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The best local food in Chiang Mai is an unforgettable blend of flavours, showcasing the city’s rich Lanna heritage. From fragrant curries to grilled meats and spicy noodle dishes, Chiang Mai is a paradise for food lovers. Whether you’re strolling through bustling night markets or dining in traditional eateries, each dish tells a story of culture and tradition. If you’re looking for the best Thai food in Chiang Mai, this list will guide you through must-try food in Chiang Mai that every foodie should experience.
15 Best Local Food In Chiang Mai
Whether you’re a fan of spicy soups, grilled meats, or creamy curries, this list of the best local food in Chiang Mai will satisfy your cravings.
1. Khao Soi, Northern Thai Coconut Curry Noodles
Photo: Takeaway / Wikimedia Commons
Golden, creamy, and packed with layers of rich flavours, Khao Soi is a dish that instantly warms the soul. This Northern Thai speciality combines silky egg noodles with a fragrant coconut curry broth, topped with crispy noodles for the perfect crunch. Served with pickled mustard greens, fresh lime, and shallots, every bite is a mix of textures and tastes that keep you coming back for more. It’s a must-try for any food lover!
Best Location To Try: Khao Soi Mae Manee, Old Town; Khao Soi Loong Prakit, Kard Korm Market; Khao Soi Mae Sai in Nimmanhaemin area
Average Cost: THB 40 – 100, ₹103 – ₹257
Best Paired With: Pickled mustard greens, Shallots, Fresh lime wedges, Chili paste
2. Sai Ua, Northern Thai Spicy Sausage
Photo: Takeaway / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sai Ua, the fiery and flavourful Northern Thai sausage, is a must-try for food lovers visiting Thailand. Packed with fragrant herbs, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and a kick of chilli, every bite bursts with rich, smoky goodness. Grilled to perfection, it pairs beautifully with sticky rice and fresh vegetables. Whether you’re strolling through a local food market in Chiang Mai or dining at a local eatery, this aromatic delicacy promises an unforgettable taste of northern Thailand.
Best Location To Try: Mae Hia Fresh Market, Gao Makham stall
Average Cost: THB 35, ₹90
Best Paired With: Sticky rice and green chilli paste
3. Nam Prik Ong, Spicy Tomato and Pork Dip
Photo: cyclonebill / Wikimedia Commons
Rich, zesty, and bursting with bold flavours, Nam Prik Ong is a must-try for anyone craving the best Thai food in Chiang Mai. This Northern Thai delicacy blends juicy minced pork, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic chillies into a hearty, fiery dip that pairs perfectly with crisp vegetables and sticky rice. Every bite delivers a satisfying mix of smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet notes, making it an unforgettable taste of Chiang Mai’s vibrant food culture.
Best Location To Try: Tong Tem Toh
Average Cost: THB 60 – 200, ₹154 – ₹515
Best Paired With: Steamed vegetables and rice
4. Gaeng Hang Lay, Northern Pork Belly Curry
Photo: Chainwit / Wikimedia Commons
Gaeng Hang Lay, a rich and aromatic Northern Thai curry, is a must-try dish for anyone exploring the best food in Chiang Mai. Slow-cooked with tender pork, tamarind, ginger, and a blend of fragrant spices, it delivers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savoury flavours. Unlike typical Thai curries, this one skips coconut milk, letting the deep, caramelised flavours shine. Pair it with sticky rice for a truly unforgettable meal.
Best Location To Try: Huen Phen, Aroon Rai
Average Cost: THB 65 – 90, ₹167 – ₹231
Best Paired With: Sticky Rice, vegetables and Chilli paste
5. Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao, Rice Noodles In Spicy Tomato Broth
Photo: Yeh Xintong / Unspalsh / Image For Representation Only
Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao is a flavourful northern Thai delight that brings together soft rice noodles and a rich, spicy tomato broth. This must-try food in Chiang Mai is packed with bold flavours, blending smoky dried chillies, fragrant herbs, and tender meat for a deeply satisfying taste. Topped with crispy pork rinds, fresh greens, and pickled vegetables, every bite offers a perfect mix of textures that showcases Chiang Mai’s vibrant food culture.
Best Location To Try: Kanom Jeen Sanpakoi
Average Cost: THB 50 – 150, ₹128 – ₹386
Best Paired With: Fresh herbs and vegetables, chilli flakes and lime wedges
6. Moo Ping, Grilled Pork Skewers
Photo: Phoebus 28 / Wikimedia Commons
Moo Ping, a beloved Thai street food, is a must-try for anyone visiting Chiang Mai. These juicy, marinated pork skewers are grilled over charcoal, filling the air with an irresistible smoky aroma. Served with sticky rice and a tangy dipping sauce, they offer the perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and slightly charred flavours. Whether you’re strolling through the bustling night markets or grabbing a quick bite, this dish is among the best food in Chiang Mai!
Best Location To Try: Chang Khlan Night Market, Sompet Market, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Average Cost: THB 25 – 35, ₹64 – ₹90 per skewer
Best Paired With: Spicy dipping sauce (Nam Jim), Thai iced tea
7. Kaeng Khanun, Young Jackfruit Curry
Photo: SwingingUvula / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kaeng Khanun, a fragrant and flavourful young jackfruit curry, is a must-try when exploring the best food in Chiang Mai. Packed with tender jackfruit, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, this northern Thai dish delivers a rich, slightly tangy taste with a hint of spice. Cooked slowly to absorb the deep flavours of curry paste and coconut milk, every bite is a comforting blend of texture and warmth, making it a true local favourite.
Best Location To Try: Wararot Market (Kad Luang), Huen Muan Jai Restaurant
Average Cost: THB 80 – 120, ₹206 – ₹309
Best Paired With: Sticky rice and fresh herbs
8. Laab Kua, Spicy Minced Meat Salad
Photo: Takeaway / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Laab Kua is a fiery delight that brings the bold flavours of Thailand straight to your plate. This spicy minced meat salad, a speciality in Chiang Mai, is a fragrant mix of herbs, roasted spices, and chilli, creating a rich, smoky depth with every bite. Often paired with sticky rice, it’s a must-try for anyone craving the best local food in Chiang Mai. The mix of fresh ingredients and local cooking traditions makes this dish an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Best Location To Try: Laap Ton Yang, Laap Ton Koi
Average Cost: THB 50 – 90, ₹128 – ₹231
Best Paired With: Sticky rice and fresh herbs
9. Gaeng Pak Wang Kai Mod Daeng
Photo: Bertrand Man / Wikimedia Commons
Kaeng Pak Wan Kai Mod Daeng, a unique northern Thai delicacy, brings an unforgettable blend of flavours with tender red ant eggs, fresh Pak Wan leaves, and aromatic herbs simmered into a rich, earthy broth. This rare dish offers a delightful balance of tangy, savoury, and slightly nutty notes, making it a must-try for food lovers. Found in select local markets and traditional eateries, it’s one of the best foods in Chiang Mai for adventurous palates seeking authentic Northern Thai cuisine.
Best Location To Try: Local markets in Chiang Mai, Tong Tem Toh
Average Cost: THB 90, ₹231
Best Paired With: Nam prik noom, a roasted banana pepper chili sauce
10. Roti Nam Keang, Crispy Roti With Sweetened Condensed Milk
Photo: Takeaway / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Golden, crispy, and drizzled with rich, velvety condensed milk, Roti Nam Keang is a delight that keeps visitors coming back for more. This sweet street food treat, found in the heart of Chiang Mai, is a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness, making it a must-try for food lovers. Whether enjoyed as a late-night snack or a midday indulgence, it’s easily one of the best food in Chiang Mai to savour.
Best Location To Try: Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Chang Khlan Road Food Stalls, The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai
Average Cost: THB 40 – 100, ₹103 – ₹257
Best Paired With: Thai milk tea
11. Khao Kan Jin, Steamed Pork Blood Rice
Photo: Markus Winkler / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Khao Kan Jin is a traditional Northern Thai dish made by mixing jasmine rice with minced pork, garlic, shallots, and fresh pig’s blood. The mixture is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until fully cooked, giving it a smooth, rich flavour and soft texture. Often topped with crispy garlic and served with cucumber or fresh herbs, it’s a unique culinary experience. This dish may sound adventurous to some, but it’s a favourite among locals for its savoury taste and satisfying heartiness.
Best Location To Try: Warorot Market, Huen Muan Jai Restaurant, local food stalls in Lamphun district
Average Cost: THB 30 – 60, ₹77 – ₹154
Best Paired With: Fried garlic, Fresh cucumber slices, Sticky rice, Nam Prik Noom
12. Tam Khanun, Young Jackfruit Salad
Photo: Takeaway /Wikimedia Commons
Tam Khanun is a refreshing and flavour-packed Northern Thai salad made from shredded young jackfruit. The fruit is boiled until tender and then stir-fried with chilli paste, minced pork, shallots, garlic, and fresh herbs. Despite its humble ingredients, Tam Khanun delivers a spicy, slightly smoky taste that’s balanced with earthy and herbal undertones. Commonly served at local gatherings and family meals, it’s a great vegetarian-friendly option when prepared without meat, and an excellent way to sample the bold flavours of Northern Thai cuisine.
Best Location To Try: Huen Phen Restaurant, Tong Tem Toh, local stalls during temple fairs
Average Cost: THB 40 – 80, ₹103 – ₹206
Best Paired With: Sticky rice, Fried pork skin (Kaeb Moo), Fresh herbs
13. Jin Tup, Northern Thai Beef Jerky
Photo: Jessica Hearn / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Jin Tup is a beloved Northern Thai snack made from sun-dried beef that’s grilled and then pounded to tenderise it. The result is chewy, flavourful meat that’s best enjoyed with sticky rice and a side of spicy dipping sauce like Nam Jim Jaew. Often found in local markets and street stalls, Jin Tup is a perfect snack or side dish for meat lovers. It carries a smoky, savoury profile with a hint of spice, making it a popular choice for a protein-rich local bite.
Best Location To Try: Warorot Market, local roadside vendors, Huen Jai Yong Restaurant
Average Cost: THB 50 – 100, ₹129 – ₹257
Best Paired With: Sticky rice, Nam Jim Jaew (spicy dipping sauce), fresh vegetables
14. Kaeb Moo, Crispy Pork Rinds
Photo: Claudio Schwarz / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Kaeb Moo, or crispy pork rinds, are a crunchy, addictive snack commonly eaten across Chiang Mai. Made by deep-frying pork skin until golden and bubbly, they are often enjoyed on their own or paired with chilli dips like Nam Prik Noom. Their light yet rich texture makes them a favourite side dish, especially with sticky rice or as a topping on noodle soups. Widely sold in markets and local eateries, Kaeb Moo showcases Chiang Mai’s love for texture and bold, savoury flavours.
Best Location To Try: Warorot Market, Thanin Market, local packaged snack shops across Chiang Mai
Average Cost: THB 20 – 60, ₹51 – ₹154
Best Paired With: Nam Prik Noom, Sticky rice, beer or herbal tea
15. Nam Ngiao Noodle Soup With Pork Ribs
Photo: Takeaway / Wikimedia Commons
A heartier variation of the classic Nam Ngiao, this noodle soup features pork ribs that infuse the broth with rich, meaty flavour. Made with fermented soybeans, dried chillies, tomatoes, and herbs, the broth is tangy, spicy, and deeply aromatic. Served with soft rice noodles and often garnished with fried garlic, bean sprouts, and lime, it offers a satisfying meal with layers of texture and taste. This version is especially loved in Chiang Mai for its comforting warmth and robust, traditional Northern Thai character.
Best Location To Try: Khao Soi Lam Duan, Khao Soi Khun Yai, local noodle shops in San Sai district
Average Cost: THB 40 – 90, ₹103 – ₹231
Best Paired With: Bean sprouts, lime wedges, crispy pork skin, pickled mustard greens
Chiang Mai is a food lover’s paradise, offering a variety of flavours that reflect the city’s rich culture and history. Whether you’re indulging in a creamy Khao Soi, savouring spicy sausages, or trying exotic ant egg soup, the city has something for every palate. If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, make sure to experience the best local food in Chiang Mai and discover the bold and unique flavours of Northern Thai cuisine. Book your trip with TripXL and enjoy the best Thai food in Chiang Mai.
Cover Photo: Markus Winkler / Unsplash
