Chiang Mai Culinary Journey

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It took me a while, but I was eventually able to visit Chiang Mai again. Chiang Mai is a popular tourist destination in northern Thailand. Chiang Mai is less crowded with cars and has a more relaxed vibe than Bangkok. As is customary, I am naturally excited about culinary hunting, about which there is even excellent news the Michelin Guide operates here. This city has about fifty dining options listed in the Michelin Guide, yet none of them have earned a single star. The only options available here are the Michelin Plate and Bib Gourmand. As you read on, I'll talk about my visits to various restaurants during this trip to Chiang Mai.

1. Han Thueng (ฮ้านถึงเจียงใหม่)

Following a visit to Doi Suthep, the well-known temple complex in Chiang Mai that is a must-see location for travelers. You can stop by Han Teung, a store located near the Wat Umong temple, on your route back into the city. A modest store that is mostly occupied by local Thai people during lunchtime appears to be quite busy. It is a huge space that is partially outside. Naturally, you must taste traditional Northern Thai dishes like Khan Toke and Khao Soi while visiting Chiang Mai, but the house specialty is Steam Beef Slices with galangal dip. A straightforward dish, but the texture is tough and the meat smell is overpowering. An additional choice available here offers a variety of foods made with ant eggs, such as the intriguing Ant Egg Omelette, which has a distinct texture and tastes excellent as an omelet.

2. Chom Cafe

In addition to offering cultural tours, Chiang Mai is home to a well-liked cafe with an original design and a motif of a forest. The enchanted interior makes it seem as though you are in a fairy tale, and the waterfalls, rivers, and forests draw in visitors of all ages. There are many foreign and Thai visitors in this cafe. With lovely views, the space is spacious and features both indoor and semi-outdoor areas. In addition to offering a variety of pastries and desserts, Chom Cafe is a modern take on Thai cuisine. It's undeniable that the majority of people who come here are passionate about creating content rather than the food. This well-known coffeehouse even induces FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) in a lot of Indonesian tourists.

3. Baan Landai

The idea of a cozy restaurant in a terraced house emerges from the exterior. Yes, Chef Landai's family recipe delicacies are available at Baan Landai. Here you can savor a wide range of comforting and intriguing foods. Pork Ribs with Red Wine Sauce, which consists of soft pork bones cooked in a thick sauce with a savory and spicy flavor, is a must-have item on the menu. Some menu items, like stir-fried pickled Fish with Egg, are quite tasty when served with white rice and include salted fish to truly bring out the flavor. Next up is Nam Prik Aong, a dish that is typical of Chiang Mai that is presented on a tray with crispy pork skin and sausage, tomato sauce, and minced beef. Be warned, this dish is really spicy. Reservations are advised in advance as this restaurant is surprisingly well-liked by the locals. 

4. Maadae Slow Fish Chicken

The term "maadae" (which means "welcome") is used to greet and invite people to consume seafood that is caught by fishermen nearby. Naturally, grilled fish is on the menu here; grouper and snapper are among the options. wholesome, traditional grilled fish with a hint of sour chile and basic spices that tastes great. Aside from that, we can appreciate a variety of salads, such as Pan-seared Shrimp Salad with Avocado, Wild Almond, and Golden Mandarin Orange, or Pomelo Salad with Deep-Fried Fish, a fresh salad with pomelo and savory fried fish. Additionally, to the dish of stir-fried squid with krill sauce. Squid is stir-fried with black sauce and a blend of shrimp paste, making it a flavorful dish that goes well with rice.

5. Roti Pa Dai

Night had fallen after a lengthy trip from Chiang Rai. After coming back to Chiang Mai, we took time to explore the city and stopped at a well-known local street food joint this time. Both tourists and native Thai people are lining up to get this Paa Dai bread, which appears to be in high demand. The main meal, as its name implies, has toast, just as it can be seen in Indonesia. It is difficult to understand, but it has gained popularity among many foreign travelers. Unquestionably, though, this traditional comfort food truly indulges the palate. An evening meal of hot toast with cocoa, cheese mixture, or sweet milk sparks up the appetite. 

6. Khao Soi Mae Sai

I got to taste Khao Soi, one of the most popular foods in Chiang Mai, the morning before my departure to Singapore. A flavorful and creamy curry meal in the Northern Thai style. Both locals and visitors like visiting Khao Soi Mae Sai. They began to open the store around 8.00am in the morning. There are several options for the Khao Soi menu: chicken, beef, or pork meatballs. As a sidedish, each Khao Soi comes with salted veggies, lime, and red onions. Khao soi has a deep, savory flavor and a dense, aromatic scent. This dish would be fantastic served for breakfast as well.

This time, I'm just spending my gastronomic exploration in Chiang Mai for around 4 days. Of course, there are a ton of additional locations that are highly suggested; however, some—particularly restaurants or eateries that are well-liked by the community—ask for reservations in advance. The majority of eateries are small, with a cozy, uncomplicated ambiance. Even yet, it's still reasonably priced when compared to Indonesian cuisine. For those who are new to traveling, Chiang Mai might be a very appealing option. It offers both cultural and historical tourism from Thailand and a bustling night bazaar with a wide selection of souvenirs and street cuisine.

Yovent, is a full-time content writer and social media influencer who loves to travel overseas with high passion and enthusiasm to explore the world of gourmand. Living in Jakarta with the diversity of cultures, foods, trends, and lifestyles gives him much inspiration to create the stories. Blogging since 2014, with more than 5 years of experience, he has a good capacity to work in food writing & photography.