As of 2026, this Chiang Mai food guide covers 12 restaurants by category — including Khao Soi Khun Yai (canonical), SP Chicken (Khao Soi alt), Cherng Doi (sticky rice + grilled chicken). See prices, locations and must-try dishes below.
Chiang Mai is Chiang Mai's food culture revolves around Khao Soi (Northern Thai curry coconut noodles) + Sai Oua (herb sausage) + Sunday Walking Street + Thai cooking class capital + specialty coffee Northern Thailand. Khao Soi Khun Yai (Old City Sri Phum Road) is canonical Northern Thai signature dish — THB 50 ($1.50). Cherng Doi sticky rice + grilled chicken is locals' longtime favorite since 1960s. Sunday Walking Street (1km Sundays 17:00-22:00) is THE Asian night market. Chiang Mai is THE Thai cooking class destination — Asia Scenic ($30-50), Thai Farm Cooking School ($35-55). Ristr8to Coffee (World Latte Art Champion) anchors specialty coffee culture. We've organized 12 restaurants across 4 categories. Each entry includes prices, hours, local tips, and a Google Maps link so you can plan straight from the page.
Chiang MaiFood Map
Click pins to see restaurant info · 12 restaurants
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1
Khao Soi Khun Yai (canonical)
Sri Phum Road (Old City) · Khao Soi & Northern Thai
Sunday Walking Street (1km Sundays), Saturday Walking Street, Warorot Market, Ploen Ruedee Night Market — Thai street food paradise
Sunday Walking Street food court
Tha Phae Walking Street · Old City (Sundays)
5
#1
MUST TRY
Pad Thai + Sai Oua + Roti pancake + Mango sticky rice + fresh coconut + Thai milk tea
1km Sunday Market every Sunday 17:00-22:00 — food + handicrafts + Northern Thai music. THE Asian night market. Adjacent Wat Phan On food court for proper meals.
$1-10 per visit
(THB 30-300)
Sundays 17:00-22:00
Local tip: Cash only. Best 18:00-20:00 (vendors set up early). Bargain 30-50% off marked prices. Adjacent Wat Phan On food court for sit-down meals.
Street food THB 30-80 ($1-2.50) — Khao Soi, Pad Thai, Sai Oua. Sunday Walking Street food court THB 100-300.
Mid-Range
$30-80/day
Cherng Doi sticky rice + chicken + Khao Soi Khun Yai + cooking class $30-55 + Akha Ama Coffee + Sunday Walking Street.
Luxury
$120+/day
Anantara Riverside + Six Senses Chiang Mai + Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle + spa retreats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about food and restaurants in Chiang Mai.
What's Chiang Mai's signature dish?
Khao Soi — Northern Thailand's signature curry coconut noodles with crispy egg noodles on top + pickled mustard + lime + chili paste. Khao Soi Khun Yai (Sri Phum Road, Old City) is canonical — THB 50 / $1.50. Lunch only 10:00-15:00, sells out. SP Chicken (Suthep) is alternative. Different from Bangkok Thai food.
Where to eat the best Sai Oua sausage?
Sai Oua Suparb Trading (Suthep Road) is canonical specialist — lemongrass + galangal + kaffir lime + chili herb sausage. THB 30-50 per piece. Vacuum-sealed take-home option. Sunday Walking Street has multiple sellers too.
Should I take a Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai?
Yes — Chiang Mai is THE Thai cooking class destination. Asia Scenic ($30-50, premier, half-day pickup + market + cook 5 dishes + eat). Thai Farm Cooking School ($35-55, Mae Rim farm 40 min, more rural). Both include pickup hotel + recipe book + 4-6 dishes. Book 2-3 days ahead.
How does Sunday Walking Street work?
1km Sunday Market every Sunday 17:00-22:00 — entire Tha Phae Gate to Wat Phra Singh closed to traffic. Food + handicrafts + Thai music. Free entry. Best 18:00-20:00 (vendors set up early). Bargain 30-50% off marked prices. Adjacent Wat Phan On food court for sit-down. Cash only.
Street food THB 30-80 ($1-2.50). Sit-down Northern Thai $4-12. Cooking class $30-55. Nimman café $3-8 specialty coffee + breakfast $5-12. Cocktails $4-10. Most expensive: Anantara Chiang Mai dining $40-80.
Vegetarian + vegan options?
Yes — Chiang Mai has strong vegetarian scene (Buddhist + digital nomad influence). Cabbages & Condoms (vegetarian-friendly), Pun Pun Vegetarian Restaurant (organic vegan), Mama Noi vegetarian cooking class. Sunday Walking Street has vegan food court.
Is mango sticky rice in season year-round?
Best March-May (Thai mango peak — Nam Dok Mai variety). Available year-round but quality varies. Cherng Doi + Lemonjelly Cafe + Sunday Walking Street all have. THB 80-150 ($2.50-4.50) typical.
More on Chiang Mai
Cost guide, itineraries, hotel picks — plan the rest of your trip.
Jimmy Kong
TripPick founder · Travel content creator
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.
8+ years analyzing travel data
30+ countries visited
Live exchange rate verified
Thailand