What to eat in Chiang Rai: 13 Northern Thailand dishes to try

Knowing what to eat in Chiang Rai makes any trip to the city, even better. The region is full of delicious flavors, and we share the best. 

Chiang Rai, located in Northern Thailand, offers a unique blend of traditional Thai flavors with regional influences from the nearby borders of Laos and Myanmar. The food here showcases a rich array of tastes, textures, and cooking techniques.

From street food and local markets to fine-dining establishments, Chiang Rai’s culinary landscape is filled with dishes that are as beautiful as they are flavorful.

Here’s a a guide on what to eat in Chiang Rai, focusing on some must-try local dishes, and street food, and where to find the best versions of these delights.

What to eat in Chiang Rai

1. Khao Soi (Northern Thai Coconut Curry Noodles)

Khao Soi is perhaps the most famous dish in Northern Thailand, and Chiang Rai is one of the best places to try this comforting bowl of goodness.

This dish consists of a creamy, mildly spicy coconut curry broth served over egg noodles. The soup is rich, thanks to the addition of coconut milk, and comes with tender chicken or beef pieces.

It’s topped with crispy fried noodles, which add a delightful crunch to the soft noodles below. Served with a side of pickled mustard greens, shallots, and lime, Khao Soi is a well-balanced, slightly tangy dish that perfectly captures Northern Thailand’s flavors.

• Where to try: Many local restaurants serve Khao Soi, but try Phor Jai or Khao Soi Phor Jai, both of which are famous for their authentic versions of this dish.

2. Sai Ua (Northern Thai Sausage)

When thining about what to eat in Chiang Rai, Sai Ua has to be on your list. This a Northern Thai sausage packed with fragrant herbs and spices, including lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. This sausage is grilled and has a smoky, slightly spicy flavor profile.

Sai Ua is a delicious snack or side dish that can be enjoyed with a side of sticky rice or fresh vegetables to balance the flavors.

• Where to try: Chiang Rai Night Bazaar and the Saturday Walking Street Market are great places to find Sai Ua. Look for street vendors selling freshly grilled sausage.

3. Nam Prik Noom and Nam Prik Ong (Northern Thai Dips)

Northern Thailand has its version of chili dips called Nam Prik, and two popular varieties are Nam Prik Noom and Nam Prik Ong.

Nam Prik Noom is a green chili dip with a smoky, mildly spicy taste, while Nam Prik Ong is a red tomato-based dip with ground pork and a slightly tangy flavor.

These dips are typically served with a platter of fresh and steamed vegetables and sticky rice. They are a great way to sample the region’s unique flavors and spices.

• Where to try: Try Nam Prik at local markets like Chiang Rai Fresh Market or the Saturday Walking Street Market, where vendors often sell these dips alongside fresh vegetables.

4. Larb Muang (Northern Thai Larb)

Larb is a well-known Thai dish, but the Northern Thai version, Larb Muang, is distinct from its Isaan counterpart.

It’s a spicy minced meat salad with a variety of herbs, but it uses a different spice mix, which often includes dried spices like cinnamon and star anise.

Larb Muang can be made with pork, chicken, or beef and has a deeper, more earthy flavor compared to the usual Larb. It’s typically eaten with sticky rice and fresh herbs.

• Where to try: Huen Jai Yong is a popular restaurant in Chiang Rai known for its authentic Northern Thai cuisine, including Larb Muang.

5. Gaeng Hang Lay (Northern Thai Pork Curry)

Gaeng Hang Lay is a slow-cooked pork curry with Burmese influences. It’s made with tender pieces of pork belly and shoulder that are simmered in a rich, slightly sweet curry with a touch of tanginess from tamarind. This is by far one of Calum’s favorite Thai dishes.

The curry includes ginger, garlic, and spices, creating a harmonious balance between sweetness and savory depth. This dish is a must-try for curry lovers.

• Where to try: Lu Lam Restaurant serves an excellent version of Gaeng Hang Lay, as do many restaurants offering Northern Thai or Lanna cuisine.

6. Kaeng Pak Waan (Sweet Leaf Soup)

Kaeng Pak Waan, or sweet leaf soup, is a lesser-known Northern Thai dish made with sweet, tender leaves and sometimes includes egg or other vegetables. This dish has a slightly sweet and herbaceous flavor and is typically mild. It’s often enjoyed as a light, comforting meal with sticky rice.

• Where to try: Visit local markets or small family-run eateries in Chiang Rai to find Kaeng Pak Waan, as it’s a more traditional, homemade dish.

7. Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao (Rice Noodles with Tomato Curry)

Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao is a Chiang Rai specialty and a favorite among locals. Expect soft rice noodles served with a tangy, slightly spicy tomato-based broth.

The soup includes minced pork, chunks of pork blood, and sometimes crispy pork rinds. 

Nam Ngiao has a bold flavor profile with a balance of sour, spicy, and savory notes.

• Where to try: Jok Sompet and Khanom Jeen Boran Ban Doi are popular spots to try this authentic dish.

8. Tam Khanun (Young Jackfruit Salad)

Tam Khanun is a Northern Thai salad made from young jackfruit, pounded with garlic, chili, tomatoes, and a mixture of herbs and spices.

This dish has a unique flavor due to the soft, slightly starchy texture of jackfruit. The seasoning often includes a touch of shrimp paste or fermented fish sauce, giving it a robust umami kick.

• Where to try: You can find Tam Khanun at local markets or in traditional restaurants that serve Northern Thai cuisine.

9. Sticky Rice with Various Dips and Curries

Sticky rice, or Khao Niew, is a staple in Northern Thai cuisine and is commonly eaten with different dips and curries.

Chiang Rai offers a variety of curries and sauces to accompany sticky rice, including chili dips like Nam Prik Noom, Nam Prik Ong, and richer curries like Hang Lay.

• Where to try: Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is a great place to experience the local culture of eating sticky rice with different sauces and sides.

10. Grilled River Fish

Chiang Rai is home to the Mekong River, so it’s no surprise that fresh river fish is a common dish in the region and on many lsits of what to eat in Chiang Rai.

Grilled river fish, often marinated with salt, lemongrass, and other herbs, is a popular dish. The fish is cooked over a charcoal grill, giving it a smoky flavor and crispy skin, with the meat inside remaining tender and flavorful.

• Where to try: Head to the Chiang Rai Riverside Restaurants to find fresh and delicious grilled river fish.

11. Khao Lam (Sticky Rice in Bamboo)

Khao Lam is a Northern Thai street snack made by stuffing sticky rice and sometimes beans or coconut milk into a bamboo tube.

The bamboo is then grilled, and the rice absorbs a light smoky flavor from the bamboo, creating a fragrant, slightly sweet, and chewy treat. It’s often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

• Where to try: Street vendors near the Saturday Walking Street Market and other markets in Chiang Rai.

12. Northern Thai Tea and Coffee

Not technically answering what to eat in Chiang Rai, but more, what to drink? 

Northern Thailand is famous for its coffee and tea plantations, especially in areas like Doi Mae Salong. The coffee here is robust, with a slightly fruity taste, while the tea (including green and oolong) is fragrant and smooth.

Visiting a local coffee shop or tea house allows you to sample Chiang Rai’s best beverages. 

• Where to try: Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House is a popular spot with a serene setting and a great selection of coffee and tea. Alternatively, visit a tea plantation, such as Doi Mae Salong, for a more immersive experience.

13. Khao Gam (Purple Sticky Rice Dessert)

Khao Gam is a dessert made from sticky rice that’s dyed purple with butterfly pea flower. The rice is sweetened with coconut milk and often topped with sesame seeds or coconut shavings.

This dessert is visually appealing and has a mild, sweet flavor that complements the richness of the coconut.

• Where to try: Saturday Walking Street Market or local dessert shops in Chiang Rai.

Where to eat in Chiang Rai?

Now we know what to eat in Chiang Rai, let us share some of the best places to find these local treats. There are plenty of things to do in Chiang Mai at night but the markets are great places to start when exploring the food in the city.

Local Markets:

Saturday Walking Street Market – Great for street food, snacks, and unique Northern Thai dishes like Tam Khanun (young jackfruit salad) and Nam Prik Noom (green chili dip).

Chiang Rai Night Bazaar – A must-visit for a variety of street food like Sai Ua (Northern Thai sausage), grilled meats, fried insects, mango sticky rice, and more. Located near the bus station.

Chiang Rai Fresh Market – Offers a local market experience with fresh produce, herbs, and ready-to-eat meals like Larb Muang and sticky rice dishes.

Jungle Market – A unique market specializing in forest vegetables, herbs, and regional delicacies. Good for trying traditional jungle-inspired dishes.

Local restaurants:

Phor Jai – Known for its authentic Khao Soi, a must-try coconut curry noodle dish.

Khao Soi Phor Jai – Another excellent spot for Khao Soi, popular among locals and tourists.

Huen Jai Yong – Serves classic Northern Thai dishes like Larb Muang, Gaeng Hang Lay (pork curry), and Tam Khanun (young jackfruit salad).

Lu Lam Restaurant – Offers a wide selection of Northern Thai specialties, including Gaeng Hang Lay and Nam Prik dips, with a riverside view.

Jok Sompet – Famous for Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao (rice noodles with tomato curry) and other Northern Thai staples.

The Wanderer – A rustic café set in a garden with views of the river. Offers Thai and international dishes, along with fresh smoothies and desserts.

Chiang Rai’s food scene is a vibrant and authentic experience that reflects its unique cultural heritage and rich flavors. From comforting bowls of Khao Soi and spicy Larb to unusual delights like bamboo-cooked sticky rice and spicy jungle curries, there’s something