A Gentle Taste of Chiang Mai A Curated Journey Through the City’s Quietly Evolving Culinary Scene
Chiang Mai is more than a destination of misty mountains, ancient temples, and a slow, unhurried rhythm of life. Beneath its calm exterior lies a rich and evolving culinary landscape—one where food stories gently unfold over time. From traditional kitchens preserving time-honored recipes infused with nostalgia, to contemporary restaurants reinterpreting local ingredients with creative finesse, each dish reflects a different facet of the Northern city’s identity, distinct yet seamlessly connected.
The charm of Chiang Mai lies in its openness to diverse palates coexisting in harmony. Robust Northern flavors, refined Thai cuisine, and thoughtfully crafted international dishes with subtle local influences all find their place at the table. NOW Travel Asia TH invites discerning diners to explore the city through its culinary experiences journeys that go beyond taste to capture atmosphere, culture, and the gentle cadence of life in Chiang Mai.
Saiyut & Doctor Sai Kitchen
Royal Thai Cuisine Steeped in Nostalgia
This classic Thai restaurant transforms each meal into a journey back to the elegance of traditional royal kitchens. With its warm, understated décor and carefully chosen details, the space evokes the comforting familiarity of Thai homes from a bygone era. Familiar dishes are presented in refined shared sets, prepared meticulously according to royal Thai culinary traditions. The flavors are balanced and delicate—never overpowering, yet layered with depth that gradually reveals itself with each bite.
Fresh ingredients and time-honored techniques define every dish, from freshly pounded nam prik served with orderly accompaniments, to traditional Thai snacks and desserts that showcase culinary wisdom passed down through generations. Signature offerings include Royal Nam Prik Set, Royal Khanom Jeen Set, assorted Thai appetizers, and mango with sweet fish sauce—each dish delivering not only exquisite flavor but also a comforting sense of memory and heritage.
Address: 32 Chotana Rd., Soi 12, Pa Tan, Mueang, Chiang Mai
Tel: +66 81 530 1172
Opening Hours: 10.00 AM – 9.00 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
BAAN Landai Fine Thai Cuisine
Contemporary Thai Dining with Thoughtful Precision
BAAN Landai presents Thai cuisine through a modern lens while honoring the essence of traditional flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Each dish reflects a careful balance between taste, presentation, and atmosphere, served within an elegant colonial-style setting. It is an ideal destination for those seeking a fresh perspective on Thai cuisine—one that feels refined yet reassuringly familiar from the very first bite.
The menu ranges from Miang Kham wrapped in wild betel leaves and slow-braised pork ribs in red wine sauce, to ancient-style stir-fried noodles with crispy prawns and sauce, fermented fish from Phayao tossed with eggs, and classic Northern staples such as Nam Prik Ong, Tom Kha Gai, and shrimp paste stir-fried eggplant. Recognized by the MICHELIN Guide for several consecutive years, BAAN Landai continues to earn the trust of discerning diners.
Address: Kad Farang Village, 225/5–7 Mae Sa, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai
Tel: +66 64 469 2929
Opening Hours: 11.00 AM – 10.00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
SEQU Wine & Gallery
Where Cuisine, Wine, and Art Converge
SEQU Wine & Gallery brings together Italian cuisine, an extensive wine selection, and contemporary art in a setting that feels like dining inside an intimate gallery. Ideal for leisurely evenings, the space invites conversation and relaxation, allowing time to flow naturally. Western dishes are thoughtfully crafted to pair with a wine list featuring hundreds of labels, enhancing both flavor and mood.
Recommended dishes include fragrant Garlic Bread, refreshing Rocket and Caesar Salads, Cheese Boards for relaxed wine pairings, Salmon Carpaccio, and Arrabbiata Soup with bold character. Main courses such as Salmon Steak and Hotate Clear Soup offer a gentle, refined finish—simple yet rich in detail.
Address: Kad Farang Village, Mae Sa, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai
Tel: +66 62 893 6465
Opening Hours: 10.00 AM – 11.00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
Keuy Chiang Mai
Bold Northern Flavors in a Casual, Welcoming Setting
This Northern Thai restaurant delivers authentic, full-flavored dishes in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Its menu presents local cuisine through a contemporary yet approachable lens—bold in taste without unnecessary complexity. Equally loved by locals and travelers, the space encourages sharing multiple dishes at the table, creating a lively and convivial dining experience.
Highlights include steamed fermented pork with egg wrapped in banana leaves, seasonal stir-fried mushroom with tamarind shoots, spicy Northern-style minced pork larb, delicate curry with wild vegetables and ant eggs, richly spiced Hang Lay curry, refined crab roe dip, and a complete Northern hors d’oeuvres set featuring two varieties of local chili paste—perfect for those eager to sample a wide range of Northern specialties in one sitting.
Address: 14 Santitham Soi, Chang Phueak, Mueang, Chiang Mai
Tel: +66 93 138 5553
Opening Hours: Daily, 11.00 AM – 10.00 PM
Mi | Zü Restaurant by Onsen At Moncham
A Ryokan-Inspired Dining Experience Amid the Mountains
Set within the serene surroundings of Onsen At Moncham, Mi | Zü offers a tranquil culinary retreat overlooking forested hills. The peaceful environment enhances the dining experience, allowing each meal to unfold as a moment of true relaxation. The menu blends contemporary techniques with local ingredients, resulting in dishes that are subtle, refined, and thoughtfully paced—from flavor and presentation to service rhythm.
Japanese-inspired highlights include seasonal sashimi with thick, pristine cuts showcasing natural sweetness, delicately balanced nigiri sushi, and the comforting finale of deep-fried Kurobuta pork rice bowl—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy within, marinated in the restaurant’s signature sauce. Each dish lingers in memory, complemented by mountain air and an atmosphere of quiet contemplation.
Address: 293 Route 4051, Pong Yaeng, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai
Tel: +66 53 111 606
Opening Hours: Daily, 11.30 AM – 11.00 PM
Chiang Mai is a city where flavors never stand still. Each dish tells a story—of culture, lifestyle, and transformation—bridging past and present. And time and again, it invites travelers to return, ready to rediscover the city through new tastes and ever-evolving culinary experiences.