Chiang Mai Restaurants Travel Guide

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When it comes to dining out in Chiang Mai, you literally have the whole world on your plate. Cuisines from all over the world cater to tourists and locals and you'll really have a job on your hands just deciding what to have. The best of Europe, the Middle-East, Indian, and Mexican vie with the fabulous local menu for table space. Fears about holiday fat are warranted. To make matters worse, eating seems to be a favourite pastime. [more]

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A few things you might need to remember when out dining with friends is that the senior most in the group, whether in terms of status or wealth, discreetly takes care of the bill. Eating with hands is the norm, though cutlery is provided in some places. Now this can get pretty tricky and send you back to your toddler days if you can't get the hang of it. The trick is to meet your hand half way rather than bring it all the way up to your mouth, thereby avoiding spills and dribbles down your shirt front. Thai meat dishes are always diced and served in small portions so it doesn't really call for an arsenal of cutlery to escort it to your mouth.

Recommended Restaurants

There's something about a waterfront ambience that takes dining a notch higher. Even a burger by a river bank somehow tastes better. By that token you can't go wrong with The Good View, The Riverside, and The Gallery on the eastern banks of the Ping River. Great places to indulge-great food, great service, balmy weather. Go for it.

Palaad Tawanrod is a restaurant with a view, nestling the lush woods of the Doi Suithep Mountains. As with most good places it might be hard to find tables during busy hours.

You most certainly have to visit a Khantoke restaurant while you're here. You are seated on the floor at a very low table, almost reclining on downy cushions. The whole atmosphere is relaxed and soothing. You are treated to cultural entertainment while you feast on local food fit for a king. Experience traditional Thai, but do let them know your spice quotient, or the evening might not end very well for you. You might need to book in advance and your hotel will help you with the proceedings.

Recommended for Business

Antique House on 71 Charoen Prathet Rd is a 100 year old beauty in teak that now does service as a restaurant. You can't beat this place for quite class and understated elegance. Le Coq d'Or Restaurant on Koh Klang Rd gives you authentic French cuisine amid Thai ambience. You'll certainly be pleased with your choice. Giorgio on Chanklan Rd is yet another great choice. Dhara Dhevi in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel has an Asian Market theme with five star facilities, fabulous Cantonese menu, and flawless service. Asahi on Sri Donchai Rd gives you an authentic Japanese experience complete with sushi, teriyaki, and a mostly Japanese clientele that might serve to confuse a jetlagged globe trotter as to his bearings.

Recommended on a Budget

Ratana's Kitchen on Tapae Rd is a centrally located eatery with great Thai as well as other cuisine. What's more, there's air conditioning. Zest Restaurant on Moon Muang Rd near the Thapae Gate has simple, healthy food at great prices. For an organic treat, try the Salad House on Mahidol Rd on the way to the Airport. Whole Earth is where you get great Indian vegetarian food which makes for a great change if you so desire. If you prefer vegetarian, you could also check out Aum Vegetarian and Blue Diamond on Moon Muang Rd.

Recommended Trendy Restaurants

The Saloon on Loi Kroh Rd near the Night Market is where you need to go for burger and steak when you start to feel homesick. If the food doesn't do it, the large screen TV will definitely cheer you up. The west meets east and decides to stay at The Queen Victoria Inn. Here is an incredible place that serves you an English breakfast as well as phad thai with equal flair. A generous flow of beer mingles with the subtle aroma of lime tea in this wonderful melting pot. I'm willing to bet you'll be spending a lot of time here. River Ping Palace on Charoen Prathat Rd near the Sheraton is a great place to spend a fun evening. Try the Imperial Shabu Shabu for a wide assortment including sumptuous seafood. Citrus for Scents and Spices at the Novotel on Changpuak Rd, offers Caribbean, Mexican, and local cuisine.