Chiang Mai: A Culinary Paradise

Chiang Mai, a captivating city in northern Thailand, offers an endless array of culinary delights. From traditional northern Thai cuisine to international flavors, the city caters to every palate. This article explores ten of the most delectable restaurants in Chiang Mai, each offering a unique and unforgettable dining experience.

1. Khao Soi Khun Yai: Renowned for its rich and flavorful Khao Soi, a northern Thai noodle dish, this restaurant is a must-visit for any food enthusiast. The fragrant curry broth, tender chicken, and crispy egg noodles create an explosion of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

2. Cooking Love: This charming restaurant offers a unique dining experience, where guests can learn the art of Thai cooking while enjoying a delicious meal. Under the guidance of experienced chefs, participants can create authentic dishes and savor the flavors of northern Thailand.

3. Ginger and Kafe: This trendy cafe serves up a fusion of Thai and Western cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu features innovative dishes such as green curry risotto and tom yum pasta, offering a delightful twist on traditional flavors.

4. Dash! Restaurant and Bar: This stylish restaurant boasts a vibrant atmosphere and a menu that showcases modern Thai cuisine. The dishes are beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, making it a perfect spot for a special occasion.

5. The Service 1921 Restaurant and Bar: Housed in a historic building, this restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a focus on traditional Thai dishes. The elegant ambiance and impeccable service create a memorable evening.

6. Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak: This local favorite is known for its melt-in-your-mouth Khao Kha Moo, a braised pork leg dish served with rice and a variety of dipping sauces. The tender pork and flavorful sauce are a true delight.

7. Iberry Garden: This charming cafe and garden center offers a tranquil setting and a menu of delicious homemade dishes. The fresh salads, sandwiches, and pastries are perfect for a light lunch or afternoon tea.

8. Akha Ama Coffee: This social enterprise cafe supports the Akha hill tribe community by serving ethically sourced coffee and traditional dishes. The flavorful coffee and authentic northern Thai cuisine make it a worthwhile visit.

9. Cooking Mama: This family-run restaurant offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and a menu of classic Thai dishes. The friendly staff and delicious food make it a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.

10. Khao Soi Khun Yai 2: This second location of the renowned Khao Soi Khun Yai offers the same exceptional Khao Soi experience in a more modern setting. The flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles are sure to satisfy any craving.

These ten restaurants represent just a small sampling of the culinary treasures that await in Chiang Mai. With its diverse and delicious offerings, the city is a true paradise for food lovers. So, prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary adventure in the heart of northern Thailand.

1. Ko Phak Ko Dam

This is my all-time favorite restaurant! If you're visiting Chiang Mai and don't know where to eat breakfast, come here! They have a wide variety of options, from soft-boiled eggs to Vietnamese rice noodle soup to rice porridge to tea and coffee. But the must-order is the four-color kaya toast, which is both cute and photogenic. The restaurant is single-story and open-air. Be prepared to wait in line if you arrive late, but it's worth it! :D

+ Location: Huay Kaew Road, on the same side as MAYA, in front of The Trio condo

+ Open/Closed: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM daily

+ Contact number: 090-891-9622

+ FB: https://goo.gl/ZgRAuJ

2. Kad Nom Sen

This restaurant serves Khao Soi, Khanom Jeen, and other local dishes. The restaurant is a single-story wooden house decorated in a traditional Thai style, but not outdated. The space is well-organized and offers many photo opportunities. However, what I liked most was the way the food and drinks were served. The food is placed on wooden trays, and some drinks are served in stainless steel jugs, making them look more appetizing and valuable.

Location: Soi Charoen Suk, Santitham Road Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Closed on Wednesdays Contact Number: 090-891-9622 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kadnomsen/

3. Ko Neng

Another breakfast restaurant that tourists in Chiang Mai
should not miss! Because in addition to selling steamed buns,
soy milk, soft-boiled eggs, and various breakfast menus,
there are also cute animal-shaped youtiao that can only be found here.
There are many to choose from, including elephants, dragons, and dinosaurs.
Or you can order regular youtiao to dip in
condensed milk, which is just as chewy and delicious. Guaranteed by
the number of years the shop has been open for over 35 years. *O*

+ Address: Wichyanan Road, next to Warorot Market (Kad Luang)
+ Open/Close: 6.00 AM - 11.30 AM / Sold out every day
+ Contact number: 094-637-6333
+ FB: https://goo.gl/9NzjP8

Tong Tem Toh: A Taste of Northern Thai Cuisine in Nimmanhaemin

Tong Tem Toh is a popular Thai-Northern restaurant located in the trendy Nimmanhaemin district. Word-of-mouth has spread about its delicious food, and I recently had the chance to try it myself. While I found the dishes to be enjoyable, they cater more to the palates of Bangkokians than those from the North. The restaurant has toned down the intensity of the flavors to make them more accessible to a wider audience.

The restaurant is non-air-conditioned and offers two seating areas: one with fans and another in a garden setting. A must-try dish is the "Hor Pha Kad," a platter featuring crispy pork rinds, sai ua (Northern sausage), nam phrik num (green chili dip), nam phrik ong (tomato chili dip), boiled vegetables, and boiled eggs.

Location: Nimmanhaemin Soi 13 Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily Contact Number: 05-389-4701 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TongTemToh/

5. Anchan Noodle

This unique restaurant in Chiang Mai serves blue noodles, the only one of its kind in the city! (It's unclear if other provinces have similar offerings, but it's not found in Bangkok.) Don't worry about the blue color; it comes from natural butterfly pea flowers. And don't let the unusual color deter you from trying it – it's delicious! The noodles are served with tender pork and generous portions.

Besides the signature blue noodles, they also offer Tom Yum noodles, blue rice with crispy pork (the rice is also blue!), pork leg rice, and more.

Location: Sirimangkalajarn Road, Soi 9 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily Contact: 084-949-2828 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anchannoodle/

6. Kin Lum Kin Dee

We're halfway through our trip, are you full yet? Haha!

Save some space for this next restaurant, another one of my favorites. Every time I visit Chiang Mai, I have to stop by. I love everything about this place, from the concept and decor to the delicious food. The restaurant started as an online Northern Thai food vendor and now has a physical location with a minimalist design that appeals to the younger generation. The best part? Everything on the menu is amazing, from the northern Thai dips and sausages to the fried pork, crab dip, and more.

Location: Nimmanhaemin Soi 11 Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Closed on Wednesdays) Contact Number: 085-867-8993 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KinLumKinDee (You can also order online through their page) Website: https://kinlumkindee.com

Khao Kha Moo Chang Phuak (Khao Kha Moo = Braised Pork Leg on Rice)

This restaurant is also known as Koay Teow Koka Sukie Chang Phuak (Koay Teow Koka = Noodle Soup with Pork, Sukie = Sukiyaki).

It's a popular spot, so be prepared for a wait, especially during peak hours. The good news is that they have a second location behind Chiang Mai University, so you can choose whichever is more convenient for you.

The food is delicious and the ingredients are fresh. I highly recommend trying it if you're in Chiang Mai. I always make sure to eat there whenever I visit.

Here's some additional information:

• Location: Chang Phuak Market or behind Chiang Mai University
• Hours: 5:30 PM - 12:00 AM daily
• Phone number: 091-079-3786
• Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Changphuaksuki/

8. Kua Gai Nimmanha

Kua Gai Nimmanha is a legendary stir-fried chicken restaurant that is a must-try for visitors to Chiang Mai. The spacious restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating with a vibrant and youthful atmosphere.

The signature dish is the Kua Gai Hot Plate, priced at 75 baht. While the dish is tasty, it may not be as amazing as its reputation suggests. Other menu options include Rad Na, Fried Rice, and Khao Soi. Beverages are served in stylish metal pitchers.

Location: Nimmanha Soi 17, next to iberry Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily Contact Number: 082-180-1177 Facebook: https://goo.gl/JS6HhC

Grandma's Khao Soi

A Culinary Gem in Chiang Mai

Nestled in the heart of Chiang Mai, Grandma's Khao Soi offers a delightful culinary experience that will tantalize your taste buds. With its authentic flavors and warm hospitality, this hidden gem is a must-visit for any food enthusiast.

Unforgettable Flavors

The star of the show is undoubtedly the Khao Soi. The rich and flavorful broth, simmered to perfection, boasts a perfect balance of spices and aromatics. The perfectly cooked noodles, with their delightful chewiness, provide a satisfying textural contrast. The tender chicken, practically melting in your mouth, adds a touch of indulgence to this already remarkable dish.

Affordable Indulgence

Grandma's Khao Soi is not only delicious but also incredibly affordable. With prices starting at just 35 baht for a chicken Khao Soi and 40 baht for a beef version, this restaurant offers exceptional value for money. Additionally, the menu features a variety of other options, including clear noodle soup and Tom Yum soup, catering to diverse preferences.

Charming Ambiance

The open-air setting of the restaurant creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. With approximately 8-9 tables, the space is intimate and allows for a personalized dining experience.

Essential Information

• Location: Sri Bhum Road, near Wat Khua Kham
• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, closed on Sundays
• Contact: 05-321-1663, 08-3208-7092

A Culinary Journey Awaits

Grandma's Khao Soi is a testament to the culinary prowess of Northern Thailand. With its exceptional flavors, affordable prices, and charming ambiance, this restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience. So, embark on a culinary journey and discover the magic of Grandma's Khao Soi.

10. Meena Restaurant

A Thai-Northern restaurant where rice takes center stage.

The name "Meena" reflects the restaurant's concept: "Because of Meena, there is rice." The restaurant offers five different colors of rice: black (riceberry), brown (red rice), purple (butterfly pea flower rice), yellow (safflower rice), and white (jasmine rice). Diners can mix and match the colors of rice to their liking. The restaurant also boasts a delicious and visually appealing menu of side dishes.

The restaurant is housed in a traditional Thai-style two-story house surrounded by a pond and lush gardens, creating a serene and relaxing atmosphere.

Location: Chiang Mai - Lamphun Road, near Wat Si Maram Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, closed on Wednesdays Contact: 087-177-0523 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meena.rice.based/

Chiang Mai Review: The Ultimate Guide (Part 1)

Ready for a culinary adventure in Chiang Mai? This comprehensive review will guide you through the best eats, cafes, and accommodations in the city.

Highlights:

• Mouthwatering Food: Discover hidden gems and local favorites, leaving you craving more.
• Cozy Cafes: Explore charming cafes perfect for relaxing and enjoying a cup of coffee.
• Unique Homestays: Immerse yourself in the local culture with stylish and comfortable homestays.
• Adorable Accommodations: Find the perfect place to stay in the heart of Chiang Mai.

Follow the Series:

• Part 2: 30 Must-Visit Cafes in Chiang Mai
• Part 3: 10 Stylish Homestays for a Local Experience
• Part 4: 10 Adorable Accommodations in the City Center

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Let's explore Chiang Mai together!