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The Northern Thai gem for Chinese cuisine at Xin Ai Chinese Comfort Food

At first glance, Xin Ai Chinese Comfort Food might make you think it’s a cute café, but step inside, and you’ll find a warm, simple, and inviting space that feels just like eating at your grandpa’s kitchen. Nestled on Ratchawong Road near Chiang Mai’s famous Warorot Market, the restaurant started as a humble Hainanese chicken rice spot. But thanks to the personal passion and inspiration of owner Jay, it has evolved into a treasure trove of Cantonese and Sichuan dishes crafted for Thai palates. Every ingredient is carefully selected for quality and health, making it the perfect spot for families to enjoy authentic, high-quality Chinese cuisine, perfected through countless trials. Truly, it’s a hidden gem of northern Chinese cuisine right in the heart of Chiang Mai.

Don’t Miss Dishes

  • Sous-vide Chicken – The signature dish that almost every table orders. Tender chicken thighs and drumsticks are cooked sous-vide—the first of its kind in Chiang Mai, under precise temperature control, highlighting the natural juiciness and softness. Served with a variety of house-made dipping sauces, including Thai-style fermented bean sauce, ginger scallion sauce, seafood sauce, and sweet dark soy sauce, each bite is pure flavor perfection.

  • Hong Kong-style Char Siu Pork  – A refined take on the Cantonese classic, featuring pork collar slowly marinated and gently roasted to achieve a beautifully tender texture. Finished with a delicate caramelised glaze of polyfloral honey, each slice is succulent and balanced, revealing elegant hints of honeyed sweetness and fragrant rose wine.

  • Hunan Stir-Fried Pork with Screw Pepper – A showcase of careful technique, featuring fresh pepper, ginger, garlic, scallions, and lean pork belly. Grilled to release smoky aromas without overcooking or burning, this dish balances salty, spicy, and slightly tangy flavors across complex layers of texture—a must-try.

  • Sichuan Suan Cai Yu (Sea Bass with Pickled Mustard Greens) – Fresh sea bass gently cooked to preserve its delicate, springy texture, served in a golden broth infused with the vibrant character of Sichuan pickled mustard greens. The flavours unfold with a harmonious balance of sour and savoury depth, lifted by subtle chilli warmth and aromatic Chinese spices, leaving a clean, elegant finish on the palate.

But that’s not all—every other dish at Xin Ai Chinese Comfort Food is equally impressive. From taste to ingredients to preparation, each plate reflects 100% dedication. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect stop after a leisurely shopping spree at Warorot Market, turning each meal into a memorable experience you’ll want to repeat.

Xin Ai Chinese Comfort Food
Address: Darley Hotel, 90/10 Ratchawong Rd., Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai
Tel: +66 62 940 9642
Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, closed on Fridays