Where to Eat in Chiang Mai: From Thai to Western Cuisine

Where to Eat in Chiang Mai

I love food, and while I usually enjoy cooking and eating at home, living in Chiang Mai has made it very hard to resist eating out. Surrounded by incredible food spots and affordable prices, I find myself wanting to explore a new place almost every day. Oh, and one thing I love about Chiang Mai is that authentic, homemade-style meals are often cheaper than junk food – it’s so easy to eat well here.

This isn’t a list of the “best restaurants in Chiang Mai” – because I’m sure there are plenty of other amazing places to discover. Instead, I’m simply sharing my regular go-to spots that I genuinely enjoy and hope they’ll help you plan your Chiang Mai trip, especially if it’s your first time visiting. Most of these places are located in or around the city centre, simply because that’s where I live. And if you’re looking for market snacks and street food finds, I’ve also written a separate guide for that, which you can find

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THAI FOOD

Kat’s Kitchen

It seems like this restaurant is on every tourist’s Chiang Mai checklist, and I can see why. The prices are incredibly affordable, the portions are generous enough to share with friends, and the food is delicious. Nothing fancy, it’s a simple local eatery serving all the Thai classics we know and love. My personal favourite is the chicken Pad See Ew. Just keep in mind that it gets incredibly busy during the high season, with queues forming around lunch and dinner, so it’s worth coming a little before or after the rush if you want to avoid the wait.

📍Google Map: Kat’s Kitchen
⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 9am-9.30pm
💰 Price Range: 100-200 baht/ person

Where to eat in Chiang Mai - Kats Kitchen

Image credit: Kat’s Kitchen Google page

Cherng Doi Roast Chicken

They’re known for their boneless grilled chicken, which is very nice. But don’t overlook the grilled pork – it’s as delicious, if not even better. Alongside the grilled meats, you’ll find classic Thai favourites like papaya salad and corn salad. Pair everything with a side of sticky rice, and you’ve got a simple meal that never disappoints.

📍Google Map: Cherng Doi Roast Chicken
⏰ Opening Hour: Tue-Sun, 11am-8pm
💰 Price Range: 100-200 baht/ person

KaPao

They specialise in elevated Thai classic pad krapao, with a choice of proteins including Angus beef, chicken, pork, and seafood. You can order it on its own with a duck egg on top, or as a set that comes with refillable salad and soup for a more satisfying meal. My favourite combination is the sea bass pad krapao paired with the sour pork rib soup. If you’re dining with friends, don’t miss the stir-fried cabbage to share, and wash it all down with one of their refreshing iced sparkling teas.

📍Google Map: KaPao – Thai Kaprao Stir Fried
⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 11am – 9.30pm
💰 Price Range: 200-400 baht/ person

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Khao-Sō-i

The same owner we met at KaPao told us he also runs this khao soi pot. If you’ve never tried it before, khao soi is a rich, creamy curry noodle soup from Northern Thailand that, to me, tastes a little like Singaporean laksa. Here, the menu is dedicated entirely to khao soi, with a variety of protein options to choose from. The space is bigger than KaPao, and has a Japanese-inspired vibe. And whatever you do, save room for their matcha soft serve!

📍Google Map: Khao-Sō-i
⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 9am-9pm
💰 Price Range: 200-400 baht/ person

Hello Solao

📍Google Map: Hello Solao
⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Thu 10.30am-9pm, Fri-Sun 10.30am-10pm
💰 Price Range: 200-400 baht/ person

Image credit: Hello Solao Google page

Tong Tem Toh

A Thai friend recommended this place to me when I wanted to try authentic Northern Thai cuisine. The menu is unlike anything I’d tried before, like steamed fish wrapped in banana leaves, crispy pork belly, and a spicy mushroom soup. I brought my parents here, and the adventurous foodies in them were excited to order some of the more unique dishes on the menu.

📍Google Map: Tong Tem Toh
⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 8am-11pm
💰 Price Range: 60-150 baht/ person

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ASIAN COMFORT

Sanjan

Of course this had to make the list, because I’m Indonesia, hehe. And as far as I know, it’s the only Indonesian restaurant in Chiang Mai. The soto ayam (Indonesian chicken soup) and bakso kuah (meatball soup) both taste authentic. The sambal goreng tempe (chilli tempe) is another favourite – and it’s vegan! No Indonesian meal feels complete without a side of kerupuk (crackers), which the have there. Aaaand they also stock Indomie instant noodles and will happily cook them for you just like they do at a classic Indo warung – aaah best!

📍Google Map: Sanjan Indonesian Cafe
⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 11am-9pm
💰 Price Range: 100-400 baht/ person

Image credit: Sanjan Google page

Sushi Umai

📍Google Map: Sushi Umai
⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Fri 11am-2pm & 5pm-9.30pm, Sat-Sun 11am-9.30pm
💰 Price Range: 400-600 baht/ person

Image credit: Sushi Umai Google page

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WESTERN COMFORT

Why Not Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

As much as I love Asian food, I’ll never say no to a good bowl of bolognese pasta. This is my go-to whenever I’m craving Italian comfort food – the pasta always tastes fresh and homemade, while the bolognese sauce is rich and full of flavour. Their pizzas are just as good, with a thin crust and a good amount of cheese. Add to that the warm, welcoming atmosphere and cosy family-dining vibe.

📍Google Map: Why Not? Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar
⏰ Opening Hour: Tue-Sun 12pm-11pm, Mon 4pm-11pm
💰 Price Range: 400-600 baht/ person

Beast Burger

This is another one of my go-to spots when I’m after an easy, satisfying bite, especially as a little weekend indulgence. It’s just a few metres from my favourite massage place, Giving Tree, making it the perfect combo for a relaxing weekend treat. The service is always quick, and the burger is always good, but I have to give the chips a special shoutout because they’re consistently cooked to perfection. Yum!

📍Google Map: Beast Burger
⏰ Opening Hour: Mon-Sun, 11am-10pm
💰 Price Range: 200-400 baht/ person

Little Pasta Box

I first discovered this place when it was literally just…a little pasta box. So it’s been lovely to see how much it has grown and moved into a bigger space! This is the place to go when you’re craving a rich, creamy bowl of pasta that feels a little naughty, hehe. You can also upgrade to their homemade pasta, freshly made by the lady owner herself, which I highly recommend!

📍Google Map: Little Pasta Box
⏰ Opening Hour: Every day, except Wed and Sat, 12pm-8pm
💰 Price Range: 100-200 baht/ person

Where to eat in Chiang Mai - Little Pasta Box

Image credit: Little Pasta Box Google page

Ok, these are my current go-to spots in Chiang Mai, but I’m always on the lookout for new places to try. As I keep exploring the city, I’ll continue adding more restaurants that I think are worth sharing. Thanks so much for reading, and I hope this little guide helps you find somewhere delicious to eat on your trip. Happy holidays, and enjoy the food!

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05 Dec 2024 by Bella in United Kingdom

From Privet Drive to Gringotts: A Magical Day at Harry Potter Studio Tour London

My journey into the Harry Potter world began 24 years ago, when my uncle gifted me the first book when I was 12. He worked in a bookstore at the time and gave me the first book – it was considered quite a luxury back then, so I was eager not to miss out. After finishing the first one, I was hooked and wanted more. But the only copies available at that time were in English - so as the books got thicker, reading in my second language became more difficult. But luckily they started turning them into films, haha! Fast forward to today, and when I finally landed in London for the first time, I convinced my husband to visit The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros studio tour. I’ll tell you what - I was one lucky Muggle! There was no way we could get tickets during the high season, but two people decided to cancel, and that’s how we got ours. The tickets are not cheap, especially when you convert them to Indonesian rupiah – it was over IDR 1 million each *crying in parseltongue*. But boy, was it worth it! It was a dream come true for me! And in this article, I'll share everything you need to know: ticket tips, costs, and why this magical London attraction is worth every Galleon. You may also like this article: 48 Hours in Amsterdam - A Quick Trip, Big Memories Unfortunately, the expense didn’t stop at the tickets. We also had to take a train out of London, which cost £20 per person. But the tickets did include a bus pick-up from the train station to the studio. On the bus, Draco Malfoy greeted us on screen, which definitely added to the excitement! (Not sure why him though, where’s Harry!). The tickets have time slots, and since we arrived early, we headed to the cafeteria for some soup served in a cauldron! We were also given a passport with interactive tasks, like collecting stamps and finding golden snitches. You can choose to use an audio guide, available in several languages - and I wonder why I didn’t ask for mine in Bahasa Indonesia, just for fun, lol. You make also like this article: A Playful Stay in Copenhagen - My 25hours Hotel Experience So, we started the studio tour in the Great Hall, and then it took us through everything you could possibly imagine from the films! From Harry’s cupboard under the stairs, to Gryffindor’s common room, Hagrid’s hut, Professor Dumbledore’s office, and even the Forbidden Forest! I got to meet Aragog and the Hippogriff (and I wasn’t surprised to see all the nerdy Potterheads bowing to it, haha). There’s also an outdoor area where you can visit Harry’s aunt and uncle’s house on Privet Drive, and the plant room where they grow Mandrakes! It was raining and cold, but that didn’t stop anyone - certainly not me, from exploring. I treated myself to some Butterbeer. You can clean the mug and take it home! Then, I continued my journey through Platform 9¾, Diagon Alley, and Gringotts. No wonder the website says it’s at least a 3-hour tour! You may also like this article: Brazil and Indonesia - Fun Finds in Similarities It was one of the best days ever! It brought back so many wonderful childhood memories. If you're ever in London and are a Harry Potter fan, I can't recommend the studio tour enough. It’s totally worth the splurge. Just be sure to book your tickets well in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly! Harry Potter Studio Tour London Summary Planning Your Visit Ticket Price: More less IDR 1,000,000 each How to Save: Book 3-4 months early – slots sell fast! Getting There: Take a £20 (approx. IDR 400,000) train from London + free shuttle bus Magical Highlights The Great Hall: Walk under floating candles and house banners Privet Drive: Recreate Harry’s iconic cupboard-under-the-stairs moment Butterbeer: Sip the creamy drink and keep the souvenir mug! Diagon Alley & Gringotts: Walk through the dragon-guarded bank and Ollivanders’ wand shop. Is It Worth It? Absolutely! For Potterheads, the Harry Potter Studio Tour London is a nostalgic journey through Hogwarts, Dumbledore’s office, and the Forbidden Forest. Just budget for tickets + train fares. Bella's Tips Skip the audio guide (you will be visually pleased the whole time - and save money) Arrive early for cauldron soup at the cafeteria Wear layers in autumn/ winter – the outdoor Privet Drive area gets chilly! Click here to buy the tickets. Isabella - Hufflepuff

24 Mar 2026 by Bella in Asia

Chiang Mai Cafes: 6 Cute Places with Great Coffee and Bites

Chiang Mai has become one of my favourite cities for coffee - I don’t think I’ve had a bad cup here so far. They’re all good for my taste, my stomach, and my wallet. I find coffee prices here really fair, and even the fancy ones with cream, oat milk, and all that stuff are still reasonable (compared to Bali at least). I haven’t tried many coffee shops in Chiang Mai yet, so this list will keep growing as I discover more cute spots. But for now, here are some of my favourites - places that are not only cute but also serve great coffee, pastries, and sweets. Monday AttackForest BakeGroonLondon BakeryMarsMatchi Matchi You may also like this article: Chiang Mai Food Markets - 5 Popular Spots to Eat Monday Attack I like to imagine that the people behind this café simply weren’t built for office life, probably hated Mondays, and decided to start this coffee shop instead hehehe. Monday Attack has a cozy retro interior that looks cool from every corner, complete with a photobooth and nice cold air con (essential - if you need a little escape from the heat outside). I first came here after exploring Waroros Market nearby, and their iced latte topped with soft serve instantly won my heart. Turns out Mondays aren’t so bad when they involve good coffee and chilling. Forest Bake This is where you go when you want to enjoy a slow day in the garden with tea or coffee and an artisanal cake. Their pastries are made in small batches every day, so it’s best to come in the morning when everything is fresh, also because they tend to sell out quickly. The main bakery sits inside a cute little cabin that looks like it belongs in a European storybook. Outside, there’s a garden with a woodland aesthetic where you can truly take your time. I especially like their tarts; the blueberry and lemon ones are my favourites. Image credit: Forest Bake Instagram You may also like this article: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai - 4 Things to Know Groon I have so many good things to say about Groon. Not only is the coffee good, but they also make great scones, honey shokupan, and sometimes I even come here for lunch because I love their chicken quesadillas and creamy truffle pasta. This café sits between two other dessert spots; one frozen yoghurt place (which I also like) and a bingsoo shop. My guess is that they share the same owner because everything is connected, and you can order from whichever one you feel like. Pastry image credit: Groon Instagram London Bakery Spoiler alert: they don’t sell any London or British pastries here. Quite the opposite, they serve Asian-inspired items like matcha flan, ube soft bread, and salt bread, alongside classics such as blueberry cheesecake, croissants, and pretzels. The interior looks very 90s in a charming way, featuring a candy-coloured gate (to the toilets, lol) and a giant statue of their mascot that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into the world of Hansel and Gretel. And yes, of course, the coffee is good. But I usually come here for the munch, accompanied by coffee - not the other way around, hehe. You may also like this article: How to Stay in Thailand Visa-Free for 90 Days Mars Literally just a few steps away from London Bakery (I counted), you’ll find Mars café. The name already tells you what to expect the moment you walk in. Considering how Instagram-worthy this place is, it’s surprisingly not packed with people just taking photos. They actually come for the coffee too, which is nice. By the way, this café shares its entrance with a hotel upstairs, which makes for some very funny moments; you’ll see confused guests walking in expecting a normal hotel lobby, only to find themselves on what looks like a Star Trek film set. Matchi Matchi I came here just for a coffee, but ended up ordering their soft serve too - because it's their specialty, and because I have free will, heheh. Aaanddd... I think I've found a new favourite dessert! Their black sesame soft serve was whoahhh-so-good! The place itself is also very cute - is it a coincidence that I keep ending up in cute places? ;) I also tried their matcha choux, which was good and much bigger than I expected. Overall, a very happy experience. Would definitely go back fo' sho! I really like Chiang Mai and it’s coffee scene - every corner seems to hide another charming spot waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re here for serious coffee, sweet treats, or just a cozy place to slow down for a while, there’s always somewhere nice to try. And knowing me, this list definitely won’t stay at six for long. BRB checking out more cafes in town! ☕️

09 Mar 2025 by Bella in Europe

A Playful Stay in Copenhagen: My 25hours Hotel Experience

Those who know me know I’m not the luxury type - whether it’s what I wear, where I go, or how I travel. I always choose charming boutique hotels with characters over lavish ones (nothing against them, they’re just not me).Last year, I was lucky enough to be able to travel to Europe, with Copenhagen as one of my destinations. While scrolling through all the beautifully designed, Scandi-chic hotels, one instantly caught my eye: 25hours Hotel Indre By, Copenhagen.“It’s very electic!” - that’s probably the first thought that comes to mind when you see the bold, colourful, and unconventional design. As soon as you step through the front door, you’re greeted by a pastel-coloured bar right in the middle, leading the way to the lobby. Past the bar, there’s a music room on the right and a lounge on the left. I did spend some time in the music room - not to listen to music though, just to chill - and it was nice. The interesting design of the lobby, and the lounge The lobby itself is full of character, with a striking display of stacked books in the centre and a cosy corner with typewriters for guests to write poems. There’s also a little shop that I only glanced at quickly, but it seemed to have all sorts of quirky, novelty items (I would expect nothing less!). The staff were friendly, check-in was smooth, and then came the most exciting part… the room! My husband and I booked the Superior King Room because we wanted extra space for our big suitcases and coats. The interior was, again, bold and colourful - like stepping into a Wes Anderson film. There was a vintage phone that actually worked (this millennial had to figure out how to use it, haha!), and the bathroom had underfloor heating, which was a dream. Everything about the room made me want to scream, Aaaaaa! I love, love, love this hotel! If I had to be really picky, I wasn’t sure about the pillow selection, it was a little too soft to my liking - but honestly, that was such a minor thing compared to the overall experience! Oh, and as you head to the rooms, the corridor has this fun wallpaper that gives off Toy Story vibes. Spacious room, and unique design of the public toilet But that’s not the only thing I loved about this place. The breakfast was great - they had all the usual Western favourites, plus plenty of bread and cereal. But since I was in Denmark, I made it my mission to eat as much fresh salmon as possible, and eating it with rye bread was the highlight of my mornings! They also have a gym. It’s not huge, but it does the job. There’s a sauna as well, though if I’m not mistaken, it only operates at certain times. Overall, I had such a fun stay in 25hours Hotel Copenhagen. Not only did they wow me with their playful design and cool features, but the location was also super convenient - within walking distance of shops and restaurants. In fact, we averaged 20,000 steps a day just exploring the city! If you love contemporary, quirky hotels with personality, I highly recommend this one for your stay in Copenhagen.