ARTICLES
BY THE MOUTH
Apart from the overflow of tourists, Chiang Mai acts as a soothing balm after the gridlocked traffic of Bangkok. Surrounded by hills and temples, the old city still retains it's charm, whilst the suburbs grow ever outwards like a spider on steroids. Tucked amongst the shopping malls and souvenier shops lie some of Thailand's best street stalls and restaurants, largely overlooked by the rabid crowds heading to restaurants on tourist-mile where English menu's take away the awkwardness, but also the authenticity.
The following list is of places we visited over the years that set themselves a part from the bland faceless institutes rammed full of holidaymakers who are petrified of a chilli. Sure, some of these are featured in the Michelin Guide, and a lot of them have been mentioned in reverential tones by Chiang Mai-phile
Andy Ricker, but we take our tips from people we trust, and give them kudos when warranted.
There are absolutely no excuses to visit Chiang Mai and not dine at a few of these spots. According to us, these are the best restaurants in Chiang Mai.
If you are a coffee-holic, then take a look at our comprehensive guide to the Northern Thai coffee scene in and around the city
here.
For a full link of all the places on google maps, click the icon below:
KHAO SOI PRINCE
There has never been a better time to order a taxi and drive 20 minutes outside of Chiang Mai to taste this Khao Soi. Housed in a small shack near Maeju University, they serve up the perfect balance of thin/thick, creamy/soupy Khao Soi to be found.
Tip: Call ahead since a couple of occasions they were closed and its a bitch to drive there and not get fed.
MAADAE SLOW FISH KITCHEN
The old proverb of never ordering fish far from the ocean couldn't be more untrue in this instance. Crowded with customers licking their fingers voraciously, this gem of a restaurant is one you cannot miss on a visit North.
Tip: Reserve a table on weekends, opt for the meatier fish that can withstand the coal. The spicy barracuda fish soup is amazing.
LARB TON YANG
A female run and fronted operation in a humungous shed 15 minutes outside of Chiang Mai, this is the kind of place you come for delicious local food and an authentic experience. Bring a phone so you can translate the menu since it's all in Thai and spoken English is minimal.
Tip: The pork larb was fire, as was the beef soup and fermented pork.
SP CHICKEN
The best kind of advertising is the sight of juicy chickens rotating on a rotisserie right out front. Step in here for some succulent signature chicken, solid somtum and a few ribs if the hunger pangs are real. You can't go wrong eating here, we do regularly.
Tip: The ribs are simple but tasty, try their somtum too.
HUEN MUEN JAI
For Northern Thai, you won't find many better places. Everything on the menu is worth ordering, so come with a crowd of gluttons.
NONG BEE BURMESE FOOD
Housed in a non-descript room behind an outdoor kitchen area, you come here for the fresh and flavourful Burmese salads. Portions are small so order a bunch and share.
Tip: The tea leaf and young tamarind salads are recommended.
LUNG PRAKID KAT GORM
Khao Soi Prince is the best, but if you're not keen on spending an hour back and forth in a cab, then this place will definitely satisfy your Khao Soi cravings. The beef can be a bit chewy, but the broth is dank.
CHERNG DOI ROAST CHICKEN
Ignore the sweltering lines waiting for a piece of this bird. It's definitely worth the torture. Their somtum is great, but that chicken is life-changing.
KRUA YA
Daytripping to a river-side idyll shaded by trees, serving up clean and solid versions of Thai favourites? This is your spot! After your food walk across and try the amazing coffee at Asama.
Tip: The spicy pork salad and beef curry with roti is great.
SOMTUM UDON
You have to fight these people to make your Somtum spicy, but if you prevail then you'll eat a delicious version here. Their chicken is nothing to sneer at either.
RAMEN SANMAI
The Mouth's favourite ramen in Thailand. Nuff said!
Tip: The original branch is better than their new Nimman one.
MIT MAI
Andy Ricker always raves about this place, and we've been a few times over the years. Always empty, but the food they put out is consistently delicious.
JOK SOMPHET
If you could market a hug in a bowl, then Jok is your product. This classic local joint near the North Gate serves up silky, addictive bowls to loyal punters.
Tip: Order with a soft egg and watch in dizzying love as the yolk splits and mixes in with the porridge.
KHANOMJEEN SANPAKOI
There may come a day when your Chiang Mai culinary adventures take a turn into the more local environments. This is your spot. Their legendary soup contained pig blood cut like creme brulee cubes, but it tastes a lot better than it looks. We found their curries too sweet, personally.
ROTEE PA DAY
Rotee stalls are a dime a dozen in Chiang Mai. However, once you've tried Pa Day, you won't go back to the previous ones you loved. It really is THAT much better.
Tip: The roti is amazing, the one's with egg.... not so much.
Food is forever evolving, and sometimes it devolves. Owners change, locations change, chefs change. We can only assure you that when we visited, we liked it.
Contact Us
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
ALL CONTENT ON THIS WEBSITE IS ORIGINAL AND CREATED BY THE MOUTH'S WRITERS AND CONTRIBUTORS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
