Chiang Mai's Best Khao Soi: Quest For Northern Thailand's Heavenly Nectar
Updated: Apr 6
Nestled in the heart of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai might lack the sandy beaches that draw travelers to other parts of the country, but its magnetic charm and vibrant energy make it a hidden gem well worth exploring. It is a digital nomad hotspot for a reason: with a laid-back atmosphere, a central old town surrounded by walls, and many of nature's wonders just a short drive away, Chiang Mai has more to offer than meets the eye.
Among its culinary treasures, the city is renowned for Khao Soi, a soul-warming curry soup filled with egg noodles, perfectly stewed chicken or beef, and topped with crispy onions and pickled vegetables. Upon our first tasting of this dish, we simply could not believe how many years we had let slip by before discovering our favorite food in the world. We embarked on our Khao Soi adventure immediately upon arrival, having pre-researched all of the top spots in town, each presenting their unique take on this heavenly dish. We were excited to see how each spot, all fantastic in their own right, ranked according to our taste buds. Here we will present you that list in ascending order.
Our journey begins with choice #4 - Khao Soy Maesai, a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient conveniently located not far from the main old town. The rich, aromatic curry soup delivered an explosion of flavours, setting the bar high for the Khao Soi exploration that lay ahead.
Moving up the list is #3 - KHAO by Four Seasons, a Michelin-recommended restaurant nestled inside the Four Seasons hotel. Although distant from the downtown buzz, the journey is rewarded with a culinary experience set against a picturesque backdrop. It also has the benefit of being near some other points of interest you may want to explore during your stay in Chiang Mai (including the Elephant POOPOOPAPER Park).
The Four Seasons hotel feels like its own little village, with every single detail perfectly arranged and maintained. KHAO provides the perfect vantage point to enjoy the property’s beauty, with an open-air setting perched above rice paddies that surround a central lake, with picturesque villas built all around. After one cocktail here, the memory of the hustle and bustle of downtown Chiang Mai will quickly fade away. The soup here is an elegant affair, beautifully plated with each pickled vegetable and sauce in its own tiny bowl. While the presentation was impeccable, it did fall slightly short of delivering the robust flavors found in the quaint roadside shops we visited.
Coming in at #2 is Khao Soi Mae Manee. This long-standing family-run shop is a bit out of town, but the tucked away and unassuming restaurant is well worth the journey for its flavorful stewed beef-topped Khao Soi. Perfectly cooked and fresh noodles and a dollop of coconut cream make this a swoon-worthy bowl. This location could easily be tied with our top choice for first place.
The ultimate Khao Soi experience awaits at our #1 pick - Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kad Kom. Awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand and nicknamed "Khao Soi Netflix" after featuring on ‘Somebody Feed Phil’, this spot lives up to its reputation. The chicken and beef Khao Soi options, served separately or combined in one bowl, are nothing short of a culinary revelation. As Phil Rosenthal aptly put it, "At the first taste of it, you go 'oh,' and by the third taste of it, you're like when can I come here again?" Upon arriving in Chiang Mai head directly here, grab a cup and fill it with ice, pour your beer overtop, and settle in for a flavour explosion. A dining experience at Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kad Kom is a memory that lingers long after the last spoonful is savored, making it a must-visit for any Khao Soi enthusiast in Chiang Mai.
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