Food – Eating out

Chiang Mai has a vibrant and diverse restaurant scene that offers a wide range of dining options, from traditional Thai cuisine to international fare.

Thai people are very independent and love creating their own businesses. So many of these are food related. There are literally thousands of family owned restaurants and food stalls in Chiang Mai. The quality is generally excellent, and you – like the rest of us – will come to find your favorites.

You will love watching the streets come alive in the evenings in virtually every neighborhood with hundreds of vendors selling so many kinds of edible delights! Some of the more popular types of restaurants in Chiang Mai include:

• Thai Restaurants: Chiang Mai is known for its delicious Thai cuisine, and you can find a variety of Thai restaurants throughout the city. From street food vendors to high-end restaurants, there are plenty of options to choose from.
• International Restaurants: Chiang Mai also has a variety of international restaurants that offer everything from Italian and French cuisine to Indian and Japanese food.
• Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants: Chiang Mai has a thriving vegetarian and vegan food scene, with many restaurants offering plant-based dishes.
• Cafes and Bakeries: There are many cafes and bakeries in Chiang Mai that offer a variety of baked goods, coffee, and other drinks.
• Markets: Chiang Mai has several markets where you can find a variety of fresh produce, street food, and other local products.

Overall, Chiang Mai’s restaurant scene offers something for everyone, with a wide range of dining options to suit different tastes and budgets.

Street Food

Street food merits a separate discussion because it is everywhere – and so very good!

The street food scene in Chiang Mai is a vibrant and integral part of the city’s culinary landscape. Here are some key aspects of the street food scene in Chiang Mai:

• Variety: Street food in Chiang Mai offers a wide range of dishes, from traditional Thai cuisine to international options. Some popular street food dishes include pad thai, som tam (green papaya salad), and various grilled meats on skewers.
• Markets: Chiang Mai has several markets that are popular for street food, including the Night Bazaar, Warorot Market, and the Sunday Night Market.
• Local vendors: Many street food vendors in Chiang Mai have been operating for generations and have developed a loyal following among locals and tourists alike.
• Prices: Street food in Chiang Mai is generally affordable, with most dishes costing less than 100 baht (approximately 3 USD).
• Atmosphere: The street food scene in Chiang Mai is known for its lively and bustling atmosphere, with vendors cooking and serving food in the open air, often with tables and chairs set up on the street.

A tiny list of the many street food specialties in Chiang Mai:

1. Mango Sticky Rice:
   • Description: Sweet sticky rice served with ripe mango slices and coconut milk.
   • Where to Try: Warorot Market, Sunday Walking Street Market, street vendors around the city.
2. Pad Thai:
   • Description: Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu or shrimp, bean sprouts, and peanuts, flavored with tamarind paste, fish sauce, and lime.
   • Where to Try: Street vendors, Chiang Mai Gate Market, Chang Phuak Night Market.
3. Grilled Meats:
   • Description: Various meats, including chicken, pork, and beef, marinated and grilled on skewers.
   • Where to Try: Street vendors, Night Bazaar, Saturday Night Market.
4. Khanom Krok (Coconut Rice Pancakes):
   • Description: Small, sweet pancakes made from coconut milk and rice flour, often topped with green onions or sweet corn.
   • Where to Try: Local markets, street vendors, Sunday Walking Street Market.