Whenever I move to a new city, my first mission is always to explore the local food scene. This time, I did just that during our recent stay in Chiang Mai’s Nimman area. Over the course of a month, we made it a point to dine out daily, enjoying a variety of foods while embracing the vibrant atmosphere. Chiang Mai is surprisingly affordable when it comes to eating, and much of the food we indulged in cost less than 200 Baht per meal. With that said, here are some of the top restaurants and food spots in Nimman that stood out to us.

Best Northern Noodles: Khao Soi Mae Sai

Address: Ratchaphuek Alley, opposite Huaykaew Road
Khao Soi Mae Sai is a favorite spot for northern Thai noodle soups. While there are plenty of places to enjoy Khao Soi and Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiaw around Chiang Mai, this particular shophouse is known for serving some of the best in a relaxed, established setting. It’s a bit outside the Nimman area, but still within walking distance. If you’re looking to stay closer to Nimman, Khao Soi Nimman (on Nimmanhemin Soi 7) is a convenient alternative.

Best Lanna Cuisine: Tong Tem Toh

Address: 11 Nimmanhemin Road, Soi 13
Lanna food can often be found at local markets, but one of the best spots in Nimman for this northern Thai cuisine is Tong Tem Toh. Known for serving traditional khantoke sets, this restaurant offers iconic dishes like Sai Oua sausage (Chiang Mai sausage), Nam Prik Noom (a green chili dip), and Nam Prik Ong (a minced pork and tomato-based dip). These are paired with boiled vegetables, crispy pork scratchings, and rich pork curries like Kaeng Hang Ley. It’s an authentic, satisfying experience for anyone craving Lanna flavors.

Best Isaan Food: So Lao

Address: 43 Siri Mungkalacharn, opposite Nimman soi 7
When it comes to Isaan food, So Lao is a standout. Specializing in bold and flavorful salads, like Som Tam (papaya salad), Laab (spicy minced meat salad), and Namtok Moo (grilled pork neck salad), this place is a must for anyone who loves Isaan cuisine. The authenticity of the flavors and the straightforward, no-frills menu make it a go-to spot for anyone seeking an authentic Isaan meal.

Best Coffee Shop: Ristr8to Lab

Address: 14 Nimmanhaemin Rd, Soi 3
Even though I’m not the biggest coffee fan, I couldn’t help but appreciate Ristr8to Lab, a popular spot among Chiang Mai’s coffee aficionados. Known for its specialty brewing techniques, this coffee shop has become a local favorite. They offer a wide variety of drinks, from strong Macchiattos to more creative concoctions like Black Martinis and Shaken Irish Coffees. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or just looking for a place to relax, Ristr8to Lab is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious cup.

Best Dessert Café: iBerry Gardens

Address: Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi 17
Though I’m not one for sweet treats, iBerry Gardens is a must-visit if you’re in the mood for a quirky dessert experience. With a fun and whimsical atmosphere, it’s perfect for those looking to take a selfie with some adorable decor. The star of the show here is the Korean Bingsu, a large shaved ice dessert, which is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. It’s especially popular among visitors from Korea and China.

Best Burger: Beast Burger

Address: 14 Nimmanhemin Soi 17
Beast Burger started as a food truck but quickly grew into a full-scale establishment due to its popularity. Known for its delicious and simple menu, Beast Burger serves up mouthwatering burgers like the Beast Burger, Blue Cheese Burger, and Pulled Pork Sandwich. Each burger is served with a side of paprika-flavored fries or other variations, such as waffle fries or cheesy fries. It’s the perfect spot for anyone craving a hearty, delicious burger.

Best Japanese Curry: Mu’s Katsu

Address: Nimmana Haeminda Rd, Soi 8 (Opposite Soi 13)
For a rich and satisfying Japanese curry, look no further than Mu’s Katsu. While the focus is on Katsu pork cutlets, the menu also features comforting curry dishes that pair perfectly with the crispy cutlets. The flavors here are more intense than what you might find elsewhere, and the combination of curry, omelette, and cheese is absolutely delicious. If you’re in the mood for a classic Japanese curry, Mu’s Katsu won’t disappoint.

Best Ramen: Ninja Ramen

Address: 19 Sirimangkalajarn Rd, near Huaykaew Road
When it comes to ramen in Chiang Mai, Ninja Ramen offers a no-fuss option that’s hard to beat. Known for its Tonkotsu pork broth and hearty portions, this place serves up delicious bowls of ramen at affordable prices. While they offer a variety of broths, the Tonkotsu is a standout, and the wide range of options on the menu makes it easy to find something that suits your taste.

Best Rooftop Bar: Myst at Maya

Address: 55 Huay Kaew Rd
For stunning views of Nimman and Doi Suthep, head to Myst, a rooftop bar at Maya Mall. Located on the top floors, this bar offers a great atmosphere and beautiful views, making it the perfect spot for a romantic evening. The prices here are reasonable, especially when compared to similar rooftop experiences in Bangkok, and they offer a range of delicious cocktails to enjoy while you take in the breathtaking scenery.

Best Beer Bar: Beer Lab

Address: Nimmanhaemin Road, near Nimman Soi 12
If you’re a beer lover, Beer Lab is the place to be. With over 200 beers and ciders to choose from, including favorites like BrewDog Punk IPA and Hoegaarden, it’s a beer enthusiast’s paradise. They also have a fascinating cocktail menu for those who aren’t into beer, and the variety of flavors makes it fun to experiment. The bar is a bit pricier compared to other spots in the area, but it’s definitely the best beer bar in Nimman.

Best Booze Food: Funky Grill Mala Kebabs

Address: 199/4 Huaykaew Rd
For a late-night bite, Funky Grill serves up Mala Kebabs that are absolutely delicious. These skewers, coated in a mix of chili flakes, cumin, and Sichuan peppercorns, provide a delightful face-numbing sensation, and they’re perfect for pairing with a cold drink. The kebabs are grilled over flaming charcoal and are available in a variety of meats, making them a perfect snack for anyone craving some late-night street food.

Best Health Food: The Salad Concept

Address: Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi 13
Despite the misleading name, The Salad Concept isn’t just about salads. The menu includes a variety of pastas, pizzas, and sandwiches, and they offer build-your-own options for wraps and bowls. While it’s not a place for heavy indulgence, the fresh ingredients and tasty dressings make it a solid choice for a lighter, healthier meal.

Best Roast Chicken: Cherng Doi Roast Chicken

Address: Top of Soi Sukasem (Between Nimman 2 & 4)
If you’re a fan of Isaan food, Cherng Doi is a great spot to enjoy grilled chicken, known locally as Kai Yang. Though the chicken doesn’t quite rival the grilled pork neck, it’s still delicious, especially when paired with a spicy Yum Kai Yang (grilled chicken salad) or the rich Tom Saap (pork bone soup). Cherng Doi is popular with locals and visitors alike, and its quality makes it a must-try.