The Best Restaurants in Chiang Mai, Recommended by Locals

When people talk about traveling to Thailand, one place gets mentioned again and again: Chiang Mai. People rave about this city and its food culture. It’s full of the best coffee shops, restaurants, and street markets that cater to both tourists and locals alike.

I feel lucky that I finally got the opportunity to see this city that so many people (especially travel bloggers and digital nomads) rave about.

I was in Chiang Mai for work, directing an episode of House Hunters International. In general, we don’t get much time to sightsee when filming the show, but boy we do get to eat. And since that is one of the top things I love to do when I visit any new place, I was ready to experience this city one restaurant at a time.

Related: That Time I spent a Week Living in a Cave for House Hunters International

When I’m on the road for House Hunters International, I always rely on the fixer (A local coordinator we hire to help us with everything from translating and securing locations to navigating the local culture), to pick the places where our crew eats. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned with all of my travels, it’s that the locals know best.

Whether we want to sample the local cuisine or we’re in the mood for something closer to home, our fixers always take us to trusted places. Mind you, these aren’t always the establishments that appear on the ‘best restaurant lists’, and they’re certainly not the ones that cost $100+ per head, but they are the restaurants frequented by locals. And those are exactly the kind of restaurants where I want to find myself, whether I’m traveling for work or pleasure.

So, now that I’ve spent a week in Chiang Mai Thailand, I want to give you my recommendations for some of the best restaurants and markets in the city – according to locals.

So get ready to pick up your chopsticks and dive in?

Related: Where to get the best coffee in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Best Restaurants in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Fern Forest Café

If you’re looking for a respite from the bustling city, head to this oasis. I swear, if I wasn’t working, I would have spent hours at Fern Forest, writing in my journal, working on my blog and daydreaming. It’s that kind of spot. The décor is bright and airy and there’s a beautiful open-air garden as well. The menu has a mix of Western and Thai options and the fresh juices and smoothies are a standout. We also loved the coffee. It’s a perfect café for breakfast or lunch.

Sumrub Gubkao

One of the best Thai meals we had in Chiang Mai was at the restaurant Sumrub Gubkao. Our fixers took the liberty of ordering most of the meal for us and boy are we glad they did. They knew exactly what to pick to give us an abundant feast of Thai spices and flavors. From the simple Tom Yum soup and tempura fried pumpkin appetizers to the chicken in coconut stew and stir-fried basil with minced pork and century eggs for our mains, we happily shared the many dishes placed before us. We were so focused on the food we almost didn’t notice the bright, contemporary décor. This restaurant is a perfect spot for lunch or dinner.

Chang Puak Market

If you want to try the best Thai food in Chiang Mai at rock-bottom prices, head to the Chang Puak Market. Here, you’ll find a potpourri of food stalls, selling everything from chopped up pig legs and pork buns to shellfish simmering in curries and sizzling vegetable stir-fries. There is so much to choose from, it’s hard to go wrong! And most meals won’t set you back more than 1 or 2 US dollars. (Yes, it’s that cheap!) Whatever you eat, make sure to save room for dessert. Mango and sticky rice (or Durian and sticky rice if you dare!) is a favorite among the locals.

Rustic and Blue

Another favorite spot for us was Rustic and Blue, a charming and Instagram worthy café in Nimman, a neighborhood just outside of the old city that is popular among ex-pats. Most of the food here comes from the restaurant’s farm located just outside of the city. The vibe reminded me of one you’d find at a chic café in NYC. The menu has everything from fried chicken and waffles to hearty salads with grilled vegetables, smoothies, fresh pressed juices and more. My favorite part though was the décor and packaging. When it comes to brand aesthetics, this restaurant is getting it right. Head here for a fantastic breakfast, brunch or lunch.

Saturday and Sunday Walking Street Markets

Two of the famous street markets in Chiang Mai each happen once a week, on Saturday and  Sunday. The city converts main thoroughfares to pedestrian-only streets. Hawkers come to sell everything from painted pottery, elephant figurines, clothing and artwork to various types of street food. (Strangely, taxidermy of insects is quite popular in Chiang Mai.) If you are an adventurous foodie, these markets are the place for you. Feast on goose eggs and chicken sausage or corn fritters and fish cakes. The options are endless. When visiting the Saturday or Sunday Street Markets, one thing’s for sure, you won’t leave hungry or empty handed!

Travel Tip: Make sure you bring cash because the vendors don’t accept credit cards.

Travel Tip: Chiang Mai is a relatively safe city but when you’re in a crowded area like the Saturday or Sunday Walking Markets, be mindful of your bag or purse. As in any big city, there are pick-pockets and petty thieves.

The Chef

Set back from the street in the Old City, one could almost miss The Chef if you don’t know where to look for it. The local Thai dishes they serve far outshine the simple décor. We tried the red curry, chicken in coconut milk soup (served in an actual coconut!), papaya salad with fried squid and fresh vegetables sauteed in oyster sauce. Everything was simple but delicious.

River Market

In full disclosure, River Market was not recommended by our fixers as one of the best restaurants in Chiang Mai but was a place my husband and I discovered one evening while searching for a place to eat dinner. We couldn’t help but notice the magnificent open-air space situated right on the river bank. With a large bar, soaring ceilings and elaborate chandeliers, the restaurant felt like a throwback to colonial times. The food was typical Thai, but we were satisfied with our rice noodles, summer rolls, and chicken satay.

Salad Terrace

If you’re looking for a more Western-style healthy meal, head to Salad Terrace. We were a little confused by the décor (there was a giant stuffed teddy bear at our table), but the food was fresh and filling. The menu is similar to salad places in the States where you can choose your greens, protein, and dressing. I made the mistake of asking them for their salad which had the most veggies, not realizing that I was ordering the largest salad on the menu. When it arrived, it made for a good laugh at our table, and I had plenty of leftovers for that night!

Are You Ready to Sample the Best Food in Chiang Mai?

Are you getting hungry? I hope this list of the best restaurants and food markets in Chiang Mai – according to locals – serves you well. Definitely earmark this post if you’re planning a trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand. (Or better yet, pin it with the image below!)

And if you’ve already been to Chiang Mai, I’d love to know your personal recommendations of the best restaurants in Chiang Mai. Please comment below, and as always, happy travels!

Related: If you love to travel to eat, check out my Providence restaurant guide for foodies.