Best Affordable Restaurants to Eat Well in Chiang Mai
Traveling to Thailand often leads adventurers to the enchanting city of Chiang Mai. While its stunning temples are well-known, few realize that this northern gem is the true culinary capital of Thailand. Here, travelers can indulge in delicious, affordable meals that highlight the rich flavors and traditions of Thai cuisine. In this article, we will share some of the best restaurants in Chiang Mai where you can eat well without breaking the bank, allowing you to explore the city with a satisfied stomach!
We've personally tasted all the recommendations below, and they are not ranked in any particular order. Here are our favorite dining spots in Chiang Mai:
Top Restaurants to Enjoy Authentic Thai Cuisine in Chiang Mai
Gohanya (Japanese Cuisine)
While it may not claim the title of the best Japanese restaurant in town, Gohanya is definitely one of the most affordable. We visited several times, and the katsudon was delicious—though we recommend skipping the yakisoba. The cozy atmosphere pays homage to Japanese culture, making your dining experience enjoyable.
A fun idea is to sample various “tapas” such as fried chicken, takoyaki, gyozas, korokke, and makis to get the full spectrum of flavors.
Additionally, for budget-conscious travelers who love sushi, don’t miss the street vendors selling pieces for just 5-10 baht. You can find a good one in the food court on the ground floor of Maya Mall, where you can fill up on 10 sushi pieces for about €1.5!
Clay Studio Coffee in The Garden (Breakfast Spot)
This charming café offers a unique breakfast experience surrounded by tropical plants and terracotta statues. Enjoy the famous mango sticky rice (75 baht) while soaking in the beautiful ambiance. Drinks like coffee, tea, and juices range from 40-70 baht, while hearty breakfast plates, including rice with pork or fish, start at 70 baht.
Unfortunately, this lovely spot has closed, but don’t worry! Right next door is The Faces, a bar-restaurant that you can also enjoy.
SP Chicken (Roast Chicken)
SP Chicken is a local favorite for a reason. The roast chicken is tender and juicy, costing about 150 baht for a whole chicken. While it might not be the biggest portion, it’s perfect for sharing. Pair it with sticky rice for just 10 baht, plus some spicy sauces to enhance the flavors. They also offer homemade coconut ice cream for 30 baht, which is a delightful way to finish your meal!
The Funky Monkey (Smoothies and Light Meals)
This quaint little bar in the heart of Chiang Mai is perfect for a casual meal. We ordered the mediterranean plate (hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, and pita) for 80 baht—while it was decent, it’s the smoothies that truly shine! Rober enjoyed the funky monkey shake: a delightful blend of coffee, milk, and banana for only 40 baht.
This spot is ideal for a budget-friendly meal along with a tasty smoothie!
Rarana’s (Thai Cuisine)
We stumbled upon this lively restaurant and were pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere is vibrant, especially if you sit outside, and the staff adds to the experience. The massaman curry I tried was flavorful and pleasantly spicy, while the khao soi was decent, though not the best we had. Be cautious with the curry of pork (kaeng hang lei); it’s spicier than it appears!
Toey Dim Sum (Dim Sum Spot)
While not the most beautiful establishment, Toey is a hidden gem for dim sum lovers. Each dim sum dish costs just 24 baht. Choose from various fillings like pork, shrimp, or crab, and watch as they are steamed fresh. Although you might end up spending a bit, these dishes are delicious and offer a nice change of pace from traditional Thai food. If you’re looking for alternatives, check out Jok Sompet or Por Dim Sum for more dim sum options.
May Kaidee (Vegan Cuisine)
Chiang Mai is a haven for vegan enthusiasts, and May Kaidee offers delightful and healthy dishes that will surprise you. We highly recommend the pumpkin hummus and the khao soi, which looked scrumptious when Antonio ordered it!
Kiat Ocha (Roast Chicken and Satay)
After reading about Kiat Ocha on Mark's food blog, we had high hopes. While the hainanese chicken (60 baht) was tender, it lacked flavor. However, the highlight was the satay, which was delicious at just 50 baht for nine skewers served with an amazing peanut sauce.
Beast Burger (Burgers)
If a burger is what you crave, Beast Burger in Nimman is the place to go! They offer an array of delicious burgers, both vegetarian and meat options, with prices ranging from 180-250 baht (including fries).
Arnos (Burgers)
We recently tried Arnos' burgers via Foodpanda and were blown away! Their lunch menu is perfect, offering a burger, drink, and fries for just 200 baht. The quality of ingredients is outstanding, making it a go-to spot for burger enthusiasts.
Goodsouls Kitchen (Vegan Cuisine)
This cozy establishment surprised us with a fantastic Christmas dinner alongside our friends. The food was delicious, and the portions generous, although we did wait a while for our meals. The standout was a unique dessert that, while not traditional tiramisu, was irresistible!
Cat House (Varied Dishes)
Thanks to a blog reader for suggesting this spot! We sampled the falafel and hummus plate, which received mixed reviews due to personal taste preferences. However, the pita and hummus were fantastic. The set costs 120 baht, with excellent options for breakfast, Mexican dishes, and delicious smoothies available. Most of the menu is vegetarian, but you can add chicken to your dishes.
Huen Muan Jai (Northern Thai Cuisine)
We discovered this restaurant while searching for authentic northern Thai cuisine, and we were not disappointed. Packed with locals, the food was flavorful and just the right amount of spicy. We tried the khao soy (80 baht) and the kaeng hang lei (curry with rice, 135 baht), both fantastic choices that showcased the region's culinary heritage.
Pakamon Factory (Desserts)
For dessert lovers, this café is paradise! We found an array of cakes (65-85 baht), but the coconut cake is a must-try, along with the strawberry cheesecake. You’ll leave feeling delighted!
Nimman Katsu (Japanese Cuisine)
Nimman Katsu offers a reasonably priced ramen or katsu set for 89 baht. While the portions are smaller, the food is tasty. We also enjoyed crispy takoyakis (80 baht)—a nice touch to our meal.
Additional Tips for Dining in Chiang Mai
Experiencing food in Chiang Mai is an adventure in itself, so be sure to savor it! To enhance your culinary journey, consider these tips:
- Don’t miss out on the vibrant experience of eating in a food court. Our favorite is the Maya Shopping Mall food court, where you can find a variety of dishes from pad thai to wonton soup.
- For a lively dinner atmosphere, visit the Student Market food court. The bento boxes here are both delicious and affordable, costing around 89 baht.
- For pizza lovers, we recommend By Hand or Girasole for a satisfying slice.
- Consider trying a buffet experience at Sukontha Buffet, where for 209 baht, you can enjoy a variety of meats and vegetables cooked right at your table.
- Night markets are another great option for cheap eats. The South Gate Market offers diverse choices, but we particularly love the North Gate market for the amazing rice dishes served by the "cowboy lady" known for her delicious pork rice!
These recommendations should help you navigate the delicious food scene in Chiang Mai. Are there other places to eat in Chiang Mai that you would suggest?
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