Chiang Mai is a food lover's paradise, with an irresistible mix of local dishes, night markets and street food. From the famous Khao Soi even sweets rotis Here you will find options for all tastes and budgets.
In this article, we take you by the hand through some of the most important sites we tested in Chiang Mai, from markets to street stalls and cafes that became great discoveries. Prepare your appetite!
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What to eat in Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai, in the north of Thailand, is a gastronomic paradise that combines intense flavors, spices and ancestral traditions. The cuisine here has certain differences with southern cuisine So here are some of the most representative dishes of the region that you cannot miss:
- Khao Soi Coconut curry: delicious coconut curry with crispy noodles on top, usually served with chicken or beef. Its flavor is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy and creamy. If you like curry and soups you will love it as much as we do.
- Sai Ua Thai spicy sausage made from pork, lemongrass, galangal and turmeric. It is perfect as a snack or with rice.
- Gaeng Hang Lay Pork curry with ginger, garlic and tamarind, without coconut milk. It is originally Burmese.
- Kaeb Moo: crispy pork cracklings which are usually served as a side dish or appetizer. They are pieces of pork skin fried until golden brown and airy, with a light but super crispy texture. It is usually served with Nam Prik Noom o Nam Prik Ong chili sauces.
- Coffee cultivated in the mountains of the north, this coffee has a mild flavor with floral notes and fruity. It is ideal to try it in local coffee shops or as an iced coffee with condensed milk.
Thaan Aoan Coffee
We found the Thaan Aoan Coffee by pure chance, returning to the hotel, and we decided to go in because it had good reviews. It is a cozy place that serves breakfasts of all kinds and some dishes of typical thai food.
We tested the fried chicken and vegetable rolls which were okay, but did not impress us too much. Then came the Khao Soi The coconut curry with crunchy noodles on top was tasty, although we later discovered better versions. Finally, we ordered some noodles with chicken and we really loved these.
The atmosphere is quiet, with simple decor and good value for money. Perfect for a relaxed meal or a late breakfast.
- Average price per person: 8-12 €
- Favorite dish: Noodles with chicken.
- Location.
Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market
The Sunday Night Market is one of the most iconic markets in Chiang Mai. Every Sunday night, Ratchadamnoen Street is full of life with food stalls, handicrafts, live music and endless aromas. It is the perfect place to stroll around, try different flavors and enjoy the atmosphere of the city. We tried several things and took away flavors to remember:
- Cooked dumplings made on the spot Tender and full of flavor, delicious!
- Sai Ua sausages typical of northern Thailand. We tried them at a stall that had a long queue and, although they are not our favorite, the spicy flavor is unique and worth trying.
- Spiced potato chips on a stick What can go wrong with something like this?
The market has a lively atmosphere, full of people and food, craft and music stalls street. It is ideal for dinner while exploring its alleys. In addition, if you get tired of walking, there are always masseurs offering a relaxing massage in the middle of the hustle and bustle.
If you go on other days, you can also visit other markets, such as the Saturday Night Market with a similar offer but less overcrowded, or the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar a classic restaurant more oriented to tourism but with good food all the same.
- Average price per plate: 1-3 €
- Favorite dish: Everyone! You have to play and try things! (always trying to keep the stand clean).
- Location.
Street stall with no name
Sometimes, the best places to eat are the ones you find by chance, and this is one of them street stall whose name we could not find, is the perfect example. There we tried two dishes that we loved:
- Khao Soi one of the best we have tasted in Chiang Mai. Creamy, spicy and with that authentic touch that you can only find on the street.
- Chicken Pad See Ew a total discovery. This dish of rice noodles sautéed with dark soy and vegetables won us over at the first bite, so much so that we now like it better than Pad Thai.
The place is simple, with plastic tables and the hustle and bustle of the street as a soundtrack, but the taste makes up for everything. If you like authentic street food, this place is a must. We leave you below the exact location and a photo of the premises not to be missed.
- Average price per person: 3-5 €
- Favorite dish: Chicken Pad See Ew
- Local location is right next to this pizza place. Here is a photo:
Rotee Pa Day
At Rotee Pa Day we tasted one of Thailand's classic street sweets: the banana roti with egg and condensed milk. The combination is a total success, sweet, creamy and with just the right touch of banana. Undoubtedly, it was very tasty.
However, we believe that not worth the wait too much here. Although this stall is famous, there are many others in Chiang Mai that prepare rotis just as good and with less queue. If you see it without much of a wait, go ahead, but if not, better try your luck at another one.
- Average price per roti: 2-3 €
- Favorite dish: Banana roti with egg and condensed milk
- Location.
7-Eleven
The 7-Eleven in Thailand are a lifesaver, and in Chiang Mai they are no exception. We use them a lot for breakfast because they have quick, inexpensive and surprising options.
The first thing is coffee: pretty decent for the price and perfect if you want something quick in the morning. But what really won us over was the famous sandwiches. There are all kinds, from the classic ham and cheese to more exotic combinations such as chicken curry or spicy tuna. The best thing is that they are prepared right there in the sandwich maker, being hot and crispy. Our recommendation is that try all of them and find your favorite.
It is a perfect option if you want to breakfast on the go and make the most of the day. In addition, you can always browse the aisles and discover curious snacks and local beverages.
- Average price per breakfast: 2-4 €
- Favorite dish: Hot ham and cheese sandwich.
- Location (they are everywhere).
Map with the best places to eat in Chiang Mai
If you want to read other articles ideal for your trip that complement Where to eat in Chiang Mai you can visit our posts about Thailand.
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