How to eat like a local in Chiang Rai

Situated in Northern Thailand Chiang Rai is in a scenic mountainous province by the same name about an hour's drive from the border of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. ideally positioned for many visitors to travel via Laos and Myanmar in addition to travelling via Bangkok the city is famous for two iconic temples the White Temple and the Blue Temple. Chiang Rai is well known for its unique northern Thai cuisine which is a must to be savoured. Discover how to enjoy their food just like a local.

Introduction

Welcoming locals from other parts of Thailand as well as a host of visitors Chian Rai is well geared to offer not only their delightful and distinctive Northern Thai cuisine but also international Cuisine as well as their addictive desserts, decadent coffee, exotic juices and more enabling you to savour the delightful palette of food and beverages and carry happy memories of your visit. Be armed with some tips as you go about enjoying the city and the food scene so that you relish the dishes as locals do. 

Takeaway, Sai ua, CC BY-SA 3.0 

Tips for you when ordering/eating food 

• Turning out delicious Northern Thai dishes, the flavours are from the herbs and chilli sauce used in the cooking hance can be spicy.
• Some Chiang Rai dishes have a blend of influences from the cuisines of Burma, Laos, and China.
• The main staple is sticky rice or glutinous rice, and this will be on the menu at many eating places.
• Nam Prik (Spicy Dips) – These are the chilli dips that come along with your food, one is green and the other is red.
• Chiang Rai desserts are yummy and addictive and must be tried out.
• Eat not only from the restaurants in Chiang Rai, but also try out street food stalls, coffee houses, and bars in Chiang Rai for variations as often done by locals.

Best local dishes to try 

Whilst there are many northern Thai dishes available for visitors, these are some of the most enjoyed ones by locals for you to try out.

Khao Soi (northern noodle dish) – A favourite amongst the locals using a coconut gravy over tender egg noodles and garnished with crispy egg noodles, pickled cabbage, onion rings with lime and chilli. A filling meal served at street stalls and restaurants.

Gaeng Hung Lay (Pork belly stew) – One of the unique Northern Thai dishes with a blend of Myanmar cuisine. Cooked with chilli and many other aromatic spices, the well-done Gaeng Hung Lay has a touch of spice, and a fine aroma and is eaten usually with steamed Jasmine Rice as frequently enjoyed by visitors from properties like Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort.

Sai Ooa (Spicy Sausage) – A juicy grilled pork sausage from northern Thailand now popular in other parts of the country too. Made with minced pork and spices with red curry paste, this is a versatile food used as a starter, a snack and an accompaniment to a meal of sticky rice and vegetables. 

Khanom Jeen Ngiao (White noodles with tomato soup) – A must-try deep red soup, mildly spicy with minced pork balls with jellified pig’s blood and relished by the locals. 

Yummy Desserts

Phulae Pineapple (Chiang Rai fresh Popsicles) – Cit into an enticing shape this pineapple popsicle is good as a dessert or even as a snack when you are out on the road. You get them at local markets and the street carts. 

Coconut Ice Cream – A refreshing and yummy treat for the heat of Chiang Rai, available at Ice Cream Parlours 

Khao Neeo Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice) – This classic dessert is made using sticky rice, fresh mango and coconut milk and is available at street food stalls. 

Thai Stir Fried Ice Cream – Coming in different flavours like Thai Milk Tea Ice Cream with the topping of your choice, available at Ice Cream Parlours 

Beverages 

Fruit Juices and smoothies – Are galore in Chiang Rai with many lovely fruits being used like pomegranates, durian, blueberries, mangoes and more. Coming in different hues and enticingly clinking with ice try these for a refreshing break from your explorations of Chiang Rai as you would witness done by locals. 

Beer – With the few bars available in Chiang Rai, a few local beers and international brands are served. 

Coffee – Being one of the hubs for Arabica coffee in the North, locally sourced coffee such as Chiang Rai beans are used to make excellent coffee and can be enjoyed at many coffee houses along with other food, desserts, or snacks. You must also try the iced coffees and lattes in Chiang Rai.