pork salad and beef curry with roti is great.
TUECACO CHANG MOI
The Gods of google map pins brought us here, and we have no recollection of why. Having said that, the fried taro cakes here are divine, and the dipping sauce just brings it up to the next level.
Addictive to say the least.
SOMTUM UDON
You have to fight these people to make your Somtum spicy, but if you prevail then you'll eat a delicious version here. Their chicken is nothing to sneer at either.
RAMEN SANMAI
The Mouth's favourite ramen in Thailand. Nuff said!
MIT MAI
Andy Ricker always raves about this place, and we've been a few times over the years. Always empty, but the food they put out is consistently delicious.
JOK SOMPHET
If you could market a hug in a bowl, then Jok is your product. This classic local joint near the North Gate serves up silky, addictive bowls to loyal punters.
Tip: Order with a soft egg and watch in dizzying love as the yolk splits and mixes in with the porridge.
KHANOMJEEN SANPAKOI
There may come a day when your Chiang Mai culinary adventures take a turn into the more local environments. This is your spot. Their legendary soup contained pig blood cut like creme brulee cubes, but it tastes a lot better than it looks. We found their curries too sweet, personally.
ROTEE PA DAY
Rotee stalls are a dime a dozen in Chiang Mai. However, once you've tried Pa Day, you won't go back to the previous ones you loved. It really is THAT much better.
Tip: The roti is amazing, the one's with egg.... not so much.
ALL CONTENT ON THIS WEBSITE IS ORIGINAL AND CREATED BY THE MOUTH'S WRITERS AND CONTRIBUTORS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.