Chiang Mai Food Guide: Traditional foods in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a vibrant city located in northern Thailand. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning temples, and breathtaking natural landscapes. The city is surrounded by mountains and lush rainforests, providing a beautiful backdrop for exploring the region. Chiang Mai is also famous for its traditional festivals, such as the Yi Peng Lantern Festival and the Songkran Water Festival.
What to eat in Chiang Mai, Thailand
This is a list of the must have dishes in Chiang Mai. Ranked on best food score.
Khao Soi
Khao Soi is a popular and delicious noodle dish that originated in northern Thailand. It is a combination of both a curry and a soup, featuring egg noodles in a rich and aromatic coconut milk-based broth. The dish is typically topped with crispy fried noodles, tender slices of chicken or beef, and garnished with pickled mustard greens, shallots, and lime. The flavors of Khao Soi are complex and well-balanced, with hints of spice, sweetness, and tanginess. It is a must-try dish for any visitor to Chiang Mai.
Khao Kha Moo
Khao Kha Moo, also known as stewed pork leg, is a popular street food dish in Chiang Mai. It features tender and flavorful chunks of pork leg that have been slow-cooked in a tasty broth made from soy sauce, cinnamon, star anise, and other aromatic spices. The dish is typically served over a bed of rice and accompanied by a side of pickled mustard greens. The meat is incredibly tender and flavorful after hours of simmering, and the combination of the rich broth and tangy pickled greens creates a perfect balance of flavors.
Som Tum
Som Tum, also known as green papaya salad, is a refreshing and tangy dish that is popular throughout Thailand. It is made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and chili peppers, all tossed together in a zesty dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and garlic. The result is a vibrant and flavorful salad that combines sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Som Tum is often enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course when served with sticky rice and grilled meat.
Kai Yang
Kai Yang, also known as grilled chicken, is a classic Thai street food dish that is loved by locals and visitors alike. It consists of marinated and grilled chicken that is seasoned with a blend of Thai herbs and spices, giving it a deliciously smoky and flavorful taste. The chicken is often served with sticky rice, grilled vegetables, and a spicy dipping sauce. Kai Yang is a popular choice for those seeking a quick and tasty meal on the go.
Mango Sticky Rice
Mango Sticky Rice is a popular and delicious dessert that can be found throughout Thailand, including Chiang Mai. It is made with sweet glutinous rice that is cooked until sticky and topped with ripe mango slices. The dish is then drizzled with a rich and creamy coconut sauce, which adds a decadent sweetness to the overall combination of flavors. Mango Sticky Rice is the perfect ending to a spicy Thai meal, providing a refreshing and satisfying bite.
Kao Soi Mae Sai
Kao Soi Mae Sai is a unique twist on the traditional Khao Soi dish, which is a specialty of Chiang Mai. It features a combination of crispy egg noodles and soft rice noodles, topped with a flavorful curry broth and tender slices of chicken or beef. The dish is garnished with shallots, pickled mustard greens, and lime, adding a tangy and refreshing element to the rich and creamy curry. Kao Soi Mae Sai is a must-try dish for those looking to experience a different variation of the famous Khao Soi.
Sai Oua
Sai Oua, also known as Chiang Mai sausage, is a popular street food snack in northern Thailand. It is made from ground pork that is blended with a variety of aromatic herbs and spices, such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and turmeric. The mixture is then stuffed into natural casings and grilled or fried until golden and crispy. Sai Oua has a unique and flavorful taste, with a perfect balance of savory and herbaceous flavors. It is often enjoyed with sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce.
