The Best-Kept Food Secrets of Chiang Mai, Thailand

This local gem is located in the heart of Nimmanheimen and serves up delicious authentic Burmese food at super low prices. Make sure to try the Shan specialities and the different salads, including pennywort, tamarind leaf and the famed la pet tok (Burmese pickled tea leaf salad). The plastic stools and roadside location add to the charm of this simple yet delicious local favourite.

Burmese Restaurant and Library, Nimmana Haeminda Road Soi 8, Su Thep, Chiang Mai, Thailand, +66 53 220 848

Zood Zood offers cheap and tasty Thai food in a clean and air-conditioned location. The extensive menu also includes a few international dishes, however, our top tip is to go for the salmon tom yum noodle soup. Zood Zood is often still open past midnight so the perfect place to stop off for a late night meal or snack after a night out on the town.

Zood Zood, Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 9, Tambon Su Thep, Chiang Mai, Thailand, +66 96 789 1596

SP Chicken is one of Chiang Mai’s best-kept secrets and not a place you would likely stumble upon. You probably guessed that this place serves chicken, but not just any chicken, slow roasted chicken infused with garlic. The house-made nam jim dipping source is pure heaven and a selection of other favourites like som tam (green papaya salad) are served. Please note, SP chicken is no longer open in the evenings.

SP Chicken, Samlan Rd Soi 1, Tambon Si Phum, Chiang Mai, Thailand, +66 80 500 5035

Food 4 Thought is a home away from home. This cafe come homestay serves delicious, fresh and healthy food and is the perfect place to relax, work or catch up with friends. If you craving a healthy smoothie, kombucha or to stock up on healthy snacks, you’ve come to just the right place.

Food 4 Thought, 15/5 Moo 1, Soi Sudjai, Tanon Khlong Chonlapratarn, Chang Phuak, Mueang Chiang Mai, Thailand, 53 217 395

Tuck into a soulful bowl of rich and creamy Khao Soi at Khao Soi Mai Sai, a local hot spot that has been in business for over 20 years. The northern Thai speciality is a soup-like dish available in chicken, beef, pork or vegetarian options. This mouth-watering meal has a rich coconut curry base, boiled egg noodles and is garnished with deep-fried crispy egg noodles, pickled mustard greens, shallots, lime and ground chilies fried in oil. Khao Soi Mai Sai is only open during the day and it is advised to come early to avoid missing out!

Khao Soi Mai Sai, Ratchaphuek Alley, Tambon Chang Phueak, Chiang Mai, Thailand, +66 53 213 284

The Whole Earth has been a part of Chiang Mai’s culinary scene for more than 40 years, offering outstanding Thai, Indian and vegetarian dishes. First developed as a transcendental meditation centre that also offered vegetarian meals, the restaurant side of things has grown in popularity. It now serves a unique combination of Thai and Ayurvedic cuisine, and a wide range of creative dishes, in its rustic Lanna-style building surrounded by a lovely garden.

The Whole Earth, 88 Th Si Donchai, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, +66 53 282 463

Tucked down a quiet lane in the Umong neighbourhood is Rosey Cheeks which is just a little more than a hole in the wall with a hand full of tables. Chef Fuji is an eclectic fusion master chef who creates every dish with love and passion. You won’t be disappointed with this insider hot-spot!
Rosey Cheeks, 52/2 Village No.8 Soi 4, Soi Wat Umong, Chiang Mai, Thailand, +66 94 842 0197