1. Khao Soi Mae Sai

Khao soi, or khao soy, is an iconic Northern Thai dish with strong Burmese influences; you get a rich coconut gravy spiced up with herbs and aromatics, poured over egg noodles, and topped with crispy noodle shreds, pickled mustard greens and more. Khao Soi Mae Sai has won the Michelin Guide’s stamp of approval—it’s crowned a Bib Gourmand eatery!

Their Khao Soy with Chicken (฿55) comes with a whole drumstick over egg noodles and a sweet, coconutty broth with just the right amount of spice.

• Address: 29, 1 Ratchaphuek Alley, Tambon Chang Phueak, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
• Opening hours: Mon-Sat 8am to 4pm

2. Busarin

If budget is not a concern, splurge on the Beef Khao Soi (฿250) at Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Busarin. The hole-in-the-wall eatery was started by the same chef behind Magnolia Cafe. Here, the khao soi gravy boasts a rich and thick consistency with bold, concentrated flavours.

For a taste of Northern Thai cuisine, order their “Hunglay” Slow Cooked Pork Curry in Northern Style (฿250), served with crispy roti slices on the side.

• Address: 133 Rattanakosin Road, Chang Moi, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
• Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am to 4pm

3. Mitte Mitte

At Mitte Mitte, a double-storey brunch spot in the Chang Moi district, set in a restored house, you’ll find all-day brunch items, including house-made bagels and sandwiches.

The Eggs Bae (฿195) is a popular pick with two house-made English muffins topped with poached eggs, smoked bacon, and spicy mayo. Try also the Chang Moi – Katsu Bagel (฿220) featuring deep-fried Northern Thai sausage.

• Address: 64, 1 Sithiwongse Road, Chang Moi, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
• Opening hours: Daily 8:30am to 3:30pm

4. Fern Forest Cafe

No Chiang Mai food or cafe guide is complete without a mention of Fern Forest Cafe, a super popular brunch and coffee spot located in the city. Diners love the Mango Blueberry Tart (฿155), a signature dessert combining sweet and tangy flavours, as well as classics like New York Cheese Cake (฿145) and BLT Sandwich (฿235).

• Address: 54, 1 Singharat Road, Si Phum Sub-district, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
• Opening hours: Daily 8am to 8pm

5. Akha Ama Phrasingh

Akha Ama Phrasingh is a chic, two-storey coffee house right next to the famous Wat Phra Singh temple. The menu is coffee-focused, with options like Piccolo Latte (฿65) and Manee Mana (฿100)—a refreshing concoction of espresso, honey, and orange peel. Pair your drink with a slice of Carrot Cheese Cake (฿75).

• Address: 175, 2 Rachadamnoen Road, Tambon Si Phum, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
• Opening hours: Daily 8am to 5:30pm

6. Fleur Cafe & Eatery

Located in Mae Rim, Fleur Cafe & Eatery is one of the most photogenic cafes in Chiang Mai. Their extensive menu offers Western mains, Thai-fusion dishes, and dainty pastries like the Thai Young Coconut Cake (฿150), Thai Tea Milk Cake (฿90), and Basque Burnt Cheesecake (฿85).

• Address: Tung Lung Soi 4, Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
• Opening hours: Daily 9am to 6pm

7. The Ironwood

Another hidden gem in Mae Rim is The Ironwood, a stunning country house-meets-industrial restaurant. Tuck into fusion bites such as Shrimp Tom Yum Spaghetti (฿300), Chicken Green Curry Fried Rice (฿220), and desserts like Tiramisu (฿130).

• Address: 592/1, Mae Rim-Sameung Road, Mae Raem, Mae Rim 50180, Thailand
• Opening hours: Daily 9am to 5pm

8. Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kaat Gorm

Famous for being featured on Netflix’s “Somebody Feed Phil”, Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kaat Gorm (also known as “Khao Soi Netflix”) serves highly raved khao soi. The Khao Soi Gai (฿60) comes with egg noodles, a whole chicken drumstick, and a fragrant, spicy, coconutty soup. A beef version is also available at ฿70.

• Address: 53 Suriyawong 5 Road, Hai Ya, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
• Opening hours: Daily 9:30am to 4:30pm

9. Rote Yiam Beef Noodle

Michelin-recommended Rote Yiam Beef Noodle has been around for over 30 years, selling Chinese-style beef noodles with house-made meatballs starting from ฿50 (or ฿100 for a larger bowl). Choose your noodle type and enjoy bouncy beef balls, sliced beef, tendons, and stewed beef in a rich broth.

• Address: 164, 48 Changklan Road, Tambon Chang Khlan, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
• Opening hours: Daily 9am to 6pm

10. Aquila

Michelin-recommended Aquila is an Italian-inspired restaurant offering 16 pasta dishes. A highlight is the Truffle, Wagyu, Burrata, and Gnocchi (฿590++)—seared potato dumplings tossed in creamy sauce with burrata, Wagyu slices, and freshly shaved black truffle.

• Address: 226/4 Soi Surapol 1, Tha Sala, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
• Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 12pm-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm | Fri-Sat 12pm-2:30pm, 5pm-10:30pm

11. We-La-Dee Cafe & Restaurant

A hidden gem 30 minutes from the Old City, Michelin-approved We-La-Dee Cafe & Restaurant serves Central Thai cuisine in a chic industrial space. Popular picks include Spaghetti “Tom-Yum” with Seafood (฿240) and Green Curry with Fish Balls and Salted Eggs (฿260).

• Address: 291 San Sai District, Chiang Mai 50210, Thailand
• Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9pm

12. Khaomao-Khaofang Imaginary Jungle

Listed on the Michelin Guide for four consecutive years, Khaomao-Khaofang Imaginary Jungle lets you dine inside a tropical rainforest setting. Try the Green Papaya Spicy Salad (฿150++) or Stir-Fried Squid with Yellow Curry Sauce (฿260++).

• Address: Ratchapruek Road, Nong Kwai, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand
• Opening hours: Thurs-Tue 11am-3pm, 5pm-9pm

13. Huen Muan Jai

Set in a restored Lanna-style house, Huen Muan Jai is a Michelin-approved Northern Thai restaurant run by a former TV chef. Must-try items include Gaeng Hung Lay (฿150)—a pork curry—and Tam Kha-Noon (฿80.80), a spicy pounded raw jackfruit salad.

• Address: 24 Ratchaphuek Alley, Tambon Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
• Opening hours: Thurs-Tue 11am-3pm, 5pm-9pm

14. Aunt Aoy Kitchen

Aunt Aoy Kitchen is a Michelin Bib Gourmand eatery run by a former hotel chef. Highlights include the crispy yet fluffy Chef Omelette (฿150) topped with minced pork, salted egg, and fried lard, alongside classics like Stir Fried Basil with Pork on Rice (฿80).

• Address: 377 2 Chiang Rai Road, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
• Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10am to 7pm

15. Baan Landai Fine Thai Cuisine

For elevated Thai dishes in a colonial-style setting, visit Michelin-approved Baan Landai Fine Thai Cuisine. Highlights include Grilled Pork and Cucumber Spicy Salad (฿289), Pork Ribs with Red Wine Sauce (฿199/฿389), and unique khao soi variations.

• Address: 252 13 Prapokkloa Road, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
• Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-8:30pm