Chiang Mai's Old Town, encircled by ancient walls and moats, is not only rich in cultural heritage but also a paradise for food lovers. From traditional Northern Thai cuisine to international flavors, the area offers diverse dining experiences that cater to all tastes and budgets. Here's our curated list of the 10 best restaurants in Chiang Mai Old Town that promise an unforgettable culinary journey.
1. Khao Soi Khun Yai
Location: Sri Poom Rd., Soi 8
Opening Hours: 10AM-2PM, Mon-Sat (Closed Sundays)
Price Range: $
Hidden near the North Gate, this humble open-air eatery is a local institution serving what many consider the best khao soi in Chiang Mai. Khao soi, a creamy coconut curry noodle soup, is Chiang Mai's signature dish, and Khun Yai (“Grandma”) has perfected it. The broth is rich and flavorful without being overly sweet, topped with crispy noodles and served with pickled cabbage and lime. Arrive early as they often sell out before closing time!
What to Order: Khao Soi Gai (chicken) is their specialty, but their beef version is equally delicious.
2. SP Chicken
Location: Samlan Rd., Soi 1
Opening Hours: 10AM-5PM, daily
Price Range: $
Famous for its succulent rotisserie chicken, SP Chicken has earned its reputation through a unique cooking method – roasting chickens on vertical spits with heat coming from the side rather than below. This technique results in perfectly cooked, moist chicken with crispy skin. The small restaurant is always bustling with both locals and tourists who come for the signature chicken, typically served with sticky rice and spicy dipping sauce.
What to Order: Whole roasted chicken, som tam (papaya salad), and sticky rice.
3. The House by Ginger
Location: 199 Moon Muang Rd.
Opening Hours: 11AM-10PM
Price Range: $$-$$$
Housed in a colonial-style building, The House by Ginger offers a more upscale dining experience with a creative menu of Thai and pan-Asian cuisine. The beautifully decorated space features tropical motif wallpaper, plush furniture, and traditional Chinese pottery. Their dishes are artistic presentations of familiar Thai flavors, often with unique twists. The restaurant is popular with trendy locals and tourists looking for a more refined dining experience.
What to Order: Try their slow-braised beef in lime-coconut cream or the mixed appetizer platter to sample various flavors.
4. Dash Teak House
Location: 38/2 Moon Muang Rd., Soi 2
Opening Hours: 11AM-10PM
Price Range: $$
Set in a traditional teak house with a lovely garden, Dash offers authentic Northern Thai cuisine in a charming atmosphere. The restaurant is run by a Thai mother-son team who returned from the United States to share their passion for Thai food. Their menu features classic dishes from across Thailand, with Northern specialties being particularly outstanding. The garden dining area provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets.
What to Order: Northern Thai Platter (featuring sai oua, nam prik, sticky rice), khao soi, and gaeng hang lay (Northern-style pork curry).
5. Huen Muan Jai
Location: 24 Ratchaphuek Alley
Opening Hours: 11AM-3PM, 5PM-9PM (Closed some weekdays)
Price Range: $$
This well-known cafe serves traditional Northern Thai cuisine in a restored wooden villa with a charming garden. It's famous for its authentic Lanna dishes like Sai Aua (Northern Thai sausage) and Gang Hang Lay (Northern-style pork curry). Their Or Dep Muang, an appetizer platter featuring crispy baked pork, green chili dip, fried pork, Chiang Mai sausage, and assorted vegetables, is particularly popular among visitors.
What to Order: Or Dep Muang (appetizer platter), Chicken and Young Coconut Shoot Curry, and Sai Aua.
6. Rachamankha
Location: 6 Ratchamankha, Soi 9
Opening Hours: 7AM-10PM
Price Range: $$-$$$
Located within the elegant Rachamankha boutique hotel, this restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience focusing on Lanna, Burmese, and Shan cuisine. The formal dining room decorated with tasteful antiques is perfect for daytime dining, while the softly lit brick-lined courtyard provides a romantic setting in the evening. The menu features unique dishes that reflect the shared culinary heritage of Northern Thailand and its neighbors.
What to Order: Northern Thai appetizer set, Burmese tea leaf salad, and Shan-style curries.
7. Reform Kafé
Location: 1/4 Sri Poom Rd.
Opening Hours: 8AM-10PM
Price Range: $$
This popular vegetarian and vegan restaurant is set in a garden oasis just inside the Old City walls. Part of the Green Tiger Guest House, Reform Kafé serves a diverse menu of plant-based dishes including traditional Thai favorites, fresh salads, sandwiches, and burgers. The peaceful garden setting makes it a perfect spot to escape the city heat while enjoying healthy, flavorful meals.
What to Order: Vegan khao soi, rainbow salad bowl, and their homemade kombucha.
8. Akha Ama Coffee
Location: 175/1 Rachadamnoen Rd.
Opening Hours: 8AM-6PM
Price Range: $
More than just a coffee shop, Akha Ama is a social enterprise supporting the local Akha hill tribe community. Founded by Lee Ayu, who studied coffee roasting in Italy before returning to his village near Chiang Mai, this cozy café serves excellent single-origin coffee grown and processed by the Akha people. The minimalist space offers a few seats for enjoying your beverage and perhaps a pastry while supporting sustainable farming practices.
What to Order: Their signature cold brew coffee, espresso with honey from coffee blossoms, or a hand-drip of their monthly single-origin selection.
9. Graph Table
Location: Moon Muang Rd., Soi 6
Opening Hours: 8AM-4PM
Price Range: $-$$
From the team behind the excellent Graph Café comes this stylish yet casual Italian trattoria. The Thai chef crafts authentic, handmade pastas and thin-crust pizzas using local, organic ingredients whenever possible. Their breakfasts are equally impressive, featuring creative egg dishes and excellent coffee. The modern, minimalist decor creates a relaxed atmosphere perfect for leisurely meals.
What to Order: Handmade pasta dishes, thin-crust pizzas, and for breakfast, try “The Monet” – eggs with mashed avocado and salad.
10. The Old City Inn
Location: Chang Moi Rd.
Opening Hours: 11AM-10PM
Price Range: $$
This restaurant offers a mix of Thai and international dishes in a comfortable setting. The extensive menu includes classic Thai favorites alongside Western options, making it a good choice for groups with varying tastes. The restaurant is known for consistent quality and friendly service, with many visitors returning throughout their stay in Chiang Mai.
What to Order: Chicken satay, spring rolls, mango sticky rice, and their refreshing fruit shakes.
Tips for Dining in Chiang Mai Old Town
- Try Northern Thai Specialties: Don't miss regional dishes like khao soi, sai oua (herb sausage), nam prik ong (chili dip), and sticky rice.
- Spice Levels: Thai food can be very spicy. Feel free to request “mai pet” (not spicy) or “pet nit noi” (a little spicy) if you're sensitive to heat.
- Street Food: Some of the best food in Chiang Mai is found at street stalls. Look for busy spots with high turnover for the freshest options.
- Night Markets: The Sunday Walking Street and various night markets offer excellent food stalls where you can sample multiple dishes in one evening.
- Restaurant Hours: Many local establishments close in the afternoon (typically 2-5PM), so plan your meals accordingly.
Chiang Mai's Old Town offers an incredible variety of dining options, from simple street stalls to elegant restaurants. Whether you're seeking authentic Northern Thai flavors or international cuisine with a local twist, these ten restaurants provide a perfect starting point for your culinary exploration of this historic area. Happy eating!
