Thailand is one of my favorite countries because it offers so much, from great weather to culture to the people. But one thing that sticks out in Thailand and that anyone who has been can attest is the cuisine. Thai cuisine contains a spectrum of flavors and textures and is so vast that no two dishes are ever the same. You will get an explosion of flavors in each dish you eat. This Southeast Asian country is fast becoming a foodie’s destination and these three restaurants are a great example of what Thai cuisine is all about.
*Disclaimer- I’ve visited Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Bangkok but when it comes to food, in my opinion, Chiang Mai is definitely the best if you are a foodie. These are all based on my experiences and the restaurants listed are places where I personally ate several times and can attest to how great the food is.
Labkai Nimman
Labkai Nimman is an amazing restaurant best known for serving northern Thai food such as Khao Soi. If you don’t know what Khao Soi is then this would be the best place to try it for the first time. The restaurant is located on Nimman street not too far from the popular Maya mall. The first thing you will realize when coming in is it is a nice peaceful ambiance with places to sit on the inside and out of the restaurant. The food was always prepared with fresh ingredients. I witnessed it myself with them coming by with a car full of vegetables and other ingredients. The friendliness at Labkai Nimman is incredible. They extremely kind and love to talk to you about your life and why you are visiting. Also, the food comes quickly and all at the same time. I was even offered several free dishes because they wanted me to get the full experience. I met the full staff including the owner and the cooks of the store and are all warm and kind people. Labkai Nimman’s price point is incredible for what you will get for this quality of service. Everything on the menu ranges from 50-110 Bhat which is equivalent to $1.60-$3.50.On average a meal for two with about 3 different dishes will run you about 200 Bhat or $7USD. Very affordable compared to other restaurants.Labkai Nimman is located in an excellent area outside of the main tourist square but near the popular Maya mall. Don’t miss this place It will have your taste buds tingling for hours.
Facebook: Labkai Nimman
Address: 12/10 Nimmanhemin Soi 15 50200
RosyCheeks
Rosy cheeks motto is"Change your life by what you eat" and they definitely uphold that motto. The food and drinks were nothing short of phenomenal in the taste and presentation. The kitchen is open so you can watch the chef prepare your food with the best of ingredients. The Food was exceptional-fresh is an understatement the herbs and fresh flowers used on our roll said it all. The staff takes such pride in each dish and the caring staff made us feel like we were dining in their own home. Rosy cheeks range from 300-500 Bhat or $10-$15 USD for two people which is great for the high-quality food you will receive that will definitely change your life. Rosy cheeks is off the beaten track for tourists but it is worth visiting. Rosey cheeks is Near the University district which is bustling but is down a sneaky little alleyway which is very quiet and private.
Facebook: Rosy Cheeks
Location:52/2 Village NO.8 Soi 4,Soi Wat Umong 50200
Fresh Time
Fresh time was the first restaurant I decided to eat at when coming to Chiang Mai. Fresh time is an all-vegetarian Thai restaurant and smoothie bar. The atmosphere of Fresh time is amazing. Honestly, it doesn't feel like you are in a restaurant but more like if you walked in your grandmother’s kitchen. The decore is very earthy and has a very welcoming feel. The lady who owns Fresh time is a very sweet older woman and she is extremely kind and will let you stay in the restaurant as long as you feel which makes it feel even more like home. Fresh time has indoor and outdoor seating but I would suggest sitting outside because it feels like you are eating on the patio and its fun to people watch and just relax. The price is of fresh time excellent for the service you are getting. Everything here is about 70-150 Bhat or $2-$5USD.There are even family combos that will cost around 500Bhat or $15. The combos include some of the most popular dishes such as the Tofu Pad Thai and the coconut soup and there freshly made juices. The Location for fresh time is in a great area. It is in the tourist square of Chiang Mai.
Facebook: Fresh Time
Location:130/3 Prapokklao Road,Tambon Prasingh 50200