Key Takeaways
Overview
Chiang Rai is a province and town in northern Thailand known for its delicious cuisine. The local dishes in Chiang Rai are a blend of traditional northern Thai flavors and international influences. In this article, we will explore the best restaurants in Chiang Rai that offer authentic and mouthwatering dishes.
1. Paam Sai Aua
Paam Sai Aua is a renowned restaurant in downtown Chiang Rai that combines local northern Thai dishes with international cuisine. The restaurant’s ambiance and decor reflect the unique style and architecture of Chiang Rai, using wood joint techniques instead of nails.
The menu at Paam Sai Aua offers a variety of delicious dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. One of their recommended dishes is the “Lanna Paam,” which is a mouthwatering appetizer platter featuring fried pork rinds, nam prik ong (a chili dip made with pork and tomatoes), sai oua (northern sausage), and gaeng hunglay (a rich, pork belly curry). Another must-try dish is the “Keto Sai Aua,” a healthier version of sai oua sausage made with less sugar and fat, but still packed with flavor. If you’re a fan of steamed buns, don’t miss out on their special recipe for “Hang Lay Curry Steamed Bun.”
Paam Sai Aua is located at 123/20 San Khok Chang Road in Chiang Rai. You can easily spot it by looking for the hotel’s Petch Siamsignboard at the entrance of the road. The restaurant is open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the kitchen closing at 8:30 p.m.
2. Ma Long Ther
Located at the Art Bridge Chiang Rai gallery, Ma Long Ther offers a wide variety of dishes in a charming and picturesque setting. The restaurant’s menu features beautifully presented dishes that showcase the flavors of northern Thailand.
One of the recommended dishes at Ma Long Ther is the “Local Appetizers” platter, which includes fried pork rinds, sai oua (herb-filled northern Thai sausage), and naem (fermented pork sausage). Another popular choice is the “Fried Rice with Sai Oua,” which combines the tasty northern Thai sausage with flavorful fried rice. For a unique fusion dish, try the “Nam Prik Ong Spaghetti,” which combines the northern Thai nam prik ong chili dip with Western-style spaghetti.
To reach Ma Long Ther, head to 551 Ban Du, Muang Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai. From downtown Chiang Rai, take Phahonyothin Road straight to Mae Fah Luang International Airport. Before the entrance of the airport, you will find Ma Long Ther located within the Art Bridge Chiang Rai. The restaurant is open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
3. Kao Soi Por Jai
Kao Soi Por Jai is one of the oldest and most famous restaurants in Chiang Rai, known for serving traditional northern Thai dishes such as kao soi and nam ngiao. With over 30 years of history, Kao Soi Por Jai has preserved the original flavors of these dishes, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic northern Thai cuisine.
The highlight of Kao Soi Por Jai is their signature dish, “Chicken Kao Soi,” which is a classic northern Thai dish flavored with coconut milk and served with crispy noodles. Another popular dish is the “Noodles with Nam Ngiao Soup,” which features a unique clear soup made with red cotton tree flowers and fermented soybean. You can choose to have it with or without the soup, according to your preference.
To find Kao Soi Por Jai, head to 1023/3 Chet Yot Road, Wiang, Muang Chiang Rai. From downtown Chiang Rai, look for the clock tower and drive along Chet Yot Road for about 150 meters. The restaurant will be on the right-hand side. Kao Soi Por Jai is open every day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
4. Bua Loy Meu Teu
After indulging in the savory dishes at the previous three restaurants, it’s time to satisfy your sweet tooth at Bua Loy Meu Teu. This popular dessert street stall in Chiang Rai is famous for its bua loy, a traditional Thai dessert made with sweetened hot coconut cream and rice balls.
What sets Bua Loy Meu Teu apart is its unique serving style. The stall doesn’t provide tables or chairs for customers, and the name “Meu Teu” translates to “carry by hand” in English. You can only take the sweet treat to go. The bua loy at this stall is served in a burnt coconut shell, which adds a fragrant scent to the dessert. It is then topped with roasted white sesame for an extra burst of flavor.
At Bua Loy Meu Teu, you can choose from various flavors and toppings for your bua loy. One recommended option is the “Bua Loy with young coconut,” which features smooth tapioca balls swimming in fresh coconut milk, topped with pieces of young coconut and roasted white sesame. Another refreshing choice is the “Bua Loy with coconut ice cream,” where the bua loy is served with coconut ice cream instead of the usual coconut milk.
To find Bua Loy Meu Teu, head to the front of Chiang Rai Night Bazaar in Tambol Wiang, Amphur Muang. From downtown Chiang Rai, take No.1 road to No.1232 road for 220 meters. Then, take the right lane onto Phahonyothin Road and follow it for 950 meters before turning left. The stall will be in front of Chiang Rai Night Bazaar. Bua Loy Meu Teu opens every day from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
In conclusion, Chiang Rai is a culinary haven for those seeking authentic northern Thai cuisine. The restaurants mentioned in this article offer a range of delectable dishes that will satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for fusion cuisine, traditional northern Thai flavors, or mouthwatering desserts, Chiang Rai has it all. So, if you ever find yourself in this charming town, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the culinary delights it has to offer.
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