When in Chiang Mai you can eat to suit your mood. You get to choose from spicy or simple Thai and Lanna food, German dishes, stylish Japanese food, some hearty British fare, both fancy and subtle French fare, South East Asian cuisine and some interesting fusion cuisines as well.

Varying price ranges ensure that you find something to suit your taste and budget.   

With this Chiang Mai Restaurant Guide you will find that when it comes to food and cuisine, Chiang Mai has a lot to offer. Chiang Mai is also well known for the shopping opportunities it offers the traveller and the shopping districts are often complemented by great Chiang Mai restaurants. The Thailand Restaurant Guide gives more information regarding food and cuisine in Thailand.

Food & Cuisine in Chiang Mai

Restaurants & Local Dishes

Thai food is similar in nature to Thai culture - a harmonious blend of influences from several countries. Its flavours are a pleasant mix and match of Indian and Chinese ingredients. Northern Thai cuisine shows some Burmese influence, giving it a distinct flavour that is very different from the rest of the cuisine.

Thai food in general has a strong, spicy flavour. You could try having Somtom, which is an interesting papaya based salad with peanuts, tomatoes, shrimp, peppers, and lime thrown in. Then there is Tom Yam, a spicy, sour meat based soup. There is the ubiquitous Thai curry in its many forms too. These are just starters. Chiang Mai restaurants have many enticing dishes on the menu, capable of taking visitors on a delightful gastronomic journey.

Minced pork, tomatoes and pepper sauce are the ingredients used in Nam Prik Ong, a popular Northern dish with a spicy, sweet and sour taste. Barbecued peppers and anchovies are used to make Nam Prik Num. Fresh vegetables are served with Larp Koi, which is made using minced pork or beef, peppers and spices. Khow Soy is an interesting Chinese-Muslim egg noodle marvel. The chunks of beef and chicken are interestingly flavoured with coconut cream and garlic, and served on a bed of crispy noodles. Hang ley, a Lanna-style pork curry, is a local speciality that visitors love. Eating out in Chiang Mai is a must to to experience this destination to it fullest.

Dress Code

It is alright to wear T-shirts and shorts as this is a tropical region and you will be most comfortable dressed this way. However, you have to be clean and tidy to get proper attention. An ‘unkempt' look is treated with disdain, as the Thai's take great pride in personal cleanliness. In the evenings, especially if you plan to go to a good restaurant in Chiang Mai, do take pains with your appearance. Long trousers, shoes and socks for men and dresses with nice shoes for women would be a good idea. Your level of dressing will decide the kind of seating and service you get at a restaurant.

Chiang Mai Cooking Classes

If you fall in love with Thai cooking and want to have some of it back home too, attend a few cooking classes in Chiang Mai. The Siam Rice Thai Cookery School holds one day classes with a different menu on each day. As part of the class experience you get transportation, a market tour, a recipe book, a certificate and of course the meal you prepare. A friendly teacher, small groups and delicious food make these classes a truly wonderful experience.

Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School, which has been in operation since 1993, is also a good place to pick up Thai cooking skills. You may also opt for the Chiang Mai Kitchen Thai Food Cooking School, located just outside Chiang Mai.

Breakfast

‘Patangkoh', which are X shaped pastries, and ‘joke' a local porridge, make a sumptuous breakfast and is sold by many vendors all over Chiang Mai. Most guest house and hotels also have in-house breakfast services. You can also supplement or substitute your breakfast with bread and fruit sold in the local market. The locals generally have their morning meal at home so most restaurants do not open early. However, there are a few restaurants in the downtown area that open early to cater to tourists. 

Lunch

Come lunch hour and you can embark on a gastronomic adventure. Head for the all-you-can-eat buffets priced at 80-200 Baht per head, which gives you a choice of Japanese, Chinese and Western food. Not game for a full course meal? Hit the ubiquitous noodle shops for a quick bite.

Dinner

Speciality restaurants in Chiang Mai serving Italian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese or Thai food are one option that you have. Then there are the food gardens that offer tasty dishes in a pleasant atmosphere and with music in the background. As for dress code, it follows the universal law - the better dressed get better service!

Kantoke Dinner

'Kantoke Dinners' are a special experience where visitors are seated in a circular fashion. A large circular tray loaded with Northern dishes occupies the centre. Entertainment is in the form of traditional dances both Thai and Northern. A 'Kantoke Dinner' lets you experience Northern culture and food at the same time.