Phrae’s food is classic northern Thai, simple and full of herbs: chilli dips, curries, sausages and sticky rice, with local snacks at the town’s markets. Pair this with our things to do in Phrae.
Dishes to try
Nam phrik num
Roasted green chilli dip with vegetables and crispy pork skin.
Sai ua
Northern sausage packed with herbs and chilli.
Kaeng hang le
Rich pork curry with ginger and tamarind.
Khanom jeen nam ngiao
Rice noodles with tomato and pork broth.
Khao soi
Curry noodle soup with crispy noodles.
Larb Lanna
Spiced minced meat salad, northern style.
Kaeng khae
A vegetable and herb curry without coconut milk.
Khao niao and local sweets
Sticky rice with every meal and sweets wrapped in banana leaf.
Markets
- Phrae walking street: food and crafts in the old town on market evenings Map.
- Phrae fresh market: northern ingredients and breakfast Map.
- Ban Thung Hong: food stalls near the indigo shops Map.
- Night market: street food in town Map.
Where to eat
Phrae is not covered by the MICHELIN Guide. Look for busy northern restaurants and noodle shops in town, and the walking street. Use map searches for current options and check opening hours.
Festival food
At the Phra That Cho Hae fair and Songkran, stalls sell northern snacks and sweets. See our Phrae travel guide.
Tips
- Northern chilli dips are often very spicy.
- Markets start early; go in the morning.
- Carry cash.
FAQ
What food is Phrae known for?
Northern classics such as nam phrik num, sai ua and kaeng hang le.
Are there MICHELIN restaurants?
No, Phrae is not in the MICHELIN Guide.
Where can I eat in the evening?
At the walking street and night market.
Is northern food spicy?
Some dishes are; others like khao soi are milder.
Cover photo: Lanna cuisine starters.JPG · Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
