Khao Ngai

What is it? An open-air, backyard-feel restaurant serving up northern-style breakfast in the most unfussy way possible. Khaongai takes congee seriously – a variety of toppings to choose from including innards for the adventurous – but the whole menu follows the same philosophy: easy, simple and genuinely good. Started by a woman who moved back to Chiang Mai and wanted something to pour herself into. You can taste that in every bowl.

Why we love it: This is not a restaurant built around aesthetics or Instagram moments – it's built around the food and the people eating it. The owner's care comes through in every detail and there's a warmth to the place that's hard to manufacture. One locals go back to every week, not because it's trendy but because it's just really, really good.

Time Out tip: Order the moo maggi – stir-fried pork in a salty soy sauce served over soft jasmine rice with a crispy fried egg on top.

175 Tambon Su Thep. Tuesday-Sunday from 7am-2pm