From Chiang Mai to Bangkok, 11 must-try khao soi spots

Our roundup of the best khao soi spots in all of Chiang Mai, the home to this enigmatic dish of rich coconut broth and crispy golden strands. 

For a flawless, no-nonsense bowl of chicken khao soi, Kongkum delivers with its deep, traditional flavours and luxuriously rich coconut broth. Their small but mighty portions mean you can sample more from their extensive northern Thai menu, including stewed beef and pork variations – with many patrons working their way through two, sometimes three bowls with an air of normalcy! The setting has a real Lanna charm too – think brick floors, red paper umbrellas, lush vines and towering trees. A hidden garden oasis with a whiff of curry in the air. A favourite among locals (but only the ones in the know) this spot is worth the 20-minute trip out to Mae Rim. Grab a bowl, soak in the atmosphere and prepare for a northern Thai food masterclass served in ceramic Lampang rooster bowls.

Bowls start at B70. Rim Tai, Mae Rim. 10am-5pm.

Originally located near Prince Royal’s College downtown, this humble, family-run gem has since relocated to Mae Jo – but it’s still absolutely worth the trip. Their Muslim-style khao soi is a spice-laden masterpiece, but the real standout is the beef. Buttery, fall-apart tender and slow-stewed directly in a light curry broth infused with a generous amount of shallots. Unlike most places that cook the beef separately, here it’s soaked in every fragrant note of the broth and topped with a splash of coconut cream just before serving. Now in its second (and possibly last) generation, the same family still hand-makes their delicate noodles daily – an increasingly rare tradition. They also offer pad sen kua gai, a simple and delicious stir-fried noodle dish with shredded chicken and green onions. Chef Andy Ricker, a loyal patron for over 30 years, marvels at their flavour subtlety and consistency over the years, calling it the ‘finest bowl in the city.’

Bowls start at B50. Nong Han, San Sai. 11am-4pm.

Vegans need not miss out when it comes to the mighty khao soi either! Free Bird Cafe offers a bold, plant-based take on this northern favourite that stays true to the dish’s essence without compromising on flavour, or the lives of animals. The rich coconut cream broth is combined with a handcrafted vegan paste, mushroom-based fish sauce, and Shan chickpea tofu for a deep hit of much-needed umami. Topped with homemade pickled mustard greens, crispy purple sweet potato and finished with a squeeze of lime – this version offers an explosion of vibrant flavours, colours and textures which leaves meat-eaters at a loss on how they managed it. For an extra kick, don’t miss their addictive house-made chilli oil – a must-try for those who love heat!

Bowls start at B160. Sirimungkhalajarn, Muang. Tues 9am-5pm, Wed-Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 9am-5pm.

Khao Soi Islam sits on quiet soi beside Chiang Mai’s 19th-century Muslim-Chinese Mosque, serving up handmade noodles with a satisfyingly unique texture. For 58 years, this family-run institution has remained in the same building, preserving its original recipes and traditions. Their Islam-style khao soi features a mild, coconut-light broth designed to be elevated with a dash of their signature house-made chilli oil. Beyond khao soi, the menu includes Thai-Muslim staples like mutton curry, samosas, goat biryani and beef satay. Simple, soulful and steeped in history.

Bowls start at B60. Chang Klang, Muang. 7:30am-5pm.

Hidden under a quaint Thai wooden house draped in jasmine vines, Auntie Pom’s hole-in-the-wall eatery is a local institution. She serves up two types of kanom jeen (fermented rice noodles) and khao soi with beef or chicken, while her deeply aromatic, perfectly balanced broth is what makes this spot legendary. Come early and you’ll see Thais queuing up in the dozens, and by 11am, everything is gone. Located in the heart of Chiang Mai’s Old City, it’s an authentic, no-frills experience where English won’t get you far – so set your alarm, get ahead of the crowds and brush up on your Thai. Or just point and slurp, it worked for us!

Bowls start at B50. Phra Singh, Muang. 7am-2pm.

Khao-Sō-i is fast becoming a big name in the khao soi scene thanks to its creative reimagining of the humble dish through a Japanese lens. Set in a charming, Japanese-inspired structure, this spot offers an overwhelming array of choices – five types of beef, chicken, pork, seafood and even lobster. Each bowl arrives on a tray, Japanese-style, featuring homemade noodles that blend the chewiness of udon with the silkiness of traditional egg noodles. The broth is deeply reduced, ultra-creamy and packed with umami, with dry versions available for all dishes – all without compromising on the bold, fiery intensity of Thai flavours. The place is always buzzing with Thai Japanophiles, and its success has led to expansion in Bangkok and even a pop-up alongside the best Thai restaurants in London. Be sure to save room for dessert – there’s a dedicated section for Japanese-Thai sweets, soft-serve ice cream, matcha and coffee.

Bowls start at B99. Faham, Muang. 9am-8pm.

Khao Soi in chocolate form? Absolutely. Chiang Mai’s Siamaya Chocolate is known for daring, Thai-inspired creations, and their Khao Soi Curry Milk Chocolate is surprisingly delicious – seriously! Infused with crispy noodles, warm spices and fried shallots, this sweet-savory-spicy treat is one of those things you never thought would work, but really does. If you have an adventurous palate, don’t miss their award-winning Durian Chocolate, Thai Tea, Coconut Curry, and Tom Yum bars. Each bite is a daring twist on iconic Thai flavours – because who says you can’t have your khao soi and eat chocolate too?

Bars start at B195. Chang Moi, Muang. 10am-8pm.

If you don’t mind going on an adventure for your food, there’s a a scenic two-hour drive from Chiang Mai to Arunothai, a Yunnanese village that skirts the Thai-Myanmar border, you can take for some of the most amazing khao soi you’ll find in northern Thailand. Serving up a unique take on Khao Soi since 1976, Tayong’s bowls are unlike the classic stewed-meat versions you’ll find in the city, featuring succulent roasted pork or crispy pork belly, paired with handmade noodles, extra-fiery pickled mustard greens and crunchy wontons. If you’ve come all this way, don’t leave without trying their pan-fried gyozas, available in pork and chive or a delicious vegetarian option – crispy and juicy, they’re the perfect road trip reward…aside from the khao soi, that is.

Bowls start at B60. Arunothai, Chiang Dao. 9am-8pm.