Best Local Restaurants in Chiang Mai
These eateries focus on quality, consistency, and value. They're the backbone of Chiang Mai's food scene and the perfect spots for a reliable, incredible meal any day of the week.
1. SP Chicken
Specialty: Northern Thai cuisine, specifically roasted chicken.
Why It's a Must-Visit: This humble spot is legendary for its chickens, stuffed with garlic and lemongrass and slow-cooked over a vertical charcoal rotisserie. The sight of the golden birds spinning and the sound of som tum being freshly pounded is the perfect welcome.
Don't Miss: The Half Roasted Chicken (105 THB) is non-negotiable—it's some of the best you'll ever taste. Pair it with the Nam Tok Moo (Spicy Sliced Pork Salad - 60 THB), which is arguably the best version of this dish in the city.
Location: Old City.
2. Aroy Dee
Specialty: Classic Thai dishes and exceptional noodles.
Why It's a Must-Visit: With its open-front kitchen, you can watch the magic happen. The prices are fantastic, and it’s a great place to people-watch. The wide rice noodles here are exceptionally fresh and springy.
Don't Miss: Any of the wide rice noodle dishes are a win, especially the Pad See Ew. Other standouts include the classic Pad Krapow (pork with chili & holy basil) and their version of Khao Soi.
Price Point & Location: Plates average 50 THB. Located on the edge of the Old City.
3. Mu’s Katsu
Specialty: Japanese Katsu (breaded cutlets).
Why It's a Must-Visit: A small, family-run gem that serves Japanese comfort food with care and precision. The staff are incredibly friendly, and the quality is consistently high, right down to the wonderful miso soup.
Don't Miss: The Katsu Curry (160 THB) is a generous portion of perfectly fried pork or chicken served with a rich, delicious curry sauce and rice.
Location: Tucked away on a quiet soi just off Nimmanhaemin Road.
4. Koyi Chicken Rice
Specialty: Hainanese chicken rice (Khao Man Gai).
Why It's a Must-Visit: This spot was recommended by a local foodie, and it lives up to the hype. I ate here over ten times. The poached chicken is incredibly tender and flavorful.
Don't Miss: Get the Mixed Chicken (65 THB for a large) to enjoy both the classic poached and the crispy fried chicken. The house-made ginger sauce and the heavenly chicken broth served on the side are what make this dish legendary.
Price Point & Location: Plates start from 50 THB.
5. Lucky’s Vietnamese Restaurant
Specialty: Authentic Vietnamese classics.
Why It's a Must-Visit: This place demonstrates incredible care, from the detailed menu explanations to the impeccably clean condiment trays. The ambiance is lovely, with good music and friendly staff.
Don't Miss: The Bun Bo Nam Bo (190 THB), a warm noodle salad with tender Australian rump steak, is a highlight. The Bun Cha (140 THB) with grilled fatty pork is also fantastic but often sells out. Don't skip the rich Vietnamese coffee.
Location: Santitham area. Open daily from 11:00 to 15:00.
6. Khao Soi Maesai
Specialty: The iconic Northern Thai dish, Khao Soi.
Why It's a Must-Visit: While you can find Khao Soi everywhere, this place is my clear favorite. It's always packed with locals, and the kitchen churns out consistently perfect bowls of the creamy, coconut-curry noodle soup.
Don't Miss: The Chicken Khao Soi (50 THB). It’s served with all the essential accompaniments like pickled mustard greens and raw shallots to customize your bowl. Wash it down with a local iced tea (15 THB).
Location: In the Santitham area, slightly northwest of the Old City.
7. Tong Tem Toh
Specialty: Authentic Northern-style Thai food.
Why It's a Must-Visit: Escape the standard tourist fare and dive into true Northern Thai cuisine in a stylish, open-air setting. It's popular with Thais for a reason: great ambiance, fantastic service, and an adventurous menu.
Don't Miss: The Burmese Pork Curry (Gaeng Hang Lay) is a must-try—a rich, peanut-flavored curry with ginger and tender pork. Also, sample the various meat salads, Northern sausages, and fried pork belly.
Location: Nimman district.
8. Tengoku+Yaki
Specialty: High-quality Japanese cuisine, especially sashimi.
Why It's a Must-Visit: When you're craving something different, Tengoku delivers with super fresh sashimi and a fantastic variety of well-executed Japanese dishes. It's a step up in price but worth it for the quality.
Don't Miss: The Sashimi Platter.
Location: Nimman district.
9. Heng Huh Noodles Chiang Mai
Specialty: Noodle dishes like Pad See Ew and Rad Na.
Why It's a Must-Visit: This small, convenient spot serves what might be the best Pad See Ew in Chiang Mai. The quality is always on point, and the prices are more than fair.
Don't Miss: The Pad See Ew (55 THB) is a masterclass in wok-fried noodles. Also try the Rad Na (45 THB), a dish of chewy rice noodles in a luscious gravy with kale and your choice of meat.
Location: Conveniently located and great for a quick, delicious meal.
10. Neng Earthen Jar Roast Pork
Specialty: Crispy pork belly (Moo Krob).
Why It's a Must-Visit: This busy outdoor eatery cooks its meat in huge earthenware pots, resulting in unbelievably succulent pork. The quality and presentation are fantastic for a streetside spot.
Don't Miss: The Crispy Pork Belly over rice (70 THB). It comes with a delicious BBQ sauce and a perfectly gelatinous egg. This might be the best crispy pork you'll ever eat.
Location: Popular with locals, great value.
Iconic Street Food & Markets
No trip to Chiang Mai is complete without diving into its world-famous street food markets. This is where you can graze on dozens of different dishes for just a few dollars.
11. Fried Chicken Lady (Street Cart)
Specialty: Thai fried chicken (Gai Tod).
Why It's a Must-Visit: This is, without exaggeration, some of the best-tasting fried chicken in the world. Crispy, perfectly seasoned, and incredibly moist inside. The line of taxi drivers and regulars tells you everything you need to know.
Don't Miss: A Maryland cut chicken (40 THB) with a side of sticky rice (10 THB) makes for a perfect 50 THB lunch.
Location: On Mun Mueang Rd in the Old City, to the left of Aroy Dee restaurant.
12. The Big Big Shabu
Specialty: All-you-can-eat Japanese Shabu (hot pot) and BBQ.
Why It's a Must-Visit: For around 200 THB per person, you get access to a massive buffet of fresh meats, seafood, vegetables, and salads to cook yourself at your table. It’s a fun, interactive, and delicious dining experience.
Don't Miss: The experience itself! Grab a mix of everything and try both the hot pot and the grill.
Location: Outdoor setting, opens around 4:30 pm.
13. Best Tom Yum Noodle Place (with the Red Awning)
Specialty: Tom Yum noodle soup.
Why It's a Must-Visit: Officially named "มาลี ก๋วยเตี๋ยวต้มยําสุโขทัย", this spot is a local favorite for its incredibly fresh and flavorful Tom Yum soup. The care and love put into the food are evident in every bite.
Don't Miss: A large bowl of Tom Yum noodle soup (starts at 60 THB). Also, their coconut ice cream (35 THB) is fantastic.
Location: An outdoor, undercover spot with a man-made waterfall. Best to find it on Google Maps by its Thai name.
14. Chang Phueak Night Market (North Gate)
Specialty: Stewed pork leg and Suki.
Why It's a Must-Visit: This market is home to arguably the most famous street food stall in Chiang Mai, thanks to Anthony Bourdain.
Don't Miss:
The Cowboy Hat Lady (Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak): Her stewed pork leg over rice (50 THB) is legendary. The pork is fall-apart tender. Add a perfectly soft-boiled egg for 10 THB. The hype is real.
Changphuak Suki: The stall next door always has a line for its Suki (soup or dry style). The dry sukiyaki with pork (50 THB) is a satisfying and healthy-feeling meal.
15. Chiang Mai Gate Night Market (South Gate) & Tha Pae Sunday Market
Specialty: Everything! These are grazing heavens.
Why It's a Must-Visit: These markets are an essential Chiang Mai experience. The Chiang Mai Gate Market is a nightly affair with dozens of vendors. The Tha Pae Sunday Walking Street Market is a massive, vibrant event that takes over the Old City every Sunday from 5 pm to midnight.
Don't Miss:
At Chiang Mai Gate, try the Coconut Pudding Lady's warm coconut cakes (20 THB for 8) and grab a fresh fruit shake (25 THB).
At the Sunday Market, just wander and snack. Try everything from grilled meats and sausages to artisan snacks and sweets.
