Chiang Mai Food Review: Khao Soi, Kaphrao and Nimman Favorites

Quick take

I ordered from about ten Chiang Mai spots on GrabFood while staying near Nimman. Chiang Mai’s food is cheap and strong, and khao soi, the northern curry noodle soup, is the dish to start with.

The spots

• Kaosoy Nimman. Khao soi: egg noodles in coconut curry, topped with crispy noodles. The city’s signature dish.
• Klin Kaphrao. Pad kaphrao, holy basil stir-fry over rice with a fried egg; Thailand’s everyday favorite.
• Pa Daeng Pad Thai. Classic pad thai at a street price.
• Technique Omelet Rice. Thai-style omelet over rice, cheap and filling.
• Ohayo Gyoza & Cafe. Japanese gyoza in a city with a big Japanese food scene.
• Hua Seng Hong Dim Sum. A dim sum fix.
• Going Up Cafe. Cafe plates and coffee.
• Freerolls. Smash burgers, fries and pizza rolls when you want comfort food.
• What the Fruits and Khunkae’s Juice. Fresh fruit and juices; Khunkae’s is a well-known Chiang Mai juice stall.

Price & value

Most Thai dishes run about ฿60 to 150 (roughly $2 to $5); burgers and pizza rolls about ฿300 to 400. Excellent value.

“Start with khao soi. Everything else in Chiang Mai can wait a day.”

Reggie R.

My pick

Start with Kaosoy Nimman: khao soi is Chiang Mai’s signature dish and the reason to eat here. For a cheap everyday meal, Klin Kaphrao is the one to reorder.

Why Chiang Mai works for remote workers

Nimman puts cafés, coworking spaces and cheap food within a few blocks, and delivery covers the rest on busy work days. Stay nearby at PingPhuPlace, fly in on Thai VietJet, and order through Grab.

FAQ

What dish should I try first in Chiang Mai?

Khao soi, the northern curry noodle soup.

Is food delivery cheap?

Most Thai dishes run about ฿60 to 150.

Is the food spicy?

Often; ask for ‘phet nit noi’ (a little spicy).

How I scored it

The 4.5-out-of-5 score combines my own orders with what diners report across delivery apps and review sites, weighed on taste, value and how well the food travels. Read the full method on the editorial policy page.

3 tips to get the most out of it

1. Order khao soi with the pickled mustard greens and shallots on the side. They cut the richness; add them as you go.
2. Ask for ‘phet nit noi’ (a little spicy). Default spice in the north is serious.
3. Walk to the Nimman night markets for the same dishes cheaper. Delivery is convenient, but in-person prices are lower.

Who it’s for (and who should skip it)

Good for anyone staying in Nimman who wants great, cheap food. Skip delivery if you’re near the night markets; eat there instead. For the bigger picture, the Digital Nomad City Guide puts this alongside where to stay, eat and get around in a new city.

Bottom line

Chiang Mai is one of the best food cities for the price. Start with khao soi and work outward.