Chef Ton’s favourite restaurants and bars in Chiang Mai

The chef-owner of Asia’s No. 1 Restaurant in 2023, Le Du, has compiled his favourite restaurants, bars, and eateries in the northern Thai city

The mountainous city of Chiang Mai in Thailand has long been known for its picturesque scenery, beautiful architecture, and moreish food. But if you’re looking for an authoritative guide to eateries, bars and restaurants in the city, look no further. For chef Thitid Tassanakajohn, more popularly known as chef Ton, Chiang Mai holds deep personal meaning. The city is home to suppliers of his famed Bangkok restaurants Le Du (Asia’s No. 1 Restaurant in 2023) and Nusara, and the chef-owner makes it a point to visit several times a year, charmed by its ingredients and culinary culture. Read on for an insider guide to the best spots to wine and dine at in Chiang Mai.

Don’t miss: Le Du, Asia’s Best Restaurant for 2023, is Mandala Masters’ next culinary residency

1. Magnolia Café

View this post on Instagram

For the “best Thai food all around”, head down to Magnolia Café, which boasts a Michelin Bib Gourmand. You’ll find both traditional and modern takes on Thai cuisine here, like sun-dried squid with fresh watermelon and stir-fried cabbage with pork belly, Ton believes that Magnolia Café presents “the best that the Thai home cook has to offer”, even claiming that the spot has served “some of the most delicious meals in my life”.

Magnolia Café
Address: 131 70,131/82 Rattanakosin Road, Pa Tan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

2. Kiti Panit

Above Khao soi gai at Kiti Panit (Photo: Kiti Panit)

Situated within a teak tree mansion over 130 years old in the city, Kiti Panit is “the most beautiful restaurant in Chiang Mai” and is a “must-visit”. The restaurant has its origins as a general store and is still run by the descendants of the Chinese immigrants who ran the store in 1888. Ton notes that the food here is a fine example of northern Thai cuisine. Indeed, its signature dishes include the famous khao soi curry noodles in two variations, chicken and stewed beef shank; mao naem yang, or grilled fermented pork; and hung lay mao, a Northern pork curry.

Kiti Panit
Address: 19 Tha Phae Road, Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand

3. Khao Soi Islam Noodles

View this post on Instagram

“Look no further for the best khao soi in Chiang Mai,” Ton says by way of introduction to Khao Soi Islam Noodles. This tiny halal shop is run by a Muslim family who have been cooking for decades, serving up an authentic halal version of khao soi that’s intensely spiced and topped with crisps that add a welcome textural contrast. For the full experience, order the Thai-style biryani too.

Khao Soi Islam Noodles
Address: 24 Charoen Prathet 1 Alley, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

4. Midlife Crisis

Above Drink at Midlife Crisis (Photo: Midlifecrisis.cnx)

“Everyone has that moment in life, and this bar makes it seem so easy to get through,” Ton says of this playfully-named bar. And as tongue-in-cheek as the bar’s name is, your experience here will not be overwrought, overly-done, or fussy. “Nothing fancy, no talkative bartender. Just real good and clean drinks,” Ton says.

Midlife Crisis
Address: Chang Moi Kao Road, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

5. Cuisine de Garden Chiang Mai

View this post on Instagram

This fine dining restaurant in Chiang Mai, according to chef Ton, is most deserving of a Michelin star. Helmed by chef Leelawat Mankongtiphan, Cuisine de Garden offers a unique culinary journey through Thai cuisine with premium ingredients, precisely rendered with French techniques. Each dish in the tasting menu takes you through the beauty of nature, presenting exquisite creations that are better than the last.

Cuisine de Garden Chiang Mai
Address: 99 Moo 11, Nong Kwai, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand

NOW READ

Haute Spots: The hottest places to visit in Bangkok, according to Dana Cheong

5 cool and casual dining experiences in Bangkok

Why Bangkok is Asia’s most exciting food city right now

Topics

Chef Ton ThiTid Tassanakajohn Chiang Mai Chiang Mai bars Chiang Mai restaurants