Best Thai Restaurants In Chiang Mai: Discover The Ultimate Asian Culinary Experience

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, one of the things you should add to your itinerary is trying the country’s amazing cuisine. While there are many Thai restaurants in every city, Chiang Mai is particularly famous for its food scene. This northern city is known for its unique blend of Burmese, Chinese, and Lao influences, resulting in a culinary experience that’s unlike any other. In this article, we’ll explore the best Thai restaurants in Chiang Mai that you shouldn’t miss.

Chiang Mai’s Food Scene In A Nutshell

Before we dive into the best Thai restaurants in Chiang Mai, it’s important to understand the city’s food scene. Chiang Mai is famous for its street food, which is affordable, delicious, and cooked right in front of you. The city is also home to many local markets, where you can buy fresh produce and ingredients to cook your own Thai dishes. However, if you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal, Chiang Mai has many amazing restaurants that offer a range of Thai and international cuisine.

What Makes Thai Cuisine So Special?

Thai cuisine is known for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and fresh ingredients. Most Thai dishes incorporate a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, resulting in a taste that’s both complex and harmonious. Some of the most popular Thai dishes include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup, Green Curry, and Massaman Curry. However, each region of Thailand has its own specialty dishes, so it’s worth trying a variety of dishes to get a true taste of Thai cuisine.

The 10 Best Thai Restaurants In Chiang Mai

Now that you know a bit about Chiang Mai’s food scene and Thai cuisine, let’s dive into the 10 best Thai restaurants in the city:

1. Huen Phen

🍴🌶️🥘🍲🍜🥢🍴

Huen Phen is a family-run restaurant that has been serving authentic Northern Thai cuisine for over 50 years. The restaurant is housed in a traditional teakwood building, giving it a cozy and rustic atmosphere. Some of the must-try dishes include Khao Soi (a rich and creamy curry noodle soup) and Nam Ngiao (a spicy and sour soup with pork and rice noodles).

2. Khao Soi Mae Sai

🍴🌶️🥘🍲🍜🥢🍴

As the name suggests, Khao Soi Mae Sai specializes in Khao Soi, which is one of Chiang Mai’s most famous dishes. The restaurant offers a range of Khao Soi variations, including chicken, beef, and vegetarian options. The broth is rich and creamy, and the noodles are crispy and crunchy. The restaurant also has a lovely outdoor seating area, making it a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner.

3. Tong Tem Toh

🍴🌶️🥘🍲🍜🥢🍴

Tong Tem Toh is a hidden gem that’s tucked away in a residential area of Chiang Mai. The restaurant serves a range of Northern Thai dishes, including Sai Ua (spicy sausage), Nam Prik Ong (a spicy tomato dip), and Kaeng Hang Le (a pork curry that’s slow-cooked with ginger and tamarind). The restaurant has a lovely garden setting, with plenty of greenery and a pond.

4. David’s Kitchen

🍴🌶️🥘🍲🍜🥢🍴

David’s Kitchen is a fine dining restaurant that offers a fusion of Thai and international cuisine. The restaurant has won several awards for its creative dishes and elegant atmosphere. Some of the must-try dishes include the Salmon Miso, the Beef Tenderloin, and the Mango Sticky Rice. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, making it a great spot for a special occasion.

5. Samsen Villa

🍴🌶️🥘🍲🍜🥢🍴

If you’re in the mood for seafood, Samsen Villa is the place to go. The restaurant is famous for its fresh seafood dishes, including the Steamed Fish with Lime and Chili, the Grilled Prawns, and the Crab Curry. The restaurant also has a lovely outdoor seating area, where you can enjoy your meal while overlooking the river.

6. Dash! Restaurant & Bar

🍴🌶️🥘🍲🍜🥢🍴

Dash! is a modern Thai restaurant that offers a range of creative dishes and cocktails. The restaurant is housed in a chic and trendy space, with colorful murals and neon lights. Some of the must-try dishes include the Tom Yum Kung Spaghetti, the Larb Gai Tartare, and the Massaman Curry Lamb Shank. The restaurant also has a rooftop bar, where you can enjoy a drink with a view of the city.

7. SP Chicken

🍴🌶️🥘🍲🍜🥢🍴

SP Chicken is a local favorite that’s known for its delicious grilled chicken. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and herbs, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish. The restaurant also serves a range of Thai salads and sides, including the Som Tum (papaya salad) and the Sticky Rice. The restaurant has a casual and laid-back atmosphere, making it a great spot for a quick and tasty meal.

8. The Good View

🍴🌶️🥘🍲🍜🥢🍴

The Good View is a riverside restaurant that offers stunning views of the Ping River. The restaurant serves a range of Thai dishes, including the Green Curry, the Tom Yum Soup, and the Pad Thai. The restaurant also has live music performances, making it a great spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.

9. Khao Tom Wood

🍴🌶️🥘🍲🍜🥢🍴

Khao Tom Wood is a local restaurant that serves simple and delicious Thai comfort food. The restaurant is famous for its Khao Tom (rice soup), which is served with a range of side dishes such as pork meatballs, boiled eggs, and crispy pork skin. The restaurant also has a great cozy atmosphere, with wooden tables and chairs and a friendly staff.

10. The House by Ginger

🍴🌶️🥘🍲🍜🥢🍴

The House by Ginger is a boutique hotel that has a restaurant that serves a range of Thai and international dishes. The restaurant is set in a charming teakwood house, with a lovely outdoor seating area that’s surrounded by greenery. Some of the must-try dishes include the Thai Beef Salad, the Crab Fried Rice, and the Grilled Pork Chop.

FAQs About Thai Restaurants In Chiang Mai

1. What is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?

📅🏞️🌤️🌧️

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is between November and February, when the weather is dry and cool.

2. Are Thai restaurants in Chiang Mai expensive?

💰🍴💸

Thai restaurants in Chiang Mai are generally affordable, with prices that range from 50 to 500 baht per dish. However, fine dining restaurants may be more expensive.

3. What is Khao Soi?

🍜🥥🌶️

Khao Soi is a creamy and spicy noodle soup that’s popular in Northern Thailand. It’s made with a rich coconut curry broth, egg noodles, and chicken or beef.

4. Is it safe to eat street food in Chiang Mai?

🚶🍴👍👎

Yes, it’s generally safe to eat street food in Chiang Mai as long as you choose vendors that look clean and have a high turnover of food.

5. What are some vegetarian options at Thai restaurants in Chiang Mai?

🌱🍜🥗🥢

Some vegetarian options at Thai restaurants in Chiang Mai include Pad Thai with tofu, Green Curry with vegetables, and Som Tum (papaya salad) without shrimp.

6. What is the dress code at Thai restaurants in Chiang Mai?

👔👗👟

Most Thai restaurants in Chiang Mai have a casual dress code. However, fine dining restaurants may require smart casual attire.

7. What is the tipping etiquette at Thai restaurants in Chiang Mai?

💰💳💸

Tipping is not expected in Thailand,