The 7 Best Places to Eat Khao Soi in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, is home to one of the most famous dishes in the country: khao soi. This spicy, curried Thai noodle soup is loved by millions of Southeast Asians and countless tourists travel to Chiang Mai for a taste of authentic khao soi. However, in a city home to over 1.2 million people, how can you possibly find the best spot for khao soi? Well, that’s where we come in to help you out – here are the 7 best places for khao soi in Chiang Mai.

Here are the 7 Best Places to Eat Khao Soi in Chiang Mai

1. Khao Soi Maesai

Without a shadow of a doubt, Khao Soi Maesai is one of the best places in Chiang Mai to try out the region’s most famous dish. 

Located right in the heart of Nimman, not far from downtown Chiang Mai, Khao Soi Maesai offers a traditional taste of northern Thailand. Customers rave about the tenderness of the beef that they use, as well as how large their portions are. And when it’s less than ฿100 (£2.39) for a meal, what’s not to love?

In addition to their khao soi, Khao Soi Maesai are also famous for their Thai twist on kimchi, a traditional Korean dish made from fermented cabbage. Locals and tourists love Khao Soi Maesai’s Thai kimchi so much, that they even offer it as a main, as well as a side!

Address: Ratchaphuek Road, Chang Phueak, Chiang Mai.
Opening Hours: 08:00–16:00 Monday–Saturday, closed Sunday.

2. Khao Soi Prince

Another phenomenal place dishing up some of the best khao soi in Chiang Mai is Khao Soi Prince. Opened by a Muslim family in 1965, Khao Soi Prince is different from many other similar restaurants in the sense that it has stuck to its roots, and uses halal meat – making it a perfect choice for those who would otherwise be unable to enjoy khao soi.

Deep flavours from their richly spiced broth complement their noodles and meat perfectly, and while it doesn’t look like a five-star restaurant from the outside, you should never judge a book by its cover – because the food inside is arguably more than five-star quality.

Address: Soi Thung Muen Noi, Nong Han, Sansai, Chiang Mai
Opening Hours: 11:00–16:00 Monday–Sunday

3. Chef Tao’s Thai Cuisine

Another must-visit when in Chiang Mai is Chef Tao’s Thai Cuisine. Bringing a wealth of experience in pan-Asian cooking, Chef Tao opened his restaurant in Chiang Mai and named it after himself – if that isn’t belief in your own product, then we don’t know what is!

Because of his wide experience in all sorts of Asian cuisine, these influences have crept into the khao soi at the restaurant, making it some of the most unique khao soi in Chiang Mai.

Expect Japanese-style katsu meat – whether you want chicken, beef or pork (as well as vegetarian options available), set atop a bubbling bowl of spicy curry soup, and finished off with crispy noodles. This is truly some of the best khao soi in Chiang Mai.

The restaurant also offers cooking classes, so you can learn how to make khao soi under the guidance of one of Chaing Mai’s premier khao soi chefs – ideal for impressing your friends and family when you return home and host a dinner party!

Address: 169 Ratchapakhinai Road, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang, Chiang Mai
Opening Hours: 10:00–21:00 Monday–Sunday

4. Garden to Table by Hotpot Panda

When it comes to culinary favourites like khao soi, many places opt to mass-produce it, and this has a knock-on effect, with the quality of the ingredients often taking a hit.

This is the complete opposite at Garden to Table, who grow their own vegetables, fruits and herbs, and then use them in their wide array of Thai dishes – with khao soi being one of their best-sellers.

When top-quality, locally produced (from the garden at the back of the restaurant – it doesn’t get much more local than that!) ingredients are used, you know that you’re in for a real treat.

Because Garden to Table has such a focus on their homegrown produce, they offer lots more vegetarian and vegan dishes than many similar restaurants, and they also cater for those with a gluten allergy. Everything on their menu except their dumplings can be made gluten-free, and almost all of their dishes can be made vegetarian, with many also being available in a vegan version.

Address: 134–6 Ratchapakhinai Road, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang, Chiang Mai
Opening Hours: 16:00–20:30 Monday, 15:00–20:30 Tuesday–Friday, closed Saturday and Sunday.

5. Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kad Kom

Many Thai restaurants in Chiang Mai have an emphasis on family recipes, which have typically been passed down and perfected through generations of excellent cooks.

The name of this restaurant translates as “Uncle Prakit’s Khao Soi” – and Prakit himself still runs the kitchen, serving up some of the freshest khao soi in Chiang Mai.

Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kad Kom even featured briefly in an episode of the Netflix series Somebody Feed Phil, which has helped draw huge numbers to the doors of its restaurant – and has since filled many bellies with delicious khao soi.

Address: 53 Suriyawong Road 5, Haiya, Chiang Mai
Opening Hours: 09:30–16:30 Monday–Sunday

6. Khao–Sō–i

It would be impossible to create a list of the best khao soi spots in Chaing Mai without including Khao–Sō–i, which is arguably the most famous khao soi restaurant in the world.

Their slogan is “on a mission to create the perfect bowl of khao soi”, which not only shows how much they take pride in northern Thailand’s most famous dish, but how they are always striving to learn more and more about this classic meal, and are constantly looking to tweak it to perfection. This means that no two dishes of khao soi you get from Khao–Sō–i will ever be the same.

While slightly more expensive than other similar restaurants, it is nevertheless still more than reasonably priced at around ฿250 (£5.39) for a fresh, steaming-hot bowl of khao soi.

Address: 430 Charoenrat Road, Fa Ham, Mueang, Chiang Mai
Opening Hours: 09:00–20:00 Monday–Sunday

7. Kaosoy Nimman

If it’s where the locals eat, it’s where you should be going. And that’s exactly the case with the final eatery on our list – Kaosoy Nimman. Found in central Chiang Mai, Kaosoy Nimman offers up chicken, beef and vegetable khao soi – and it’s loved by locals and tourists alike.

Locals flock to the restaurant for their fix of khao soi – and it’s served up freshly made every day, from 10:00–21:00, seven days a week.

It’s also a popular spot for Thai influencers to visit – which has helped to increase their reach in Southeast Asia and their large social media following. Aside from that, food is still the most important aspect at Kaosoy Nimman, so you can rest assured knowing you’re visiting one of the best places to eat khao soi in Chiang Mai when you step through its doorway.

Address: Nimmanhaemin Soi 7, Chiang Mai
Opening Hours: 10:00–21:00 Monday–Sunday