During my month-long stay in Chiang Mai, I was completely blown away by the incredible Chiang Mai food scene! Besides must-try Northern Thai dishes like Khao Soi (Curry Noodles), Sai Oua (Northern Thai Sausage), and Laab (Spicy Minced Meat Salad), I discovered many flavors that I hadn’t encountered during my time in Bangkok. Each restaurant has its own unique character, and the best part is that prices are generally much more affordable than in Bangkok, offering insane value for your money.
Chiang Mai food is mainly concentrated in the Old City, Nimman area, near Chiang Mai University, and along the riverside. To help you plan your itinerary, I have organized this list of 35+ personal favorites into regional categories. Whether you’re looking for traditional Northern Thai cuisine, Thai BBQ (Moo-Kata), budget-friendly local eats, or specialty gastropubs, you’ll find all the best Chiang Mai food recommendations here.
👉 Click on the restaurant names to open the Google Maps link. The order of the list is not based on ranking.
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Chiang Mai Food | 35+ Must-Eat Recommendations Map
Old City Must-Eat Recommendations
Ancient Beef Thai Cuisine
The beef fried rice here is a must-order. The meat and rice portions are generous; unless you have a very large appetite, a small portion should suffice. The meat is tender and the rice is very aromatic! I also tried the beef vermicelli and stir-fried vegetables, which were both solid. I highly recommend this spot for anyone looking to load up on protein.
Roti Pa Dae
Every time I pass by this shop, there is a long queue. The ordering process is simple: grab a white ordering slip (which has a number on it) from the front counter, write down your desired flavors (English is fine), and put the slip back in the pile of completed orders. Then, just wait for your number to be called.
There are many places selling banana pancakes in Chiang Mai, but there’s a reason this one is so popular. The roti fried by the grandmother is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s not greasy at all—even as someone who isn’t a huge fan of sweets, I was completely won over.
SP Chicken
SP Chicken is an incredibly famous Thai roast chicken restaurant in the Old City. Every time you pass by, you can see rows of chickens slowly rotating over charcoal, smelling delicious. Their roast chicken is unique because it’s stuffed with garlic, giving it a rich aroma, though I found the meat slightly dry. However, many Google reviews recommend the pork ribs, which I tried this time and actually found even better than the chicken! 🤣
B Samcook Home16
B Samcook Home16 is a rare fine dining gem in the Chiang Mai food scene. The price is either 1,090 THB (approx. $31 USD) or 1,680 THB (approx. $48 USD), with the difference being the wine pairing. Advance booking is required. They specialize in creative Thai fusion cuisine, maintaining the soul of Thai flavors while elevating them to a gourmet level!
Every dish here comes with a little surprise, and the chef personally presents and introduces each one. Nothing disappointed. I opted for the wine pairing, and they were very generous with the pours. After the meal, they even offered to drive me to my next destination—100% attentive service.
phithi
This place is famous for its beef noodles. The shop emphasizes “slow food,” so service can be a bit slow—keep that in mind if you’re in a hurry! I thought the broth and meat were excellent, the portions were generous, and the prices were very reasonable. Definitely worth a try.
Kiat O Cha Restaurant (Hainanese Chicken Rice)
Kiat O Cha is a well-known Hainanese chicken rice spot in the Old City, and there is almost always a queue during meal times. The chicken rice isn’t too greasy; you can choose your preferred cut, and the drumstick is smooth and tender with a hint of chicken fat aroma. The sweet and spicy sauce is a great accompaniment. However, the value is just average—the portions are small, so I recommend adding an order of satay to fill up.
Aoyjai Kitchen
Aoyjai Kitchen serves authentic local Thai home cooking. The menu isn’t fancy, focusing mostly on basil (Pad Kra Pao) dishes. I recommend the Mixed Basil Rice (pork + squid + shrimp); it has a great smoky wok-hei and plenty of protein. It tastes like something a grandmother would whip up at home! The shop is small with only four tables, so expect a bit of a wait during peak hours.
Nai To Congee Shop
Nai To is a must-eat breakfast spot, specializing in Thai-style congee, toast, and fried noodles. I happened to live nearby and went two or three times; almost everything was great. The congee tends to sell out early, so get there early! The minced pork rice noodles and toast with dip were also delicious. Another specialty here is the braised chicken feet and pork knuckles, but the portions looked too large for me to order alone—definitely try them if you’re in a group!
Tai Toon Baan
This place serves a similar menu to the one above, focusing on Thai breakfast series (congee, fried eggs, toast, etc.). The decor is very cute, though the ceiling is low, so tall people beware! Personally, I think the congee here is slightly better, as the pork balls are springier, but other items are comparable.
Kat’s Kitchen
Kat’s Kitchen is a Thai restaurant that’s very popular through word-of-mouth among travelers, especially foreigners. The menu is extensive, ranging from curries and stir-fries to salads and seafood, and the quality is consistently high. They can also prepare non-spicy versions of dishes, which is great for those who can’t handle heat.
While it is a tourist-friendly restaurant, the food is genuinely good and the prices are low. If you’re in the Old City and unsure what to eat, this Chiang Mai food option is a safe bet.
Uncle Home
A hidden gem in a small alley with a cozy atmosphere and a fusion of international styles, perfect if you’re looking for dinner and a drink. When we visited, it was mostly locals. We were lucky to get the last unreserved table at 5 PM, so I highly recommend booking in advance! The “One-Second Steak” and Spicy Shrimp Pasta are must-orders—both were incredibly delicious and reasonably priced. This is a place I definitely want to revisit.
Mango Sticky Rice from Natural Flower
Mango sticky rice made by an elderly grandmother, only 50 THB (approx. $1.43 USD) per serving, and the mango is freshly cut. It’s topped with some golden fried mung beans which add a nice texture. If you love mango sticky rice, this is a must-eat in Chiang Mai.
Blue Noodle
There is always a queue, but the turnover rate for this beef noodle shop is very fast. The broth has a slight herbal taste and is refreshing rather than greasy. The beef is very tender. The portions aren’t huge, but it’s very satisfying—definitely a worthy Chiang Mai food experience.
Neng’s Clay Oven Roasted Pork
The best crispy pork belly I have ever had. I’m usually hesitant about fatty meat, but the skin here is super crispy with a hint of charcoal aroma, and the meat isn’t greasy at all—I could finish a whole portion by myself! The roast chicken leg is also highly recommended; the meat is tender. Most importantly, it’s incredibly cheap. Three portions of meat plus vegetables cost only a bit over 200 THB (approx. $5.70 USD). Truly a must-eat in Chiang Mai!
Nimman Area Must-Eat Recommendations
Gopuek Godum Chiangmai
I initially thought this might be just an Instagrammable spot, but the food is actually very good, blending Vietnamese and Thai styles. Almost everything we ordered was a hit. The congee and noodles are both distinct; I personally preferred the congee as the noodles were a bit thick. The four-color custard dip toast is a must-order. Honestly, the dips were okay (I didn’t notice a huge difference between colors), but the toast itself was great—crispy outside, soft inside, and very fragrant. Worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Chill House
An incredible value Moo-Kata (Thai BBQ and hotpot) shop. The all-you-can-eat is only 220 THB (approx. $6.28 USD) and even includes beef tongue. The meat quality is decent, and the service is great. We were very satisfied! They have basic unlimited soft drinks, but they don’t sell alcohol—when we asked, the owner said we could just go buy some from the 7-11 next door 🤣. A must-eat in Chiang Mai for buffet lovers.
Wichian Buri Roast Chicken (Nimman 11)
For plain roast chicken, this is the best I’ve had in Chiang Mai. It has a strong charcoal aroma, and even the breast meat isn’t too dry—the whole chicken is delicious! I also ordered the beef soup, which was great value with lots of ingredients, and the broth and meat quality were both good. Highly recommended Chiang Mai food.
Kiew Kai Ka
This Michelin-recommended restaurant has branches in Nimman and JJ Market. The Nimman branch usually has a wait, but the JJ Market one is much less crowded! I ordered the roast beef, cabbage, and pork neck fried rice (note: the pork neck is quite fatty). Every dish was delicious. The price is slightly higher for Chiang Mai because it’s a restaurant with nicer decor and service, but it’s still highly recommended.
Kao Soy Nimman
Supposedly Teresa Teng’s favorite Northern Thai noodles. To be honest, I thought the Khao Soi was okay—not particularly mind-blowing—but the environment and price make it worth a visit. Besides the noodles, I ordered the satay, which was very tender and a good protein supplement.
Tong Tem Toh
A Northern Thai restaurant where anything you order is a hit. There are many options, and it’s delicious and affordable! We ordered five dishes and all were great, but I personally highly recommend the chicken wings—crispy skin, tender meat, and very addictive with a beer.
Must-Eat Recommendations in Other Areas
SANAE
This is a Chiang Mai Bib Gourmand recommendation. Usually, the must-orders are steak fried rice, volcanic beef ribs, and beef tongue. Since I was alone with limited stomach space, I settled for the volcanic beef ribs!
The meat was so tender it fell right off the bone, and the hot and sour soup was perfectly balanced. However, it’s not very solo-diner friendly because the portion of meat is huge 🤣. I suggest bringing people along to share.
Soom 3 Moo Jum (Clay Pot Hotpot)
I found this Thai hotpot place near where I was staying. The environment is spacious and clean; while there’s no AC, the fans keep it from getting too hot. Most importantly, it’s very cheap—most vegetable or meat plates are only 19 THB (approx. $0.54 USD). The portions aren’t too big, making it solo-traveler friendly. There seem to be many similar restaurants in Chiang Mai, so just visit if you happen to be staying nearby!
Kanomjeen Sanpakoi
I initially thought the photos didn’t look very appetizing, but this Chiang Mai Bib Gourmand recommendation became one of my absolute must-eats! The menu has English. I chose No. 1; the broth was layered but not greasy, with plenty of ingredients and tender meat. Amazingly, it was only 30 THB (approx. $0.85 USD) for a small bowl. Please add this to your Chiang Mai food list immediately. I saw others recommending No. 3, so you might want to try that too!
Kuaytiaw 3 Baht (3 Baht Noodles)
Can you believe a bowl is only 3 THB (approx. $0.09 USD)? They have six types of boat noodles (different broth and noodle combinations). Basically, don’t overthink it—just order a full set. If you’re very hungry, you can order 2 or 3 sets. Also, the Thai tea is ridiculously cheap at 10 THB (approx. $0.29 USD) and pairs perfectly with the boat noodles. Many reviews recommend the fried wontons, but I thought they were a bit oily and cost 30 THB, so use your discretion.
Ulan Boat Noodle Sanpa Khoi
The boat noodles here are solid, but the real draw is the whole squid boat noodle for only 90 THB (approx. $2.57 USD)—incredible value! The dining environment is also quite spacious and comfortable. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a try.
Meena Rice Based Cuisine
A multi-year Chiang Mai Michelin recommendation, this place is absolutely delicious. The environment, food, and service are all top-tier restaurant standards, yet the prices remain very friendly. Although the location is a bit far from the city center, you can visit it alongside the Chiang Mai Market — Chamchaa Market. It’s a great choice if you’re traveling with elders!
Suki Changphuak
Imagine a dish that’s like a Taiwanese oyster omelet sauce but paired with glass noodles, vegetables, and meat. It has a great wok-hei and is refreshing and delicious. They are very generous with the greens and meat, making it a great choice when you want to catch up on your vegetable intake in Thailand!
They have branches at both the Chiang Mai University back gate night market and the night market north of the Old City. I’ve tried both; the CMU one has been open longer and usually doesn’t have a queue if it’s not late evening (at the Old City one, I waited nearly 40 minutes). Choose whichever is most convenient for you.
Baan Suan Café
This restaurant’s biggest draw is the highly-rated massage shop upstairs. I initially just came to eat while waiting for my massage appointment, but the food turned out to be really good! I ordered the beef soup, basil pork, and fries—all were delicious and not expensive. The environment is cozy and beautiful. The only small downside is that there’s no WiFi, so ensure your mobile data is working so you can call a ride back.
On The Rock @NamPhrae
Only open from Thursday to Sunday, and you need to book through LINE to get a good seat! If you’re staying in Chiang Mai for a longer period, please add this to your must-eat list. While the food isn’t unique, it’s consistently good and the quality definitely justifies the price. Most importantly, the view is stunning—I was nearly dazed by how beautiful it was at sunset.
However, it’s hard to call a ride here. If you’re not using a private car charter, I recommend pre-booking a Grab in advance to ensure you can get home.
Siplor’s Bar
A countryside restaurant about 40 minutes’ drive from the city center, where you can have Moo-Kata and BBQ next to rice paddies. The sunset is particularly beautiful, and the overall atmosphere is incredibly relaxing. The indoor and outdoor layouts are very photogenic. Best of all, it’s not overpriced just because of the view—the prices are reasonable and the food is delicious. If you enjoy outdoor dining, I highly recommend booking a visit! Note that calling a ride is difficult here, so a private car charter is more convenient.
Recommended Chiang Mai Bars
The North Gate Jazz Co-Op
This is probably the most recommended jazz bar for everyone visiting Chiang Mai, and I genuinely loved it! You can go to the 4th floor at 7:00 PM to listen to more acoustic and mellow performances. The main event on the 1st floor starts at 8:30 PM, but if you want a seat, you basically need to be down there to claim one by 7:30 PM.
A little insider tip: there’s a small room on the 2nd floor with seats where you can look down at the band. It’s a comfortable space where people aren’t walking past you constantly. By the time I left, it was packed outside—great music and a wonderful atmosphere. A must-visit Chiang Mai bar.
Eight Days A Week Cool Muang
A craft beer bar with a very chill atmosphere. Whether in cans or on tap, the choices are numerous, and the beers are delicious—the staff are great at giving recommendations. We also ordered the steak, which was very tasty, though the price is on the higher side for Chiang Mai. Only for serious beer lovers. They accept credit cards here!
Namton’s House Bar
The shop’s decor is lovely, and you can drink beer right by a small canal, giving it a real Chiang Mai feel! The selection is smaller than the previous one, focusing mainly on tap beers. They also sell some snacks (mostly American-style). They accept credit cards for orders over 1,000 THB (approx. $28 USD).
HIDELAND
The food is mostly Japanese and Thai; it’s decent but a bit overpriced. However, the real focus here is the view—chilling in the outdoor space while watching the sunset with a live band performing makes you feel like life is grand. If you like Highballs, they have a rare Highball Tower which is good value if you’re in a group of two or more.
Meilleur Wine Coffee
They have a huge selection of wines. For by-the-glass options, there are usually two or three red and white choices; otherwise, you can buy a whole bottle. Bottle prices are clearly marked and available for takeaway or dine-in. Best of all, there’s a cute dog to keep you company—drinking while petting a dog is the ultimate healing experience.
Noir cmi
A very hidden bar; part of the fun is the process of finding it, so I won’t spoil it. It has the vibe of a high-end speakeasy cocktail bar, with prices around 350–450 THB (approx. $10–$13 USD) per drink. I ordered the house specialty, which actually had a caterpillar on it—I worked up the courage to try it and it was actually quite good! haha.
The staff speak excellent English; if you’re not sure what to order, just ask for a recommendation! There’s also a live band, but I visited a bit too early this time and missed them.
Bar San
A cocktail bar very close to the one above, also high-end but with brighter lighting. They also serve full meals (which are supposedly very good, though I didn’t order any this time). All four cocktails I tried were excellent. The staff were very friendly and would chat with you, making it enjoyable even if you come alone. After about 8 PM, a DJ starts playing, and the atmosphere gets even better. If I had to pick just one cocktail bar in Chiang Mai, I’d choose this one!
Troubadour Blues Bar
The drinks here are solid, but it’s not too crowded and the prices are reasonable. The highlights are the incredible live band and the happy hour—a great choice for budget travelers looking for a bar with fewer tourists to enjoy some music.
Check some hot deals in Chiang Mai:
📌 Chiang Mai Elephant Care Experience: KKday, Klook
📌 Chiang Rai Day Tour: KKday, Klook
📌 Chiang Mai Private Charter: KKday, Klook
📌 Doi Suthep & Wat Pha Lat Sunrise Tour: Klook
📌 Chiang Mai Elephant Care & Bamboo Rafting / Zipline Trip: Klook
📌 Grandma’s Home Cooking School Thai Cooking Class: Klook
