The 23 Best Chiang Mai Restaurants in Thailand

This blog post is all about the best Chiang Mai restaurants to try local Thai food.

If you’re headed to Chiang Mai, get ready for a trip full of charm, culture, and, most importantly, amazing food.

This northern Thai city is nestled in the mountains and known for its relaxed vibes, rich history, and some of the best eats in Thailand.

It’s a place where ancient temples and bustling markets mix perfectly with hip cafés and local street food.

We loved our few days in Chiang Mai and can see why a lot of people say it’s their favourite city in Thailand.

While it’s definitely not the beach-vibe islands of the south of Thailand, it’s definitely a lot more rustic, authentic and where you’ll find the best bowl of khao soi.

I don’t think we ate anything else but khao soi during our few days in Chiang Mai.

We had fallen in love with the dish during our travels around the Southern islands, so knew we had to savour as much of it as we could from Chiang Mai, where it originated.

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This blog post is all about the best Chiang Mai restaurants.

Table of Contents

What Makes the Food in Chiang Mai Different?

Chiang Mai has its own unique twist on Thai cuisine, thanks to its location and history.

Here, you’ll find flavours that blend Thai, Burmese, and Lao influences, creating something totally unique and incredibly delicious.

From khao soi (a delicious creamy coconut curry noodle soup) to spicy salads and charcoal-grilled meats, Chiang Mai’s food scene is all about bold flavours and fresh ingredients.

Whether you’re a well-travelled foodie or just love trying new dishes, Chiang Mai is the kind of place where every meal is an adventure.

So grab your fork (or chopsticks!) and let’s dive into the best Chiang Mai restaurants to taste what this amazing city has to offer!

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The Best Chiang Mai Restaurants to Try

Below is a list of the best restaurants in Chiang Mai to try during your stay in this incredible north Thailand city.

1. Khao Soi Mae Sai (Michelin Guide)

Address: 390/2 Thanon Charoen Mueang, Wat Ket

This Michelin-recognized spot is a go-to for anyone looking to try Chiang Mai’s most iconic dish: khao soi.

Khao Soi Mae Sai is famous for serving an authentic version of the coconut-based noodle soup. The broth is creamy, spicy, and infused with an aromatic blend of curry paste, giving it a rich golden colour.

Topped with crispy noodles, fresh lime, pickled mustard greens, and juicy, tender chicken, each bite is a blend of textures and flavours.

We had our first taste of Chiang Mai’s khao soi here and I can say without a doubt that it did not disappoint. It’s a busy spot, so be prepared to wait a little while, but it’s definitely worth it.

Recommended Dish: Khao Soi with Chicken

2. Kuakai Nimman (Michelin Guide)

Address: 22/5 Nimmanhaemin Soi 9

A favourite on the trendy Nimman Road, Kuakai Nimman is famous for its Thai-style fried chicken.

Their signature dish features golden, crispy chicken cooked to perfection, served with sticky rice and a side of spicy dipping sauce.

Each piece of chicken is marinated in a secret blend of Thai spices before being fried, creating a crunchy outside with juicy, flavourful meat inside. This is one of the best Thai restaurants in Chiang Mai.

Recommended Dish: Fried Chicken with Sticky Rice

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3. Kao Soy Nimman (Michelin Guide)

Address: Nimmanhaemin Rd, Soi 7

Located just steps away from the main street in Nimmanhaemin, Kao Soy Nimman is a must-visit for khao soi lovers.

Their khao soi is known for its rich, complex broth made from coconut milk and homemade curry paste. Customers can choose from chicken, beef, or pork, each cooked slowly until tender.

The dish is garnished with crispy noodles, green onions, and fresh lime, offering a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavours.

Kao Soy Nimman is always bustling, and its Michelin status is well-deserved, making it one of the best Chiang Mai restaurants.

Recommended Dish: Khao Soi with Beef

4. Neng Earthen Jar Roast Pork

Address: Wua Lai Rd, Chiang Mai Gate Market

This hidden gem, located within the bustling Chiang Mai Gate Market, serves pork roasted in traditional earthen jars, giving it a unique, smoky flavour.

Neng Earthen Jar Roast Pork has become famous for its tender, juicy pork that melts in your mouth. Each slice is seasoned with Thai spices and paired with sticky rice for a filling meal.

The rustic cooking style and authentic flavours make this a memorable stop for anyone who loves barbecue-style meats with a Thai twist.

Recommended Dish: Roast Pork with Sticky Rice

5. Dash! Restaurant and Bar

Address: Moon Muang Rd, Soi 3, Phra Sing

Tucked away in the Old City, Dash! Restaurant and Bar offers a wide range of traditional Thai dishes with a modern twist.

The restaurant is housed in a beautiful teakwood building, adding to its inviting atmosphere.

Their pad Thai is among the best in Chiang Mai, with fresh prawns, tofu, and perfectly cooked noodles. Dash! also serves local classics like larb and massaman curry, along with delicious cocktails.

With live music most evenings, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed night out with fantastic food and atmosphere, and it’s one of the best restaurants in Chiang Mai Old City.

Recommended Dish: Pad Thai with Prawns

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6. SP Chicken (Michelin Guide)

Address: 31 Samlan Rd, Phra Sing

Known for its unique rotisserie-style grilled chicken, SP Chicken has gained a loyal following among locals and travellers.

Each chicken is marinated with a special blend of herbs and spices before being cooked to perfection over a charcoal grill.

The result is a smoky, tender chicken that’s full of flavour. Served with spicy dipping sauces, this is a go-to spot for anyone wanting an authentic taste of Thai grilled chicken.

Recommended Dish: Gai Yang (Grilled Chicken)

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7. Aunt Aoy Kitchen (Michelin Guide)

Address: 54 Wua Lai Rd

Aunt Aoy Kitchen is known for its homestyle cooking, and each dish is made with fresh, local ingredients.

Aunt Aoy’s Gaeng Hung Lay, a Northern-style pork curry, is a highlight.

The dish is slow-cooked with spices, ginger, and tamarind, giving it a rich, aromatic flavour that’s slightly sweet and comforting.

This is the kind of meal that warms the heart and gives you a true taste of Northern Thai cooking.

Recommended Dish: Gaeng Hung Lay (Northern Pork Curry)

8. Cherng Doi Grilled Chicken (Michelin Guide)

Address: 42/1 Charoenrat Rd

Cherng Doi Grilled Chicken specializes in traditional Thai grilled chicken, marinated with a secret blend of Thai spices that give it a uniquely aromatic taste.

The chicken is grilled over a charcoal fire, resulting in crispy skin and tender, flavourful meat inside.

Paired with their spicy dipping sauces and sticky rice, this dish is perfect for a simple yet delicious meal.

Recommended Dish: Gai Yang

9. Khao Soi Mae Manee (Michelin Guide)

Address: 197 M. 3 T. Chang Phueak

Located a bit outside the city center, Khao Soi Mae Manee serves a classic version of khao soi that’s both affordable and delicious.

The coconut-based broth is thick, creamy, and filled with a homemade curry paste that balances heat with a hint of sweetness.

The noodles are cooked to perfection, and each bowl is topped with crispy noodles, lime, and pickled mustard greens for an added burst of flavour.

Recommended Dish: Khao Soi with Beef

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10-14 of the Best Chiang Mai Restaurants

10. Rote Yiam Beef Noodle (Michelin Guide)

Address: Chang Phueak Rd, near Chang Phueak Gate

Rote Yiam is the place to go for anyone craving a solid bowl of beef noodles.

Their broth is slow-cooked with beef bones and aromatic spices until it reaches that perfect rich, savoury flavour.

Each bowl is packed with tender beef slices, bouncy noodles, and fresh herbs.

Simple, hearty, and satisfying, this spot is a favourite among locals and tourists, and one of the best Chiang Mai restaurants.

Recommended Dish: Beef Noodle Soup

11. Rotee Padae (Michelin Guide)

Address: Nimmanhaemin Soi 7

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Rotee Padae is a must!

Known for its crispy, golden rotee (Thai-style fried pancakes), this humble stall serves up a variety of fillings, from bananas and condensed milk to Nutella and fresh fruit.

Each rotee is fried until it’s crispy outside and soft inside, then drizzled with sweetened condensed milk for that extra touch of indulgence.

Recommended Dish: Banana Rotee with Condensed Milk

12. Sanpakoi Kanomjeen (Michelin Guide)

Address: Sanpakoi Rd

Tucked away from the main tourist areas, Sanpakoi Kanomjeen is known for its flavourful kanom jeen, a traditional dish of soft rice noodles served with different types of curry.

This little eatery is one of the best Chiang Mai restaurants, particularly famous for its green curry and fish curry versions.

Each bowl packed with fresh herbs, veggies, and a touch of spice. It’s a cozy spot to dive into an authentic Thai experience.

Recommended Dish: Kanom Jeen Nam Ya (Rice Noodles with Fish Curry)

13. Khao Soi Lamduan Fa Ham (Michelin Guide)

Address: 352/15 Charoenrat Rd

One of the oldest khao soi spots in Chiang Mai, Khao Soi Lamduan Fa Ham has been serving up bowls of their famous curry noodle soup since the 1930s.

Their khao soi is rich and creamy, with a flavour that’s perfectly balanced between sweet, spicy, and savoury.

Topped with crispy noodles, pickled veggies, and lime, it’s a dish that keeps you coming back for more.

Recommended Dish: Khao Soi with Beef

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14. Khao Soi Samoe Chai (Michelin Guide)

Address: 391/2 Moo 3, Pa Tan

Another excellent choice for khao soi, Samoe Chai offers a version that’s loaded with flavour.

The broth here is particularly creamy and well-spiced, and they give a generous portion of noodles and tender meat.

Add a squeeze of lime and some fresh shallots for an extra zing, and you’ve got a perfect bowl of khao soi.

Recommended Dish: Khao Soi with Chicken

15-19 of the Best Chiang Mai Restaurants

15. Cowboy Hat Lady Vendor

Address: Chang Phueak Night Market

This iconic vendor, easily recognizable by her cowboy hat, serves up some of the best stewed pork leg (khao kha moo) in Chiang Mai.

The pork is tender, flavourful, and falls right off the bone.

Served over rice with a boiled egg and pickled vegetables, this dish is both filling and affordable, making it a must-try for anyone visiting the Chang Phueak Night Market.

Recommended Dish: Stewed Pork Leg with Rice

16. Khao Soi Khun Yai

Address: Sri Poom Rd, near Chiang Mai Old City

Khun Yai’s little khao soi stall is something of a local legend, offering a fantastic version of Chiang Mai’s beloved noodle soup.

The khao soi here is thick, creamy, and full of spicy, warming flavours.

Topped with crispy noodles and a side of pickled greens, this dish has everything you could want in a bowl of khao soi.

Recommended Dish: Khao Soi with Chicken

17. The Good View Bar & Restaurant

Address: 13 Charoenrat Road, Wat Ket

Perfect for an evening meal, The Good View offers a combination of local Thai dishes and Western options, all served with views of the Ping River.

Their Thai menu is particularly popular, with standout dishes like tom yum goong, a spicy and sour soup with fresh shrimp, lemongrass, and lime.

With live music in the evenings, it’s one of the best Chiang Mai restaurants for a relaxed, fun dining experience, and one of the best Chiang Mai restaurants.

Recommended Dish: Tom Yum Goong

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18. Fern Forest Café

Address: 2/2 Singharat Road, Sripoom

This cozy café set in a garden is ideal for a laid-back brunch or lunch.

The menu is a mix of Thai and Western dishes, but their Thai specialties, like mango sticky rice, are what make them stand out.

Sit back in the serene garden setting and enjoy a peaceful break in the city.

Recommended Dish: Mango Sticky Rice

19. Blue Diamond Breakfast Club

Address: 35/1 Moon Muang Road Lane 9

A hidden gem for vegetarians and those craving a healthy meal, Blue Diamond Breakfast Club offers everything from Thai curries to smoothies and freshly baked bread.

Their Massaman curry is particularly flavourful, made with rich coconut milk, potatoes, and a generous amount of peanuts.

With a lush garden setting, it’s one of the best Chiang Mai restaurants to relax and recharge.

Recommended Dish: Massaman Curry

20-22 of the Best Chiang Mai Restaurants

20. Cooking Love

Address: 2 Ratchadamnoen Road Soi 5, Phra Sing

Known for their heartwarming approach to food, Cooking Love serves classic Thai dishes made with love.

Their green curry is a customer favourite, packed with fresh vegetables and rich, creamy coconut milk. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it one of the best Chiang Mai restaurants for a relaxed meal.

Recommended Dish: Green Curry with Vegetables

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21. Tong Tem Toh

Address: Nimmanhaemin Soi 13

A favourite for Northern Thai dishes, Tong Tem Toh offers everything from spicy sausage (sai ua) to nam prik noom (a Northern-style chili dip).

With its rustic decor and always-bustling atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to sample traditional Northern Thai cuisine, and one of the best Chiang Mai restaurants.

This was one of my favourite restaurants in Chiang Mai, and just walking distance from our hotel.

Recommended Dish: Sai Ua (Northern Thai Sausage)

22. Tha Phae Walking Street

Location: Tha Phae Road, Old City

More than just a market, Tha Phae Walking Street is a Sunday staple where you can taste all kinds of street food, from savoury skewers to sweet treats like coconut pancakes.

With countless food stalls to choose from, it’s the best spot to try small bites, experience Chiang Mai’s lively market culture and the best Chiang Mai restaurants in one place.

Recommended Dish: Mango Sticky Rice

The Best Chiang Mai Restaurants

Chiang Mai’s food scene is a mix of old-school classics, street food gems, and trendy eateries, all waiting to be explored.

From traditional dishes that have stood the test of time to inventive flavours that blend Northern Thai cuisine with modern twists, there’s something to delight every type of foodie.

So, whether you’re here for a few days or a long stay, make sure to dive into the city’s local eats, because you won’t regret it.

Grab your chopsticks, bring your appetite, and get ready to dine at some of the best Chiang Mai restaurants Thailand has to offer!

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By Orlagh Shanks

Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.

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This blog post is all about the best Chiang Mai restaurants.

What Makes the Food in Chiang Mai Different?