Missing Chiang Mai? These Northern restaurants are now serving in the capital

What it is: Thung Chiangmai has, for a long time, brought the best of Northern food to mouths across Chiang Mai – mainly from their A-frame restaurant Han Teung Chiangmai, just off Suthep road. Earning countless accolades over the last few years, they eventually spread wings and brought their flavours south to Bangkok. 

Why we love it: With their unapologetic approach to Northern Thai cuisine, you can now get your most exotic fixes right here in Bangkok. Dine on the finest ant egg omelettes, gorge on rich and creamy hung-le curries and sample spicy sai-oua at four locations across the capital – Central Dusit Park, Suan Luang, Phaya Thai and lakeside at Saphan Sung. For bigger meals, head east out of the city for grand sit-down meals in restaurants that set the scene perfectly. For quick craving fixes, head to Central Dusit Park with the smaller, but equally exciting food-court corner that goes heavy on the khao soi. 

Time Out tip: Thung Chiangmai is one of the few spots in Bangkok that does the soupy, tomato-rich broth of nam-ngiew the right way. A great midday filler poured over fresh vermicelli noodles. 

‘Arrive’ at Chiang Mai by visiting Central Dusit Park, Pattanagarn 38 (Suan Luang), Phahon Yothin 7 (Phaya Thai) and lakeside on Soi Mu Ban Sammakon (Saphan Sung). 11am-10pm (opens 10am at Dusit Park).

What it is: Ongtong is better known in Chiang Mai for its deliciously rich boat noodles, but in Bangkok, they’ve moored their kitchens into khao soi territory – no doubt to combat the rise of non-northern khao soi takes across the capital that may not live up to real northern food-fan expectations.

Why we love it: It’s khao soi, what’s not to love? But seriously, their hearty broth khao soi with perfectly al-dente egg noodles is hard to beat. If you prefer less broth but all the flavour, their dry version, khao soi kua hang, is an easy-to-eat alternative that still brings a powerful punch. Aside from the soups, they also serve up a mean (and by mean, we mean spicy) sai-oua side, classic pork satay and crispy fried bamboo worms that make a great beer snack. Talking about beer snacks, their shopfront in The Commons Saladang pairs so well with the craft beers on tap. If you’re lucky, a Chiang Mai beer may be on pour, making that kit-tueng Chiang Mai meal even better. 

Time Out tip: If you’ve ever partied at Chiang Mai’s Warm Up Cafe, you’ll take extra pleasure in ordering a side of the legendary mushroom luk chin – yes, the very same ones sold outside the club by good old Auntie Ratree for what feels like decades. They even have mail-order ones online if you want a permanent supply in your own freezer. 

Get your fix at the The Commons Saladeng, Emporium and Ari branches. 9am-8.30pm (1am close at The Commons, 10pm close at Emporium)

What it is: Newly opened in June 2026, this is Chef Kong’s latest exploration of northern fine dining – this time in the capital. His flagship, Locus Native Food Lab in Chiang Mai is also undergoing a rework, so for now this is the only place in Thailand to eat at Chef’s northern-inspired table. 

Why we love it: Chef Kongwuth Chaiwongkachon plays part wizard, part actor, part historian, as he takes you on a 15-course exploration of northern land trade routes through a theatrical chef’s table dinner that seats just 12. Bound not by nationality nor by borders, instead he plays with the traditions and customs of food on the road, defined by the Taang – or basket caravans – reaching from the Andaman coast in Moulmein, through the Lanna Kingdom, into Laos and China’s Xishuangbanna. Some dishes are recognisable, others unlike anything you’ve tasted before – but all seem to really scratch the itch for any northern Thai food craving. Think laphet served with grilled octopus and tomato consummé, cold clear khao soi (trust us, it’s amazing), and grilled pockets of spiced pork infused with shreds of olive wood and sticky tamarind. Meals include bottomless wine parings (tea parinings for the non-drinkers) and take around 2-3 hours from curtains up to curtains down. 

Time Out tip: If you can't stomach the fine dining price tag, head to Taang on Thurs-Sat and you’ll find the door closed. However, another door opens to Wiang, Chef’s lunch-dinner khao soi concept restaurant that uses the same space. Opening late June. 

Erawan Bangkok, Phloen Chit Road. Open Mon-Wed, evening course start at 6.30pm sharp

What is it: Known as Chiang Mai’s resident khao soi rebel, Chef Win has made a name for himself by piling the northern classic high with wild and wonderful toppings, often borrowing ideas from Japanese cuisine along the way. After building a controversially loyal following in his hometown, Khao Sō-i eventually made the move to Bangkok as hungry demand continued to grow.

Why we love it: Sure, it's another khao soi entry, but we really just can’t get enough. And also, when people in Bangkok think of northern food, it’s usually this dish that cures the craving. Serving soup in both regular and oversized bowls, you can top it with whatever you like – our faves being Chef Win’s ultimate beef khao soi, topped with braised beef, shank, chuck, rib eye and tongue – all served with the restaurant's rather unique noodles underneath. You can also snag some stir-fried Lanna noodles if you want less soup and no meal is complete without a side serving or two. We usually go for deep fried tofu (with its strong Shan influence) and freshly steamed dumplings with a special, slightly spicy sauce. 

Time Out tip: Although it’s not your classic khao soi, they’re arguably some of the best when it comes to toppings. Just ask and you can double, or even triple up your toppings. Throw on a scallop or prawn to make your next bowl surf and turf – it’s heavenly. 

Find your fill at Convent Silom and Siam Paragon. 10.30am-9pm (10pm close at Paragon)

What is it: Chiang Mai has a number of farm-to-table restaurants that are of big-name, and Ginger is probably the most colourful. Known for home-style veg-forward food, it has spent decades gaining a loyal following in the north before seeking new audiences in the capital. 

Why we love it: Serving up a generous range of northern and Thai-adjacent dishes (alongside some Western favourites) that take heavily from their own farm supplies in Saraphi, the menu is bursting with flavour and some healthy goodness besides. Popping up in malls across the city, it’s one you can take the whole family to and keep everyone happy, while also fulfilling your need for some northern favourites without the expensive air fare. Fresh veggies are obviously abundant, with pages of stir-fry and soups to choose from. Although if you want your taste buds tingled, go for the salty crab paste or young jackfruit ‘soups’ for a proper punch of nostalgia. 

Time Out tip: While their menu serves a lot of the usual fare you’d expect, some of their more off-piste dishes are actually worth the risk. Take the chicken taco for example – not something you’d expect from a northern farm restaurant, but it dances around Mexican and Thai flavours in a (good) way that’s hard to explain. 

Eight outlets across Bangkok. Usually open 10am to 10pm

What it is: Despite their playfully blue name, Chiang Mai’s legendary salad spot has finally made it to the big city. Brainchild of two friends, a small salad plantation has turned into a fresh produce empire, serving restaurants and stores in Chiang Mai, Bangkok and other major cities as they continue to grow.

Why we love it: Just like their Chiang Mai branch, salads, servings and sides all come exceptionally large – likely to make sure you’re really full of green goodness. With a love for family and the idea of mothers both feeding and eating well, their concepts are inspired by what they think is best for the soul – although you’ll find less northern food here than the others on this list. While they don’t shy away from the odd deep-fried morsel or rack of ribs lathered in barbecue sauce, most dishes would make your gym trainer proud you chose it over a burger. Now with over 20 restaurants across greater Bangkok – with most found in the malls of the inner city – their empire is well and truly rooted. Most outlets serve the full menu, with an ungodly amount of salad making its way down from Chiang Mai every day, while a few serve a smaller offering – such as the Ohkajhu Wrap and Roll in Emsphere which is all about their monster-sized burrito salad wraps. 

Time Out tip: If you want the salad but don’t have time for a sit-down meal, snag a bag or two of fresh green leaves sold at most of their restaurants as take away options, complete with dressings and croutons, if you ask nicely. 

Over 20 outlets across Bangkok. Usually open 10am to 9 or 10pm