Where to Eat in Chiang Mai:
There are so many choices when deciding where to eat in Chiang Mai…
One of the many highlights of visiting Chiang Mai has got to be all the incredible food! The food scene here is so diverse; from traditional Thai street food, to Mexican feasts and Organic cafes, there really is something for everyone.
I was recently lucky enough to spend a whole month eating my way through Chiang Mai…So if you are wondering where to eat in Chiang Mai, here are my top choices!
The Free Bird Cafe
The Place to eat Pancakes in Chiang Mai
This quirky cafe just outside the old city serves amazing breakfasts. Healthy and indulgent options are both covered on the menu, which ranges from french toast, to smoothie bowls to free-range eggs. This organic, fair-trade and ethically sourced cafe offers plenty of vegetarian and vegan options too. Profits from Free Bird support the Thai Freedom House Charity, which is dedicated to assisting families and individuals who are refugees from Burma and members of minority groups of Thailand.
Where? : Just outside the moat of the Old City on Maneenopparat Rd
When? : 9am-5pm
How Much?: 180-210 THB
Must Try: Trail Mix pancake (just don’t eat anything before!)
Overstand
The Place for Brekkie and Coffee in Chiang Mai
Wondering where to eat a great breakfast in Chiang Mai then this is the place for you to check out. Their amazing breakfast selection includes granola, poached eggs and breakfast pizzas! Overstated previously won the award for ‘Best Breakfast in Chiang Mai’ and it’s truly deserved. The real star of the show is their coffee! I am definitely not a coffee snob but this is where I had my best coffee in Chiang Mai. It’s also popular spot for those looking for a cafe to work or study in.
Where? : Ratchamanka Road Soi 2
When? : 8.30am – 4pm
How Much?: 100 – 200 THB
Must Try: Coffee (Almond milk latte!)
The Salad Concept
The place to eat Salad in Chiang Mai
If you love fresh, healthy ingredients then you are going to love Salad Concept. This was my favourite place when I fancied a salad and it was always spot on! You can choose from the menu, or create your own from a choice of ingredients, toppings and dressings. I loved making my own combinations of all the fresh ingredients I fancied that day! Wraps, soups and sweet treats are available too but it’s really all about the salad! Also a great spot for breakfast, smoothies and juices!
Where? : The Ninman Road
When? : 11am-10pm
How Much? : Salads around 150-250 THB
Must Try: Design your perfect salad!
The Vegetarian Stand
The place to eat a Vegetarian meal in Chiang Mai
If you are vegetarian and looking for where to eat in Chiang Mai, head to the basement level in the Maya Mall. This vegetarian eatery was my favourite place for a quick and delicious lunch in Chiang Mai. I loved filling my plate with a selection of dishes, all which are loaded with fresh veggies and cooked only with olive oil, perfect for the health conscious.
Where? : Basement Level in Maya Mall
When? : 11am-10pm Weekdays/ 10am-10pm Weekends
How Much?: 20THB per dish or 30THB for a dish with rice.
Must Try: The Spicy Pumpkin and Shredded Mushroom (for meat lovers, this had the exact texture of chicken!)
Wrap Master
The place to eat Mexican in Chiang Mai
Wrap Master really are the masters of Mexican food, which meant I ate here far too many times! Their freshly made tortillas are loaded, and I mean loaded, with an awesome burrito filling of rice and black beans. The original wrap is vegetarian, but you can add chicken or pork if you like. You can personalise your burrito from a huge selection of toppings, including fresh vegetables, seeds, nuts, pickles and sauces. Tacos, Nachos and sweet potato fries available too.
Where? : Basement Level in Maya Mall
When? : 11am – 9pm
How Much?: 80 THB, extra for toppings
Must Try: The original burrito
Thailand Travel Essentials
The Larder Cafe
The place to eat Avocado in Chiang Mai
If you are an avocado lover, (like me!), then this is the place for you. They have a great breakfast menu with plenty of avo and egg combos! Don’t worry if you fancy something sweet, they have you covered with a range of fruit, yoghurt and muesli and smoothies! We had great service here and there is a lovely outdoor area out the front. Their lunch menu looked great too.
Where? : Just off the Nimman Road
When? : 8.30- 3pm
How Much? : Around 150 – 200 THB
Must Try: Any ago and egg combo with added halloumi!
The Night Bazaar
The place to eat Street Food in Chiang Mai
Everywhere you go in Thailand there are so many street food vendors. Often people advise that you avoid them, but I disagree! Some of the best Thai food we had was from the stalls at the side of the road, so you must try them! The Night Bazaar is a great place to eat in Chiang Mai, with every Thai street food you can think of, plus it’s delicious and cheap! For a healthy option I often opted for the papaya salad and fresh (not fried) spring rolls!
Where? : Thanon Chang Khlan
When? : Every evening
How Much? : Cheap!!
Must Try: Fresh spring rolls
David’s Kitchen
The place to go for Fine Dining in Chiang Mai
We had such an amazing experience at David’s Kitchen, it really is the place to go for a special celebration or treat (we went for my birthday!). Right from the moment we left our taxi, we were greeted with a member of staff holding an umbrella for us. At the entrance hall we were given a warm and welcoming greeting and we were treated so well throughout (including birthday decorations for me!) The menu is full of so many amazing dishes that we had to have a three course meal! The food was incredible – honestly some of the best I’ve ever tasted, the atmosphere was perfect (the piano player was such a great addition) and and I left feeling well and truly spoilt by all of the staff.
Where? : 113 Bamrungrad Road
When? : 5pm-10pm Mon-Sat
How Much? : Our most expensive meal out, but much cheaper than fine dining at home – and totally worth it!
Must Try: Beef Bouringoun – it literally fell apart!
Myst
The place to go for Sushi in Chiang Mai
This is the perfect spot to watch the sun go down over the mountains, after a day of work, with a drink in hand. It is also the place where we found my favourite sushi. There is quite an extensive menu here, but we opted for the nibbles menu, and choose a selection of sushi plates and vegetable skewers. The food was really good… so good we had to go back on our last evening! They have a wide range of drinks on offer and a huge and crazy cocktail list, which come in all shapes, sizes … and with smoke!
Where? : Top floor of the Maya Mall
When? : Open from 5pm
How Much? : Sharing sushi plates were around 180 THB
Must Try: Prawn and avocado sushi
I hope this helps when deciding where to eat in Chiang Mai! Let me know if you try any of these places, I would love to hear what you think! Please share any other recommendations in the comments too! Remember another great thing to do is attend a Chiang Mai Cooking Class!
Thank you for reading,
The Healthy Backpacker x
Thank you so much for writing this! I seriously drooled over several of your Instagram photos! I just started my Chiang Mai planning and your blog (and awesome Instagram feed) is going to be my travel guide for my time in northern Thailand! Any recommendations for accommodations?
I’ve only just seen this Katelyn – sorry! Where did you stay in the end?
If you have kids dinner at Nic’s is a MUST!!! Great food and our kids had a wonderful time! Kuddos to their great service as well!!