CMJani Suomeksi

Khao soi in Chiang Mai: three restaurants put to the test

What do people queue for every day in Chiang Mai? I tested three khao soi spots, with a gym, markets and live rock in between.

A bowl of khao soi and a restaurant queue in Chiang Mai Play video

Jani Published , 28 min 7 s long. The video is in Finnish; English subtitles are available on YouTube.

In short

I tested three of Chiang Mai's most interesting khao soi spots: Khao Soi Maesai stands for tradition, Khao Soi Mae Manee 2 for a wide choice of toppings and Khao-Sō-i for a modern, premium take. The winner is revealed in the video.

Places in the video

  1. Khao Soi Maesai

    A long-running family business in the Santitham area and a legendary tourist favourite. Expect to queue.

    Ratchaphuek Alley, Chang Phueak, Chiang Mai 50300

    Open in Google Maps In the video at 2:30

  2. Muscular Lair

    A popular gym in the Santitham area, where I trained between meals.

    59 Sirithorn Road, Chang Phueak, Chiang Mai 50300

    Open in Google Maps In the video at 5:10

  3. Siri Wattana Market (Thanin Market)

    A traditional wet market and food hall, where I stocked the fridge with groceries and staples.

    193 Chang Phueak Road, Chang Phueak, Chiang Mai 50300

    Open in Google Maps In the video at 6:56

  4. Khao Soi Mae Manee 2

    Sister restaurant of the Michelin Bib Gourmand listed Khao Soi Mae Manee. It uses the same decades-old recipe and has more toppings, such as fish and organ meats.

    45/9 Lampang–Chiang Mai Superhighway, Chang Phueak, Chiang Mai 50300

    Open in Google Maps In the video at 8:16

  5. Warorot Market

    A busy market area in Chiang Mai's Chinatown. I bought pumpkin seeds here and visited the Chinese temple nearby.

    Wichayanon Road, Chang Moi, Chiang Mai 50300

    Open in Google Maps In the video at 15:13

  6. Khao-Sō-i

    A modern, premium take on khao soi. The menu includes lobster and beef tongue, plus an experimental dry version.

    Charoenrat Road, Wat Ket, Chiang Mai 50000

    Open in Google Maps In the video at 19:58

  7. Winstons Pool and Sports Club

    I ended the day here with live rock music and drinks.

    12 Huay Kaew Road, Suthep, Chiang Mai 50300

    Open in Google Maps In the video at 25:50

What is khao soi?

Khao soi is a noodle dish served in coconut curry broth, and one of Chiang Mai's best-known flavours.

How are the three restaurants different?

The difference is style: one stands for tradition, one for variety and one for a premium take.

RestaurantStyleStands out forIn the video
Khao Soi MaesaiTraditional family spotLegendary favourite, often a queue2:30
Khao Soi Mae Manee 2Original recipeWide choice, such as fish and organ meats8:16
Khao-Sō-iModern premiumLobster, beef tongue and dry khao soi19:58

Which restaurant won the test?

The verdict is in the video, where I reveal which of the three came out on top.

When should you go for khao soi?

Go early. The most popular places get busy, especially at lunchtime. Opening hours vary, so check Google Maps before you go.

What can you do between meals?

I went to the gym and walked the markets. If you'd rather burn it off outdoors, read about two hikes in Chiang Mai: Monk's Trail and Doi Pui.

Details checked on . Prices, opening hours and routes can change. See the disclaimer.

Chapters

  1. 0:00 Intro and the plan
  2. 2:30 Khao Soi Maesai
  3. 5:10 Workout at Muscular Lair and Thanin Market
  4. 8:16 Khao Soi Mae Manee 2
  5. 15:13 Warorot Market: Chinatown and shopping
  6. 19:58 Khao-Sō-i: modern, premium khao soi
  7. 25:50 Winstons Pool and Sports Club: live rock and closing words

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