After a long trip to Thailand this year, and plenty of restaurant visits, below are the best restaurants in Chiang Mai to try the local cuisine. This was a difficult list since there are plenty of delicious options.
Chiang Mai is a beautiful city in the north of Thailand, and it’s definitely worth visiting if you decide to travel to that country.
1) Best restaurant for Khao Soi – Khao Soi Maesai
A rich and creamy curry noodle soup, Khao Soi is a Chiang Mai specialty. A symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The tender chicken, crispy noodles, and fragrant coconut milk create a harmonious blend that will leave you craving for more. This restaurant is located a little outside the old town and it gets full even in the morning when it opens its doors. It has also received a Big Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide. You can opt for a variety of proteins, but I highly recommend the chicken version. This is one of the best restaurants in Chiang Mai that I visited during my time there.
2) Best restaurant for roasted meat – Neng Earthen Jar Roast Pork
Located a little outside of city centre this place is really a paradise for meat lovers. Perfectly cooked meats are prepared in their special giant jars. You can’t miss the crispy pork and the chicken, but the menu also offers some soups and fried dishes. The place gets busy so arrive early to get a table.
3) Best restaurant for pork rice – Chang Phueak Pork Leg Rice aka “Cowboy Hat Lady”
This food stall at Chang Phuak gate food market is famous for two reasons. First is the owner who is famous for serving the specialty, a pork leg rice with greens and egg always wearing a cowboy hat. The second reason is that this spot was featured in the late Anthony Bourdain’s show, Parts Unknown when he visited Chiang Main in 2014. The pork is juicy and is served with a delicious broth together with rice, a boiled egg, and greens. You can also take this to go and you will also get the broth packed in a nice tight plastic bag – the Asian way!
4) Best street food – Chiang Mai’s Sunday Night Market
This is not a restaurant but you can’t miss the street food vendors at Chiang Mai’s Sunday night market. With options varying from classic noodle dishes, all the way to crabs and fried chicken, you can have your fill trying all the local specialties. The Chiang Mai sausage is a must-try here and you should also go for some Thai crepes with coconut cream and shredded egg yolk.
5) Best roti – Rati Pa Da
This is the best spot for roti in Chiang Mai. This small food cart serves crispy and chewy rotis that you can add about 15-20 different toppings on. It’s also featured in the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand award so it should not be a surprise that there is always a queue to order.
