Best Khao Soi in Chiang Mai: Our 14 favourite unmissable spots to try this Northern Thai dish

The best khao soi in Chiang Mai, in our experience, is at Khao So-i, with Kat’s Kitchen a very close second. We have eaten khao soi across the city on repeat visits over four years, and again on our latest trip in February 2026 when we stayed 1.5 months. This guide covers where to eat, what it costs, and how the queues have changed.

Khao soi is a Northern Thai curry noodle soup with egg noodles, topped with crispy fried noodles, and served with lime, shallots and pickled mustard greens. Whether you want mild or spicy, a 3 THB snack or a Michelin-listed bowl, you will find it below.

By Toti and Ale. Updated October 2026 after our latest trip. All bowls tasted by us. This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Map of the best khao soi in Chiang Mai

What is khao soi, and where does it come from?

Khao soi is a curry noodle soup from Northern Thailand. Egg noodles sit in a spiced broth, usually with coconut milk, and crispy fried noodles go on top. You season it at the table with lime, shallots, pickled mustard greens and chilli paste.

Its origin is debated. One story says Chinese Muslim traders from Yunnan brought a clear, coconut-free noodle soup to Chiang Mai.

Another points to the Burmese dish ohn no khao swe. Because of the Muslim roots, many traditional bowls use chicken or beef, not pork. Today you will find chicken, beef, pork, meatballs and even vegetarian versions.

Locals say Khao Soi Lamduan Faham, open since 1943, adapted the dish for Thai tastes with a coconut-milk curry. Spice levels vary a lot, from the mild, sweet Coconut Shell to the richer, spicier bowls at Maesai and Lung Prakit.

Best khao soi restaurants in Chiang Mai

Khao So-i

Our favourite khao soi in Chiang Mai, and a new discovery from our last trip. Khao So-i is on Charoenrat Road, by the river, and serves a braised beef khao soi that is the reason we keep coming back. We did order the “classic” – Khao Soi with chicken. It costs 139 for a small bowl and 189 for a big bowl. We went for the latter of course. Compared to other Khao Soi places on this list is very expensive for Thai Standards.

But… believe me, worth every penny. Before the main we ordered Dumplings with Khao Soi sauce, amazing but will not say unmissable.

We are planning to go again, because I’ve to try the version with Braised beef and brised tendon. Both of them are in the recommended menu, and are premium price. Anyway, the texture is totally different, and we had a clear view over the kitchen. The attention to details in absurd. This Japanese style Khao Soi is the top of our list here in Chiang Mai.

Kat’s Kitchen

Kat’s Kitchen is still one of our favourites, and the one that changed most between visits. It serves one of the biggest khao soi in town, with a perfect texture. For us it sits just a small step below Khao So-i, and our friends who joined us agreed.

The queue is the big change. On our first visits you could walk in and get a table. During our 1.5 months in Chiang Mai on our latest trip, there was a queue outside every time we went for a month straight, at least 20 people waiting each time. Inside, the place was buzzing.

Portions are generous. We used to order the large and could not finish it. On our latest trip I went for the medium, which was plenty. Tip: ask for it spicy, as the mild version is tame. Find it at 17 Ratchamanka Road, close to Zoe in Yellow, one of our favourite spots for a night out.

Coconut Shell Thai Food

Coconut Shell Thai Food serves khao soi in a coconut shell, and we give the presentation a 10. It is a bit milder and sweeter, with the coconut milk really shining, so it is a good first khao soi.

We went back on our latest trip with two friends, and the standard is still high. This time it was packed, as word has spread that this is one of the best khao soi in Chiang Mai. We were seated at the back on the top floor, an area we had never seen before, since the front always had a free table on earlier visits.

Grazie Thai Local Food

We regularly eat at Grazie, inside the old city walls. The khao soi has a good balance of flavour and texture, and the crunch of the crispy noodles is unbeatable.

The pork and chicken both have a deep, savoury flavour without being overwhelming, so try both. At 55 THB, it is the best budget pick among the sit-down places.

Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kad Kom

Known as the Netflix khao soi place, Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kad Kom was featured in the first episode of Somebody Feed Phil. It sits on a quiet side street (53 Suriyawong 5 Road), with a true local feel. We found it because it is close to our favourite co-working cafe, Heartwork.

The chicken khao soi hits a mid-spicy level without overpowering the other flavours. You will see locals and guided tour groups here. Parking is tight, but worth it.

Khao Soi Maesai

Khao Soi Maesai is Michelin-listed (Confirmed 2026). Do not expect anything fancy: it is a classic, tasty, regular Thai restaurant with a menu of just 3 dishes and 3 variations (9 in total). You write your order on a piece of paper at wooden tables.

Here you will find options you rarely see elsewhere, such as beef and pork meatballs, and versions with beef, chicken and jean nam ngiao. I tried the beef meatballs, and Ale had the chicken. The flavour leans rich and spicy, with layers of spice that develop as you eat.

Be ready to wait, though they are efficient, and the free water and ice by the entrance help. It was a few steps from one of our favourite work cafes, Ombra Cafe, so it became an addiction.

Mr. Kai

We passed by Mr. Kai before heading to the Sunday Night Market. Toni, the owner, is one of the kindest people we met in town, and his bowl is spotless and beautifully presented.

You can see yellow and red curry in the coconut soup, and the meat melts in your mouth. Six condiments come on the side: eggs, carrots, tapioca, onion, ginger and lime. Use some or all to customise it. The fried rice was good too.

Khao Soi Meuang Klaeng

Khao Soi Meuang Klaeng is as local as it gets, with a menu mostly in Thai, so bring Google Translate. Write your order on the paper provided and they bring it to your table. We tried chicken and pork, and both had great depth of flavour. It is a no-frills place for an authentic experience.

Khao Soi Lamduan Faham

Lamduan Faham is the oldest name in Chiang Mai khao soi. The original shop on Fa Ham road opened in 1943, and locals credit it with popularising the coconut-curry version. It now has several branches.

We ate here on a local-guided food tour, and it was the one khao soi stop. Our guide told us this branch is about 20 years old, with the historic original just metres away.

Kuaytiaw 3 Baht

Kuaytiaw 3 Baht was the underdog of our competition. It is a tiny spot outside the touristy zones with bite-sized bowls for just 3 THB. For a full meal, go for the larger khao soi at 25 THB, which has a rich taste that is surprisingly good for the price.

Chiang Mai Saturday South Gate Market

Besides the Sunday Night Market in the old town, the Saturday South Gate Market is another good weekend stop. There is a stand next to the food court area, before the market proper, that sells khao soi (advertised as Khao Sawy) for 60 THB. Each stall has its own tables, so you will share with other travellers.

Where to find the best khao soi in Chiang Mai?

Sign up for a khao soi cooking class

If you are as hooked as we are, a cooking class is the next step. It is one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai. You learn to blend spices, simmer coconut milk and fry noodles. Ale went on one, and it was the highlight of our first visit to Chiang Mai. The guide also took her to the market to buy fresh ingredients.

Check out this khao soi cooking class.