Perelhoneymoon

Hi all,

Mostly interested in Thai food --- any recommendations for good eats in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. Our hotel is a little outside Chiang Mai, but most likely will be spending some time walking around/visiting Chiang Mai.

Anything that is a "Don't miss"? Nice dinner or lunch restaurants, and anything else recommended.

Please advise. Thanks!

crellston

In Chiang Mai we always pay a visit to Aroon Rai, one of the oldest restaurants in town. Nothing fancy, just well cooked northern Thai food. The curries are amazing.

Not so much a place as a dish, but do try Khao Soi a mildish, curried noodle dish with loads of accompaniments and garnishes, a specially of the region. We liked Just Khao Soi on Charoen Bprathet but not sure if it is still there.

If you are in Chiang Rai over a weekend, the best place to eat is at one (or more!) of the stalls on the Saturday walking market. In fact pay a visit to the market even if not eating as it is far superior to those in CM.

progol

I just checked my trip report from 2014, and saw that we ate at a place called Huean Pen (Huan Phen), on Ratchamanka, one street over from Ratchadamnoen. It's a large and popular place also serving northern Thai food. It was excellent and very different from the usual fare that we ate.

Perelhoneymoon

progol & crellston - Looked both those restaurants up on trip advisor, the food looks mouthwatering!

Smeagol

Booking marking for my trip to CR & CM in November...

sartoric

We liked Morodoke in Chiang Mai, northern Thai food and perhaps the best larb I've ever had. In Chiang Rai, the night market (not the Saturday walking st) has myriad stalls selling hot pot and other items. I'd highly recommend the hotpot.

CaliNurse

Thanks all! Like Smeagol, I'm bookmarking for future trip .

progol

I second sartoric's recommendation to go to Chiang Rai's night market and have the hot pot at one of the night market's stalls. It was one of our highlight culinary adventures - eating outside at a picnic-style table and bench, with families and tourists and many other folks doing the same. Very fun! (and tasty, too!).

crellston

A good place for northern style food is Tong Tem Toh on 11 Nimman Haeminda Soi 13 . They make no concessions for western tastes, so if you don't like it spicy, tell them!

Perelhoneymoon

sartorial and progol - Did you prefer the Chiang Rai night market over Chiang Mai's night market? Were they similar or very different?

Thank again for these recommendations!

sartoric

I much preferred the walking street night market in CR. It's on Saturday nights. The night market where you can get the hotpot is open every night.

Perelhoneymoon

Hi all - Were back and I wanted to give an update as to what we ended up doing. The Chiang Mai market was great! We bought all the little presents we needed to bring back for our family members, and we made sure to negotiate as much as possible! Thanks for everyones help, it made for a great trip.