The Best Local Food In Chiang Mai: A Foodie’s Guide

Experience the Flavorful and Authentic Cuisine of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes. However, its food scene is equally impressive. From street stalls to upscale restaurants, Chiang Mai offers an array of traditional and contemporary dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey to explore the best local food in Chiang Mai. Get ready to indulge in the authentic flavors, spices, and aromas of Northern Thailand.

🍜 Khao Soi: A Must-Try Dish

Khao Soi is the quintessential dish of Chiang Mai. This rich and creamy coconut curry soup is made with egg noodles, chicken or beef, and a variety of spices and herbs. It is topped with crispy noodles, pickled mustard greens, and shallots. The combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors makes it a true explosion of taste. You can find Khao Soi in almost every restaurant and food stall in Chiang Mai. Don’t leave without trying it!

🍲 Gaeng Hang Lay: A Flavorful Curry Dish

Gaeng Hang Lay is a Burmese influenced curry dish that is popular in Northern Thailand. It contains tender chunks of pork or beef, flavored with ginger, tamarind, and turmeric. The curry is slow-cooked with shallots and garlic, resulting in a rich and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. Gaeng Hang Lay is usually eaten with sticky rice or roti. You can find this dish in many local restaurants such as Huen Phen and Tong Tem Toh.

🍢 Sai Oua: A Delicious Sausage

Sai Oua is a flavorful and spicy sausage that is made with ground pork and a combination of herbs and spices such as lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. It is usually served with sticky rice and a side of fresh vegetables. Sai Oua is a popular snack or appetizer in Chiang Mai, and you can find it in many street food stalls and markets such as Somphet Market and Chang Phueak Market.

🍺 Chang Beer: The Perfect Companion to Your Meal

Chang Beer is a popular local beer that is brewed in Thailand. It has a crisp and refreshing taste that pairs well with spicy and flavorful dishes. Chang Beer is available in almost every restaurant and bar in Chiang Mai, and it is the perfect companion to your meal. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal with a cold Chang Beer.

🍣 Kao Kha Moo: Delicious Braised Pork Leg

Kao Kha Moo is a delicious and hearty dish that consists of tender braised pork leg served with sticky rice and pickled mustard greens. The meat is seasoned with soy sauce, cinnamon, and star anise, resulting in a flavorful and tender dish that will melt in your mouth. You can find Kao Kha Moo in many local restaurants such as Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak and Kao Kha Moo Chang Phueak.

🍲 Tom Yum: A Spicy and Sour Soup

Tom Yum is a spicy and sour soup that is made with shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chili peppers, and lime juice. The broth is bursting with flavor and aroma, making it a popular dish among locals and tourists alike. Tom Yum is usually served as an appetizer or main course, and it pairs well with rice or noodles. You can find this dish in many local restaurants such as Huen Phen and Tong Tem Toh.

🍜 Khao Ka Moo: A Delicious Pork Leg Stew

Khao Ka Moo is a delicious pork leg stew that is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth made with soy sauce, cinnamon, and star anise. The meat is served on a bed of rice and garnished with pickled mustard greens and a boiled egg. This dish is a popular street food in Chiang Mai, and it is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. You can find Khao Ka Moo in many local food stalls and markets such as Warorot Market and Chang Phueak Market.

🍜 Boat Noodle: A Hearty Noodle Soup

Boat Noodle is a hearty noodle soup that originated from the floating markets of Thailand. It is made with beef or pork and enriched with various spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, and star anise. The noodles are small and thin, and they are meant to be eaten in one bite. Boat Noodle is a popular dish in Chiang Mai, and you can find it in many local restaurants and food stalls.

🍢 Nam Prik Ong: A Spicy and Savory Dip

Nam Prik Ong is a spicy and savory dip that is made with ground pork, tomatoes, garlic, and chili peppers. It is usually served with fresh vegetables such as cucumbers and carrots. This dip is a popular appetizer in Chiang Mai, and it is perfect for sharing with friends and family. You can find Nam Prik Ong in many local restaurants and food stalls.

🍲 Nam Ngiao: A Delicious Noodle Soup

Nam Ngiao is a noodle soup that is made with tender pork or beef, tomatoes, chili peppers, and various herbs and spices. The broth is rich and flavorful, and it is usually served with rice noodles and fresh vegetables. Nam Ngiao is a popular dish in Chiang Mai, and it is perfect for a light but satisfying meal. You can find Nam Ngiao in many local restaurants and food stalls.

🍢 Sai Ua Samun Phrai: A Healthy Sausage

Sai Ua Samun Phrai is a healthy sausage that is made with lean pork, herbs, and spices such as turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass. The sausage is grilled or roasted, and it is usually served with fresh vegetables and sticky rice. Sai Ua Samun Phrai is a popular dish among health-conscious eaters, and it is perfect for a light and flavorful meal. You can find Sai Ua Samun Phrai in many local restaurants and food stalls.

🍲 Khao Man Gai: A Simple but Delicious Dish

Khao Man Gai is a simple but delicious dish that consists of poached chicken served on a bed of rice cooked with chicken broth and a variety of herbs and spices. It is usually served with a savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and chili peppers. Khao Man Gai is a popular street food in Chiang Mai, and it is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. You can find Khao Man Gai in many local food stalls and markets.

🍢 Larb Moo: A Spicy and Tangy Salad

Larb Moo is a spicy and tangy salad that is made with ground pork, lime juice, chili peppers, and a variety of herbs and spices. The salad is usually served with fresh vegetables such as lettuce and cucumber. Larb Moo is a popular dish in Chiang Mai, and it is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. You can find Larb Moo in many local restaurants and food stalls.

🍤 Pla Pao: A Delicious Grilled Fish

Pla Pao is a delicious grilled fish that is marinated with herbs and spices and stuffed with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. The fish is grilled over charcoal, resulting in a smoky and flavorful dish. Pla Pao is a popular street food in Chiang Mai, and it is perfect for a satisfying and healthy meal. You can find Pla Pao in many local food stalls and markets.

🍲 Khao Soi Islam: A Unique and Flavorful Dish

Khao Soi Islam is a unique and flavorful dish that is a fusion of Thai and Indian cuisine. The dish is made with egg noodles, chicken or beef, and a rich and spicy curry sauce that is flavored with cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. It is garnished with crispy noodles and pickled onions. Khao Soi Islam is a popular dish in Chiang Mai, and it is perfect for those who want to try something different. You can find Khao Soi Islam in many local restaurants and food stalls.

What is the best time to experience Chiang Mai’s food scene?

The best time to experience Chiang Mai’s food scene is during the evening, when the night markets and food stalls come alive. The most popular night markets are the Sunday Walking Street, Saturday Night Market, and Chang Phueak Night Market. These markets offer a wide variety of street food, snacks, and desserts that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

What are some of the best restaurants in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai has many excellent restaurants that offer authentic and innovative dishes. Some of the best restaurants in Chiang Mai are Huen Phen, Tong Tem Toh, and Khao Soi Lam Duan. These restaurants are known for their delicious and flavorful dishes