3 cheap and delicious local Thai dishes at Chiang Mai’s street stalls!!

Chiang Mai is about 720 km north of Bangkok. It's a beautiful city known as the “Rose of the North.” The northern region is home to Thai local cuisine typified by Isaan dishes, which are highly recommended.

In the center of Chiang Mai, there’s a market where you can enjoy breakfast, and it turns into a street food area at night. It’s full of energy and you can enjoy delicious local specialties at very affordable prices.

Here, we introduce recommended street food areas in Chiang Mai. Be sure to enjoy strolling and eating at night.

1. Chiang Mai Gate Night Market

This night market is located at the end of the Saturday Market held every week. In the morning, it turns into a market also known as the Bumrung Buri Market.

Each stall has its own signature dish, but here are the top 3 popular dishes from these street stalls. First is Khao Kha Moo, which is similar to a pork rice bowl with a rich savory sauce over rice. Next is Khao Man Gai, steamed chicken over rice cooked in chicken broth. Lastly, Rad Na Mee Krob, Thai-style crispy noodles with thick gravy.

There’s also a stall marked with “KFG” that sells fried chicken and French fries. These taste great with Khao Niew (sticky rice). Try asking “○○○ mee mai kha?” (Do you have ○○○?). If they reply “Mee kha” (Yes, we do), definitely give it a try!

For a delicious and affordable night, Chiang Mai Gate Night Market is the place to be.

2. Chang Phuak Gate Night Market

This night market starts in the evening near Chang Phuak Gate, located on the north side of the Old City. Street stalls line the moat area, creating a vibrant scene. The name of the gate comes from the two white elephants that stand there.

Incidentally, near this gate is a popular songthaew (shared bus) stand that takes you to the beautiful Doi Suthep Temple.

This street food area is also known for intense competition between stalls selling Khao Kham and Khao Kha Moo. It’s fun to try and compare. There are also stalls that serve Thai rice porridge. Khao Tom means rice (khao) and boil (tom)—a thin rice porridge with intact grains. Jok is a thicker, mashed rice porridge. Eating piping hot porridge while sweating in the heat can be surprisingly satisfying and easy on your stomach.

3. Nimmanhaemin Road

In Thailand, it’s standard to eat out for all three meals. Rather than cooking at home and sweating, it’s more practical to eat at tasty and affordable food stalls. Chiang Mai mornings start early, and by around 6 a.m., more and more people are out enjoying breakfast at the stalls.

A recommended spot is Nimmanhaemin Road—known as the “Aoyama of Chiang Mai,” a stylish area. There’s a hugely popular soy milk stall here, always with a line, so it’s easy to spot.

You’ll be hooked after one taste of the authentic Nam Tao Hoo (soy milk) and Pa Tong Ko (fried dough). Even those who don’t like soy milk should give it a try—it’s flavorful and worth it. The taste can vary from stall to stall, so sharpen your senses and dive in.

Soy milk usually sells out before noon. After the soy milk stall wraps up, it transforms into a Khao Man Gai stall. Nearby, you’ll also find Pad Thai and Som Tam stalls. Everything here is delicious, so enjoy trying a variety.

◎ Summary

Chiang Mai has plenty of stylish areas where you can enjoy street food from morning and bustling night markets that stay lively late into the night. Street food is a great way to balance your travel budget. It's cheap, convenient, and delicious—all three, so there’s no reason not to try it. When you’re tired from sightseeing, take a break and refresh with a tasty street food experience.

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3 cheap and delicious local Thai dishes at Chiang Mai’s street stalls!!