Where to Eat and Drink in Chiang Mai on a Budget- That’s NOT Street Food!
While street food is a must when you're in Thailand, there are times when you just need a break from it! After spending two months in Chiang Mai over the past few years and indulging in our love for food, we've put together a list of 15 incredible spots to eat and drink that aren't street food but still budget-friendly. If you're craving hidden foodie gems that will blow your taste buds away, this guide has you covered!
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Khao Soi Mae Sai
You can’t come to Chiang Mai and not eat khao soi. This dish is a rich and flavorful coconut curry noodle soup, typically topped with crispy fried noodles, fresh lime, and pickled mustard greens. This spot is known for serving some of the best in the city. The broth is rich, the noodles are perfectly chewy, and the crispy toppings add the perfect crunch. It fills up quickly, but the staff work hard to get your food to you in less than five minutes. This khao soi is so good that we actually ordered two bowls each! If you get there and there's a line, it's 100% worth the wait. A bowl of Khao Soi with chicken will cost you only 55 Baht $1.63USD and a Thai tea is only 20 Baht or .60 cents!
Gor Neng
These light, airy fried dough treats are a must-try, especially at breakfast when Gor Neng opens at 6am. But why do you want to get them at Gor Neng? They come in different shapes like a dragon, crocodile and even an elephant! They are served with condensed milk for dipping, making them an irresistible start to your day. These are a MUST when visiting Chiang Mai!
Tuki’s Mango Sticky Rice
This feels like a hidden gem—not only because it’s not at a night market but also because it’s a standalone shop that seems to double as the owner’s home. The front of the restaurant is decorated with memorabilia from the last 50 or so years, giving it a unique charm. The owner, who we’re going to assume is named Tuki, has the most infectious smile and laugh and is guaranteed to make your day. The portions here are much larger than what you’d get at a night market, making it worth a trip (or three) when you’re in Chiang Mai.
Nai To Congee Shop
If you’re craving a comforting breakfast, congee (rice porridge) is the way to go! Nai To is a local favorite, but be sure to arrive early as they occasionally sell out. If congee isn’t your thing, try their egg plate with Chinese sausage and pork—it's absolutely delicious. And don’t skip the toast, served with butter, sugar, or both—this simple treat is a must-try. Pair it with their tasty Thai tea or coffee for the perfect start to your day. Ordering is easy: sit down, grab the paper and pencil provided, check the boxes for what you want, and either wait for staff to collect it or bring it to the front, where you'll also pay at the end. Your food will then be brought to your table.
Butter Is Better
A retro American-style diner in the heart of Chiang Mai? Yep. Whether you’re craving pancakes, grilled cheese, or an old-school milkshake, Butter Is Better has you covered. Bonus points for the homemade bagels. They also have pastries, homemade cookies, and fresh bread. The service is top-tier, and you can even call your server using a button located on the table. The prices aren’t as affordable as street food, but it’s worth it for a taste of home. Around Thanksgiving, they serve traditional turkey day foods, and at Christmas, they offer a Sunday roast.
Dreamer CNX
This spot is all about wood-fired pizza done right. The crust is perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with high-quality toppings. Whether you're a classic margherita fan or want something more adventurous, this place will satisfy your cravings. Easily one of the best pizza joints in Chiang Mai. Also be sure to order the greek salad, this cool and refreshing salad is the perfect appetizer on a hot day in Chiang Mai!
Thai Akha Kitchen
Though not a traditional restaurant, their cooking classes let you create authentic Akha and Thai dishes. The Akha people, native to Southeast Asian mountains, are known for their rich culture and farming traditions, highlighting the importance of preserving indigenous identities and supporting cultural diversity. Booking a class is essential! You'll prepare delicious meals with fresh, local ingredients and may even make lasting friendships. It's a fantastic way to dive into Thai culture and create unforgettable culinary memories… Oh- and eat ALL DAY! You can book directly at the link here. They offer a morning and evening class lasting 6 hours and they even pick you up! The class will cost you 1,400 Baht or $41.45 per person and you can book via Viator, and pay in your home currency, by clicking the link here.
Je Hua Noodles
Evan’s personal favorite spot in Chiang Mai. The noodle soups here are simple but packed with flavor, and the homemade chili oil takes everything to the next level. But the real star of the show are their gyoza! They offer both pork and chicken gyoza that are made fresh every day. We probably ate here 12 times in our last month in Chiang Mai because the food was THAT good. And don’t forget to save room for dessert- their famous deep buns served with condensed milk. If you’re into no-frills, just-really-good-food, this is your place. We already suspect you might make more than one visit to this place!
Cherry Burmese
A must-stop for traditional Burmese food. Myanmar (formerly Burma) has a long history with Thailand, and many Burmese people have moved here seeking refuge. It felt good to support a spot that keeps Burmese traditions alive, and their Burmese tea leaf salad is something you won’t want to miss.
Indish Restaurant
If you’re craving Indian food, this place delivers. The portions are perfect, the butter chicken and tikka masala are delicious, and the garlic butter naan is next-level. They have a great outdoor patio, but let’s be real—it was way too hot when we visited, so we opted for the air-conditioned dining room. Dishes will run anywehere from 150 Baht $4.44USD for Chicken Tikka Masala and 160 Baht $4.74USD for Butter chicken.
Siamaya Chocolate Factory
Chocolate lovers, take note. Siamaya specializes in bean-to-bar chocolate with Thai-inspired flavors like Khao Soi, Durian, and Thai tea. This is great place to pick up a unique edible souvenir while trying some of their delicious creations! They also offer chocolate tastings and chocolate making workshop and they serve delicious iced beverages you can sip while you taste chocolate!
TimNomSod
This is a dessert spot that’s wildly popular with Asian tourists. At first, we weren’t sure what the hype was about—after all, they specialize in toasted buns, how good can they be? But once we dipped them in pandan and Thai tea sauce, we got it. There might be a wait, but it’s worth it!
Where to Drink in Chiang Mai
The North Gate Jazz Co-Op
A Chiang Mai staple. If you love live jazz, this is the place to be. It fills up FAST, so get there when they open or shortly after. The drinks aren’t the cheapest, but the vibe makes up for it. Since our first visit in 2018, it’s only gotten more popular, even adding a second bar outside to accommodate the crowds. You haven’t truly been to Chiang Mai until you’ve experienced this bar!
Boys Blues Bar
Another Chiang Mai staple, and we were so happy to see it survived the pandemic. This is an open air but covered bar located above the Kalari Night Market. Be sure to bring cash, there’s no cover here but it is expected that you purchase a couple drinks per person while enjoying the live music. The owner, Boy, gives off total rockstar vibes—like the Asian equivalent of Keith Richards or Steven Tyler. If you’re in the mood for live blues, cold beers, and good vibes, this is the spot!
Noir Chiang Mai
A hidden gem (literally). Tucked behind a building in a large parking lot, Noir is a speakeasy-style bar serving up classic cocktails in a trendy but underground setting. Cocktails range from 350-400 THB, and if you’re craving a perfectly made martini, this is where you want to have it! They also have live music on some nights, and the bartenders here have a true appreciation for their craft.
Taisho Bar
A cool Asian-inspired bar that serves up simple cocktails, beer, sake and delicious bar food. It’s mostly frequented by younger Thai and Asian tourists, maybe students, and it felt like a trendy but local spot—not overrun with farangs (western tourists, mostly older men). We went earlier in the evening, so it wasn’t packed yet, but we could tell it gets busy late night. If there were a Taisho Bar back in the States, it would definitely be our go-to hangout!
Artisan Cafe
For coffee lovers who take their beans seriously, this specialty shop serves up expertly brewed drinks as well as the classics. One of the best oat milk latte’s We had in Chiang Mai was at this cafe. It’s quiet and the perfect place to get some work done. They take their beans seriously here. A latte will run you about 70 Baht or $2USD and a black peach iced coffee will cost about 90 Baht or $2.67USD
Beam&Col Coffee Bar
Located in a warehouse that shares space with other local businesses, this is a cool spot for specialty coffee and a quiet place to work. Their menu features some unique options that are worth trying. While this isn’t the most affordable coffee shop, it is the place to come to try new and unique coffee and tea creations. Their menu offers drinks like Yuzu Americano for 105 Baht $3.11USD, Cold Brew Cream Cheese for 125 Baht $3.70USD and Cotton Cream Latte for the same price.
