Chiang Mai’s food scene might be smaller than Bangkok’s, but it is still seriously good. The city has a great mix of brunch spots, specialty coffee, bakeries, and cozy cafés that make slow mornings very easy to enjoy. These are the places we actually went back to, talked about later, and would 100% return to.
A great way to experience Chiang Mai’s food scene is by joining a guided food tour with a local who can take you beyond the obvious spots and into the real Northern Thai flavours.
BRUNCHES
1. Groon ($$-$$$)
Groon feels modern but still relaxed, and it is one of those places where everything looks good without trying too hard. The menu is creative but still approachable, and it works perfectly for a proper sit down brunch when you want something a little more elevated than just coffee and a pastry.
2. KLĀY cafe ($$-$$$)
KLĀY was hands down our favourite. We went twice during our stay, which says a lot. What we loved most is that it feels like elevated classics with a Western touch, familiar brunch dishes but done in a more refined and thoughtful way. The space is calm and beautifully designed, and everything from the plating to the flavours feels intentional. If we had to recommend just one brunch spot in Chiang Mai, this would be it.
Bacon Benny
3. Zohng Coffee ($$-$$$)
Zohng Coffee is located right in the centre, next to Wat Phra Singh, which makes it perfect before a proper temple visiting day. It is an easy, reliable coffee stop when you are already exploring the Old Town, and the location honestly makes it even better.
4. Always LOAF U Nimman Soi.17 ($$-$$$)
Always LOAF U is so cute. A lot of people just pop in, grab a bakery, and leave, but we actually recommend sitting down and enjoying it properly. Their brunch menu is really solid, and pairing it with one of their fresh pastries makes it even better. It is definitely our second favourite from this list.
Fat Kids Bagel
RESTAURANTS
5. Khao Soi Maesai ($)
Khao Soi Maesai has a Michelin mention, and honestly, it deserves the hype. The broth is rich, creamy, spicy, and just ridiculously comforting. It is one of those bowls that makes you pause mid bite. That said, if you are in Chiang Mai, try khao soi everywhere you can. It is the signature Northern Thai dish, and each place does it a little differently.
6. Neng’s Clay Oven Roasted Pork ($)
This one is all about the roasted pork cooked in a clay oven, and you can taste that smoky depth in every bite. It is located a bit outside the centre, so do not expect anything fancy, but that is part of the charm. It feels local, authentic, and very much worth the visit.
7. JEAB Cafe & Thai Food ($-$$)
JEAB is a super reliable Thai spot with a big menu and bold flavours. It is casual, easy, and great when you want proper Thai food without overthinking it. Nothing overly fancy, just solid dishes done well.
Red curry with chicken
8. Garden Grove ($$$)
Garden Grove is the place to go when you need a little break from Thai food. Their Neapolitan style pizzas are genuinely amazing, with that soft, slightly charred crust and fresh toppings. If you are a bit fed up with rice and noodles, this hits perfectly.
Pizza #6
9. Smash Daddy’s ($$-$$$)
Honestly, who does not want a smash burger every once in a while? Smash Daddy’s hits. It is juicy, flavourful, casual, and just fun. The kind of place where you stop caring about being healthy for a second and fully enjoy it.
10. Healthy Junk ($$)
Now, if you need to balance Smash Daddy’s the next day, Healthy Junk is your redemption arc. The bowls and plates are fresh, colourful, and actually satisfying, not the sad kind of “healthy.” It feels balanced, nourishing, and like your body is thanking you.
Charles Salad & El Coop Bowl
11. Chai “N” Thai @ Nimman ($$)
Chai “N” Thai is actually an Indian restaurant, and when you stay somewhere longer, you start craving a change in cuisine. The curries were rich and flavourful, the naan was fresh, and everything felt comforting and satisfying. It is such a good switch up if you are based in Nimman and need something different for dinner.
12. Sanmai Ramen Nimman ($$)
Sanmai Ramen is cozy and comforting, especially on a cooler Chiang Mai evening. The broth is rich and deeply flavoured, and the noodles are done properly. It is the kind of place you go when you want something warm and filling without it feeling heavy.
13. Gin Udon ($$)
Gin Udon is simple, but done very well. We had the tonkatsu here, and it was crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and exactly what you want from a proper cutlet. Paired with their fresh udon, it makes for a very satisfying, no drama, comfort meal.
14. Mana’s Best Mango Sticky Rice ข้าวเหนียวมานะ ($)
We actually found this place completely randomly while walking around and thought, why not, let’s try it. It ended up being one of the best mango sticky rices we had in all of Thailand, and yes, we are comparing it to the famous Michelin mentioned spot we tried in Bangkok. The rice was perfectly cooked, the mango super sweet, and everything just worked. Sometimes the best finds really are accidental.
BARS
15. Braycompany.cmi ($$)
Located in Nimman, and as you can probably tell by now, many of our spots are around here because this is where we stayed and honestly it’s the best neighbourhood to base yourself in Chiang Mai. We talk more about why in our separate “where to stay” guide, but just know Nimman makes food hopping very easy. Braycompany.cmi was fairly new when we visited, but we completely loved it. The cocktails are crafted with real attention to detail, the vibe is cool without being a try hard, and the staff was genuinely so nice. Definitely one we would recommend for a relaxed but elevated night out.
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