When it comes to food, Northern Thailand offers a distinctive experience that sets it apart from the rest of the country. Known for its rich and unique flavors, the region’s cuisine is deeply rooted in the traditions of the ancient Kingdom of Lanna. While some of these dishes are hard to find outside of the area, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are two cities where you can savor authentic Lanna food. If you ever have the chance, don’t miss a Khantoke dinner—a traditional dining experience served at small round tables where you can try the best of Northern Thai food.

Here are ten must-try dishes from Northern Thailand that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.

1. Khao Soi Curry

Khao Soi is arguably the most famous dish in Northern Thailand. This coconut-based curry is served over soft egg noodles, topped with crispy fried noodles, and garnished with lime, onions, chili, and pickled cabbage. It’s a mild yet flavorful dish that’s popular in both street food stalls and restaurants throughout the region. A bowl of Khao Soi costs around 30 to 50 baht and is also available in many places in Bangkok.

2. Northern Thai Sausage (Sai Oua)

Known locally as “Chiang Mai Sausage,” Sai Oua is a spiced pork sausage that is a must-try for anyone visiting Northern Thailand. Its unique flavor comes from a combination of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chili, and galangal (a type of ginger). Served in spirals, it’s commonly found at street food stalls and local markets. It’s also a regular feature at Khantoke dinners and is available uncooked for those who want to bring some back home. The price typically hovers around 300 baht per kilo.

3. Chilli Dips (Nam Prik Ong and Nam Prik Noom)

No Northern Thai meal is complete without a bowl of chili dip. The two most popular varieties are Nam Prik Ong, made with red chilies, pork, and tomato, and Nam Prik Noom, which features toasted green chili, garlic, and onions. Both dips are essential at Khantoke feasts and can also be found at many restaurants, usually paired with sticky rice, vegetables, and fried pork skin.

4. Northern Pork Curry (Kaeng Hang Lei)

Kaeng Hang Lei is a slow-cooked pork curry with a distinct fruity flavor. It’s a non-spicy dish, making it ideal for those with a mild palate. The curry is infused with turmeric, tamarind, ginger, and garlic, reflecting a slight Burmese influence. Although it doesn’t enjoy the same popularity as Khao Soi, Kaeng Hang Lei remains a favorite at Khantoke dinners.

5. Miang Kham (Leaf-Wrapped Bites)

Miang Kham is an essential snack that provides a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s made by wrapping a combination of shallots, ginger, chili, peanuts, and lime in a cha plu leaf. This dish is an excellent introduction to the diverse flavors of Northern Thai cuisine, offering a delightful balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. While it can sometimes be found on restaurant menus, the best place to try it is at a Khantoke dinner or local market.

6. Fermented Pork Sausage (Naem)

Naem is a fermented sausage made from minced pork and sticky rice. It undergoes a two-day fermentation process that gives it a unique sour taste. While it can be eaten raw, it’s most commonly enjoyed after being cooked, either grilled or served alongside other dishes. It’s widely available on the streets of Bangkok and throughout Northern Thailand.

7. Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao (Northern Noodles)

This is a flavorful noodle soup made with fresh rice noodles and a spicy tomato-based broth. Traditionally, it’s served with minced pork balls and jellified pig’s blood, making it a hearty dish. It’s garnished with lime, pickled cabbage, beansprouts, and deep-fried pork skin (kap moo) for added texture. The combination of spicy and sour flavors makes it a distinctive Northern Thai dish.

8. Kaeng Khanun (Unripe Jackfruit Curry)

Kaeng Khanun is a hot and sour soup that features young, unripe jackfruit and cherry tomatoes. The dish offers a fruity twist on the typical Tom Yum, though it’s not as well-loved as other curries in the region. Often served with chunks of pork, Kaeng Khanun is a great choice if you’re looking to explore something a little different.

9. Yum Moo Yor (Steamed Pork Salad)

Yum Moo Yor is a refreshing and spicy salad made with steamed pork sausage. The sausage itself has a rubbery texture, but when combined with fish sauce, lime, and coriander, it turns into a flavorful dish. You’ll find Moo Yor wrapped in banana leaves and sold in street markets, and it’s often served as part of a salad for a tangy contrast to the richness of other Northern Thai dishes.

10. Maa Kratoop Rong (Local Liquor)

No meal in Northern Thailand would be complete without sampling the local alcohol. Maa Kratoop Rong is a type of moonshine made from rice liquor and mixed with medicinal herbs. It’s said to enhance power, alertness, and even serve as an aphrodisiac. While it might not have the most pleasant taste, it’s a unique experience that can be enjoyed during a Khantoke feast along with traditional Thai dancing and other local delicacies.