Chiang Mai's Top 3 Must-Try Foods: A culinary journey through the city's best dishes

Chiang Mai is known for its delicious and diverse food scene, with many local specialties to try. When I visited, I loved the thrill of discovering new and delicious dishes and found no shortage of culinary delights to explore. But with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've narrowed it down to the top three must-try foods in Chiang Mai, including the iconic Khao Soi, the spicy and sour Som Tam, and the flavorful Pak Gra Pow. Join me on a culinary journey through the city's best dishes, and discover the flavors that make Chiang Mai a food lover's paradise.

1. Khao Soi

Khao Soi is a popular Chiang Mai dish that is essentially a curried noodle soup made with boiled egg noodles, braised pork or chicken, and a variety of spices. It's flavorful, comforting, and widely available at street food stalls and restaurants throughout the city.

When I visited, I tried Khao Soi in multiple places including hotel restaurants, local restaurants, and at food markets. There are many variations of Khao Soi. While the traditional version is made with braised beef or chicken, there are many other types of Khao Soi to try. 

For example, you can find pork Khao Soi, which is made with braised pork belly or pork shoulder, and shrimp Khao Soi, which is made with succulent shrimp in a spicy and sour broth. 

My two favorite types of Khao Soi were shrimp with a halved boiled egg, and 'moo glob' which is crispy deep fried pork belly cut into bite-sized chunks. Both types came with lime, red onion, and green veg - the perfect contrast to the rich soup and crispy noodles. 

 

Some vendors even offer vegetarian or vegan versions of Khao Soi, made with plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. Additionally, there are regional variations of Khao Soi, such as the Chiang Mai-style Khao Soi, which is known for its rich and creamy curry-based broth, and the Ayutthaya-style Khao Soi, which is known for its spicy and sour flavors. No matter which type of Khao Soi you try, it's sure to be a delicious and satisfying meal.

2. Sweetcorn Som Tam

The second dish I reccomend is a unique twist on the classic Thai salad, Som Tam. Instead of using green papaya, this version is made with fresh sweetcorn, which adds a sweet and juicy texture to the dish. The corn was incredibly fresh and delicious, and it paired perfectly with the spicy and sour flavors of the salad. Served with sticky rice, this Som Tam was a delightful departure from the traditional version and a great way to enjoy the flavors of Thailand in a new and exciting way. The combination of the sweet corn, spicy chilies, and sticky rice was a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a dish that I won't soon forget.

3. Pak Gra Pow (Pork mince with basil)

 The third dish I recommedn is the delicious and flavorful Pak Gra Pow, which is a popular Thai dish made with pork mince, basil, and a variety of spices. The pork was cooked to perfection, with a tender and juicy texture that was complemented by the fragrant basil and fresh mint. Served with a side of steamed white rice, this dish was a staple of Thai cuisine and did not disappoint. The combination of the savory pork, aromatic basil, and fluffy rice was a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a dish that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to try authentic Thai cuisine.

Final thoughts

These are just my top 3 must-try food that I recommend you try when you visit, but you'll find many others!

For example, Sai Oua is a Northern Thai-style sausage made with pork, herbs, and spices. It's flavorful and slightly spicy, and can be eaten on its own or paired with sticky rice or noodles. You can find Sai Oua at many street food stalls and local markets in Chiang Mai.

Then there's Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiaw: This is a spicy and sour noodle dish made with fermented rice noodles, meat or fish, and a variety of vegetables. It's a specialty of Chiang Mai and is known for its bold flavors and refreshing taste. You can try it at local restaurants or street food stalls, and ask for it to be made with pork or chicken for a non-vegetarian option.

Whichever food you decide to try, I hope these suggestions help you plan your culinary adventures in Chiang Mai! Enjoy your trip and bon appetit!