Top 5 Best Places for Traditional Thai Food in Chiang Mai

The Classic Lanna Institution

You cannot talk about Chiang Mai food without starting here. Huen Phen has been serving locals for over 40 years. By day, it’s a bustling, open-air canteen serving quick plates of Khao Soi and Khanom Jeen (rice noodles with curry). By night, the back section opens up into a beautifully decorated antique house for a more atmospheric dinner. It is the perfect place to try the "Lanna Starter Pack": Sai Oua (northern herbal sausage) and Nam Prik Ong (tomato chili dip).

Opening Time: Daily, 08:30 – 16:30 (Day Menu) & 17:00 – 22:00 (Dinner Menu).

Location: 112 Ratchamanka Rd, Phra Sing (Inside the Old City).

How to get there:

Red Truck (Songthaew): It’s in the heart of the Old City. Tell the driver "Huen Phen, Ratchamanka Road." It is just south of Wat Chedi Luang.

The Legend of Grandma's Curry Noodles

"Khun Yai" means Grandma, and this hidden gem serves arguably the Best Khao Soi in Chiang Mai. Located in a simple open-air shed between two temples, it has a cult following. The broth is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced, not too sweet, not too spicy. It is purely a lunch spot, and they often sell out before closing. If you don't get the Khao Soi Beef, you missed out.

Opening Time: Mon – Sat: 10:00 – 14:00 (Closed Sundays).

Location: Sri Poom Road (North Gate of the Old City).

How to get there:

Landmark: It is tricky to find! Go to the Sri Poom Road (moat side) and look for a small gate next to Wat Kuan Kama. It looks like a parking lot entrance.

The Hipster's Favorite Lanna Food

Located in the trendy Nimmanhaemin district, Tong Tem Toh proves that traditional food can be cool. This open-air restaurant is always packed with Thai university students and Bangkok tourists. The vibe is lively and rustic, with a BBQ grill at the front smoking up the street. Their Burmese Pork Curry (Gaeng Hung Lay) is tender and flavorful, and the Grilled Pork Neck is mandatory for every table. Be prepared to wait in line during peak hours!

Opening Time: Daily, 07:00 – 21:00.

Location: Nimmanhaemin Soi 13.

How to get there:

Taxi/Grab: Set destination to "Tong Tem Toh" in Nimman Soi 13. It is in the middle of the most popular walking street in the area.

The Michelin Bib Gourmand Hidden Gem

For a truly authentic experience away from the main tourist trail, head to Han Teung. This restaurant has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand, recognizing its incredible quality at a budget price. It feels like eating at a local friend's home. The menu features some "deep cuts" of Northern cuisine you might not find elsewhere, like Puff Ball Mushroom Curry (seasonal) and spicy minced pork salads. It is unpretentious, spicy, and deeply traditional.

Opening Time: Daily, 10:00–16:00 and 17:00–21:30 (Check hours, primarily a lunch/early dinner spot).

Location: Suthep Road (Behind Chiang Mai University).

How to get there:

Grab/Taxi: It is slightly out of the center near the University. Book a Grab to "Han Teung Chiang Mai" (Soi Wat Umong area).

The Beautiful Teak House Experience

If you want traditional flavors but in a beautiful, romantic setting, Dash! is the answer. Tucked down a small lane in the Old City, this restaurant is a stunning two-story wooden teak house with a garden patio. While the vibe is upscale and tourist-friendly, the food remains authentically Thai (the owner, Noi, is a fantastic cook). It’s the best spot on this list for a relaxed dinner with cocktails, live music, and excellent Tamarind Chicken.

Opening Time: Daily, 10:30 – 14:00 & 17:30 – 21:30.

Location: Moon Muang Road Lane 1 (Old City).

How to get there:

Walk: From Tha Phae Gate, walk south along the moat and turn right into Moon Muang Soi 1. It is a 5-minute walk from the gate.