Favourite Restaurants, Chiang Mai

There are so many restaurants and eateries in Chiang Mai, it is quite impossible to give them all a mention. Some of the most popular ones I have visited are near Thae Pae Gate, which is one of four gates in the city. This particular location is a firm favorite with tourists and ex-pats and is the hub of Chiang Mai.

Daret’s House is one of my personal favorites, it’s very inexpensive and the food is consistently fabulous. Eating outside in the warm evenings is an occasion I really enjoy. Another fantastic restaurant just a little further up the road from Daret’s is the Kafe. Here you will find absolutely delicious (aroi maak maak) western and Thai food. The restaurant itself is similar to an American style bar, so home from home for those people from the States. The sour grilled spare ribs (naem see khrong moo) are something to behold! Prices are very reasonable and the beers on draft are extremely cheap before 7 o’clock in the evening. It is located on Moon Muang Road north of Thae Pae Gate, opposite the Rydges Amora hotel.

For those who enjoy the taste of English pub grub there is the Red Lion situated just off the night bazaar. There the locals and tourists dine, enjoying international and Thai meals which are served throughout the day. There is an air conditioned bar where live sports are shown each weekend. Good news for the Irish, the Red Lion now serves draught Guinness.

There are Chinese, Italian, German, Indian, Japanese and Korean restaurants, to name but a few, dotted throughout the city, something to please everyone’s palate. Another favorite restaurant of mine is definitely Franco Thai. Owned by a friendly Frenchman, it is here I found the most delicious steaks in the world. I always choose medium rare steak with garlic and parsley sauce, the thought of it makes my mouth water.

For those who are veggies there are many vegetarian restaurants too. One I have noticed on my travels is called Taste from Heaven, sounds delightful. I also saw this restaurant has a cooking school, so you are able to cook your own dishes – such a good idea.

Along the riverside there are many favorite restaurants of mine. The Brasserie for instance has fabulous food, is fantastic inside with great rock bands playing. The service here is second to none. A restaurant called the Riverside is also high on my agenda as the food is totally out of this world. This place is always full which proves the meals are more than first class. There is usually a band playing and the views over the River Ping, especially in the evening, are quite stunning.

I really don’t think anyone could describe fully just how wonderful the food is in Chiang Mai. All of my favorite restaurants, and I have many, serve the most delicious, sumptuous and tasty dishes I have ever had. Why not visit Chiang Mai and find out for yourself?