5 must-try restaurants and cafes in Chiang Mai

You could completely blindfold yourself, spin around a few times, point a finger in any direction, and still find a good restaurant or cafe in Chiang Mai. The northern city is packed with eateries that deliver not only for taste buds but also in plenty of cool points, and more are opening every month. To ignite your culinary journey here, we picked out five highlights to get you going.

It can be overwhelming to plan your meals in Chiang Mai. The options are endless, and if you’re only here for a weekend or a short trip, there’s a sense of dining FOMO if you don’t hit up the right spots. For various occasions, we’ve put together a quick guide to make things easier for you. Local craft coffee in the morning? Check. Most famous khao soi in town? Check. Award-winning flavours all around? Check, check, check.

5 must-try restaurants and cafes in Chiang Mai

For local favourites: Tong Tem Toh

For a spot that checks all the boxes in Chiang Mai, head to Tong Tem Toh. A lively outdoor setting sets the ambience for a casual northern food experience. All the staples can be found on the menu here, from northern curries and soups over to chili dips (with pork crackling, of course), northern sausages, minced salads, and so much more. Make a reservation or prepare to wait in some very long queues. The restaurant is very popular amongst locals and visitors alike.

Tong Tem Toh, 11 13 Nimmanahaeminda Road, Suthep, Chiang Mai 50200.

For the most famous khao soi in town: Kao Soy Nimman

Ask anyone who’s been to Chiang Mai about where to go for khao soi, and it’s likely Kao Soy Nimman will be one of the first names mentioned. A spot where many a celebrity can be spotted enjoying a ‘Super Bowl’ with massive prawn, brisket beef, or whole crabs, Kao Soy Nimman has made a real name for itself in serving impressive bowls of the northern favourite staple. Beyond the hearty signature dish, they also offer a selection of other Chiang Mai specialties, with the sai oua northern sausage coming highly recommended.

Kao Soy Nimman, 2 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 7, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200.

For Thai food favourites: Aunt Aoy Kitchen

Walk into this casual street food restaurant too fast and you may just miss Aunt Aoy, the small female chef behind the big and bold flavour restaurant. Receiving a Michelin Bib Gourmand, Aunt Aoy is a good spot to visit if you’re seeking more central Thai and classic Thai dishes. The signature dish here is a very crispy take on your classic omelette, topped with pork crackling and filled with salted egg. Ditch the diet.

Aunt Aoy Kitchen, 580/1 2 Chiang Rai Rd, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200.

For sweet treats in the afternoon: Cheva & Chavee

Doughnut lovers must not miss this spot. Cheva & Chavee opened during the height of the pandemic to everyone’s delight, and has been serving specialty Hokkaido milk doughnuts ever since. Light and fluffy, the doughnuts are deceptively easy to consume by the box, and come with a choice of cream and homemade jams to suit. Baked fresh daily, don’t miss the opportunity to pick these up yourself from the very cutesy storefront.

Cheva & Chavee, 10 Siri Mangkalajarn Rd Lane 13, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200.

For Chiang Mai brews: GRAPH ground

Here’s one for the minimalists, the die-hard coffee lovers, and the all-round cafe-hoppers. You can’t leave Chiang Mai without trying the local coffee, and if you’re seeking one the best spots to try, it’s got to be GRAPH ground. You may recognise the colourful ground coffee packets from shops around Bangkok, but there’s no place like the source. The vast and imaginative menu features many different roasts, and even a lot for the non-coffee drinker. A fab spot to get some work done if you’re here for a workstation, too.

GRAPH ground, 41 Siri Mangkalajarn Rd Lane 1, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200.