25 Legendary Restaurants in Northern Thailand's Chiang Mai
When visiting Chiang Mai, exploring its vibrant food scene is a must. Here’s a guide to legendary restaurants that have been serving delicious meals for over a decade, passing down treasured recipes through generations. From savory dishes to sweet desserts, get ready for a culinary journey that will leave you wanting more.
1. Khao Kriab Pak Moh Lung Khajohn (Wat Ket)
A famous steamed rice-skin dumpling shop in the Wat Ket area, serving customers for over 30 years. Its signature dish is the square-shaped Khao Kriab Pak Moh, with a rich filling and soft, thin dough, perfectly complemented by coconut milk and fried garlic. Another must-try is the Saku Sai Moo (tapioca dumplings with pork filling), known for its chewy texture and well-balanced sweet and savory taste.
Image from: Facebook Tosabhon Matawongsa
- Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed on Sunday)
- Address: 122 Charoen Rat Road, Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
- Phone: 053-243-157
2. Patongo Ko Nen
This breakfast spot has been popular for over 30 years, serving soy milk, patongo (Chinese doughnuts), tea, coffee, and soft-boiled eggs. The main attraction is their creative patongo, shaped like crocodiles, dinosaurs, dragons, and elephants. Freshly fried to be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it's a delightful treat that you shouldn't miss when in Chiang Mai.
Image from: Facebook Maymei Maythinee
- Opening Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Address: 71 Praisani Road, Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
- Phone: 094-637-6333
- Facebook: Patongo "Ko Nen"
3. Tub Tim Krob Jae Uan
A renowned dessert shop open for over 20 years, famous for its Tub Tim Krob (water chestnuts in coconut milk). The dessert is made fresh daily with aromatic coconut milk sourced from Southern Thailand. You can choose from various toppings like young coconut, candied jujubes, palm seeds, and jackfruit. Served over crushed ice, it's a refreshing treat that's hard to resist.
Image from: Facebook Maymei Maythinee
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Address: 193/15 Sridonchai Road, Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
- Phone: 084-608-4848
4. Khanom Jeen San Pa Khoi
A legendary Khanom Jeen (fermented rice noodles) spot that has been around for over 40 years and earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2020. Located in the San Pa Khoi market, it offers a wide variety of curries like Nam Ya Kati (coconut milk curry), Nam Ngiao (spicy pork rib curry), Green Curry with Chicken, and more. They also serve Khao Soi, and customers can enjoy unlimited fresh vegetables on the side.
Image from: Facebook Khanomjeen Sanpakoi
- Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Address: 11/1 Thong Kham Market, Soi Tha Satoi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
- Phone: 061-301-8000
- Facebook: Khanomjeen Sanpakoi
5. Fried Meatballs Pa Noi 3 Baht
For meaty, flavorful meatballs, this is the place to go. Pa Noi's fried meatball stall, a small cart near the Chang Phueak municipal office, has been serving its specialty for over 20 years. The menu includes beef, chicken, and pork meatballs, fried wontons, sausages, and more, all served with a signature dipping sauce. The best part? Prices start at just 3 baht per stick.
- Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Address: Chang Phueak Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
- Phone: 089-554-2636
6. Khao Soi Samer Jai (Fah Ham)
When in Northern Thailand, Khao Soi is a must-eat, and this restaurant is synonymous with the dish. Open for over 60 years near Wat Fah Ham, Khao Soi Samer Jai offers a range of Northern Thai dishes, but its star is the Khao Soi. With soft noodles in a rich, aromatic, traditional curry soup, topped with crispy noodles, it's a true classic. The menu also includes other local favorites like Gaeng Hung Lay and Sai Oua.
Image from: Facebook Maymei Maythinee
- Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Address: 391 Moo 2, Charoen Rat Road, Fah Ham, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
- Phone: 053-242-928, 081-764-8723
- Facebook: Khao Soi Samer Jai Fah Ham
That's our list of legendary restaurants in Chiang Mai, each preserving delicious flavors through generations. If you're planning a trip, be sure to add these culinary gems to your itinerary for an unforgettable taste of Northern Thailand.
Note: Information may change. Please verify details before visiting.