Exotic Thai Delicacies You Can Only Find in Thailand – A Collection of Chiang Mai’s Traditional Snacks

Text & Photos /Xiao Sheng

Chiang Mai, the second-largest city in northern Thailand and one of the most historically significant ancient cities in the country, has nurtured a rich cultural heritage that contributes to the timeless charm of the Old City. Its unique historical background has also given rise to a diverse array of distinctive cuisines. Much like Tainan in Taiwan, the first guide in this Chiang Mai travel series compiles the specialty snacks I’ve enjoyed over the years in Chiang Mai. More themed guides will follow.

1. Chiang Mai Gate Snacks:
The Lanna Discovery Guesthouse where I always stay is located not far from Chiang Mai Gate, making the snack stalls there my go-to spot for food. The square near Chiang Mai Gate is a hub for street food, offering delicious options like duck slices, green papaya salad, and even a shawarma stand that opened later. There’s also a pork congee shop that I’ve heard great things about, though I haven’t had the chance to try it yet despite hearing about it for ages.

2. Fried Chicken Stall Near Chiang Mai Gate:
This fried chicken shop, located about 350 meters west of Chiang Mai Gate, is definitely one of the best in Chiang Mai. Out of all the fried chicken stalls I’ve tried in the city, this one stands out with its crispy skin, tender and juicy meat, and the added aroma of crispy fried garlic slices. By the end of my trip, this was the fried chicken stall I missed the most.

3. Chiang Mai Gate Soy Milk and Youtiao Shop:
The soy milk and youtiao (fried dough sticks) shop across from Chiang Mai Gate serves youtiao with a crisp exterior and soft interior—delicious on its own. But when paired with the unique pandan-flavored sauce, the taste becomes truly special, making it a must-try snack in Chiang Mai.

4. Blue Shop Rice Noodle Soup:
Thai rice noodle soup is one of the most authentic local snacks. Unlike other Thai dishes that are often heavy on sour and spicy flavors, this soup stands out for its rich, deeply flavored broth. While regular rice noodle soup is already delicious, the Blue Shop in the Old City is truly exceptional.

5. Tip's Best Fresh Fruit Smoothie:
This juice stall inside Somphet Market is my favorite. Their banana Oreo smoothie is a unique and quirky combination you won’t find anywhere else. Their fruit yogurt salad is also amazing. Whenever I can’t decide what to have for breakfast, I’d stop by for a bowl. However, the owner, Tip, recently went on maternity leave, and the quality has slightly declined—the portion size of the fruit salad has also gotten smaller.

6. Feng Fei Fei Pig’s Trotter Rice (White Elephant Pig’s Trotter Rice):
Feng Fei Fei Pig’s Trotter Rice at Chiang Mai’s North Gate is an incredibly famous snack. It’s nicknamed “Feng Fei Fei” because the female vendor always dresses stylishly and wears eye-catching hats. In fact, the Thai name translates to “White Elephant Pig’s Trotter Rice” (the shop now even has a Chinese sign XD). Although the portion size has decreased in recent years, the pig’s trotters are still just as delicious.

7. Jok Sompet Restaurant:
This well-known congee shop near the North Gate is open 24 hours a day. The congee is decent—not top-tier, but perfect for a non-greasy breakfast or a late-night snack.

8. Popular Fried Chicken Shop Near Song Thaew Gate:
This fried chicken shop near Song Thaew Gate always has a huge line whenever I walk by, so I finally decided to give it a try out of curiosity. Honestly, I didn’t love it, and after trying the fried chicken near Chiang Mai Gate, this one seemed inferior. But for those curious about why it draws such long lines, it might be worth a try.

9. Banana Pancakes on Tapae Road:
Though banana pancakes originated in India, they’ve evolved into one of Thailand’s most beloved sweet snacks. The quality is generally good, and the ones on Tapae Road, especially at Roti, have been featured in various media, including Japanese newspapers. The soft, sweet, and fragrant texture is very appealing. However, some friends who prefer their Roti crispier don’t like it as much. It may not be the absolute best, but it’s definitely the most famous banana pancake in Chiang Mai.

10. Mae Sai Khao Soy:
Khao Soy is a Northern Thai curry noodle dish unique to the region, so I always say if you come to Chiang Mai and don’t try Khao Soy, you haven’t really been here. This Mae Sai Khao Soy shop is extremely popular locally. On a recent Tigerair flight to Chiang Mai, I was surprised to find it featured in the in-flight magazine as a top Northern Thai curry noodle spot. For just 35 baht, you get a bowl of curry noodles that hasn’t raised its price in years, plus a huge chicken leg—it’s an incredible deal.

11.Lamdoun Fahrm Khao Soy
This curry noodle shop, located just outside the Old City along the Ping River heading north, is another hidden gem I discovered. Like the others, it offers affordable curry noodles with a chicken leg (albeit a smaller one, but you get two, haha), and the flavor is excellent. Aside from the curry noodles, their satay is also quite tasty. Many visitors order both, making it a must-visit spot.

A Missed Gem: Silky Smooth Chicken Feet Congee
I heard from friends that the silky smooth chicken feet congee shop, once located opposite the computer mall, was also very famous. The melt-in-your-mouth chicken feet were absolutely addictive—even I, someone who doesn’t particularly like chicken feet, fell for the flavor. Unfortunately, when I visited this time, the shop was closed. I’m not sure if it shut down permanently or relocated—I couldn’t find any information. If anyone discovers it again, please let me know so I can enjoy that unique, delightful flavor once more.

Chiang Mai offers a wide variety of snacks. This feature primarily lists some of the snacks I’ve tried over the years along with my brief thoughts. I’ll add more shops if I discover new ones. Feel free to suggest or recommend any favorites—I’ll keep them in mind for my next trip to Chiang Mai. Finally, I’ve included a Google Map for easy reference.

Xiao Sheng’s Wandering Journey
Every journey of wandering and every trip is about seeking—though I’m not even sure what exactly I’m looking for—but in the end, what I gain often turns out to be more than I ever imagined. And so, my wandering journey will continue, without end.