Chiang Mai restaurants and food guide
Enjoy sundowners or dine on the banks of the Ping
Food is definitely a highlight of any trip to Thailand, and Chiang Mai offers an excellent selection of good value restaurants. Some of the top restaurants in Chiang Mai rival those in Bangkok, but at half the price, and you can find affordable eateries of both Thai and international cuisines all across the city.
Wandering the old town or Night Market area, you’ll encounter all sorts of al-fresco or air-conditioned choices, and the northerners take particular pride in ambience; often laying on discreet live music. The riverside area provides a particularly romantic atmosphere, but you needn’t venture far to get a quick bite at a pavement noodle shop. Northern Thailand also has its own distinctive spicy cuisine… more on local specialties.
Update: January 2012
Entertainment restaurants in Chiang Mai
The Good View Restaurant: Cavernous, noisy and popular with locals, here’s where you will find lively bands, abundant and tasty food, and a riverside location. Dine early because the band is so loud conversation is impossible. Open: 10:00-01:00; 13 Charoenrat Road, Watgate, tel: (053) 241 866, fax: (053) 302 764, email: gvchmai@goodview.co.th. $$
The Riverside: Popular and lively with two live bands, a broad, mixed menu and indoor/outdoor seating. Features a romantic setting alongside the Ping River. Open: 10:00-01:00; 9/11 Charoenrat Road, tel: (053) 243 239, 246 323, fax: (053) 242 511, email: sevice@theriversidechiangmail.com. $$
The Brasserie: This place is best known for its blues and rock-guitar playing main man ‘Took’; a local legend with a six-string. It gets going loudly from 11:00 until late, but the food and riverside ambience makes it a good eating experience beforehand. Open: 10:00-02:00, 37 Charoenrat Road, tel: (053) 241 665. $$
All three are located along a stretch of the Ping River's east bank, just north of Nawarat Bridge
Ambiance restaurants
Antique House: Here you’ll discover a beautiful 100-year-old teak house with good service and toned down food for Western tastes in a relaxing atmosphere. Two branches. Changklan Branch, Open: 11:30-24:00, tel: (053) 260 239. Rim Ping branch, Open: 11:30-02:00; 154/1 Chiang Mai/Lamphun Road, tel: (053) 240 27, email: info@antiquehouserestaurant.com. $$
The House Restaurant: This is one of Chiang Mai’s most commendable restaurants, serving exceptional Asian fusion dishes and creative cuisine in an exclusive atmosphere. The tapas bar and menu is a lighter choice. Open: 10:00-23:00; 199 Moon Muang Road, Sriphum, tel: tel: (053) 419 011, fax: (053) 419 010, email: contact@thehousethailand.com. $$$
Khun Nai Dern Sai: Is roughly translated as ‘the lady wakes late’ and is the delightful creation of Khun Noi. This is the place to head for an unusual Thai menu, along with cute décor, perfect background music and a nice ambience that attracts bohemian trendies. Open: 17:30 to midnight; Soi 11, Nimminhemin Road, tel: (053) 222 208, mobile: 08 0460 712. $
Palaad Tawanron: This popular restaurant enjoys an unbeatable location among the forests on the lower slopes of the mountain (above the zoo). The views are great, but it gets busy so be prepared for a long wait for your food. Follow the signs from the right turn near the top of Suthep Road and behind Chiang Mai University. Open: 11:00 to midnight; 100 Huay Kaew, tel: (053) 216 039/216576, email: info@palaadtawanron.com. $$
The Moxie: The in-house restaurant at Chiang Mai’s hippest new hotel, the D2, serving Thai fusion and international food. You also get the stunning Mix bar, its good-looking staff, and a convenient location. Open: 06:30-10:30, D2 Hotel, 100 Chan Klan Road, tel:(053) 999 999. $$$
The Gallery Restaurant: Offers a charming, relaxed, riverside experience in one of the oldest wooden structures in Chiang Mai. There’s also an art gallery, although food and service can be variable. Open: 12:00-24:00; 25-29 Charoenrat Road, tel: (053) 248 601-2, fax: (053) 248 602, email: info@thegaller-restaurant . $$
Food rates highly in the Thai's daily lives
Since many foreigners visiting or living in Chiang Mai enjoy a leisurely time, restaurants and eating out feature highly in their daily activities. They offer some of the best value for money in Thailand, with an excellent selection at very good prices. It's quite affordable to spoil yourself at the magnificent Dhara Dhevi's Lanna restaurant for first class Thai food, or snack on tapas at Su Casa in Nimminhemin, while unpretentious places like Bake n Bite are always a popular choice. Or you might want to go for a truly authentic, local experience at the traditional food court in the lower level of the Northern Village, Airport Plaza. In fact, you needn't walk far down any street in the city to discover pavement snacks or fruit on sale.
International restaurants in Chiang Mai
Le Coq d'Or Restaurant: Unrivalled in the city with 35 years of French food and wine excellence in a lovely antique teak house. One luxury experience. Open: Lunch 12:00-14:00, Diner 18:00-22:00; 11 Soi 2, Koh Klang Road, Nong Hoi, tel: (053) 141 555, (053) 801 501, fax: (053) 140 481, email: lecoqdor@lecoqdorechiangmai.com
Chedi Restaurant: An upmarket and stately experience in the grand old colonial former British consulate, located in the Chedi Hotel. Features fine dining, good service and a convenient riverside location. Open: 07:00-23:00; 123 Charoen Prathet Road, tel: (053) 253 333. $$$+
Farang Ses: A silver service, luxury-priced French restaurant set in an extraordinary Lanna-themed hotel in San Khampaeng in a temple-styled building. The menu offers world class dishes and a first-class dining experience unmatched in Chiang Mai. Open: 18:00-22:30; Dhara Dhevi Hotel, San Khampaeng, tel: (053) 888 888 - ext 8549, email: mocnx-enquiry@mohg.com. $$$++
Girasole: Is a conveniently located pizzeria and trattoria from the expert Italian management at La Gondola. Indoor (air con) and al-fresco dining available in the Kad Klang Wiang garden arcade near Thapae Gate. Good menu and service. Open 07:30-22:30, Kad Klang Wiang, Rachadamnoen Road, Old Town, Chiang Mai, Tel: (053)276 388. $$
Archer's Cafe: Set between Ratwithi and Ratchadamnoen (Walking Street) in the heart of the Old City, Archer's offers Chiang Mai's best English breakfast and also a killer roast beef Sunday lunch as well. But there is also a range of well-priced yet delicious international and Thai dishes as well as beers and spirits. Owner Mark is a top bloke for a chat as well. Open 09:00 til late, 133/4 Ratchapakinai Road, Old City, Tel: 083-6377621, markarcher1973@msn.com. $-$$
Giorgio: An unassuming Italian place near the Night Market with exceptional food and faultless service, boasting clientele such as the Crown Prince. Open: 11:30-14:30 and 18:00-22:30; 2/6 Prachasampan Road, Changklan (near intersection with Sri Donchai Road), tel: (053) 818 236, mobile: 08 7184 9107 (booking recommended), email: giorgio_chiangmai@hotmail.com. $$$
Mi Casa Dining Concepts: Mediterranean restaurant and tapas corner with a trio of dining options. 1st Floor: Su Casa Tapas Corner, open: 11:00-22:00 (Monday to Saturday); 2nd Floor: Upstairs Dining - Special Tasting Menu & Wine Dinner, by reservation only; 4th Floor (The Roof): exclusive private dining. 28 nimmanhaemin Soi 11, tel: (08) 0033 2825, (08) 9536 4540, email: micasacm@yahoo.com.
Su Casa: Chiang Mai’s favourite Mediterranean restaurant Mi Casa has spawned a sibling down a happening soi off Nimmanhaemin Road - Su Casa. Open: 11:00-22:00 (close on Sunday), 28 Nimmanhaemin Soi 11; tel: (053) 810 088 / 080 0332 825, email: sucasacm@yahoo.com. $$$
Jia Thong Heng: A busy choice full of Chiang Mai's elite, with first-class Chinese food and service. Situated near Anusarn Market. Open: 10:00-22:00; 193/2-3 Sri Donchai Road, tel: (053) 820 860-2, fax: (053) 520 859, Fha Ham Branch: 222 Moo 5, Chiang Mai-Lamphang Rd., Fha Ham, Open: 10:30-22:00, Tel: (053) 242 242, email: info@jiarestaurant.com. $$$
Le Crystal: A five-star, French experience with silver service and an exotic menu, all in a beautiful garden setting beside the Ping River. Open 18:00-22:00; 74/2 Paton Road, A Muang, tel (053) 872 8901. $$$+
Le Crystal Restaurant, Chiang Mai
Fujian: Located in the five-star Mandarin Oriental hotel in a mock Asian market, where Cantonese cuisine is delivered with authentic ambience and impeccable service. Their all-you-can-eat lunch dim sum is very affordable. Open: 11:30-14:30 and 18:30-22:30; Dhara Dhevi Hotel, San Khampaeng, tel: (053) 888 888 - ext 8548, email: mocnx-enquiry@mohg.com. $$$
Asahi: Serves inexpensive, but authentic, sushi, teriyaki and sashimi. Great, central location near the Night Bazaar. Open: 17:00-23:00 (closed 2nd and 4th Sunday each month); 98/3 Sri Donchai Road, Changklan, tel: (053) 275 323. $$
Miguel's: Perhaps the best place in Chiang Mai for authentic Mexican food, though not always the best service, with a delicious Tex Mex menu and margaritas. Two locations. Miguel’s Cafe; open: 10:00-23:00, 106/1 Chaiyaphum Road, tel: (053) 874 148, Miguel’s Cafe & Bar; open: 09:00-23:00, Chiang Mai 89 Plaza, Lamphum Rd, Nong Hoi, tel: (053) 334472. $$
Chiang Mai Saloon: American-style burger and ‘South West’ steakhouse; friendly staff; nice atmosphere; big screen music videos and sporting events; pool tables; free internet; cheap margaritas. Two locations, both open: 11:00-midnight 80/1 Loi Kroh Rd , tel: 08-0675 2169; 30 Ratchawithi Rd, Tel: 08-1930 2212. $$
The Duke's: is an American-style steak house popular with NGO and missionaries for its tasty and hearty menu, professional service and nice atmosphere - busy Sundays. Open: 10:00-22:30; Ping River branch: 49/4-5 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road, tel: (053) 249 231; Night Bazaar branch: 1st & 2nd Floor, Chiang Mai Pavilion, Changklan Road, tel: (053) 818 603, Dukes's Express: Moon Muang by Rachviti Road. $$
Jerusalem Falafel: The place for tasty Middle Eastern food and delicacies in a small, centrally-located shop opposite Thapae Gate. Open: 09:00-15:00 and 17:00-22:00; 5/5 Moon Muang Road, tel: (053) 270 208. $$
Budget rating (approximate)
$ dishes 50-100 baht; pint of beer 80 baht; whisky shot 90 baht; cocktails 100 baht
$$ dishes 100-200 baht; pint of beer 110 baht; whisky shot 100 baht; cocktails 120 baht
$$$ dishes 150-500 baht; pint of beer 120 baht; whisky shot 130 baht; cocktails 150 baht
Lunch restaurants
Ratana's Kitchen: A popular place with air-con and tasty Thai and international food, conveniently located. Open: 07:30-midnight, 320-322 Tapae Road, tel: (053) 874 173. $
Aroon Rai: Simple and well known, yet not as famous as it once was, with buffet, basic menu, and 35 years experience. Open: 11:00-21:00; 45 Kotchasarn Road (near Thapae Gate), tel: (053) 276 947. $
Salad House: Set in pleasant gardens with a creative, simple menu drawing from its organic fields onsite. They also sell produce. Open: 07:00-22:00; 61 Moo 3, Sanambin Road (adjacent to Airport Plaza), tel: (053) 201 690, suanpaak_cm@hotmail.com. $+
Cafe de Siam: Conveniently-located near the Night Market area, this simple bistro offers a healthy and tasty menu that is ideal for visitors. Professional service. Open: 07:00-21:30; 85/3 Kampaengdin Rd., tel: (053) 207 258. $
Bet you didn’t know that!
There are now more coffee shops in Chiang Mai than restaurants. In fact, there are more coffee shops than 7-Elevens and that’s saying something! Apparently a new coffee shop opens every 48 hours; some double as galleries and they’re a cool place to hang out if you’re a student with a laptop. Iced Mochas made with local Wawee mountain coffee are recommended. We’re not quite sure how Chiang Mai survived without them all.
Just Khao Soi: There’s just one dish on the menu here – Khao Soy. If you want to try the signature northern Thai/Burmese dish (soft and hard ribbon egg noodles with a spicy chicken saffron curry) this is once of the places to go. Near Anusarn Market. Open: 11:00-23:00; 108/2 Charoenphratet Road, tel: (053) 818 641, (053) 801 674. $$
Charcoa: Pleasant and peaceful little restaurant attached to a guesthouse near Sripoom corner, with a surprisingly good international menu, as well as cakes, good service and ambience. Open: 07:00 - 22:00; 4/Soi 1, Sripoom Road, tel: (053) 212 681, email: info@charcoa.com. $$
Vegetarian restaurants in Chiang Mai
The Vegetarian Society: A popular, non-profit, lunchtime canteen, providing cheap organic food (adjacent to Bang Jak Gas station). Open Mon-Fri: 06:00-14:00; 42 Mahidol Road, tel: (053) 271 262. $
Aum Vegetarian: An all-veggie, centrally-located place with a nice ambience. Leave your shoes at the door. Open: 09:30-20:00; 65 Moon Muang Road (opposite Tapae Gate), tel: (053) 278 315, email: aumvegetarian@hotmail.com. $
The Whole Earth: Serves up excellent Indian food (with a wide vegetarian selection) in an antique house with a lovely garden. Open: 11:00-23:00; 88 Sri Doncai Road, tel: (053) 282 463, info@wholeearthrestaurant.com. $$
Blue Diamond: This health-food gem has fresh bakes and healthy herbs, making it a popular brunch place. Tricky to find. Open: 07:00-21:00; 35/1 Moonmuang, Soi 9 (near Sriphum Moat corner), tel: (053) 217 120. $
Khun Churn: Serves a vegetarian buffet (60 baht) every lunchtime, popular with Thais and expats alike. Open: 08:00-22:00; 4 Nimanhemin Road, Soi 17, tel: (053) 224 124. $
Solly, that one no have today!
It’s a standing joke in Chiang Mai but local restaurants have a habit of running out of dishes. A menu is more a list of what they can make rather than what’s available, so expect your first choice to sometimes be 'that one no have today'. If you’re really unlucky they’ll come back and tell you 15 minutes later (meaning they tried to bunk out to the local market for ingredients, unsuccessfully). We’ve experienced this at every level of eatery, with one hapless place even running out of rice! Needless to say, none of them are mentioned here.
Northern food and Thai cuisine
Most of the restaurants in Chiang Mai serve a cornucopia of delicious Thai dishes and this alone could be the highlight of your visit. Be a little adventurous and try the piquant tom yum goong (a seafood soup delicately balanced with sweet, sour, spicy and salty ingredients) or the famous khaeng khieo wan (green curry). Then there's the steaming pla jian (whole fish poached in ginger, onions and soy sauce), or the mild gai phat met ma muang (chicken fried with vegetables and cashew nuts), or the perennial Thai lunch favourite somtam (a spicy papaya salad with a myriad of herbaceous ingredients).
Northern dishes include sai ua (spicy sausage), khao soy (Shan-Yunnanese influenced curry noodles), Kaeng hang lae (pork curry casserole with ginger and peanuts), and kaen yuak (banana palm curry). Many of these dishes are served as vegetarian dishes and those with a sweet tooth should certainly sample the coconut-sweetened khao niew med mamuang (sticky rice and mango with nuts). Learn more in our complete Thai food guide.
Khantoke Thai cultural experience: In recent years, the concept of the Khantoke evening has grown in popularity, and these complete cultural experiences are hosted in beautiful Thai teak pavilions, with Thai dancing and traditional music as you enjoy Northern specialities while seated at floor level.
Read more...
