Best food places in Chiang Mai Thailand
If you’re bored of the usual Bangkok haunts, take a different route the next time you visit the Land of Smiles. Consider Chiang Mai, the largest city in Northern Thailand with a rich history and an extensive list of mountains to discover. This up-and-coming travel destination is also known for its dynamic food culture, ranging from cheap and yummy khao soi AKA curry noodles to aesthetic brunch cafes with a view. Here are some of the best food places in Chiang Mai that I’ve had the chance to visit recently!
1. Khao Soi Mae Sai
Khao soi, or khao soy, is an iconic Northern Thai dish that’s garnered somewhat of a cult following, which I’m unashamedly a part of. It’s a simple yet satisfying noodle dish with strong Burmese influences; you get a rich coconut gravy spiced up with herbs and aromatics, poured over egg noodles, and topped with crispy noodle shreds, pickled mustard greens and more.
There are countless khao soi stalls in Chiang Mai, with a few noteworthy mentions that have won awards. Khao Soi Mae Sai is one such stall, having the Michelin Guide’s stamp of approval—it was most recently crowned a Bib Gourmand eatery in 2023.
With a 4.5-star rating and over 2,500 reviews on Google, this stall is said to serve some of the best khao soi in Chiang Mai. Their Khao Soy with Chicken (฿50/~S$2) comes with a whole drumstick over egg noodles and a sweet, coconutty broth with just the right amount of spice. Crispy noodle bits, preserved veggies, raw onions, and a lime wedge are the finishing touches to this award-winning dish.
Take note: visit as early as 8am when they open to beat the lunchtime crowd!
Address: 29, 1 Ratchaphuek Alley, Tambon Chang Phueak, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 8am to 4pm
Tel: +66 53 213 284
Website
Khao Soi Mae Sai is not a halal-certified eatery.
2. Busarin
If budget is not a concern, splurge on the Beef Khao Soi (฿250/~S$9.90) at Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Busarin. The hole-in-the-wall eatery was started by the same chef behind Magnolia Cafe, another Michelin-minted, home-style Thai restaurant just next door.
Here, the khao soi gravy boasts a rich and thick consistency with bold, concentrated flavours. You also get lots of crispy noodle strands to enjoy alongside the uber-tender beef chunks.
Northern Thai cuisine is heavily influenced by Burmese cuisine, so you should definitely order their “Hunglay” Curry with Pork in Burmese Hinlay Spices (฿250/~S$9.90), too. A side of crispy roti slices is served on the side to mop up the saucy goodness of this hearty, two-day streaky pork curry. I’ll definitely be back just for this dish.
Do note that Busarin opens for lunch only.
Check out our Busarin review!
Address: 133 Rattanakosin Road, Chang Moi, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am to 4pm
Tel: +66 81 671 2846
Website
Busarin is not a halal-certified eatery.
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3. Mitte Mitte
Cafe-hopping in Singapore is an expensive business. That’s rarely the case in Chiang Mai, though. At Mitte Mitte, a double-storey brunch spot in the Chang Moi district, my total bill for two mains and two drinks came up to under S$30. Set in a restored house, this beautiful cafe serves all-day brunch items, including house-made bagels and sandwiches.
The Eggs Bae (฿195/~S$8) is a popular pick; you get two house-made English muffins topped with perfectly poached eggs, smoked bacon, and spicy mayo, complete with a tasteful arrangement of grilled veggies on the side.
The Chang Moi – Katsu Bagel (฿220/~S$9) deserves a shoutout, too. This hearty bagelwich comprises a freshly baked bagel stacked with a deep-fried Northern Thai sausage, topped with a fried egg and creamy Béchamel mustard sauce. The result is a satisfying mix of crispy, chewy, savoury, and spicy—all in one bite.
Read our Mitte Mitte review!
Address: 64, 1 Sithiwongse Road, Chang Moi, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 4pm
Tel: +66 65 625 4952
Website
Mitte Mitte is not a halal-certified eatery.
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4. Fern Forest Cafe
No Chiang Mai food or cafe guide is complete without a mention of Fern Forest Cafe, a super popular brunch and coffee spot located in the city. Frequented by tourists and locals alike, this gorgeous cafe has both outdoor and indoor seating, the latter being the more popular option for cool mornings.
Food-wise, be spoilt for choice with the array of freshly baked pies and cakes on display. There are classics such as New York Cheese Cake (฿135/~S$5.40) and Strawberry Tart (฿135/~S$5.40), but most diners go for the Coconut Cream Pie (฿125/~S$5) instead, a signature dessert comprising light coconut mousse and sweet coconut pulp.
Those who want something more substantial can also check out the brunch mains, including the BLT Sandwich (฿225/~S$8.90), pancakes, and savoury bagels on offer.
Do make sure you reserve in advance or visit during off-peak hours as seats get filled up fast.
Address: 54, 1 Singharat Road, Si Phum Sub-district, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Opening hours: Daily 8:30am to 6:15pm
Tel: +66 84 616 1144
Website
Fern Forest Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
5. Akha Ama Phrasingh
Akha Ama Phrasingh is a chic, two-storey coffee house right next to the famous Wat Phra Singh temple. It’s also located in the Old City, so you can pop by for a quick caffeine boost before checking out the other attractions within the vicinity.
The menu is coffee-focused, with classic options including Piccolo Latte (฿65/~S$2.50) and Caramel Latte (฿75/~S$2.90). You’ll get to choose from the medium or strong roast for espresso-based drinks. Alternatively, try something different instead: Manee Mana (฿100/~S$3.80), which comprises espresso, honey, and orange peel, is a refreshing concoction for a hot day.
If you’re feeling peckish, there’s a small selection of cakes at the counter. The Carrot Cheese Cake (฿75/~S$3), a sweet treat of lightly spiced carrot cake with a baked cheesecake topping, is a must-try.
Fun fact: Akha Ama has two other outlets in Chiang Mai and another one in Tokyo!
Address: 175, 2 Rachadamnoen Road, Tambon Si Phum, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 5:30pm
Tel: +66 88 267 8014
Website
Akha Ama is not a halal-certified eatery.
6. Fleur Cafe & Eatery
Should you wish to venture a little further, head up north to Mae Rim, around 40 minutes by car from Chiang Mai city. The sprawling Fleur Cafe & Eatery is probably one of, if not, the most photogenic cafes I’ve visited in Chiang Mai. There are various seating arrangements for dining in, suited for both large groups and smaller date-like settings. The tables at the outdoor gardens are the most popular, though the restaurant’s high ceiling and tastefully decorated interiors make for an experience that’s no less special.
The menu is very extensive, with everything from Western mains to Thai-fusion dishes. If you’re visiting for tea, take your pick from their array of dainty pastries. Get the Thai Young Coconut Cake (฿150/~S$5.70), a cute chocolate-coated dessert with a creamy, fragrant coconut mousse hidden within. Otherwise, the tangy Lemon Meringue Tart (฿90/~S$3.60) is great if you love citrus-based sweets.
Address: Tung Lung Soi 4, Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 9am to 6pm, Fri-Sun 9am to 7pm
Tel: +66 91 078 7104
Website
Fleur Cafe & Eatery is not a halal-certified eatery.
7. The Ironwood
Another hidden gem in Mae Rim is The Ironwood, a stunning country house-meets-industrial restaurant with impeccable vibes. Most choose to dine outdoors in the gardens that are slightly shaded by the trees, but head inside and you’ll be wowed by a delightful mish-mash of vintage, eclectic decor that makes the space oh-so-charming.
Image credit: 心尘泊岸
Food-wise, tuck into the likes of fusion bites including the Shrimp Tom Yum Spaghetti (฿300/~S$11.90), along with Thai stir-fries such as Chicken Green Curry Fried Rice (฿170/~S$6.80) and Shrimp Paste Fried Rice with Local Flowers (฿200/~S$7.90).
Coffee and pastries are served here, too. Espresso or Americano is priced at ฿80/~S$3.20, or you can try the unique Americano Sugarcane (฿110/~S$4.40) if you’re feeling adventurous.
Don’t leave without popping by the aesthetic-looking greenhouse too!
Address: 592/1, Mae Rim-Sameung Road, Mae Raem, Mae Rim 50180, Thailand
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 5pm
Tel: +66 81 831 1000
Website
The Ironwood is not a halal-certified eatery.
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8. Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kaat Gorm
Image credit: Saruda Setthabunnatat
Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kaat Gorm has been around for over 40 years, but they’re most famous for being featured on the popular Netflix food series, “Somebody Feed Phil”. The highly raved khao soi stall is also crowned “Khao Soi Netflix” because of its appearance in the food show. Because of this, the queues are often long throughout the day, but fans tout their rendition to be well worth the wait.
Image credit: Bambi S
The Khao Soi Gai (฿50/~S$2) AKA khao soi with chicken is a favourite; each bowl comes with a good portion of egg noodles topped with a whole chicken drumstick, complete with thin and crispy noodle shreds. The soup is said to be fragrant and spicy yet creamy from the coconut milk, with pickled veggies on the side to cut through the richness. There’s also a beef version at (฿60/~S$2.40) that’s equally popular.
Address: 53 Suriyawong 5 Road, Hai Ya, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
Opening hours: Daily 9:30am to 4:30pm
Tel: +66 83 209 9441
Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kaat Gorm is not a halal-certified eatery.
9. Rote Yiam Beef Noodle
Image credit: Rote Yiam Beef Noodle
Michelin-recommended Rote Yiam Beef Noodle has been around for over 30 years, selling some of the best Chinese-style beef noodles with house-made meatballs. Prices start from ฿50/~S$2 for a good portion of beef noodles with one topping, but you can also get the larger bowl (฿100/~S$4) that comes with more toppings if you’re extra hungry.
Image credit: Rote Yiam Beef Noodle
You’ll get to pick your noodle: flat rice noodles, thin rice noodles, or rice vermicelli. Then, choose to have it with soup or without, though most opt for the former as the broth is said to be rich and full of flavour. Go ham with an assortment of toppings, which include bouncy beef balls, sliced beef, beef tendons, stewed beef, and beef tongue. You can even top up ฿10/~S$0.40 for extra soup!
Address: 164, 48 Changklan Road, Tambon Chang Khlan, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 9pm
Tel: +66 53 272 422
Rote Yiam Beef Noodle is not a halal-certified eatery.
10. Aquila
Image credit: Jeeyoonna
Michelin-recommended Aquila was the highlight of my trip. This Italian-inspired restaurant is slightly off-the-beaten-track, though that also adds to its charm. You get a whopping total of 16 pasta dishes to choose from, including East-meets-West iterations such as Unagi & Hotate Risotto (฿690++/~S$27.20++) and Spicy Prawn Pesto (฿350++/~S$13.90++).
Image credit: @helloanthia
If you only have room for one thing, do yourself a favour and order the Truffle, Wagyu, Burrata, and Gnocchi (฿590++/~S$23.30++). It’s exactly as its name suggests—handmade potato dumplings are seared to crisp ends, tossed in a creamy sauce, and combined with a magical mix of burrata, tender Wagyu slices, and freshly shaved black truffle for oomph. It’s to die for.
Address: 226/4 Soi Surapol 1, Tha Sala, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 2:30pm, 5pm to 9pm
Tel: +66 90 236 3845
Website
Aquila is not a halal-certified eatery.
11. We-La-Dee Cafe & Restaurant
Image credit: TEERAVIT DANRUNGROT
We-La-Dee Cafe & Restaurant is a bit of a hidden gem, given how it’s a solid 30-minute drive from the Old City. I can promise you that the journey is worth it, though; the Michelin-approved restaurant serves up some of the most delicious Central Thai dishes in a chic industrial dining space, with both indoor and alfresco seating options.
Image credit: kontee nasantisuk
Expect unique dishes such as Watermelon with Sweet Dried Fish Crispy Shallot Dip (฿145++/~S$5.60++), which makes for a good appetiser to share at the table. The Stuffed Squids with Red Curry Sauce (฿340++/~S$13++) are another must-try; this side sees fresh whole squids stuffed with a juicy and meaty filling, then doused in a mild and creamy curry. There’s also a wide array of stir-fried proteins and veggies to choose from, great for family-style sharing with some rice on the side.
Pro tip: Make sure to book a table in advance especially if you’re planning to visit for dinner, as the restaurant is often packed with locals during peak hours.
Address: 291 San Sai District, Chiang Mai 50210, Thailand
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9pm
Tel: +66 99 919 4516
Website
We-La-Dee Cafe & Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery.
12. Khaomao-Khaofang Imaginary Jungle
Image credit: ZAW TUN LIN
If dining right in the middle of nature sounds right up your alley, you’ll enjoy Khaomao-Khaofang Imaginary Jungle. This popular cafe and restaurant has been listed on the Michelin Guide for four years and counting, so you can be assured they’re consistently good.
Image credit: Kriangsak Suttiwerawat
Having been there recently, I can say with certainty that the food tastes as good as the ambience looks. The menu is super expansive, with a focus on Northern Thai fare. Start off with some signature platters to share, such as the Northern Thai Style Hors d’oeuve (฿250++/~S$9.60++), which comes with an assortment of fresh veggies, dips, and sausages. There’s also a Northern Thai Spicy Pork Salad (฿180++/~S$6.90++) if you’re good with spice. For mains, choose from a wide range of soups, as well as seafood and meats cooked in a variety of styles. Recommended picks include Stir Fried Spicy Catfish with Chilli (฿200++/~S$7.60++) and Tom Yum Kung (฿250++/~S$9.60++).
Address: Ratchapruek Road, Nong Kwai, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 3pm, 5pm to 9:30pm
Tel: +66 63 665 5838
Website
Khaomao-Khaofang Imaginary Jungle is not a halal-certified eatery.
Chiang Mai Thailand food guide
Move aside, Bangkok—Chiang Mai is a new contender for all you foodies to check out. Bookmark this list of recommended Chiang Mai food places the next time you’re planning a trip to Thailand!
If you’re heading to London anytime soon, read our London food guide, which includes more than just fish and chips. Otherwise, for something closer to home, check out KSL food guide if you’re crossing the border!
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Photos taken by Anthia Chng.
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