Chiang Mai’s 9 best vegan restaurants

If you didn’t skip the intro, you’ll know this is Chiang Mai’s OG veggie spot. Three generations strong, Aum is the only vegetarian restaurant on our list (the rest are guaranteed vegan) but the menu is extremely vegan-friendly and, more importantly, started the meat-free dining movement in Chiang Mai over 40 years ago. But don’t let the age concern you. Their current incarnation is found in the family’s own house adjacent to Wua Lai Road, where delicious veggie and vegan versions of Thai favourites are served with love, straight from their family kitchen. We’re talking delectable massaman, pumpkin and green curries that will keep you coming back time and time again. It’s also a great go-to for vegans with friends who simply can’t go without some form of egg protein.

1/4 Suriyawong Alley, Haiya. 11am-8pm

This sustainability-minded, Italian spot is probably the first place in Chiang Mai – maybe even Thailand – where pizzas come exclusively vegan. With a lengthy menu of toppings and different bases to choose from, five years of practice shows. The pasta and gnocchi are tip top too, all utilising local produce (including Chiang Mai made cashew cheese) to keep the carbon footprint down. The team also supports numerous charitable causes and runs a sweet ‘pay it forward’ scheme so you can donate a meal to someone in need. The new (-ish) brunch menu is the perfect weekend treat too, especially if you’re a bit sick of pumpkin curry and rice.

27, 2 Moon Muang Road, Soi 9, Old City. 8.30am-10pm

Hang Dong locals rejoice – this one’s for you. A classy affair with seitan ‘meat’ versions galore to try, like the ‘bacon’ spaghetti or pad krapao with minced ‘meat’ and an ‘egg’ on top, we love The Vegano Bistro for many reasons. Sure, the idea of fake-meat isn’t every vegan’s cup of chai, but there’s something to be said about having the classics and eating them too. Talking about cake, the biggest draw is their incredible desserts; there’s no better chocolate lava cake in the city, vegan or otherwise. If chocolate isn’t your thing (really?) then try the gluten free carrot cake, complete with soy yoghurt cream. Utterly mouthwatering stuff. 

69/1 Nong Kwai, Hang Dong. 10.30am-9pm

This brunchy, earthy cafe makes the best vegan French toast in the city and make no mistake. If you prefer your breakfast a tad healthier though, chia pudding or smoothie bowls await – to be enjoyed with a delicious dairy-free Indian-style chai, naturally. The local Thai faves like vegan curries are excellent here too. And while the food is clearly the main draw, there’s also a yoga studio up the stairs. The vibe here is unmistakably cosy (where isn’t in Chiang Mai?) because there’s a family history here – the house goes back generations, once home to the owner’s grandmother before taking on a new, more public-facing life. 

217 Tha Phae Road, Chiang Moi. 9.30am-7pm

Relatively new kids on the block, on the eastern stretch of the moat, Begin comes with lovely views and an even better menu. As the name suggests, it’s a great starting point for any newly initiated vegans. Have a chat with the exceptionally sweet staff about what’s vegan and what’s vegetarian here, as they’re happy to break it down, make recommendations and speak pretty good English. Having opened little over a year ago they’re already being heralded as making the best vegan khao soi in Chiang Mai in all the vegan-friendly Facebook groups, and with prices that are extremely budget-friendly, it’s one to run and not walk to.

183, 1 Moon Muang Road, Old City. 9am-10pm

Multi-award winning outfit Good Souls is a Chiang Mai institution at this point. A classy affair with high ceilings and a 1950s feel, their huge offering of vegan versions of Thai food as well as a recently added pizza menu (watch out Rad Rabbit!) cooked in the hand-fired stove outside presents us with only one problem – what on earth to order? There’s also enough provisions for any vegan cheat day, with the chocolate banana pancakes or tofu wrap our favourite. The good souls at Good Souls (see what we did there?) have since opened two other restaurants just minutes away, namely The Reform Cafe and Downtown Vegan Garden, both sharing almost exactly the same menu, minus the pizza. 

52 Sinharat Road, Soi 3, Old City. 8am-10pm

Celebrating their 17th anniversary in 2026, this cafe-with-a-cause has brightened the days of many waves of people coming and going in Chiang Mai. Whether that’s the Burmese community employed, educated and supported by the charity side of Free Bird, or the Thais and expats attending the extremely welcoming and regular social and cultural events. It’s a not-for-profit so after chowing down on delicious Thai and Burmese plates, know that your bill money is going to a very good cause.

14 Sirimangkalajan Road, Muang. Tues-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9am-5pm. Closed Monday.

This one often goes under the radar given it is a very small operation hidden in Santitham (it’s just the chef and the waiter) but, after surviving the pandemic by closing their restaurant and keeping a take away window open, they’re back to business with a newly-opened chapter to their story. Their cheap but fantastic dishes can still be enjoyed by order, but now with a sit-down diner once again, they’re officially claiming the throne for the best vegan summer rolls in Chiang Mai. But don’t take our word for it – just check out the wall covered in thank you notes for all the validation you need. Their menu is varied, but for us, it has to be the avocado vegan pesto sandwich that tops their lengthy breakfast menu. 

 11 / 2 Taewan Road, Santitham. 9.30am-7.30pm. Closed Sundays.

Last but by no means least, this humble little corner yard in the Old City is pure and simple – their food tastes incredible and is extremely cheap. Fresh produce, healthy vibes, usually generous with the garlic (please never stop), it’s the perfect drive by if you find yourself hungry in the town centre and wish to sit somewhere quiet, tucked away and under the radar. Let’s be honest, we can’t gatekeep these angels any longer. 

27 Rachadamnoen Road, Soi 1, Old City. 10.30am-8.30pm. Closed Mondays.