Looking for vegetarian and vegan options in Chiang Mai? Here are 18 spots where plants are the point.
By DineGuides Team·Updated July 2026
Plant based dining in Chiang Mai has moved well past the token salad. 18 vegetarian and vegan restaurants made the cut. The selection ranges from fully vegan kitchens to restaurants where plant based cooking is the main draw, not an afterthought menu.
Chiang Mai Vegetarian & Vegan Cheat Sheet & Local Logistics+
How do I navigate ordering at Northern Thai restaurants in Chiang Mai if I'm vegetarian or vegan, given that many dishes traditionally contain fish sauce or shrimp paste?
Most Northern Thai restaurants in Chiang Mai are accustomed to vegetarian requests and can modify dishes by omitting fish sauce and shrimp paste; however, communicating clearly at the time of ordering is essential, as these ingredients are standard in many curry pastes and sauces. Learning the Thai phrase "mai sai nam pla, mai sai kapi" (no fish sauce, no shrimp paste) helps ensure your order is prepared correctly. Spots across the city—from Mae Rim District to Chang Khlan—routinely accommodate this adjustment without requiring advance notice.
What payment methods should I expect at vegetarian and vegan restaurants across different neighborhoods in Chiang Mai?
Cash payment remains standard at many restaurants in Chiang Mai, particularly in neighborhoods like Chang Moi Sub-district and Hang Dong, though card acceptance is increasingly common in more central areas such as Tambon Si Phum and Chang Khlan. It is practical to carry Thai baht, especially when dining at smaller family-run establishments or casual lunch spots, as not all locations have reliable card processing infrastructure.
Are there particular times of year or seasons when vegetarian and vegan options become less available in Chiang Mai?
The cooler season (November to February) sees heightened tourist activity and restaurant traffic across all neighborhoods, which generally increases menu availability and restaurant hours. During the hot season (March to May), some casual dining spots and outdoor relaxation venues may adjust their hours or reduce operations, particularly in districts like Mae Rim; planning visits during peak service times reduces the likelihood of encountering limited options.
Cherry Burmese offers a deeply satisfying taste of authentic Burmese cuisine, a family-run spot where passion for their heritage shines through in every flavorful dish. It's a place where generous portions, incredibly friendly service, and a welcoming, homey atmosphere combine for excellent value.
🍽️94Food
💰93Value
✨85Vibe
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“10/10 all round! very affordable very tasty and good portions. Lovely staff. Nice amount of seating good Burmese and Indian food.”
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“Amazing food comes in small restaurants. Incredible Goat Curry full of so much flavor and wonderful service (speaks rather good English).”
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“The food was extraordinary. The curry and roti are perfect. I strongly recommend the potato curry and fish curry. I think I’ve fallen in love with Burmese food.”
Ideal for
Authentic Burmese cuisineFamily-friendly mealsVegetarian and vegan options
This volunteer-run, not-for-profit spot offers an incredible array of local vegetarian dishes, many prepared with minimal salt, oil, and sugar. Arrive by 6 am for the widest selection of premade options, snacks, and noodle soup, as variety diminishes and the restaurant closes in the early afternoon.
🍽️94Food
💰95Value
✨75Vibe
📍75Location
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“The food is AMAZING All the locals eat here, so if you want a real Thai experience, go for it.”
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“This vegetarian food tastes just like regular food. It's delicious! If you haven't tried it yet, you should definitely come here.”
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“This is easily one of the best local options in this category for anyone looking for a quality meal at local prices.”
Ideal for
Healthy eatingBudget-friendly mealsVegetarian and vegan diners
This Chiang Mai spot specializes in authentic Karen cuisine, offering a vibrant spread of curries, an abundance of fresh vegetables, and free-flowing rice. The staff's genuine warmth and the natural, traditional atmosphere make it a welcoming haven for exploring Burmese and Karen flavors.
🍽️92Food
💰88Value
✨85Vibe
📍70Location
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“Delicious tar la paw soup - highly recommended, they also provide free fermented fish paste and plenty of fresh vegetables.”
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“The staff is amazing, happy for serving us delicious food and offering traditional dishes of corean food with influence of Myanmar.”
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“The first time I went to eat there, it was very delicious. Every menu, especially the chili paste, I had to buy some to take home.”
Ideal for
Authentic Karen cuisineVegetarian-friendly mealsExploring local flavors
This Chiang Mai spot focuses on vibrant, healthy poke bowls, offering a refreshing counterpoint to local cuisine. They consistently deliver fresh ingredients and attentive service, often with thoughtful extras like complimentary fruit or handwritten notes.
🍽️90Food
💰85Value
✨85Vibe
⏰75Wait
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“Amazing food! My family ate here 2 days in a row because it was so tasty, filling, and reasonably priced.”
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“The food was absolutely delicious! We ordered via grab and it was neatly packaged and beautifully presented.”
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“The atmosphere is cozy and calm, perfect for a solo lunch or a catch up with friends.”
Ideal for
Healthy lunchPost-workout mealVegetarian and vegan options
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Ekthip Chokdee Vegetarian Chinese and Non-Vegetarian Chinese Cuisine Restaurant, Chiang Mai City
This long-standing Chiang Mai restaurant offers a comforting blend of Chinese and Thai flavors, with a particular strength in its extensive vegetarian and vegan options. It's a place where generations have found familiar tastes, from classic stir-fries to comforting soups, all served in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
🍽️88Food
💰88Value
✨78Vibe
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“This is a long-established Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese and Thai cuisine. The food is delicious, and the garlic ribs are a must-order.”
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“This is a delicious Chinese restaurant, and the atmosphere reminds me of dining on Nathan Road in Hong Kong.”
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“Delicious food, catering to all budgets, ranging from tens to hundreds of Thai baht per person.”
Ideal for
Family mealsVegetarian and vegan diningComfort food cravings
This Chiang Mai spot offers a vast menu of flavorful vegetarian and vegan Thai dishes, with a particular talent for creating convincing mock meats. It's a family-run operation where the food is made with care, offering great value and a welcoming, if simple, atmosphere.
🍽️88Food
💰90Value
✨65Vibe
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“Mega delicious veg-friendly Khao Soi that comes replete with an assortment of nice faux meats (even one that resembled fatty pork?), all very tasty and filling.”
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“Delicious, affordable, and with a wide variety of vegetarian options, this restaurant is highly recommended!”
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“The fried kuey teow had that wonderful wok hei (wok aroma) flavor, so delicious!”
Ideal for
Vegetarian and vegan diningAffordable mealsExploring mock meat dishes
This vegetarian spot in Chiang Mai offers a vast menu of Thai classics, expertly veganized with impressive mock meats and fresh ingredients. It's a welcoming haven for plant-based eaters and curious omnivores alike, providing flavorful dishes at very reasonable prices.
🍽️88Food
💰88Value
✨75Vibe
🔊60Noise
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“This is by far one of the best vegetarian / vegan restaurants we found so far! (Even in Germany) …”
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“We had the Khao Soi, Boat Noodles, Vegan Chicken Skewers and the Crispy Papaya Salad, everything was absolutely delicious!”
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“And I've had their mock pork, mock duck, mock meatballs, tofu, and tempeh, and they've all been delicious.”
Ideal for
Vegetarian and vegan diningExploring Thai cuisineBudget-friendly meals
Dada Kafe is a vibrant, healthy haven in Chiang Mai's old city, offering a vast menu of fresh, flavorful dishes and smoothies. It's a go-to for both locals and travelers seeking wholesome options with generous portions at fair prices. The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere make it a consistently pleasant spot for any meal.
🍽️88Food
💰85Value
✨80Vibe
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“The whole atmoshpere makes Dada Kafe a place you will want to return to time and again. Wonderful dinner experience.”
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“Cracking good food for such value. Nice atmosphere and lots of choice for a veggie. Loved the pineapple egg fried rice.”
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“We had the Khao soi and mango sticky rice to split. The Khao Soi was delicious and the mango sticky rice was on par and the most photogenic to date!”
Salsa Kitchen delivers a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine in Chiang Mai, with massive portions and a vibrant atmosphere. It's a go-to for expats and locals alike seeking a flavorful break from Thai food, offering a wide range of options including dedicated vegan and vegetarian menus.
🍽️88Food
💰85Value
✨80Vibe
🔊65Noise
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“This is, in my opinion, the best Mexican restaurant in Chiang Mai. Their burritos are fantastic and they have really good salsas and guacamole.”
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“The food was bursting with fresh flavors, perfectly seasoned, and the portions were generous. Everything tasted homemade and made with care.”
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“One star off on atmosphere as it was very loud and difficult to hear. Maybe some textiles on the walls would help with the acoustics?”
Ideal for
Authentic Mexican cravingsLarge portionsVegan and vegetarian options
This Chiang Mai spot offers a wide array of flavorful Thai dishes, with a strong emphasis on vegan and halal options. Many diners highlight the Khao Soi and Mango Sticky Rice as particularly memorable, and the staff are well-regarded for their warmth and helpfulness. It's a reliable choice for authentic Thai flavors in a welcoming atmosphere.
🍽️88Food
💰75Value
✨78Vibe
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“Best Khao Soi I've had since I've been in Chiang Mai, it was so delicious!”
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“The food is incredibly delicious, especially the fried rice - it’s sooo good!”
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“A classy and stunning restaurant, close to the Niman Mall, excellent food!”
Ideal for
Vegan and vegetarian diningHalal food seekersAuthentic Thai cuisine
This Chiang Mai spot offers a compelling fusion of South Indian and Burmese flavors, with many dishes tasting like home-cooked meals. The staff are noted for their warmth and attentiveness, making it a comforting stop for those craving authentic tastes.
🍽️88Food
💰75Value
✨78Vibe
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“The Banana Leaf Chicken Curry set has the best chicken I've had in Thailand so far. Moist, delicious, perfectly seasoned.”
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“You can feel the warm, vibrant energy of the place. The music is fantastic, creating the perfect mood to enjoy authentic, flavorful Indian food.”
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“This place had the best tasting south Indian food ive Had for years simpel and delicious.”
Ideal for
Authentic Indian and Burmese foodComfort food cravingsVegetarian options
This unassuming spot serves up intensely flavorful Thai dishes, with a particular knack for curries and a vast array of vegetarian and vegan options. The owner, who often cooks and serves solo, is known for her friendly demeanor and willingness to customize spice levels. It's a go-to for locals and visitors alike seeking authentic tastes at budget-friendly prices.
🍽️88Food
💰88Value
✨70Vibe
🧹65Hygiene
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“No pretentious presentation but it was the best value for money pad thai and meal I …”
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“Perfect mango curry. We came back after a year and it's still so tasty.”
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“The prices are low, the portions are the perfect size for me - this is the only place where I finish everything.”
Ideal for
Budget-friendly mealsVegetarian and vegan optionsAuthentic Thai flavors
This Chiang Mai spot offers a refreshing counterpoint to spicy Thai cuisine with its focus on fresh, healthy, and customizable salads and bowls. It's a reliable choice for clean eating, with a wide menu that caters to various dietary needs and preferences.
🍽️85Food
💰85Value
✨80Vibe
⏰65Wait
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“Popped in for lunch, had the Pumpkin Soup, amazing flavours and taste, accompanied with fried Quinoa Balls, equally tasty and delicious.”
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“We chose a delicious shiitake mushroom soup and made our own salad. We also enjoyed some smoothies. Excellent concept and quality.”
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“The Salad Concept is a great spot in Chiang Mai's Old City. I had a wonderful tuna and feta salad - it was really fresh and flavourful.”
Ideal for
Healthy eatingVegetarian and vegan optionsPost-workout meal
This Chiang Mai spot offers a welcome respite from Thai cuisine with its creative vegan pizzas and comfort food. Standouts include the flavorful Veatball sandwich and the well-regarded tea leaf salad, all served in a chill, welcoming atmosphere. It's a place where even non-vegans find themselves clearing their plates.
🍽️90Food
💰80Value
✨85Vibe
🛡️65Safety
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“Cute vegan restaurant with very nice staff. Our group came in and enjoyed the cool atmosphere and the delicious fresh coconuts for our drink.”
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“Best bbq jackfruit burgers and rolls in whole chiang mai town. Must come back to try the vegan pizzas.”
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“Totally mind-blowing food. I tried the Veatball sandwich based on the staff’s recommendation, and it was incredible.”
Ideal for
Vegan comfort foodA break from Thai cuisineCasual dining
This family-run spot offers a taste of authentic Chiang Mai cuisine, with many dishes available in vegetarian options. It's a charming place that feels genuinely local, serving up flavorful meals at very reasonable prices.
🍽️85Food
💰88Value
✨80Vibe
🛡️65Safety
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“I would give extra star for service if I could. Food was delicious. The young lady that helped me was kind and swift.”
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“The seating arrangement and atmosphere was perfect and the food … the best food I’ve had in Thailand …”
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“The Khao Soi is excellent, the value is great, and the atmosphere is lovely in a quiet soi.”
This cozy, plant-filled garden cafe feels like stepping into a grandmother's home, serving up authentic, fresh Thai dishes with a clear passion. It's a tranquil escape from the city bustle, offering a warm welcome and food that consistently satisfies.
🍽️88Food
💰78Value
✨90Vibe
🔊65Noise
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“Amazing Khao Soi soup! The best I had in Chiang Mai.”
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“The atmosphere is intimate, cozy, and surrounded by greenery, with plants everywhere creating a setting that feels very much like a grandmother’s garden.”
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“Relaxing place with jazz music in the background, no cars passing by every second, good food, kind and friendly service.”
Ideal for
Vegetarian and vegan dinersRelaxing mealHome-style cooking
Bodhi Tree Cafe offers a tranquil escape with a focus on fresh, organic vegetarian and vegan Thai cuisine. It's a place where the owner's warmth permeates the atmosphere, making it a go-to for healthy, flavorful meals and even cooking classes.
🍽️88Food
💰80Value
✨85Vibe
⏰55Wait
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“This is one of my favorite spots in Chiang Mai! They have incredible authentic vegan and vegetarian Thai food.”
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“Absolutely delicious and fresh vegan food! Staff is attentive and very friendly. Every dish we had was perfect.”
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“Tonight, we stepped away from the bustle of the Night Market into a quiet side street to find Bodhi.”
Ideal for
Healthy eatingVegetarian and vegan optionsCooking classes
This Chiang Mai spot offers a vast menu of flavorful vegan and vegetarian Thai dishes, with many diners highlighting unique ancient recipes. While the food is generally known for its freshness and generous portions, some recent reception points to inconsistencies in taste and sweetness levels.
🍽️85Food
💰68Value
✨80Vibe
⏰60Wait
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“The atmosphere is very upscale, lol. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and very happy. Perfect for hosting guests. ❤️❤️❤️”
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“Super friendly and attentive staff. The food was amazing, and we'd love to come back ❤️”
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“Super clean. And can I mention that the toilet experience is amazing …”
Ideal for
Vegetarian and vegan dinersExploring unique Thai dishesCasual meals
