Chiang Mai – is it the best food city in the world? Of all of the cities in the world, that I’ve traveled to, Chiang Mai easily makes my list of the top 5 food cities in the world. Food in Chiang Mai has incredible flavor combinations, fresh ingredients, and affordability that makes trying new foods super accessible. Food here in Chiang Mai easy to love. If you only had 24 hours in Chiang Mai, this is how you should spend it!
This post is all about food in Chiang Mai, Thailand for your upcoming travel experience!
9:00 AM – Breakfast and a cafe visit
Wake up and kick off the day with mango sticky rice. Mango sticky rice is one of the most beloved dishes across Thailand. With a portion averaging $1.50-$2.50 cents it’s an affordable and delicious way to start your day. You’re bound to have a hankering for this dish when you return home, luckily, I have a recipe here for you!
Warm coconut sticky rice, thick and creamy coconut sauce topped with perfectly ripe fresh mango and crunch mung bean seeds make a heavenly combination.
There isn’t any specific restaurant or food stall that I recommend because it’s such a classic comfort dish most everywhere offers it and does it well. The difficulty won’t be trying to find one it will be trying not to indulge in two portions.
If you’re a coffee, tea or flower person – time to head over to cafe de sot. Flower person? Yes, the most incredible display of different orchid species reside in this cafe’s courtyard. I personally love Thai tea and if you’ve never had it, now’s the perfect time to try!
10:00 Am – Explore the temples and monuments
Buddhist temples, or Wats, are one of the main draws for tourists visiting Chiang Mai. There are over 300 different Buddhist temples located within Chiang Mai and each is designed and decorated in its own unique way. Some Wats are completely gilded and glisten in the sunlight, others have white dragons with colorful iridescent dragon scales welcoming you inside. Many are decorated by temple-goers with hanging marigold garlands to show their devotion, respect and for good fortune.
Many times you’ll also see devoted buddhist monks in their traditional tangerine colored robes caring for the grounds, praying or taking care of the Wats.
When visiting different Buddhist temples it’s important to be respectful and abide by the respectful customs.
- Plan ahead and dress modestly (Thailand can be incredibly hot so covering your shoulders, chest and knees may seem difficult. I found it easy to buy a wrap and drape it over my shoulders, cross it in front of my chest and tie it)
- Take off your shoes, hats and sunglasses before entering
- Stay quiet when talking to others
- Do not use your cellphone
- Only take photos if it says you are permitted to
- This should go without saying, but don’t touch anything. These gorgeous Wats are intricately decorated and meticulously designed and touching can be both disrespectful and damaging.
12:00 pm – lunch time at my one of my favorite restaurants in the world
My number one recommendation if you’re visiting Chiang Mai, is eating lunch Khao Soi Maesai. This restaurant deserves all the recognition that it’s received and much more.
The chicken khao soi is one of my favorite dishes in the entire world. It’s spicy, creamy and tangy and overall just a phenomenal flavor profile. Topped with pickled mustard greens, limes, onions, cilantro, egg noodles, crispy egg noodles and chicken. The dish is traditional to the Chiang Mai region and is a must try when visiting the area.
I would highly recommend ordering a thai iced tea to pair with the dish as the spice level is just a bit too much for me and cooling my mouth off is a must. The sweet and creamy iced tea is the perfect way to soothe the heat.
4:30 pm – traditional cooking class
One of the best ways to learn about a new city or country is to experience their food. Chiang Mai is located in the Northern region of Thailand making its cuisine differ from other regions like Bangkok. Experience a cooking class that offers a market tour, a variety of dishes to learn and the ability to eat your creations. The cooking school we chose was incredible and Mam, the chef, is super knowledgeable and willing to share recipes and cooking tips via WhatsApp even after returning home.
To learn more about the cooking class – read here!
To book this cooking class – click here!
late night snack
If you end up strolling around a night market, attending a Muay Thai show or jet lag gets the best of you there’s one treat that reigns supreme. The Banana roti – originating in India – is extremely popular all over Thailand. You’re sure to spot, or maybe hear, women smacking thin dough on the metal counter and cooking it almost instantly on a flat griddle.
Once flipped it’s topped with whatever sugary and delicious topping you desire. My personal favorite is with bananas, sweetened condensed milk and cinnamon. For 60 baht, or roughly $1.90 USD I think this treat is a must-try.
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