Apart from its beautiful culture, the heart of creativity, gorgeous panoramic greenery, and mountainous views, Chiang Mai also offers many authentic eateries. You will be surprised by an abundance of cuisines available such as Thai Lanna, Thai Isan, or even Western and Chinese food. There is also a farm-to-table restaurant that you should not miss. Undeniably, you will indulge in this food paradise.
Here are three trendy, authentic, yet price-friendly food spots that will definitely make your mouth water!
Cr. https://www.facebook.com/joksomphet
Joke Sompetch, a Cantonese-style congee, is regarded as one of the most delicious dishes in the Chiang Mai Old town area. Despite being a simple restaurant, the long queue of Thais every morning proves its great-tasting breakfast. There are several choices of toppings to go with the congee. They range from pork, chicken, seafood to vegetarian with an option of a soft-boiled egg. The most recommended dish is one served with mixed-pork as it comes with offal. For the best dining experience, add some crisp-fried vermicelli to your congee. You may also put in condiments like fresh ginger, pepper, chili, or vinegar, depending on your preference.
Location: 59/3 Sri Poom Rd, Chiang Mai
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun | 4:00 PM – late night
Price: from THB 30
Laab, a flavourful mince meat salad, is one of Thai’s favorite traditional dishes. While it is mostly known as a signature dish from the Isan (Northeastern) region, in Chiang Mai, you will get to experience another unique kind of Laab. Here, the main ingredients of Laab are meat, either pork, chicken, or beef,, dried and fresh chilies, fried garlic, kaffir lime leaves, roasted rice, fresh chili, and lime juice. They are then stir-fried instead of being mixed in a bowl. Another stunning feature of Chiang Mai Laab is that it has blood cubes and intestines. While it may not sound very appetizing, believe us, you will find this dish incredibly delicious!
One of the best eateries for Laab in Chiang Mai is Laab Bunker. It is well known among locals for its taste, highly affordable price, and after-party meal spot since it opens until past midnight. Each serving, surprisingly, costs only THB 10! Must-try items here are Laab Koua (minced meat salad), Sai Oua (northern sausage), and Aong-or (grilled pig brain in banana leaf). Again, you will find that it tastes better than it sounds!
Location: 168 Chiang Mai-Lam Phun Rd, Chiang Mai
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun | 4:00 PM – Midnight
Price: from THB 10
Cr. https://www.facebook.com/gingerfarmchiangmai
Ginger Farm
If you are looking for a new dining and learning experience for yourself and your family, especially with kids, Ginger Farm is the answer. A cozy and beautiful restaurant, Ginger Farm offers a variety of interactive activities. Many activities taking place around the farm are specially crafted for kids to explore nature closely. Various family activities include learning how to plant and harvest rice in the paddy fields, select cooking ingredients, and how the farm operates. You can also try collecting fresh eggs, mud sliding, and take part in art events and painting. These hands-on workshops make Ginger Farm an excellent learning place.
Ginger Farm also operates the Ginger Farm Kitchen located at One Nimman Chiang Mai. Embracing a farm-to-table concept, the restaurant mainly serves traditional Northern Thai food where most ingredients are delivered directly from its farm. Hence, it guarantees visitors the freshness and organic products in all their dishes. The top 3 menus recommended by Michelin Guide Thailand are spicy minced pork salad, stir-fried organic Pako fern, and mango sticky rice. Undoubtedly, its great popularity has brought this farm-to-city concept to Bangkok. We recommend an advance reservation for dine-in.
Location:
Ginger Farm
Hang Khawe Soi 9, Thawangtan Amphoe Saraphi, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday – Public Holiday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Ginger Farm Kitchen
One Nimman (Chiang Mai)
Nimmanhaemin Road, Suthep, Chiang Mai
Opening Hours: Everyday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
MegaBangna (Bangkok)
MegaBangna Shopping Center
FoodWalk zone, 38 39 Debaratana Road, Bang Kaeo, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540
Opening Hours: Everyday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
101 True Digital Park (Bangkok)
101 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok
Opening Hours: Everyday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM