Chiang Rai is more than just temples and mountains – it’s also a haven for foodies. With night markets and restaurants, the city offers a diverse selection of dishes for you to try.

Street Food

Street food isn’t just a tourist attraction in Chiang Rai; it’s part of daily life here. Locals often grab quick meals from roadside stalls – and you should too! There are carts selling grilled meat skewers, sticky rice, fried bananas, and noodle soups. One of the local favourites is khao soi – a creamy curry noodle soup. Needless to say, it’s a must-try.

Restaurants

Looking for a sit-down meal? Try the restaurants. It could be casual, elegant, or a mix of both in a refined atmosphere. Some hotels, for instance, offer special dining experiences like treetop dining. In Chiang Rai, restaurants are featured by hotels like Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort – something to consider when booking your accommodation.

Saturday Walking Street Market

Here on a Saturday? Then visit the Walking Street Market near Thanalai Road. It starts in the late afternoon and runs until late at night. What can you find here? Pretty much everything – from grilled sausages to coconut pancakes, spicy salads, and herbal drinks. It’s also a great place to buy handmade crafts and enjoy live music.

Image by Galina Afanaseva from Pixabay

Must-Eats 

Here are some suggestions for foodies visiting Chiang Mai:

  • Khao Soi: You already know this one. It’s Northern Thailand’s famous curry noodle soup.
  • Sai Ua: Spicy northern sausage made with herbs and pork
  • Nam Ngiao: A tomato-based noodle soup with pork and fermented soy
  • Sticky Rice with Mango: A sweet finish to your meal
  • Grilled Meats: You’ll find these everywhere, especially chicken and pork skewers