Quick answer
For the best khao soi in Chiang Mai, expect to pay between 40-350 THB, with Khao Soi Khun Yai being a top recommendation for its legendary status and rich broth. This guide focuses on spots favored by locals and expats, offering a more authentic experience beyond the typical tourist traps.
- Best overall
- Khao Soi Loong Surin
- Price/value range
- 50 – 180 THB
- Top-ranked pick
- Khao Soi Khun Yai — 50–70 THB
- Last verified
- 2026-03
Top verdicts
- Khao Soi Khun Yai: The single most recommended khao soi on Reddit, full stop.
- Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kad Kom: Where the Thais eat.
- Khao Soi Maesai: The "tried them all, this one wins" pick.
For the best khao soi in Chiang Mai, expect to pay between 40-350 THB, with Khao Soi Khun Yai being a top recommendation for its legendary status and rich broth. This guide focuses on spots favored by locals and expats, offering a more authentic experience beyond the typical tourist traps.
Every travel blog has a "best khao soi in Chiang Mai" list. Most of them recommend the same three places — Khao Soi Lamduan, Khao Soi Islam, and whatever spot the blogger got a free meal at. The problem? Long-term residents and expats will tell you most of those "famous" spots have watered down their broth over the years.
We dug through hundreds of Reddit posts from r/chiangmai, r/Thailand, r/ThaiFood, and r/travel to find where actual expats, residents, and repeat visitors eat khao soi — and which legendary spots they think are coasting on reputation. Spoiler: the best bowl might cost you 50 baht at a stall with no English menu.
Khao Soi Map
How we built this list
We analyzed 80+ Reddit posts and 500+ comments across r/chiangmai, r/Thailand, r/ThaiFood, and r/ThailandTourism — spanning 2022 to 2025. Restaurants were ranked by recommendation frequency and weighted by commenter credibility (long-term expats vs. first-time visitors). We included the "famous" tourist spots too — because sometimes the hype is deserved, and sometimes it isn't.
1Khao Soi Khun Yai
LegendQuick comparison
- Best for
- Legend in 145 Soi Sri Poom 8, near Chang Phueak Gate with a 50–70 THB spend range
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 2,825 Google reviews · Legend · 145 Soi Sri Poom 8, near Chang Phueak Gate
- Limitations
- Price band: 50–70 THB
- Price / value
- 50–70 THB · 4.6★
- Why it made the list
- The single most recommended khao soi on Reddit, full stop. Multiple threads, multiple years, always comes up. The broth is thick and unapologetically rich — this is what khao soi is supposed to taste like. Go before 11 AM or risk them selling out.
- What to order
- Khao Soi Khun Yai, a legendary spot near Chang Phueak Gate at 145 Soi Sri Poom 8, serves khao soi for 50–70 THB. Their signature khao soi gai (chicken) features a rich, thick broth with a whole braised chicken leg and perfectly fried crispy noodle topping. Add extra chili oil for heat and pair with pickled mustard greens and a squeeze of lime.
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2Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kad Kom
Local FavoriteQuick comparison
- Best for
- Local Favorite in Hai Ya district, south of Old City with a 60–80 THB spend range
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 3,556 Google reviews · Local Favorite · Hai Ya district, south of Old City
- Limitations
- Price band: 60–80 THB
- Price / value
- 60–80 THB · 4.4★
- Why it made the list
- Where the Thais eat. When a khao soi shop is "famous among Thais and visited by politicians," you know it's the real deal. The beef XL is a mountain of food for under 100 baht. Less touristy than the Old City spots — worth the short ride south.
- What to order
- Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kad Kom, a local favorite in the Hai Ya district south of Old City, offers khao soi for 60–80 THB. The XL beef khao soi is the specialty, featuring an enormous portion with tender, slow-cooked beef chunks, and a deeply spiced, thick, velvety coconut broth, as featured on Netflix's "Somebody Feed Phil." Get the XL; you won't regret it.
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3Khao Soi Maesai
ClassicQuick comparison
- Best for
- Classic in Huay Kaew Road, near Chiang Mai University with a 50–70 THB spend range
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 5,590 Google reviews · Classic · Huay Kaew Road, near Chiang Mai University
- Limitations
- Price band: 50–70 THB
- Price / value
- 50–70 THB · 4.5★
- Why it made the list
- The "tried them all, this one wins" pick. When someone says they've eaten khao soi at every shop in town and keeps coming back here, that's the strongest endorsement possible. Arrive before 12:30 PM to avoid the wait.
- What to order
- Khao Soi Maesai, a classic choice near Chiang Mai University on Huay Kaew Road, serves khao soi for 50–70 THB. Order the chicken khao soi for a straightforward, no-frills, perfectly executed dish. The broth has an earthy depth that sets it apart, complemented by a good condiment spread on the table. Pair with a side of pickled cabbage.
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5Khao Soi Nimman
Tourist-FriendlyQuick comparison
- Best for
- Tourist-Friendly in Nimmanahaeminda Road (Nimman) with a 80–150 THB spend range
- Strengths
- 4.2★ from 5,425 Google reviews · Tourist-Friendly · Nimmanahaeminda Road (Nimman)
- Limitations
- Reddit expats admit the khao soi actually delivers — the broth is thick and well-spiced, and the broader Northern Thai menu makes it a great one-stop introduction to Lanna cuisine
- Price / value
- 80–150 THB · 4.2★
- Why it made the list
- Yes, it's tourist-heavy. Yes, it's pricier. But Reddit expats admit the khao soi actually delivers — the broth is thick and well-spiced, and the broader Northern Thai menu makes it a great one-stop introduction to Lanna cuisine. Just don't pretend it's a hidden gem.
- What to order
- Khao Soi Nimman, a tourist-friendly option on Nimmanahaeminda Road (Nimman), serves khao soi for 80–150 THB. Order the khao soi gai plus their floral drinks and other Northern Thai dishes like Nam Phrik Num (green chili dip). It's a good spot to try multiple Lanna dishes in one sitting, offering more of a restaurant experience than a street stall.
- Wait expectation
- Can get busy at peak times
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6Khao Soi Loong Surin
Day Trip GemQuick comparison
- Best for
- Day Trip Gem in Doi Pui Village (up the mountain past Doi Suthep) with a 50–70 THB spend range
- Strengths
- 4.8★ from 399 Google reviews · Day Trip Gem · Doi Pui Village (up the mountain past Doi Suthep)
- Limitations
- Price band: 50–70 THB
- Price / value
- 50–70 THB · 4.8★
- Why it made the list
- The most unique khao soi experience on this list. A tiny stall in a Hmong village on Doi Pui mountain — about 30 minutes past Doi Suthep temple. The khao soi is exceptional and the setting is unforgettable. Combine it with a temple visit for a perfect half-day trip.
- What to order
- Khao Soi Loong Surin, a day trip gem in Doi Pui Village (up the mountain past Doi Suthep), serves khao soi for 50–70 THB and has a rating of 4.8★ (399 reviews). The chicken khao soi is the only thing on the menu, and it's perfect. Eat it in a Hmong hill tribe village with mountain views, and combine it with a visit to Doi Suthep temple on the way up. The drive alone is worth it.
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7Khao Soi Lamduan (Faham)
OG ClassicQuick comparison
- Best for
- OG Classic in Charoen Rat Road, Faham area (east of Old City) with a 50–80 THB spend range
- Strengths
- 4.2★ from 1,384 Google reviews · OG Classic · Charoen Rat Road, Faham area (east of Old City)
- Limitations
- don't make it your only khao soi stop
- Price / value
- 50–80 THB · 4.2★
- Why it made the list
- The most famous khao soi in Chiang Mai — every guidebook recommends it. The honest Reddit take? It's good, not great. Multiple expats say the broth has been "watered down" over the years. Still worth trying once for the history, but don't make it your only khao soi stop. The OG's who've been eating here for a decade notice the difference.
- What to order
- Khao Soi Lamduan (Faham), an OG classic in the Charoen Rat Road, Faham area (east of Old City), serves khao soi for 50–80 THB. Order the chicken khao soi, the dish that made them famous, as they've been serving it for decades. Also try the khao soi with pork ribs if available. The condiment plate here is generous.
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8Khao Soi Islam
HalalQuick comparison
- Best for
- Halal in Charoen Prathet Road, near Night Bazaar with a 50–70 THB spend range
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 1,783 Google reviews · Halal · Charoen Prathet Road, near Night Bazaar
- Limitations
- Polarizing
- Price / value
- 50–70 THB · 4.4★
- Why it made the list
- Polarizing. It's one of the oldest khao soi shops in Chiang Mai and makes every guidebook, but Reddit opinion is mixed. The Muslim-style preparation is genuinely different — less coconut-forward, more spice-driven. If you want halal khao soi, this is the go-to. If you want the classic coconut-rich version, look elsewhere on this list.
- What to order
- Khao Soi Islam, a halal option on Charoen Prathet Road, near Night Bazaar, serves khao soi for 50–70 THB. Order the beef khao soi; the Muslim-style preparation uses beef instead of chicken, with a slightly different spice profile. The broth leans more toward the Burmese-influenced roots of the dish, making it good for halal-observant travelers.
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9The House by Ginger
UpscaleQuick comparison
- Best for
- Upscale in Moonmuang Road, Old City with a 180–350 THB spend range
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 3,089 Google reviews · Upscale · Moonmuang Road, Old City
- Limitations
- Price band: 180–350 THB
- Price / value
- 180–350 THB · 4.3★
- Why it made the list
- The "treat yourself" khao soi. At 3–5x the street price, it better be good — and Redditors say it delivers. The extra chicken, balanced broth, and beautiful setting justify the premium. Perfect for when you want khao soi with air conditioning and a cocktail list.
- What to order
- The House by Ginger, an upscale option on Moonmuang Road in the Old City, serves khao soi for 180–350 THB. Order the khao soi gai, which uses premium ingredients with 3x the usual amount of chicken. Enjoy the beautiful colonial-era house setting, a full restaurant menu with Northern Thai and international dishes, and air-conditioning for a proper sit-down experience.
- Reservation
- Recommended
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10Khao Soi Mae Manee 2
Local FavoriteQuick comparison
- Best for
- Local Favorite in Chiang Mai (separate location from Mae Manee #1) with a 50–80 THB spend range
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 492 Google reviews · Local Favorite · Chiang Mai (separate location from Mae Manee #1)
- Limitations
- a different experience
- Price / value
- 50–80 THB · 4.4★
- Why it made the list
- The "big appetite" pick. If you've been to other khao soi spots and left hungry, Mae Manee 2 fixes that problem. The beef version is the move — enormous portion, robust spicing, genuinely filling. Related to Mae Manee #1 but a different experience.
- What to order
- Khao Soi Mae Manee 2, a local favorite in Chiang Mai (separate location from Mae Manee #1), serves khao soi for 50–80 THB and has a rating of 4.4★ (492 reviews). The beef khao soi is the star here, featuring massive portions with tender braised beef. It's more robust and spicy than Mae Manee #1, with one bowl being a full meal that will genuinely fill you up, unlike some popular spots where you could eat two bowls.
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11Khao Soi Samerjai
Hidden GemQuick comparison
- Best for
- Hidden Gem in Near Mae Ping River with a 50–70 THB spend range
- Strengths
- 4.2★ from 3,258 Google reviews · Hidden Gem · Near Mae Ping River
- Limitations
- Price band: 50–70 THB
- Price / value
- 50–70 THB · 4.2★
- Why it made the list
- The riverside khao soi. Not on any tourist radar, just a solid local spot near the Mae Ping River. Perfect if you're in the area for river activities or staying on the east side of town. Sometimes the best meals are the ones you stumble into.
- What to order
- Khao Soi Samerjai, a hidden gem near Mae Ping River, serves khao soi for 50–70 THB. Order the chicken khao soi for a simple, well-executed dish. The riverside location adds charm, making it a good spot to combine with activities along the Mae Ping River. It's also less crowded than the famous names.
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12Shakilar Chicken Briyani
Budget KingQuick comparison
- Best for
- Budget King in Chiang Mai
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 77 Google reviews · Budget King · Chiang Mai
- Price / value
- 4.6★ from 77 reviews
- Why it made the list
- The wildcard pick. A biryani shop with fantastic khao soi for 60 baht? This is the kind of recommendation you only get from locals who actually know the city. The Muslim-influenced cooking adds a unique spice dimension you won't find at the standard shops.
- What to order
- Shakilar Chicken Briyani, a budget king in Chiang Mai, serves beef khao soi for just 60 THB and has a rating of 4.6★ (77 reviews). Yes, order beef khao soi at a biryani shop; it sounds wrong but tastes incredible. Also try their chicken biryani while you're there. The Muslim-influenced cooking gives their khao soi a unique depth.
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13Auntie Cat's Soup Restaurant
Worth the DriveQuick comparison
- Best for
- Worth the Drive in Doi Saket (20 min east of Chiang Mai) with a 60–80 THB spend range
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 615 Google reviews · Worth the Drive · Doi Saket (20 min east of Chiang Mai)
- Limitations
- serious noodle hunters will be rewarded
- Price / value
- 60–80 THB · 4.5★
- Why it made the list
- "My favorite by a mile" is a bold claim in a city with this much khao soi competition. Located in Doi Saket, about 20 minutes east — best paired with a day exploring the countryside. Not convenient for Old City tourists, but serious noodle hunters will be rewarded.
- What to order
- Auntie Cat's Soup Restaurant, worth the drive to Doi Saket (20 min east of Chiang Mai), serves khao soi for 60–80 THB and has a rating of 4.5★ (615 reviews). Order the khao soi, the signature dish at a place literally named after soup. It's slightly outside the city but worth the trip for serious khao soi enthusiasts. The rural setting and quieter pace are part of the appeal.
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14Khao Soi at Chiang Mai Gate
Street FoodQuick comparison
- Best for
- Street Food in Chiang Mai Gate market area with a 40–60 THB spend range
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 9,658 Google reviews · Street Food · Chiang Mai Gate market area
- Limitations
- Price band: 40–60 THB
- Price / value
- 40–60 THB · 4.4★
- Why it made the list
- The cheapest khao soi experience on this list, in one of Chiang Mai's most vibrant morning markets. No English sign, no Instagram fame — just good noodles at honest prices. Someone literally named the Google Maps pin "best khao soi chiang mai" and that's the kind of grassroots endorsement money can't buy.
- What to order
- Khao Soi at Chiang Mai Gate, a street food option in the Chiang Mai Gate market area, serves khao soi for 40–60 THB. Order chicken khao soi from the stalls in the market area, looking for the one with the longest local queue. The morning market here is one of Chiang Mai's best food experiences regardless. Grab khao soi, mango sticky rice, and fresh fruit.
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15Khao-So-i (Old City)
Restaurant StyleQuick comparison
- Best for
- Restaurant Style in Old City, Chiang Mai with a 99–180 THB spend range
- Strengths
- 4.8★ from 8,529 Google reviews · Restaurant Style · Old City, Chiang Mai
- Limitations
- you get air conditioning, an English menu, and the ability to dial in your exact preferences
- Price / value
- 99–180 THB · 4.8★
- Why it made the list
- The customizable option. At 99–180 THB it's pricier than street stalls, but you get air conditioning, an English menu, and the ability to dial in your exact preferences. Good for khao soi newbies who want training wheels, or when you need a break from plastic chairs in the heat.
- What to order
- Khao-So-i (Old City), a restaurant-style option in Old City, Chiang Mai, serves khao soi for 99–180 THB. Order khao soi with customization options, as they let you choose spice level, protein, and noodle type. It's more of a restaurant experience with higher prices but lots of flexibility, making it good for groups with different preferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bowl of khao soi cost in Chiang Mai?
A bowl of khao soi at a street stall or local shop costs 50–80 THB ($1.50–$2.30 USD). More upscale restaurants like The House by Ginger or Khao Soi Nimman charge 120–250 THB ($3.50–$7). Even at the priciest spots, khao soi remains one of the best-value meals in Southeast Asia.
What is the difference between chicken and beef khao soi?
Chicken khao soi (khao soi gai) is the most traditional version — a whole braised chicken leg in coconut curry broth with egg noodles. Beef khao soi (khao soi neua) uses slow-cooked beef chunks and tends to have a richer, heartier flavor. Reddit consensus: try the chicken first for the classic experience, then beef at places like Khao Soi Mae Manee 2 or Lung Prakit where it's the specialty.
When is the best time to eat khao soi in Chiang Mai?
Most traditional khao soi shops open around 8–9 AM and close by 2–3 PM or when they sell out — whichever comes first. Lunch rush is 11 AM–1 PM. For the most popular places like Khao Soi Khun Yai and Lung Prakit, arrive before 11 AM to avoid lines. Some shops are closed on Sundays.
Is khao soi spicy?
Khao soi has a mild-to-medium spice level by Thai standards. The coconut milk in the curry base tames the heat significantly. Most shops provide condiments (chili oil, pickled mustard greens, shallots, lime) so you can adjust. If you're sensitive to spice, places like Khao Soi Mae Manee are known for a milder base — you can always add chili oil to taste.
Which khao soi place do Chiang Mai locals actually eat at?
According to Reddit expats and residents, Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kad Kom is the top local favorite — famous among Thais and even visited by politicians. Khao Soi Khun Yai near Chang Phueak Gate and Khao Soi Mae Manee near City Hall are also heavily local. The tourist-heavy spots like Khao Soi Lamduan and Khao Soi Nimman are still good, but expats tend to gravitate toward the smaller, less-photographed shops.
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