We Tried the Best Khao Soi in Chiang Mai: Here’s What We Discovered

From the moment we landed at Chiang Mai Airport, one thing was on my mind—trying the best Khao Soi. I’ve been to Thailand many times before, but this was my first time in Chiang Mai, and I arrived with my family. As a lover of Thai food, I was excited to finally taste this famous dish that everyone had been raving about. I had compiled a list of the best places to try Khao Soi in Chiang Mai, so I knew I had a “challenging” mission ahead—sampling them all. Luckily, I chose the best Khao Soi Khun Yai as our first stop.

We spent the day wandering around the city, exploring numerous temples and hidden corners of Chiang Mai. The city’s old town is rich with history, with magical temples around every corner. As we explored, I knew we would need to take a break for lunch, and Khao Soi was the obvious choice. Around 1:30 PM, I realized we were only a 10-minute walk away from Khao Soi Khun Yai, one of the most iconic spots for the best Khao Soi in Chiang Mai. That’s when I remembered that the restaurant only stays open until 2:00 PM. We picked up the pace and managed to make it there just in time.

The Best Khao Soi in Chiang Mai

When we arrived, the place felt genuinely authentic. Nestled right next to the charming Wat Khuan Khama temple and across the street from the beautiful Wat Lok Moli, Khao Soi Khun Yai is ideally situated for a lunch break while exploring these historic sites.

The restaurant is a simple, unpretentious spot, tucked away in a small courtyard with about ten tables lined up in two rows, a counter, and a small open kitchen behind it. The setting is quiet and unassuming, the perfect place to pause and refuel during a day of temple-hopping.

The good news was that we got there in time for the last servings; the bad news was that only the pork Khao Soi was left. The menu at Khao Soi Khun Yai is as simple as it gets—they serve only Khao Soi and a Noodles soup. But that simplicity is a testament to their dedication. By focusing solely on these dishes, they’ve mastered the art of preparing the best Khao Soi.

We ordered four bowls, and I was pleasantly surprised by the incredibly low prices. The Khao Soi was around $1.50 USD, drinks like soda were about $0.50 USD, and water was even cheaper. When the food arrived, the aroma was magical, and after the first bite, I was in awe. It’s still hard to believe that something this delicious could come out of such a humble, unassuming kitchen. But in Thailand, that’s actually quite common.

The texture of the Khao Soi was extremely appealing, with a rich, spicy flavor that was bold yet perfectly balanced. One of the unique aspects of this dish is the combination of two types of noodles—soft, flat noodles in the broth and crispy deep-fried noodles on top, adding a delightful crunch. Even though pork wasn’t our first choice, we were all blown away by how good it was. We ended up ordering another bowl just to savor it a bit longer. A few days later, we returned to try the other versions, and each one deserved top marks.

Khao Soi itself is a dish deeply rooted in the culture of Northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai. It’s a coconut curry noodle soup with origins tracing back to Chinese Muslim traders who traveled through the region centuries ago. The name “Khao Soi” means “cut rice” in Thai, referring to the hand-cut noodles traditionally used in the dish. The broth is a rich blend of coconut milk, curry paste, and a mix of spices that provide its signature spicy and creamy flavor. Typically, the dish is served with lime, pickled mustard greens, and shallots on the side, allowing you to customize the flavor to your liking. The combination of textures—from the tender meat to the soft noodles and crispy fried noodles on top—makes every bite an adventure in taste.

As we sat there, savoring every spoonful, I couldn’t help but appreciate how Khao Soi Khun Yai captures the essence of this traditional dish. The simplicity of the setting and the focus on perfecting just one dish reminded me why street food and small eateries are often the best places to experience authentic flavors. The kids found the spiciness a bit intense, but the dish was so flavorful that they didn’t complain too much. Over the next few days, we tried Khao Soi at several other places in the city, but none of them could quite match what we had at Khao Soi Khun Yai.

In conclusion, Khao Soi Khun Yai wasn’t just the best Khao Soi in Chiang Mai; it was an experience. The combination of authentic flavors, the simplicity of the setting, and the sheer satisfaction of discovering something so genuinely good made it the highlight of our culinary adventures in Chiang Mai. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful city, make sure to plan your visit wisely and arrive before 2:00 PM—this place is a must-visit for any food lover, especially those eager to taste the very essence of Chiang Mai in a bowl.

Address: 22 Sri Poom Road, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Price: 40-60 THB
Famous for: Choice of chicken, pork, or beef, rich curry broth, crispy noodles
Hours: Closes at 2:00 PM