Must-try Northern Thai dishes – and where to find them in Chiang Mai

Ask almost any foodie for their top three favourite Thai dishes, and their answer will likely include one of the following: Pad Thai, Tom Yum, or some sort of rich, coconutty curry, like red, green, or yellow – all delicious classics that hail from Central Thailand. But these dishes barely scratch the surface of an incredibly diverse culinary landscape. What many people do not know is that each region of Thailand boasts its own unique culinary identity shaped by local ingredients and cultural influences. Northern Thai cuisine, also known as Lanna food, takes inspiration from Yunnanese, Shan, and Burmese cultures. It is generally milder and less creamy than the food down south but is packed with smoky, tangy, and herbaceous flavours you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s a selection of must-try Northern Thai dishes that showcase this highly underrated type of Thai food, along with some of the best spots to enjoy them the next time you’re in Chiang Mai.

Gaeng Hung Lay: A pork curry with Burmese roots

Gaeng Hung Lay, also known as Northern Thai pork belly curry, is one of the most iconic dishes of Northern Thailand and certainly one of the tastiest. This dish, influenced by the region’s Burmese neighbours, starts with pork belly and pork ribs, which are gently simmered in a medley of herbs, spices, and aromatics until they practically fall apart with each bite. It’s especially popular in Chiang Mai and the surrounding areas and is often served during special occasions, family gatherings, and festivals like Loy Krathong and Yi Peng.

Sai Oua: A street food staple in Northern Thailand

Call us biased, but we’d argue that Sai Oua is one of the best sausages on the planet. To make this popular dish, chefs start by mixing coarsely ground pork with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and curry paste, before grilling it over charcoal until the outside is crispy and the inside is juicy. It’s smoky and savoury, with a little bit of funk and just the right amount of spice. One taste, and you’ll understand why locals swear by it.

Khao Soi: Chiang Mai’s signature dish

Khao Soi is a true gem of Northern Thai cuisine that doesn’t get nearly as much recognition as it deserves. Often compared to a Malaysian Laksa, it features a rich broth made from coconut milk, red or yellow curry paste, shallots, and a splash of lime, simmered with tender meat until the flavours meld perfectly. It’s then served over soft egg noodles and topped with a handful of crispy fried noodles for a little crunch. The result is a bowl that’s equal parts comforting and complex – quintessential Northern Thai cooking.

Nam Prik Noom Kab Moo: The dip and crunch combo you didn’t know you needed

Nam Prik Noom is a Northern Thai chilli dip made primarily from grilled green chillies, garlic, and shallots. The ingredients are roasted over an open flame or charcoal grill to give them a smoky flavour before being pounded into a chunky, slightly coarse paste. Pair it with Kab Moo (crunchy deep-fried pork rinds), and you have the perfect pre-drinking snack before you hit some of the gay bars in Chiang Mai. It’s like chips and dip – but way more addictive.

Laab Dib: A raw meat salad for the adventurous

Unlike typical Laab, which uses cooked minced meat, Laab Dib is a raw meat salad and a delicacy in Northern Thailand. Think of it as a Thai-style steak tartare. The dish features finely minced raw beef or pork tossed with lime juice, roasted rice powder, fresh herbs, and a generous amount of chilli. The result is a salad that’s bright, spicy, and a little bit nutty, with a tender bite balanced by crisp, raw vegetables like cabbage and cucumber that are usually served on the side.

As with any dish featuring raw meat, it’s best to enjoy Laab Dib at reputable establishments known for high standards of health and hygiene. This way, you can safely savour the authentic flavours of this Northern Thai delicacy.

Kaeng Khanun: A meat-free curry that doesn’t compromise on flavour

Kaeng Khanun is a dish that proves you don’t need meat for a satisfying curry. With young green jackfruit at its centre, this Northern Thai staple is perfect for anyone looking to cut down on meat without sacrificing taste. The jackfruit’s tender texture mimics that of slow-cooked pork, soaking up a delicious broth made from red curry paste, tomatoes, and fragrant herbs like lemongrass and kaffir lime. It’s savoury, a little tangy, and surprisingly hearty – packed with flavours that deliver all the depth you’d expect from a traditional curry, without any heaviness.

Khao Lam: A sweet treat cooked in bamboo

For those of you who can’t resist a sweet treat after dinner, Khao Lam is the answer. It’s made by stuffing sticky rice, sweetened with coconut milk and palm sugar, into bamboo tubes before being slow-cooked over an open flame. Crack open the bamboo to find a chewy, sticky dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. If you’re exploring Chiang Mai’s markets, a warm Khao Lam straight off the grill is an absolute must.

Where to find them in Chiang Mai

Huen Muan Jai – This restaurant, whose name translates to “happy home,” has been serving authentic Northern Thai food since 2011. Locals love it for the focus on quality ingredients and time-honoured cooking methods.

The House by Ginger – This stylish spot near the Old City has been a culinary fixture for years, serving Northern Thai favourites like Khao Soi, crafted with locally grown and organic ingredients. It’s also home to a fantastic cocktail bar.

Khao Soi Maesai – A well-loved local eatery, Khao Soi Maesai focuses on serving traditional Northern Thai dishes with an emphasis on authentic recipes. It’s a casual, family-run spot that’s often praised for its flavours and value, attracting a mix of locals and travellers familiar with the Chiang Mai food scene.

Chiang Mai Gate Night Market – Located at the southern entrance of the Old City, Chiang Mai Gate Night Market is an easy, cheap, and accessible way to sample Northern Thai food in a lively, open-air environment. It’s an absolute must for street food enthusiasts.

Huen Jai Yong – Set just outside the city, Huen Jai Yong offers a peaceful escape from Chiang Mai’s busier areas. This family-run restaurant is known for preserving traditional Northern Thai recipes in a charming countryside setting. It’s a go-to for those who want a laid-back meal in a more rural, relaxed environment.

Consider staying at one of these fantastic LGBTQ-friendly hotels in and around Chiang Mai as you taste your way through these Northern Thai dishes!