What to eat in Chiang Mai? 15 most popular & must try food in Chiang Mai

What’s so attractive about Chiang Mai’s specialties? Here are 15 famous and unique dishes with unique flavors and cultural stories that make diners want to come back again!

Cuisine is always the clearest reflection of the life and soul of a land. With Chiang Mai, what makes tourists remember forever after their journey is not only the green hills or the brilliant golden temple, but also the rich, rustic flavors in each dish here. From a hot bowl of Khao Soi to sweet mango sticky rice, each dish tells a unique story about the people and culture of Lanna.

Discover 15 irresistible Chiang Mai specialties that you must try when coming to this beautiful land!

Must try food in Chiang Mai: Khao Soi – Northern Thai Chicken Curry Noodles

Not Pad Thai or Tom Yum, Khao Soi is truly the culinary soul of Chiang Mai. The golden egg noodles, with soft boiled noodles and a layer of crispy fried noodles, create an attractive contrast in every spoonful. The broth is rich in coconut curry, rich and creamy, with the aroma of turmeric and ginger, combined with tender chicken or rich beef.

A standard portion will be served with pickled cabbage, raw shallots and a few slices of lemon to balance the fatty taste with a gentle sourness. Price is around 40 – 80 baht (~31,900 – 63,900 VND). Some places to try Khao Soi in Chiang Mai: Khao Soi Khun Yai, Khao Soi Mae Sai or Kao Soy Nimman. Enjoying a hot bowl of Khao Soi, with a glass of cool pennywort juice will be a perfect start to your journey to explore Northern Thailand.

Som Tam – Green Papaya Salad, Spicy and Sour, Stimulates the Taste Buds

A must-have dish when walking around Chiang Mai’s night markets is Som Tam – a crispy green papaya salad with an explosive spicy and sour taste. The papaya is shredded and pounded with garlic, chili, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar. When combined with dried shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and roasted peanuts, the dish becomes full of flavor and appeal. Each plate of Som Tam brings an explosive taste experience, spicy, sour, sweet, and salty blending harmoniously.

The price for a portion usually ranges from 40–60 baht (~31,900–47,900 VND), very reasonable for an energetic appetizer. If you want to try the local Som Tam, visit Som Tum Udon or the stalls on Wualai Walking Street on Saturday nights. The spicy taste can make first-time eaters “sweat”, after a few bites, it will be easy to “addict” to that rustic, stimulating taste.

Moo Ping – Rich, Fragrant Grilled Skewers in Every Street Corner

When night falls, the fragrant smell from the grilled skewers (Moo Ping) stalls throughout Chiang Mai will make it hard for anyone to resist. Each skewer of pork is marinated with soy sauce, garlic, palm sugar, pepper and coconut milk – bringing a salty, sweet, soft, fragrant taste. Moo Ping is usually grilled over charcoal, the meat is golden brown, slightly burnt on the edges creating an attractive crunch.

The interesting thing is that this dish is often served with hot sticky rice, dipped in fish sauce, garlic and chili or spicy sauce. A skewer of Moo Ping costs about 10-20 baht (~7,900-15,900 VND), while the sticky rice and meat combo is only about 40-50 baht for a quality snack. Chiang Mai Night Market or Talad Pratu Chiang Mai is the ideal place to enjoy delicious Moo Ping “standard”. Let me tell you, Moo Ping is a divine “hunger-fighting” dish loved by the locals.

Kaeng Hang Lei Red Curry – Spicy, Rich Flavor

Kaeng Hang Lei is a curry dish originating from Myanmar, transformed by Chiang Mai people into a culinary icon. Unlike typical Thai red or green curry, this dish does not use coconut milk but instead uses stronger ingredients: fresh ginger, tamarind, minced garlic, shallots and Hang Lei curry powder. The overall dish has a mild sour, slightly spicy taste, mixed with a bit of sweetness and a natural fatty aftertaste.

Pork belly is a popular choice for Kaeng Hang Lei, thanks to its softness, richness and ability to absorb flavor after many hours of stewing. This dish is often eaten with white rice or sticky rice, both “fighting the spiciness” and highlighting the curry flavor. In Chiang Mai, Huen Phen and Tong Tem Toh restaurants are the places to have authentic Kaeng Hang Lei. The price of a portion is around 70 – 100 baht (~55,900 – 79,900 VND), worthy of the sophistication and depth of flavor of this dish.

Mango Sticky Rice – Famous Sweet Dessert of Thailand

No one comes to Thailand without mentioning mango sticky rice – a legendary dessert that makes you miss it from the first taste. The seemingly strange combination of sticky sticky rice, rich coconut milk and slices of ripe, sweet mango creates a perfect harmony of taste. In particular, most restaurants in Chiang Mai use Nam Dok Mai mango – a sweet, not too harsh and fragrant mango.

The coconut milk poured over the sticky rice is also skillfully cooked, not too thick, just enough to cover and soak into each grain of sticky rice. A little bit of roasted green beans sprinkled on top is both a beautiful highlight and increases the contrast in texture. The prominent address to enjoy this dish is the Mango Tango stall in the Nimmanhaemin area or the eateries at Warorot night market. Reference price is about 50 – 70 baht (~39,900 – 59,900 VND).

Fried Insects – A Strange and Challenging Dish

Although it may sound “thorny”, fried insects are a notable dish in the world of Thai street food. From crickets, cicadas, silkworm pupae to scorpions… all are fried until crispy, seasoned with a little salt, chili powder and thinly sliced ​​​​lemon leaves, creating a unique and addictive flavor. Don’t let the appearance fool you, just close your eyes and try it once, you will be surprised by the rich, creamy and fatty aftertaste that melts on the tip of your tongue.

This dish that few people dare to try often appears at night markets such as Kalare or Chiang Mai Gate. The cheerful vendors will introduce each type of insect, and often encourage visitors to start with the easiest-to-eat cricket dish. A small package costs about 20–50 baht (~15,900 – 39,900 VND), just enough for one “break the rules”.

Thai Milk Tea – A Globally Loved National Drink

Thai Milk Tea is no longer strange to Asian food lovers, however, enjoying a cup of rich, fragrant milk tea right in Chiang Mai is still a very unique experience. Strong black tea is mixed with condensed milk, fresh milk and shaved ice, creating a smooth, dark orange layer that is both beautiful and cool. The harmonious sweet and fatty taste and slight bitter aftertaste of the tea help this drink not to be boring even when drinking it in the hot noon.

Small roadside shops, coffee shops or mobile carts all offer a “standard” cup of milk tea for only 25–40 baht (~19,900 – 31,900 VND). Consider adding toppings such as black pearls, grass jelly or coconut jelly to enhance the flavor. Thai Milk Tea is considered a symbolic part of the youthful, dynamic life, imbued with the identity of Chiang Mai’s streets.

Fried Banana Cake – Crispy and Delicious Snack

Fried banana cake is a popular and attractive snack in Chiang Mai. Each slice of ripe banana is dipped in a fried flour mixed with sesame, grated coconut and a little sesame, then dropped into a pan of hot oil until the crust is crispy and golden. When you bite into it, you will feel the crispy crust on the outside, the banana inside is soft, fragrant and naturally sweet – the perfect contrast in texture makes the dish unusually attractive.

Along the streets near schools, night markets or residential areas in Chiang Mai, you can easily come across carts selling steaming fried banana cakes. A portion costs around 20 – 30 baht (~15,900 – 23,900 VND), suitable for walking around the street and enjoying. Fried banana cake evokes childhood memories, and the warm feeling typical of Northern Thai street food.

Grilled Sticky Rice Cake – A Fragrant Traditional Snack

Grilled rice cake is a rustic snack loved by Chiang Mai people for a cold afternoon snack. Sticky rice is shaped into round or flat blocks, covered with a layer of beaten egg and grilled directly on a charcoal stove. The outer layer is golden brown and slightly crispy; the inside is still soft, fragrant, and smooth, with a light, characteristic smoky scent. Some places also sprinkle roasted sesame seeds or brush a layer of coconut milk to increase the fat and aroma.

You often find this dish at morning markets like Sompet Market or street vendors in the old town. The cake is sold by the piece for about 10 – 15 baht (~7,900 – 11,900 VND), convenient to eat on the spot or take away. Grilled rice cake is a reminder of the rustic yet rich traditional values ​​of Chiang Mai.

Thai Grilled Chicken – Crispy Skin, Irresistible Spicy Spices

Thai grilled chicken (Gai Yang) is a must-try dish for diners who love spicy, rich flavors. Whole or half chicken is marinated with lemongrass, garlic, pepper, fish sauce and chili powder for many hours, then grilled over hot coals until the skin is shiny, crispy and fragrant. The meat inside retains its soft, moist, sweet texture, making you exclaim as the spiciness permeates every fiber.

In Chiang Mai, grilled chicken is often served with sticky rice, raw vegetables and jaew dipping sauce (Isan-style chili sauce), a “national combo” that is both filling and delicious. Famous restaurants such as SP Chicken or Lert Ros are the addresses chosen by many tourists and locals. A portion of grilled chicken costs from 80 – 120 baht (~63,900 – 95,800 VND), worth trying at least once on a food tour of Northern Thailand.

Thai Fried Rice – A Light, Flavorful Everyday Rice Dish

Thai fried rice (Khao Pad) is a popular dish in every family meal, restaurant or street stall in Chiang Mai. However, to have a plate of “standard Thai” fried rice is an art. Cold rice is left to cool naturally, quickly fried with eggs, garlic, green onions, fish sauce and a little palm sugar, all blending into a fragrant dish with a rich, well-rounded aftertaste.

Depending on your taste, you can add shrimp, shredded chicken, crab or sliced ​​grilled pork. The main highlight is the cool cucumber slices, fresh lemon and thick chili sauce, making each bite of rice burst with flavor. A quick, filling dish, available at most popular eateries for 40 – 60 baht (~31,900 – 47,900 VND).

Thai Sugarcane Juice – A Cool Drink to Help Cool Down

In the hot sun of Chiang Mai, there is nothing more refreshing than a glass of cool, freshly squeezed sugarcane juice. Thai sugarcane juice retains the pure sweetness of the sugarcane, delicately mixed with kumquat (passion fruit) juice, orange slices or ginger to enhance the flavor, clearly different from the sugarcane juice commonly found in Vietnam.

At markets like Warorot or Saturday night market, you can easily find fresh sugarcane pressing carts, the presses operating continuously with the golden sugarcane juice flowing into the glass, adding ice and lemon slices. A glass of sugarcane juice ranges from 20 – 30 baht (~15,900 – 23,900 VND), affordable to help cool down, energize for the journey to explore Chiang Mai’s cuisine and culture.

Chiang Mai Fish Cake – Fresh and Crispy Fish Flavor

Chiang Mai fish cake is a favorite dish of both locals and international tourists. Unlike the usual fish cakes, this Northern Thai version uses fresh freshwater fish, usually tilapia or catfish, ground together with lemongrass, turmeric, kaffir lime leaves, pepper and red curry powder, then deep-fried until golden brown.

The fish cakes are slightly chewy, fragrant with herbs, rich in flavor and moderately spicy, and are served with white sticky rice or dipped in sweet and sour chili sauce. In particular, many vendors also put the fish cakes in toasted bread for a convenient quick snack. Enjoy this dish at traditional markets or food courts in shopping malls in Chiang Mai. With a price of about 40 – 60 baht (~31,900 – 47,900 VND), this is the perfect choice for a snack.

Roasted Pork – Attractive Salty Dish, Crispy Skin

If you are a fan of “crispy skin” dishes, Chiang Mai-style roasted pork will definitely make you fall in love. Pork belly is marinated with five-spice powder, soy sauce, pepper and garlic, then roasted in a clay oven or over a low charcoal fire for many hours. The result is a crispy, appealing skin, while the fat and meat inside are soft and juicy without being greasy.

Roasted pork is usually thinly sliced, served on a plate with white rice, raw vegetables and a rich dipping sauce. Some restaurants also serve hot soup to balance the fatty taste. At Chang Phueak or Sunday Night Market, this dish is sold for about 70 – 100 baht. Chiang Mai roast pork is not only a familiar savory dish but also has an unforgettable rich flavor, typical of Northern Thai cuisine.

Traditional Thai Sweets in Many Colors

Traditional Thai sweets are a brilliant world of natural colors and diverse textures. Cakes such as Khanom Chan (layered cake), Thong Yod (golden egg), Luk Chup (fruit-shaped green beans) or coconut sticky rice cakes are all elaborately and delicately prepared from local ingredients such as coconut, glutinous rice, palm sugar and fragrant flowers.

The appeal of these cakes lies not only in their sweet, light fatty taste but also in their extremely eye-catching appearance, with pink from roses, pandan green or turmeric yellow from natural plant colors. In Chiang Mai, these cakes are beautifully packaged in small boxes and sold at traditional markets or local specialty stores. With prices ranging from 30 – 50 baht (~23,900 – 39,900 VND), this is a sophisticated gift for you to bring home.

Notes When Enjoying Chiang Mai Cuisine

To have a complete culinary experience in Chiang Mai, you should keep in mind a few notes below:

• Prepare cash: Most street foods in Chiang Mai cost from 20 – 100 baht/dish (~15,900 – 79,800 VND), suitable for the budget of both backpackers and those who love high-end experiences. Prepare small change to easily buy dishes and bargain when necessary.
• Recommended places to eat: Don’t miss Chiang Mai night market, where hundreds of unique food stalls with a variety of local dishes and variations converge. Warorot market is also a destination worth exploring with many long-standing shops selling traditional dishes.
• Spiciness level: Northern Thai cuisine is famous for its spicy taste. If you can’t eat spicy food, remember to ask the seller “no spicy” or “less spicy” to ensure you enjoy the delicious food most comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiang Mai Specialties

Which specialties in Chiang Mai are not too spicy?

Some easy-to-eat, less spicy dishes you should try include: Mango sticky rice, fried banana cake, Thai milk tea, grilled rice cakes or Thai fried rice. When ordering, ask for “no spicy” to avoid being surprised by the spiciness.

Where is the best place to eat Khao Soi in Chiang Mai?

Try Khao Soi at Khao Soi Khun Yai (near Wat Rajamontean) – a famous restaurant with traditional flavors and affordable prices, loved by both locals and tourists.

Is Chiang Mai street food hygienic?

Most stalls at night markets or famous food courts ensure basic hygiene. Choose restaurants that are crowded and have their dishes prepared on-site for peace of mind.

Are there any typical vegetarian dishes in Chiang Mai that you should try?

Vegetarian Khao Soi, vegetarian Massaman curry, or vegetarian Pad Thai are all Chiang Mai specialties that are rich in flavor without using meat.

Chiang Mai cuisine is a fusion of Northern Thai culture and the unique creativity of the people here. From rich curries, sweet and fragrant mango sticky rice to unique street foods such as fried insects or crispy banana cakes, each dish brings an unforgettable taste experience.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Chiang Mai you can refer to

• Private Chiang Mai International Airport Transfers (CNX) for Chiang Mai and More
• Private City Transfers for Chiang Mai
• Chiang Mai City & Temples Half Day Tour by Tour East
• Doi Suthep-Chiang Mai City Temple Tour
• Chiang Mai Custom Tour: Chiang Mai Night Safari, Doi Suthep, Elephant Sanctuary, Zipline Adventure, and More
• Private Car Charter Between Chiang Mai and Pai
• Doi Inthanon National Park Day Tour in Chiang Mai
• [SALE] 4G Sim Card (Thailand Pick Up) for Thailand
• 4G SIM Card (BKK Airport Pick Up) for Thailand (Unlimited Data)
• 4G Pocket WiFi (Bangkok and Phuket Airports Pick Up) for Thailand
• 4G Portable WiFi for Thailand from Uroaming (Unlimited Data)

Are you looking for more Chiang Mai travel guide and top things to do in Chiang Mai? Let’s read: Chiang Mai travel blog — The fullest Chiang Mai travel guide for a great trip to the “Rose of the North” of Thailand.