Best Cheap Restaurants in Chiang Mai: A Food Lover’s Guide

Discovering the Hidden Gems of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide variety of cuisines that cater to all tastes and budgets. From street food to high-end restaurants, this northern Thai city has it all. However, finding the best cheap eats can be a challenge, especially if you’re new to the area. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you discover the hidden gems of Chiang Mai’s food scene.

🍲 Khao Soi Lamduan

Khao Soi Lamduan is one of Chiang Mai’s most famous restaurants, and for good reason. This small and unassuming eatery serves up some of the best khao soi (a northern Thai noodle dish) in town. The portions are generous, and the prices are incredibly reasonable. Be prepared to queue, as this place is always busy, but trust us, it’s worth the wait!

🍜 Chang Phueak Pork Noodle

If you’re in the mood for some hearty and comforting noodle soup, head to Chang Phueak Pork Noodle. This family-run restaurant has been serving up delicious pork noodle soup for over 40 years. The broth is rich and flavourful, the noodles are perfectly cooked, and the pork is tender and succulent. Best of all, it won’t break the bank!

🍲 Tong Tem Toh

Tong Tem Toh is a popular restaurant that serves up traditional northern Thai cuisine. The menu is extensive, with dishes ranging from spicy salads to curries and stews. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making this a great option for budget-conscious travellers. Be sure to try the nam prik ong (a spicy tomato-based dip) and the larb moo (a minced pork salad).

🍢 Muu Kha Ta

Muu Kha Ta is a street food vendor that specialises in grilled pork neck and other meat skewers. The pork is marinated in a secret blend of spices and grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky and flavourful dish. The prices are incredibly cheap, making this a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

🍜 Huen Muan Jai

Huen Muan Jai is a charming restaurant that serves up traditional northern Thai cuisine in a beautiful garden setting. The menu is extensive, with dishes ranging from spicy salads to curries and stews. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making this a great option for budget-conscious travellers. Be sure to try the khao soi and the gaeng hung lay (a northern Thai-style pork curry).

🍲 SP Chicken

SP Chicken is a must-visit for chicken lovers. This local favourite serves up juicy and flavourful grilled chicken that is marinated in a secret blend of spices. The portions are generous, and the prices are incredibly reasonable, making this a great spot for a budget-friendly meal. Be sure to try the chicken with sticky rice and the som tam (a spicy papaya salad).

🍡 Kao Soy Akha

Kao Soy Akha is a small and cosy restaurant that specialises in the Akha-style of khao soi. The broth is rich and flavourful, and the chicken is incredibly tender. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous, making this a great option for a quick and affordable meal. Be sure to try the fried bananas for dessert.

🍲 Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak

Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak is a popular street food vendor that serves up one of Chiang Mai’s most beloved dishes: khao kha moo (braised pork leg with rice). The pork is incredibly tender and flavourful, and the rice is cooked to perfection. The prices are incredibly cheap, making this a great option for a quick and affordable meal.

🍜 Lert Ros

Lert Ros is a popular restaurant that serves up a variety of Thai dishes, including some delicious northern Thai specialities. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making this a great option for budget-conscious travellers. Be sure to try the khao soi and the gaeng om (a northern Thai-style soup).

🍲 Khao Tom Hua Chang

Khao Tom Hua Chang is a popular breakfast spot that serves up a delicious and hearty bowl of rice porridge. The porridge is topped with a variety of meats and herbs, and the portions are generous. The prices are incredibly cheap, making this a great option for a budget-friendly breakfast.

🍢 Ploen Ruedee Night Market

Ploen Ruedee Night Market is a bustling night market that offers a wide variety of street food options. From grilled meats to noodle dishes to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone here. The prices are incredibly reasonable, making this a great spot for a cheap and tasty meal.

🍲 The Salad Concept

The Salad Concept is a great option for those looking for a healthier meal in Chiang Mai. This restaurant serves up a variety of salads, wraps, and smoothies, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous, making this a great option for a quick and healthy lunch.

🍜 Tum Tum Cheng

Tum Tum Cheng is a small and cosy restaurant that serves up some of the best noodle dishes in Chiang Mai. The menu is extensive, with dishes ranging from spicy salads to curries and stews. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making this a great option for budget-conscious travellers.

🍲 Khao Soy Islam

Khao Soy Islam is a popular restaurant that serves up some of the best khao soi in Chiang Mai. The portions are generous, and the prices are incredibly reasonable, making this a great option for a budget-friendly meal. Be sure to try the khao soi with crispy pork.

Complete Information on Best Cheap Restaurants in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a city that’s known for its food, and there’s no shortage of great eats here. However, finding the best cheap restaurants can be a challenge, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate Chiang Mai’s food scene and discover some of the best budget-friendly options.

Whether you’re in the mood for spicy noodles, grilled meat skewers, or traditional northern Thai cuisine, this guide has got you covered. We’ve included a mix of restaurants, street food vendors, and night markets to give you a taste of everything that Chiang Mai has to offer.

FAQs

1. What is the best time to visit Chiang Mai for food?

The best time to visit Chiang Mai for food is between November and February, when the weather is cool and dry. During this time, many of the city’s outdoor markets and food stalls are in full swing, and you’ll have a great selection of fresh and delicious dishes to choose from.

2. What is khao soi?

Khao soi is a northern Thai noodle dish that’s made with egg noodles, coconut milk, and a curry-like sauce. It’s typically served with a variety of toppings, including pickled mustard greens, lime wedges, and crispy noodles.

3. What is som tam?

Som tam is a spicy papaya salad that’s made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, chillies, and lime juice. It’s a popular dish in Thailand and is often served as a side dish or a snack.

4. What is nam prik ong?

Nam prik ong is a spicy tomato-based dip that’s made with minced pork, tomatoes, and chillies. It’s typically served with fresh vegetables and is a popular dish in northern Thailand.

5. What is gaeng hung lay?

Gaeng hung lay is a northern Thai-style pork curry that’s made with a variety of herbs and spices, including lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric. It’s a rich and flavourful dish that’s perfect for a cold day.

6. How much should I expect to pay for a cheap meal in Chiang Mai?

You can expect to pay between 50 and 150 baht for a cheap meal in Chiang Mai, depending on where you go and what you order. Street food vendors and night markets tend to be the cheapest options, while restaurants and cafes are slightly more expensive.

7. What is the best way to get around Chiang Mai?

The best way to get around Chiang Mai is by tuk-tuk or songthaew (a shared taxi). Both are affordable and convenient, and you’ll be able to negotiate a fair price with the driver before you ride.