Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Province, Thailand Travel Guide
Lanna cuisine grew through centuries of cultural exchange with neighboring regions like Myanmar and Laos. It mirrors the agricultural landscape of Northern Thailand, with sticky rice as the staple, a preference for pork, and the inclusion of fresh herbs and local vegetables.
Lanna food generally differs from central Thai food by being less sweet, often less reliant on coconut milk (though still used in some dishes), and incorporating unique fermented flavors. Historically, it functioned as hearty sustenance for a mountainous, farming population.
Within Chiang Mai, the focus stays on traditional Lanna-specific dishes, which differ from the cuisine of Southern or Central Thailand. While national Thai favorites appear, seeking out the unique Northern dishes delivers a genuine culinary experience.
Chiang Mai's street food scene operates throughout the day and well into the late night, making food accessible at almost any hour. Restaurants generally follow typical lunch and dinner hours. Breakfast is often lighter.
Lunch and dinner are substantial, featuring various curries, stir-fries, and salads eaten with sticky rice.
This iconic Northern Thai dish has a rich, creamy, slightly spicy coconut curry broth with both soft egg noodles and crispy fried egg noodles. It often includes chicken or beef, and comes garnished with pickled mustard greens, shallots, and lime.
Find at: Khao Soi Khun Yai, Khao Soi Mae Sai, and many local eateries.
A flavorful grilled Northern Thai pork sausage. It blends minced pork with a complex mix of herbs and spices, including lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili. It delivers a savory and aromatic experience.
Find at: Warorot Market (Kad Luang) and other local markets.
These are popular chili dips served with sticky rice and a platter of fresh or blanched vegetables. Nam Prik Ong is a pork and tomato chili dip, savory and slightly sweet. Nam Prik Num is a green chili dip, smokier and often spicier.
Find at: Most Northern Thai restaurants and local markets.
Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen), Thai Iced Coffee (Oliang), and Fresh Fruit Shakes (Nam Pan) are refreshing choices. Local beers like Singha, Chang, and Leo are popular domestic brands.
Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niao Mamuang), Kanom Krok (coconut pancakes), and Grilled Bananas (Kluay Ping) represent sweet treats. Temple fairs and festivals sometimes feature special snacks.
For sophisticated culinary experiences, Chiang Mai has several top-tier restaurants.
A balance of comfort and local flavor at a fair value.
The street food scene offers delicious and affordable meals.
A traditional daytime market with fresh produce, local snacks, clothes, and various cooked foods. It has an authentic glimpse into daily Thai life.
Open: Daytime
Saturday Night Walking Street (Wua Lai Road) and Sunday Night Walking Street (Ratchadamnoen Road) transform into pedestrian-only markets with countless food stalls, crafts, and entertainment.
Open: Saturday/Sunday evenings
Many pizzerias and pasta restaurants available.
Diverse curry houses and Middle Eastern eateries.
Sushi, ramen, and Korean BBQ spots.
American diners, European cafes, and more.
Halal options exist, specifically in the Chang Khlan area (near the Night Bazaar), where you find a concentration of Muslim-owned restaurants.
Look for Halal certifications or signs.
Kosher food remains very limited. You may need to self-cater or rely on pre-packaged kosher items brought with you.
Specialty shops are rare.
Always confirm ingredients if you have severe allergies. Even seemingly simple dishes can contain hidden allergens.
Be aware that some traditional Thai dishes inherently include fish sauce, shrimp paste, or nuts.
Many schools feature hands-on classes, often starting with a market visit to discover ingredients. You learn to prepare several classic Thai dishes.
Guided food tours take you to various street food stalls, local markets, and hidden eateries, letting you sample a wide array of dishes and discover local culinary traditions.
Some cooking schools incorporate farm visits into their programs, letting you observe where ingredients grow. In the mountainous regions, you also find coffee plantations with tours and tastings.
Songkran (Thai New Year) in mid-April features playful water fights. The Flower Festival in early February showcases beautiful floral floats and parades.
Check local calendars for event dates.
Khantoke Dinner: A traditional Northern Thai banquet served on low tables, often with Lanna dance and music performances (e.g., Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center).
Riverside Dining: Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants along the Ping River for a pleasant evening ambiance.
Learn to prepare classic Thai dishes in a hands-on class, often including a market visit.
Discover hidden street food stalls and local eateries with a knowledgeable guide, tasting diverse flavors.
Savor traditional Northern Thai cuisine accompanied by captivating Lanna dance and music.
Do not be afraid to try street food. It remains fresh, delicious, and cheap. Look for stalls with long lines of locals.
