The 10 Best Restaurants in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Northern-style minced pork
Northern-style minced pork | © Ron Dollete/Flickr
Iona Proebst

Chiang Rai is famous for its tea plantations, magical temples and its delicious food! We’ve compiled a list of the best restaurants to check out while you’re in town. Pick and choose from cheap and cheerful local favourites or opt for a luxurious riverside dining experience, we’ve included something for everyone.

1. Jatujak Gallery & Restaurant

Restaurant, Fusion, Thai, Vegetarian, Vegan

Pad Thai
© Jessica Spengler/Flickr

Jatujak Gallery and Restaurant exudes elegance in every detail, particularly the decorations, which are in a vintage art gallery style. The chef here updates the traditional local cuisine by giving it a modern twist; the seafood rice and coconut drinks are the most popular options. The ambiance is welcoming, with mood lighting that makes it cosy and comfortable.

2. Ran Lab Sanam Keela

Restaurant, Thai

Ran Lab Sanam Keela takes you on a journey through authentic Lanna food. This is one of the most well-known restaurants in Chiang Rai. Although the menu offers only a few dishes, all of them are irresistible delicacies that reflect the traditional dining culture of the area. The Yang Ruam is particularly recommended, pla tabtim tod kratiem, tom sab moo and jeen neung are also worth a try.

3. Heaven Burger

Restaurant, American, Fast Food

Delicious burger
© David Pursehouse/Flickr

If you have a burger craving, look no further than Heaven Burger, which serves up the best burgers in town. This discrete joint delivers on flavour what it lacks in ambiance. Heaven Burger also has pizzas and bagels on its menu as well as delicious coffees, smoothies and beers.

4. Ja Jaroenchai

Restaurant, Thai

This restaurant serves the best stir-fried Thai food. Gai ban tom sab (boiled chicken) is among the most popular dishes. The chicken is boiled with soybean sauce and tastes tender and smooth. Pad yod on tandawan moo is pork belly with a perfect complement of sunflower sprouts and is delicious with a bowl of rice.

5. Melt In Your Mouth Chiang Rai

Cafe, Restaurant, Dessert Shop, European, Thai, Dessert

Melt in your Mouth is a stunningly beautiful place to enjoy a meal or afternoon tea. Melt in your Mouth Chiang Rai serves both Thai and European dishes. Many of the recipes are from the owner’s grandmother, including the delicious cakes which, literally, melt in your mouth. The beautiful green, open-space setting is also used for events and is one of Chiang Rai’s most popular restaurants.

6. Roti Pa Yai

Restaurant, Halal

Roti
© Kent Wang/Flickr

Roti Pa Yai serves the most authentic Muslim halal food. The restaurant is decorated in a typical country style of Chiang Rai. Roti mataba gai, a chicken stuffed roti, is a must-try dish. A Muslim wrap with minced chicken and mataba, it is perfect dipped in the chunky sauce. In addition, you can order gaeng gari gai, a chicken yellow curry dressing beautifully prepared with coconut milk and yellow curry powder.

7. Khao Soi Phor Jai

Restaurant, Thai

7. Khao Soi Phor Jai
© Ryan Snyder/Flickr

If you haven’t tried the northern Thai speciality of khao soi, Khao Soi Phor Jai is the perfect opportunity. This popular local restaurant serves up steaming bowls of the creamy curry noodle soup dish. The atmosphere is lively and busy; come early if you don’t want to miss out!

8. Hungry Wolf's

Bar, Restaurant, American, Steakhouse, Beer

Hungry Wolf’s serves up American-style ribs, wings, pizzas, burgers and more in American-style sizes. Come with an appetite and you won’t be disappointed. This joint also serves tasty beers to wash down your meal with.

9. Favola at Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort

Boutique Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, Bar, European, Italian

If you are looking for a high-end romantic dining experience, look no further than Favola. Located in the Le Meridien Resort right next to a tranquil river, this restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience with a gorgeous atmosphere. Dine in style as you enjoy rustic Italian cuisine and a selection of imported wines.

10. Lu Lam Restaurant

Restaurant, Thai, Chinese

Gaeng hanglay
© T.Tseng/Flickr

Located near the Amarin Resort, Lu Lam provides a Northern Thai dining experience with a riverside view. A lot of the dishes are not on the English menu, so make sure you ask the English speaking staff for their recommendations. Give gaeng hanglay a try; a beef stew with curry of the day, it’s one of the most popular dishes in Northern Thailand.

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