Chiang Mai is the home of northern Thai (Lanna) cooking: herby, smoky and less sweet than central Thai food, eaten with sticky rice. The old city and its markets make it easy to eat your way through the classics.
What to eat in Chiang Mai
Khao soi
Egg noodles in a rich coconut curry broth, topped with crispy noodles, pickled mustard greens and lime. Map
Sai ua
Grilled pork sausage packed with lemongrass, kaffir lime and chilli.
Nam phrik noom and khaep mu
Smoky green-chilli dip with pork cracklings and fresh vegetables.
Kaeng hang le
A mild, tangy pork curry with ginger and tamarind, influenced by Burmese cooking.
Khanom jeen nam ngiao
Rice noodles in a tomato and pork broth with dried flowers.
Khantoke dinner
A set of northern dishes served on a low tray, often with a cultural show.
Markets and where to eat
- Warorot Market (Kad Luang) – northern snacks, sausages and nam phrik to take home. Map
- Chang Phueak Gate night market – evening food stalls by the old city gate. Map
- Sunday Walking Street – Ratchadamnoen Road in the old city.
- Nimmanhaemin – cafés and modern restaurants.
MICHELIN in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is covered by the MICHELIN Guide Thailand. In the 2027 selection, announced in November 2026, Belén by Paulo Airaudo became the city’s first restaurant with a star. Many local khao soi and northern Thai shops appear as Bib Gourmand or Selected entries; check the current guide, as ratings change every year.
Opening times change often, so check before you go.
Food at festivals
Songkran in Chiang Mai brings food stalls around the old city moat. Read Songkran in Chiang Mai and our Chiang Mai travel guide.
FAQ
What is the one dish to try?
Khao soi.
What can I bring home?
Sai ua, nam phrik noom and khaep mu from Warorot Market.
Is northern food spicy?
Some dips are very spicy; khao soi and kaeng hang le are milder.
Do I need to book a khantoke dinner?
Booking a day ahead is a good idea in high season.
More to read
Cover photo: Sai ua.JPG · Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
