Neil Aronson Here are some of the more popular place for Thai food in Chiang Mai. Food is an integral part of Thai culture. Eating is one of the most important times of the day in Thailand, and eating is very much a social activity. It is one of the reasons that makes eating out in Thailand so much fun.
Another is that Thai food is simply amazing, and mostly inexpensive at places locals eat. Whether you are eating street food or a five-star restaurant, you will invariably enjoy a delicious meal that prepared with dedication and skill, which is why Thai food is unarguably one world’s great cuisines.
Cheap Local Eats
Street Food Everywhere. However you can find a lot over in the Night Bazaar, and the Sunday walking street has a lot of choices. In fact the Sunday walking street on Rachadamnoen Rd is one of the best places to eat, with dozens of amazing vendors to choose from. And you won’t believe what you can get for just 60 baht.
Blue Noodles. In the city center, a favorite of my wife for local noodles. It is a typical unassuming street side open air noodle shop on Rachadamnoen Rd.
Aroy Dee. Local Thai food cooked out on the sidewalk, this is one of the best places to eat in the Old City. Simple, fast and great food at local prices. Popular with tourists. Watch YouTube video of Aroy Dee.
Wan Ton Noodle. Right next door to Aroy Dee, and fairly similar. Lots of tourists. And just next door to this is Som Petch Kitchen. All three are next to each other, family owned, and with excellent home cooked Thai Food and great prices. These three are all fairly small and get busy, so expect to wait.
Number 9 Restaurant Chiang Mai. On my first trip to Chiang Mai in 2010, my friend who was living here took me to this local place for my first meal. He had become friends with the owners, and to this day they are still there, cooking their local food everyday. You can still get a great meal for 80 baht. Just down the street from the previous two spots.
Rot Nueng Restaurant. Charoen Prathet Rd. Located between the Night Bazaar and the Ping River. Local noodle shop frequented by my relatives and Anthony Bourdain in one of his episodes. Of the famous places to eat.
Nice Kitchen. Moonmuang Rd Lane 6. In the northeast corner of the walled city. Small local place on quite street with Thai food and a variety of Thai food and western. Friendly owner, she cooks your food. Good place for breakfast if your staying nearby.
Alice’s Restaurant is another very popular local Thai food spot within walking distance of the old city. Located on Lo Kaho road in between the moat and the Night Bazaar. They also have Japanese food.
Trendy Thai Cuisine
Tong Tem Toh is a popular trendy place in Nimman to go if you want to have the authentic northern Thai cuisine. It is larger of the places to eat and gets crowded.
Somtum House Yokkrok is located just north of the old city. Thai Spicy Salad Restaurant & Healthy Thai Food. There is also an older location in Nimman. Specializes in somtum, fried chicken wings with fish sauce, fresh salads, prawn salad, catfish with mango salad.
The restaurant is so popular with locals and tourists alike it was recently awarded Certificate of Popularity of the Year 2017 by Chinese tourists. This is a great spot to satiate your yearning for some local food, as well as a perfect destination to take out of town guests.
Krua Supannika Chiang Mai. Grandma’s second restaurant, this one located in Chiang Mai, called Supanniga Kitchen by Grandma Somsri. Having received a mention in the Michelin Guide 2023, Krua Supannika Chiang Mai, is a great riverside destination for those looking for quality Thai food.
The new location is designed and built in Edwardian- English style by Amnaj Keetaphanna, one of the leading architects in Thailand. With all the charm of Northern Thailand within its setting, the gardens are dotted with carefully-sourced winter plants and flowers to offset the entire culinary experience, which will surely impress all visitors who pass through.
Mixed Variety
Airniversary Camp and Cafe Ratchaphakinai Rd in Old Town. This is one of my favorite places to eat and hang out. Incredible treehouse atmosphere, with fantastic food variety from Thai to Wood Fired Pizza.
Mix Beef Club & Restaurant in Nimman, is a steak house featuring a variety of Thai fusion and other cuisines from around the world. If you looking for good wines and a more trendy atmosphere, give it a try. Not your local cheap meal.
Central Airport Mall. Yes that’s right, go the the mall. One of the best food courts you will find anywhere, which is why it is often very crowded. Local food at local prices, with much more than just Thai food.
One Nimman Shopping Mall. This high end mall in the trendy Nimmanheiman area of the city has some great options for local Thai food. The ‘One Market’ inside the mall has 30 delicious dishes at street food prices, with a variety of northern dishes including full-fledged international dishes. You can also find at this mall several Michelin star restaurants as well. Don’t expect street food prices here.
Speaking of Michelin Rated Thai Food. Here is a list of recommended restaurants on their website.
For more on traveling to Chiang Mai, check out our updated guide for 2024.
