Don't Miss! 10 Things You Must Taste in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai food is different from what you eat in Bangkok. Northern Thai (Lanna) cooking uses less coconut milk and sugar, more herbs, dried spices, and grilled chili, and it is eaten with sticky rice instead of steamed rice. The one dish you must try is khao soi, the city's famous curry noodle soup. After that, look for sai ua sausage, nam prik noom chili dip, and kaeng hang le pork curry.
At a Glance
| # | Dish | What it is | Spice level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Khao Soi | Curry noodle soup with crispy noodles | Medium |
| 2 | Sai Ua | Grilled herb sausage | Medium |
| 3 | Nam Prik Noom | Green chili dip with pork crackling | Medium to hot |
| 4 | Nam Prik Ong | Tomato and pork chili dip | Mild |
| 5 | Kaeng Hang Le | Burmese-style pork curry | Mild |
| 6 | Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao | Rice noodles in tomato and pork broth | Medium |
| 7 | Larb Muang | Northern minced meat salad with dry spices | Hot |
| 8 | Kaeng Khae | Jungle vegetable curry | Medium |
| 9 | Khao Kha Moo | Braised pork leg on rice | Not spicy |
| 10 | Northern Thai Coffee | Mountain-grown Arabica | None |
1. Khao Soi
Chiang Mai's signature dish: egg noodles in a rich coconut curry broth, topped with crispy fried noodles. Khao soi comes with pickled mustard greens, shallots, lime, and chili paste on the side. Add them to taste. Chicken (khao soi gai) and beef (khao soi nuea) are the most common.
Where to try it:
- Khao Soi Mae Sai (Chang Phueak): Michelin Bib Gourmand. Open 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, closed Sundays, and often sold out by mid-afternoon.
- Khao Soi Khun Yai (near the north moat): A garden shop known as "Grandma's Khao Soi." Lunch hours only, and it closes when the pots are empty.
- Khao Soi Islam (Ban Haw): A halal version from the Muslim community, with beef khao soi.
Tip: Most khao soi shops open only in the morning and at lunch. Go before noon.
2. Sai Ua (Northern Herb Sausage)
Sai ua is a coiled pork sausage packed with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili, then grilled over charcoal. It is fragrant, a little spicy, and perfect with sticky rice.
Where to try it: Warorot Market (Kad Luang), the Mae Hia community market, or any grill stall at the weekend walking streets.
3. Nam Prik Noom and Cap Moo
Nam prik noom is a dip made from roasted green chilies, garlic, and shallots. Eat it with steamed vegetables, sticky rice, and cap moo, crispy pork crackling. These three together are the classic northern snack.
Where to try it: Warorot Market sells all three, and they travel well as a food souvenir.
4. Nam Prik Ong
Nam prik ong is a mild, red chili dip made with minced pork and tomatoes, a little like a Thai meat sauce. Served with fresh vegetables and pork crackling. A good choice if you don't eat very spicy food.
5. Kaeng Hang Le
Kaeng hang le is a slow-cooked pork curry from Burmese influence, with ginger, garlic, and tamarind. It is rich, slightly sweet and sour, and not very spicy. One of the best northern dishes for first-timers.
6. Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao
Khanom jeen nam ngiao is thin rice noodles in a tangy broth of tomato, pork, and dried flower (dok ngiew). It usually comes with pork ribs and cubes of blood curd. If you don't want the blood curd, ask for it without (mai sai leuat).
7. Larb Muang (Northern Larb)
Larb muang is different from the larb you know from Isan. Northern larb uses dried spices like long pepper and prickly ash instead of lime juice, and it is often very spicy.
Important: Some versions, called larb dip, are raw meat. If you want it cooked, ask for larb suk.
8. Kaeng Khae
Kaeng khae is a curry with no coconut milk, made with forest vegetables, leaves, and herbs. It tastes fresh, green, and peppery. You won't find it often outside the north.
9. Khao Kha Moo (Pork Leg on Rice)
Not a northern dish, but one of Chiang Mai's most famous street food stops. Khao kha moo is slow-braised pork leg over rice with a boiled egg, pickled greens, and chili vinegar sauce.
Where to try it: The "Cowboy Hat Lady" stall at the Chang Phueak Gate night market, opposite the north gate of the Old City. Open in the evening, about 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Arrive by 6:00 PM, because it can sell out.
10. Northern Thai Coffee
The mountains around Chiang Mai grow Arabica coffee, and the city has a strong cafe culture. Try a local single-origin pour-over or a cold brew of northern Thai coffee, and buy beans to take home.
Where to try it: Nimman Road has the highest number of cafes, but there are good ones all over the city, including the rice field cafes in Mae Hia.
Where to Try Many Dishes at Once
- Sunday Walking Street (Ratchadamnoen Road, Sundays from 4:00 PM): Temple courtyards along the road become food courts. Try small portions of many dishes.
- Warorot Market (daily, about 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM): The best place for sai ua, nam prik, and pork crackling, and for food souvenirs.
- Chang Phueak Gate night market (evenings): Street food, including the Cowboy Hat Lady.
See more in our guide to the 10 best things to do in Chiang Mai.
Ordering Tips
- Less spicy: say "phet nit noi" (a little spicy) or "mai phet" (not spicy).
- Sticky rice: order "khao niao" and eat it with your hand. Roll a small ball and use it to pick up the food.
- Cash: Small stalls often take cash only, though QR payments are now common at bigger vendors.
- Timing: Noodle shops close early. Night markets start around 5:00 PM.
FAQ
What is the most famous food in Chiang Mai?
Khao soi, a curry noodle soup with egg noodles and crispy noodles on top.
Where is the best khao soi in Chiang Mai?
Popular choices include Khao Soi Mae Sai (Michelin Bib Gourmand), Khao Soi Khun Yai, and Khao Soi Islam. Go before noon, because many shops sell out.
Is northern Thai food spicy?
Some dishes are very spicy, such as larb muang and nam prik noom. Kaeng hang le, nam prik ong, and khao kha moo are mild.
What food souvenirs can I buy in Chiang Mai?
Nam prik noom, cap moo (pork crackling), sai ua sausage, and local coffee beans. Warorot Market is the best place to buy them.
Is it safe to eat larb in Chiang Mai?
Yes, if it is cooked. Ask for "larb suk" (cooked larb). Avoid "larb dip," which is made with raw meat.
