Quick answers — eating in Chiang Mai
- Best restaurant overall
- COMO Shambhala Cuisine
- Best value
- Khao Soi Mae Sai (80-150 THB / 2-5 USD)
- Strongest cuisines
- Thai, Modern European, Japanese
- Dishes to try
- Khao Soi, Sai Oua, Gaeng Hung Lay, Nam Prik Ong / Nam Prik Nume
- Booking window
- For MICHELIN Selected restaurants and popular fine-dining establishments, secure reservations 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Online booking through platforms like OpenTable or direct restaurant websites is often available and recommended.
Booking ahead, especially for weekend dinners or starred establishments, is highly recommended. Dress codes are generally smart-casual, leaning towards elegant for fine dining. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory, typically 10-15% for exceptional service. Dinner hours usually run from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Thai
Best Thai restaurants in Chiang Mai
Thai cooking balances sour, salt, sweet and heat in every dish. Ask for the kitchen's own level of spice rather than the tourist setting if you want it as intended.
Chom Cafe & Restaurant
MICHELIN SelectedThai · Mae Hia · 800-1500 THB / 25-45 USD
Famed for its enchanting, garden-like setting, Chom Cafe & Restaurant offers a magical dining experience amidst lush foliage and whimsical waterfalls. The menu features a broad selection of classic Thai dishes, expertly prepared with fresh ingredients. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking a picturesque ambiance paired with comforting, authentic Thai flavours, making for memorable photo opportunities.
Order: Gaeng Phet Ped Yang (Red Curry with Roasted Duck), Khao Pad Sapparot (Pineapple Fried Rice)
Ginger Farm Kitchen
MICHELIN SelectedNorthern Thai · Mae Hia · 800-1800 THB / 25-50 USD
Emphasizing farm-to-table dining, Ginger Farm Kitchen brings the bounty of its own organic farm directly to your plate. The menu champions authentic Northern Thai cuisine with a fresh, contemporary approach, using ingredients harvested just steps away. The rustic-chic ambiance, set amidst green fields, provides a relaxing and wholesome dining experience, connecting diners with the source of their food.
Order: Khao Soi, Naem Phad Kai (Sour Pork Stir-fried with Egg)
Nasi Jumpru
MICHELIN SelectedSouthern Thai · Chiang Mai Old City · 700-1500 THB / 20-45 USD
Nasi Jumpru brings the vibrant and spicy flavours of Southern Thai cuisine to Chiang Mai. The restaurant offers a menu rich in aromatic curries, fresh seafood, and unique regional specialties not commonly found elsewhere in the north. Its casual, inviting atmosphere focuses on delivering authentic tastes, making it a culinary detour for those seeking a different regional Thai experience.
Order: Gaeng Som (Sour Curry), Kua Kling (Dry Meat Curry)
Lae Khon Muang
MICHELIN Bib GourmandNorthern Thai · Chiang Mai Old City · 300-600 THB / 10-18 USD
A beloved local institution, Lae Khon Muang consistently earns its Bib Gourmand for serving impeccably authentic Northern Thai dishes at excellent value. The simple, unpretentious setting allows the robust flavours of the Lanna-style curries, grilled meats, and signature chilli dips to shine. It's an essential stop for an immersive and flavourful taste of Chiang Mai's culinary heritage.
Order: Khao Soi, Gaeng Hung Lay (Burmese Pork Belly Curry), Sai Oua (Northern Thai Sausage)
Huen Muan Jai
MICHELIN Bib GourmandNorthern Thai · Chiang Mai Old City · 300-700 THB / 10-20 USD
Chef Thaninthorn Chantrawan (Iron Chef Thailand winner)
Helmed by an 'Iron Chef Thailand' winner, Huen Muan Jai serves traditional Northern Thai cuisine with a refined touch. The restaurant offers a comfortable, homely atmosphere, often busy due to its popularity among locals and tourists alike. Dishes are prepared with care, showcasing the rich, complex flavours of Lanna cooking, making it a reliable choice for an authentic culinary journey.
Order: Khao Soi, Gaeng Khanun (Jackfruit Curry), Nam Prik Ong (Pork & Tomato Chilli Dip)
Khao Soi Mae Sai
MICHELIN Bib GourmandNorthern Thai · Suthep · 80-150 THB / 2-5 USD
Widely regarded as one of Chiang Mai's finest, Khao Soi Mae Sai is an essential stop for this iconic Northern Thai noodle dish. The rich, creamy coconut curry broth, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and tender chicken or beef make for an unforgettable experience. It’s a humble, no-frills eatery where the focus is solely on delivering an exceptional rendition of its namesake.
Order: Khao Soi Gai (Chicken Khao Soi), Khao Soi Nuea (Beef Khao Soi)
Paak Dang
MICHELIN SelectedClassic Thai · Wat Ket · 900-1800 THB / 25-50 USD
Situated elegantly along the Ping River, Paak Dang offers a scenic dining experience with classic Thai dishes crafted from fresh, high-quality ingredients, including live seafood from their tanks. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet relaxed, perfect for enjoying sunset views and traditional flavours. It's a reliable choice for well-executed Thai cuisine in a beautiful riverside setting.
Order: Steamed Sea Bass with Lemon and Chilli, Prawns in Tamarind Sauce
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Chiang Mai
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Oxygen Dining Room
MICHELIN SelectedModern European · Wat Ket · 2000-3500 THB / 55-100 USD
Located at Cross Chiang Mai Riverside, Oxygen Dining Room offers an elegant, riverside dining experience with an emphasis on refined Modern European cuisine. The setting is sophisticated, featuring contemporary design and views of the Ping River. Dishes are beautifully plated, showcasing premium ingredients and innovative techniques, providing a luxurious atmosphere for special occasions or an upscale dinner.
Order: Pan-Seared Foie Gras, Sous Vide Australian Lamb Loin
Japanese
Best Japanese restaurants in Chiang Mai
Japanese rooms range from counter omakase, where you eat whatever the chef cut that morning, to kaiseki menus built around the season. Counters are small — book early and arrive on time.
Blackitch Artisan Kitchen
MICHELIN SelectedThai Omakase · Chiang Mai Old City · 2500-4000 THB / 70-110 USD
Chef Black
Blackitch Artisan Kitchen is a distinctive omakase experience, where Chef Black crafts a seasonal, ingredient-driven menu daily. His approach highlights local, often forgotten, Thai ingredients through fermentation and innovative culinary techniques. The intimate setting encourages interaction with the chef, offering a deeply personal and educational journey into Thai flavours, celebrating tradition with a contemporary twist.
Order: Daily changing Omakase menu based on seasonal availability and chef's inspiration
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Chiang Mai
Warorot Market (Kad Luang)
A bustling local market offering an incredible array of Northern Thai street food and snacks. Sample local delicacies like Sai Oua (grilled Northern Thai sausage), Nam Prik Noom (green chili dip with sticky rice), and various curries, all at incredibly low prices, usually 20-100 THB per item.
SP Chicken
Renowned for its succulent, slow-roasted whole chickens, SP Chicken is a local favorite. The chicken is incredibly flavourful and juicy, served with sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce. Expect a simple, busy setting and very affordable prices, around 100-150 THB per chicken.
Chang Phueak Gate Night Market (Cowboy Hat Lady)
Famous for the 'Cowboy Hat Lady' who serves delicious Khao Kha Moo (stewed pork leg on rice). Beyond her stall, the market offers a diverse range of street food, from noodles to grilled skewers. Most dishes are 40-80 THB, providing excellent value for a vibrant night market experience.
Rod Fai Market
A vibrant night market with an extensive selection of street food, including local Thai dishes, desserts, and international snacks. It's a great place to explore different flavours in a lively atmosphere. Prices are very reasonable, typically 30-100 THB per dish, perfect for casual grazing.
Coconut Shell Restaurant
Known for its authentic and affordable Thai home-style cooking. The menu is extensive, featuring classic curries, stir-fries, and soups, all prepared with fresh ingredients. It's a no-frills spot that offers consistently delicious meals at budget-friendly prices, usually 60-120 THB per dish.
Local dishes
What to eat in Chiang Mai
Khao Soi
Chiang Mai's signature dish, Khao Soi is a rich, creamy coconut curry noodle soup with a hint of spice. It features both soft and crispy egg noodles, typically served with chicken or beef, and garnished with pickled mustard greens, shallots, and a squeeze of lime. Find excellent renditions at local eateries like Khao Soi Khun Yai.
Sai Oua
A delicious Northern Thai herb sausage, Sai Oua is characterized by its distinct blend of minced pork, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili. It's grilled until fragrant and slightly charred, offering a flavorful and aromatic experience. You can find this spicy sausage at local markets such as Warorot Market or from street food vendors.
Gaeng Hung Lay
This rich, aromatic Burmese-style pork belly curry is a staple of Lanna cuisine. It’s slow-cooked with a complex blend of spices like ginger, tamarind, and peanuts, resulting in tender meat and a deeply flavorful, slightly sweet and sour sauce. Huen Phen is a popular spot to experience this traditional dish in an authentic setting.
Nam Prik Ong / Nam Prik Nume
These are two distinct but equally popular Northern Thai chili dips. Nam Prik Ong is a savory tomato-based pork chili paste, while Nam Prik Nume is a smoky, spicy green chili relish. Both are typically served with fresh and blanched vegetables, crispy pork crackling (khaep moo), and sticky rice, making a refreshing and flavorful appetizer or side.
Pad See Ew
A beloved Thai stir-fried noodle dish, Pad See Ew features wide rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, egg, and a protein (usually chicken, pork, or beef), all wok-fried in a dark soy sauce. Its savory, slightly sweet flavor and chewy texture make it a comforting and satisfying meal. Many street food stalls and local restaurants offer this classic.
Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao
A distinctive Northern Thai rice noodle soup with a vibrant, tangy, and spicy broth made from pork, blood jelly, and often tomatoes, fermented soybean paste, and dried chilies. It's typically garnished with crispy fried garlic, lime, and fresh vegetables. This hearty and flavorful dish can be found in local markets and specialized noodle shops throughout Chiang Mai.
Khao Mok Gai
Thai-style chicken biryani, Khao Mok Gai is a fragrant rice dish cooked with tender chicken, infused with aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and cardamom. It's often served with a sweet and sour chili sauce on the side. This flavorful dish is a testament to Thailand's diverse culinary influences and can be found at Muslim-Thai restaurants and street food stalls.
Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niao Mamuang)
A classic Thai dessert, Mango Sticky Rice features sweet, ripe mango slices paired with glutinous sticky rice, often sweetened with coconut milk and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crispy mung beans. It's a refreshing and perfectly balanced treat, especially delightful during mango season (typically April to June), widely available at markets and dessert shops.
How to book a table in Chiang Mai
- · For MICHELIN Selected restaurants and popular fine-dining establishments, secure reservations 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Online booking through platforms like OpenTable or direct restaurant websites is often available and recommended.
- · Many higher-end restaurants may require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit to confirm your booking, particularly for tasting menus or peak season dates. Always review the restaurant's specific policy during the reservation process.
- · Consider dining during lunch hours at fine-dining venues; many offer more affordably priced set menus that provide an excellent introduction to their cuisine and experience. This can be a smart way to enjoy the ambiance and quality at a lower cost.
- · Be mindful of cancellation and no-show policies. Late cancellations or not showing up can result in charges, especially for places that require deposits. Communicate any changes to your reservation as early as possible to avoid fees.
FAQ
Chiang Mai restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Chiang Mai?
COMO Shambhala Cuisine in Mae Rim is the benchmark table — Healthy Cuisine, michelin selected, around 1500-2500 THB / 40-70 USD per person. Order the Wellness Tasting Menu, Grilled Barracuda with Spiced Mango Salsa
Where is the best Thai restaurant in Chiang Mai?
Chom Cafe & Restaurant in Mae Hia is the Thai table to book in Chiang Mai (800-1500 THB / 25-45 USD per person). Other strong options: Ginger Farm Kitchen, Nasi Jumpru, Lae Khon Muang.
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Chiang Mai?
Oxygen Dining Room in Wat Ket is the modern European table to book in Chiang Mai (2000-3500 THB / 55-100 USD per person).
Where is the best Japanese restaurant in Chiang Mai?
Blackitch Artisan Kitchen in Chiang Mai Old City is the Japanese table to book in Chiang Mai (2500-4000 THB / 70-110 USD per person).
Where can I eat well in Chiang Mai without spending a fortune?
Khao Soi Mae Sai is the best-value table on this list at roughly 80-150 THB / 2-5 USD per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Warorot Market (Kad Luang), SP Chicken, Chang Phueak Gate Night Market (Cowboy Hat Lady).
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Chiang Mai?
For MICHELIN Selected restaurants and popular fine-dining establishments, secure reservations 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Online booking through platforms like OpenTable or direct restaurant websites is often available and recommended. Many higher-end restaurants may require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit to confirm your booking, particularly for tasting menus or peak season dates. Always review the restaurant's specific policy during the reservation process.
What food is Chiang Mai famous for?
Khao Soi, Sai Oua, Gaeng Hung Lay, Nam Prik Ong / Nam Prik Nume, Pad See Ew — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. Chiang Mai's signature dish, Khao Soi is a rich, creamy coconut curry noodle soup with a hint of spice. It features both soft and crispy egg noodles, typically served with chicken or beef, and garnished with pickled mustard greens, shallots, and a squeeze of lime. Find excellent renditions at local eateries like Khao Soi Khun Yai.
Planning the rest of Chiang Mai?
The full Chiang Mai guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the Chiang Mai travel guide