What Food To Try in Chiang Mai and Food Prices

Khao Soi - Chiang Mai Curry Noodles - Creamy coconut curry with boiled and crispy egg noodles topped with pickled mustard greens. Locals often enjoy this for lunch at bustling street stalls, chatting with friends while slurping the rich broth.

Som Tam - Green Papaya Salad - Shredded green papaya mixed with lime, chili, and peanuts for a spicy, tangy kick. This dish is a favorite street food option, often eaten as a snack during hot afternoons, bringing locals together to share their favorite vendors.

Laab - Spicy Meat Salad - Minced meat seasoned with fresh herbs, lime, and roasted rice powder for a unique texture and flavor. Commonly served alongside sticky rice in a communal setting, this dish is popular for dinner gatherings among friends.

Nam Prik Ong - Pork and Tomato Dip - A smoky, spicy dip made with minced pork, tomatoes, and a medley of spices served with fresh vegetables. It’s a specialty from the north, often enjoyed during family meals, and perfect for dipping while savoring the local herbs.

Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao - Rice Noodles with Spicy Sauce - Rice noodles served with a slow-cooked sauce of tomatoes, herbs, and choice of meat, usually topped with fresh vegetables. Local tradition has this eaten for breakfast, though it's satisfying enough for any meal of the day.

Gaeng Hang Lay - Burmese Curry - A rich and savory pork curry with ginger and tamarind, highlighting a blend of Thai and Burmese flavors. Enjoyed at home on special occasions, the slow-cooked nature of this dish makes it a hearty favorite among families.

Yam Woon Sen - Spicy Glass Noodle Salad - A refreshing mix of glass noodles, seafood, and chili lime dressing, often garnished with mint and coriander. It's usually consumed during hot afternoons, showcasing the local penchant for bright, zesty flavors in their meals.

Khao Niew Mamuang - Sticky Rice with Mango (seasonal) - Sweet, fragrant sticky rice paired with ripe mango and coconut milk, a much-loved dish during mango season in summer. Locals indulge in this treat as a comforting late-night snack or dessert following a meal.

Oliang - โอเลี้ยง (Thai iced coffee) - A refreshing iced coffee made with robusta beans and a hint of cardamom, served over ice with sweetened condensed milk. This is often enjoyed mid-afternoon by locals to beat the heat while catching up with friends at a café.

Cha Yai - ชาเย็น (Thai iced tea) - A creamy blend of strong brewed tea, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar, served over ice for a beautifully aromatic drink. Commonly consumed at street food markets, especially in the afternoon when the sun is high—you might see locals enjoying it with a plate of khao soi.

Mang Khud - มังคุด (Mangosteen drink) - A seasonal, refreshing drink made from the juicy flesh of mangosteen blended into a smooth pulp and sweetened with sugar. Best during the hot months when mangosteens are at their peak; you’ll often find this served at local markets during summer festivals—it's a real treat!

Khanom Chan - ขนมชั้น (Layered dessert) - A colorful, sticky rice flour dessert with layers of pandan and coconut flavors, often steaming hot. Traditionally served at special occasions or festivals, this dessert’s beautiful layers remind you of just how intricate Thai sweets can be!

Sticky Rice with Mango - ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง (Rice and mango dessert) - A sweet, fragrant dish made with glutinous rice, fresh mango, and coconut milk, served icy cold for a delightful contrast. This dessert is a staple during the mango season, and there’s something beautiful about sharing it leisurely during the evening with friends under the stars.