10 Best Street Food & Restaurants In Chiang Mai To Visit On Your Next Trip

Mention that you're going to Thailand for a holiday and you will likely be met with the response: "Bangkok?" Yet, Chiang Mai, the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom, is a charming destination that offers history and nature with its ancient temples and mountains such as Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon.

Food is another big reason to visit Chiang Mai. Khao soi, a curry noodle dish ranked as the world's best soup, originates from northern Thailand, for example. Keep scrolling as we share with you the 10 best street food spots and restaurants in Chiang Mai to visit.

1. Huen Muan Jai

Set in a traditional teak house with an open garden, take a step back in time as you enter Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Huen Muan Jai. Started in 2011 by chef Charan Thipeung, the restaurant, which means 'happy home', is known for its authentic Northern Thai food. Favourites on the menu include the appetiser platter that consists of Northern dishes such as Kaeng Hang Le (a curry said to originate from Myanmar), Nam Phrik Num (sambal equivalent made with roasted green chillis), and Sai Ua (grilled spiced sausage).

Huen Muan Jai is at 24 Ratchaphuek Alley, Tambon Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300. Visit its website for more information.

2. Baan Rai Yam Yen

Baan Rai Yam Yen is another very local establishment that celebrates Northern Thai cuisine. In addition to the previously mentioned dishes, other star dishes here include Laab Khua, which combines minced meat with a heady mixture of roasted rice and a plethora of spices, Red Ant Egg Curry (yes, ants), various fried insects, and more. Baan Rai Yam Yen is also known for its cosy atmosphere accented by live music, a garden, and a koi pond.

Baan Rai Yam Yen is at Ban Rai Mu 3 Alley, Fa Ham, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000. Visit its Facebook for more information.

3. Takawa Halal Cuisine

Unfortunately, there aren't a ton of halal food options available in Chiang Mai, much less yummy ones. Yet, Takawa Halal Cuisine is a restaurant I can stand behind and have returned to repeatedly. The food here isn't particularly Northern Thai, instead offering all the usual Thai classics we know and love ranging from tom yum soups to various grilled meats and salads.

Takawa Halal Cuisine is at Chiang Mai Land 10 Alley, Tambon Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100. Visit its Facebook for more information.

4. Maadae Slow Fish Kitchen

As Chiang Mai is situated in the Thai highlands far from the sea, I did not expect to have some of the best seafood dishes at Maadae Slow Fish Kitchen. The restaurant was co-founded by Yaowadee Chookong with the ethos of following the slow food movement and its sustainable, community-oriented chum. As such, the Michelin Guide restaurant sources its seafood directly from fishermen in the southern state of Chumphon and pairs it with fresh seasonal produce. I have not tried any dishes I did not like, whether it is the simple grilled fish or squid cooked in its own ink. The restaurant is popular too, so reservations are highly recommended.

Maadae Slow Fish Kitchen is at 86-88 Tha Phae Road, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300. Visit its Facebook for more information.

5. Blackitch Artisan Kitchen

If you're looking to treat yourself to a unique chef's table experience, head to Blackitch Artisan Kitchen. Chef-owner Phanuphol Bulsuwan oversees the 16-seater restaurant, which prides itself on celebrating locally sourced ingredients and using techniques such as fermentation, foraging, and curing to elevate their taste even further. Consequently, the menu changes seasonally, with each dish showcasing various facades of Thai food and culture. Reservations are required.

Blackitch Artisan Kitchen is at 27/1 Nimmanhemin Soi 7, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200. Visit its Facebook for more information.

6. Roast8ry Coffee

Roast8ry Coffee is the cafe for you if coffee is more than just your morning pick-me-up. The brand was started in 2011 by three coffee-obsessed baristas who have each gone on to win multiple awards in coffee competitions in Thailand and around the world. Here, you can taste single-origin and coffee blends using beans sourced from Thailand and nations from Brazil to Panama. P.S: The sleek decor also makes for a great Instagram spot.

Roast8ry Coffee has multiple locations in Chiang Mai. Visit its website for more information.

7. Khao Soi Mae Manee

Khao Soi Mae Manee is a bit far from the city centre, but its Michelin Bib Gourmand Khao Soi makes the trip well worth it. Founded in 1984, the shop is inside a house in a residential neighbourhood, so it is best to get there via a taxi or motorbike. Once there, get the khao soi with your choice of protein from chicken, fish, pork, and beef and the portion size you like. Get the Nam Ngiao too, which is a spicy and tangy soup noodle dish particular to North Thailand.

Other khao soi establishments you can check out too are Khao Soi Khun Yai, Khao Soi Maesai, and the halal Khao Soi Islam Noodles.

Khao Soi Mae Manee is at 18 Chotana Rd, Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300.

8. Suki Changphuak

Thai Suki is a dish named after Japanese sukiyaki. But rather than a hotpot, Suki consists of glass noodles, vegetables, and meat that is either stir-fried or served in soup. It is accompanied by a fermented red bean curd sauce made with nan ru too. At Suki Changphuak, you can tuck into this wholesome dish, with snaking queues waiting patiently at multiple outlets. We recommend going to the one in Suthep near Chiang Mai University as there is a night market right across the street.

Suki Changphuak has multiple locations in Chiang Mai. Visit its Facebook for more information.

9. Kuay Chap Sam Ka Sat

You can still satisfy your craving for Thai kway chap even if you aren't making a trip down to Bangkok for the famous Nai Ek Roll Noodles in Yaowarat. Kuay Chap Sam Ka Sat is situated in the centre of the old town right by the Three Kings Monument. Here, have your fill of the peppery kway chap and crispy roasted pork.

Kuay Chap Sam Ka Sat is at 17/2 Jhaban Rd, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200.

10. Madame Koh Fun Dining

For some, there comes a point in your travels when you miss the familiar flavours of home. When that happens, head to Madame Koh Fun Dining. The restaurant was founded by Singaporean Gavin Koh and his Thai wife Priscilla Khae. The menu consequently celebrates both cultures, with dishes ranging from Singapore Chilli/Pepper Crab and Salted Egg Prawns to Khao Soi and Pad Thai.

Madame Koh Fun Dining is at Arak Rd, Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200. Visit its Facebook for more information.