Six Must Try Restaurants In Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is not about fine dining. It’s not about white tablecloths or sommelier-paired wine flights. It’s about small plastic stools, sizzling woks, and meals served with the kind of honesty that hits you in the gut, literally and figuratively. You come here to eat like the locals eat, to let the city guide you to its heart through its food. Here’s a list of six places that will do just that, from late-night pork to bowls of khao soi so good, they might ruin all others for you.

6. Jok Somphet 
Breakfast Done Right, Anytime

Jok Somphet is a local favourite, a 24-hour haven for anyone seeking a warm, satisfying meal no matter the time of day. Known for its jok (Thai rice porridge), this spot is especially popular in the early morning, when locals and travelers alike gather for breakfast before the city fully wakes.

The jok here is a masterclass in simplicity, thick, creamy and endlessly comforting. Customise your bowl with tender pork meatballs, a soft poached egg, or a sprinkle of crispy fried garlic. Pair it with a steaming cup of Thai tea, and you’ve got a meal that’s as humble as it is perfect.

5. SP Roast Chicken
SP Chicken doesn’t do much, but what it does, it does flawlessly. The chickens here are roasted over a wood-fired rotisserie, the skin crisped to golden perfection, the meat impossibly juicy.

The menu is minimal; chicken, sticky rice, a few sides like som tum and a couple of dipping sauces. But that’s all you need. The chilli-lime sauce alone could make you weep. Pair it with a cold beer or an iced tea and let the simple brilliance of the meal sink in.

This is not a place for frills, it’s a place for damn good chicken.

4. หมูทอดดึกดำบรรพ์ (Ancient Fried Pork) 
Don’t let the name fool you, this isn’t just a fried pork joint, it’s a no frills sit down restaurant specialising in northern Thai comfort food. The fried pork here is as golden and crispy as you’d expect, but it’s the northern curries that steal the show.

Try the gaeng hang lay, a rich and tangy pork curry that’s slow-cooked until the meat practically melts. Or the nam prik ong, a tomato based chili dip that pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables and sticky rice.

This is the kind of place where the flavors feel rooted in tradition, unpretentious and deeply satisfying. Come hungry, leave happy.

3. Paper Butter on the Roof 
When you’ve had your fill of rice and noodles, head to Paper Butter on the Roof for a change of pace. This rooftop spot serves up some of the best burgers in town, juicy patties, perfectly toasted buns and toppings that strike just the right balance.

The laid back vibe, cold drinks and cityscape views make it a great place to unwind after a long day. It’s proof that Chiang Mai’s food scene isn’t just about tradition it’s also about creativity and great taste, no matter the cuisine.

2. Chang Phuek Pork Leg Rice 
No list of Chiang Mai food spots is complete without mentioning the Cowboy Hat Lady. At her iconic stall in the Chang Phuek Night Market, she serves khao kha moo, braised pork leg over rice, with an effortless cool that matches the dish’s perfection.

The pork is tender and flavorful, the rice soaks up the savory juices, and the pickled greens and hard boiled egg add the perfect finishing touch. It’s the kind of street food that stays with you, a simple meal elevated by care and expertise.

1. Khao Soi Khun Yai 
The crown jewel of northern Thai cuisine, there’s khao soi, and then there’s Khao Soi Khun Yai. Hidden behind a nondescript gate, this unassuming spot serves what might be the best bowl of khao soi in the city.

 The curry broth is rich and layered, the soft noodles are perfectly cooked and the crispy fried noodles on top add an irresistible crunch. Squeeze in some lime, add pickled mustard greens, and stir in a touch of chilli oil for the full experience.

This isn’t just food, it’s a love letter to Chiang Mai’s culinary heritage.

Lastly… 
Chiang Mai isn’t just a city, it’s an experience. Its food is a reflection of its people; warm, welcoming and full of depth. These six spots are just a taste of what the city has to offer, each one a reminder that the best meals often come from the humblest of places.

Thanks for joining me on this culinary journey. If you’re planning your next adventure and need travel essentials to make the journey smoother, check out our collection on our website, From compact travel gear to innovative accessories, we’ve got everything to keep you moving with ease.

Eat well, travel often, and see the world, one meal at a time.