A Vegan Guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand
Are you a vegan or plant based traveler planning a visit to Chiang Mai, Thailand, and wondering how to navigate the local culinary scene? Look no further! Chiang Mai is a haven for plant-based eaters, offering a plethora of vegan-friendly restaurants, cafes, and markets. From mastering essential Thai phrases to discovering the best vegan eateries in town, here's your ultimate guide to indulging in plant-based delights in the cultural capital of Northern Thailand.
Essential Thai Phrases for Vegans
Before diving into Chiang Mai's vegan offerings, it's helpful to know a few key phrases to communicate your dietary preferences:
"Kow pak khi" (cow-pack-ki): This phrase means "no meat" in Thai. Say this when ordering to ensure your dish is meat-free.
You can also say “Mai yow moo'' this means “I don't want pork” but I used it interchangeably and could usually come to an understanding with what I wanted in the end.
"Oat or almond milk" : In Chiang Mai, milk is typically referred to as "nám” (nom) so you can ask for “nom oat” or “nom almond” in most places.
Vegan Dining Hotspots
Breakfast:
Blue Diamond Café: Start your day with a hearty vegan breakfast at Blue Diamond Café, an aesthetically pleasing spot known for its diverse menu featuring plant-based options. From fluffy pancakes to fresh smoothie bowls, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
I would come to this cafe for breakfast and to get a little editing done. They have a bin of toys for kids and comfortable floor cushions and couches. They also have a coi fish pond which Wilder LOVED.
Goodsouls: This vegan restaurant is equipped to feed you 100% plant based breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. They have beautifully plated banana pancakes that are to die for and coffee complete with cute coffee art.
They make an amazing vegan Khao Soi so if you are looking to taste a traditional thai dish meat and dairy free then this is the
Khun Kae’s Juice Bar: Hydrate your cells in this delicious juice bar in the heart of Old City. They offer a variety of delicious smoothies, smoothie bowls, salads, cold pressed juices, and more!
Cafe de Oasis:
This cafe feels like you’re in eden!
It’s interior is lush with plants of all varieties, a pond that you can walk on and different seating arrangements indoor and outdoor! The food is delicious and they’re coffee and pastries are a delicacy!
Lunch:
Free Birds: Indulge in flavorful vegan burgers and wraps at Free Birds, where every dish is crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. My absolute favorite dish here is the vegan ramen but all of them are so good, Wilder loved the golden fritters and the broccoli cheddar bites.
Mesa Café & Restaurant: Savor the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine with a vegan twist at Mesa Café & Restaurant. Their extensive menu includes Thai curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes prepared without any animal products as well as delicious smoothies, cocktails and more!
The best part is they have an amazing pool that you can swim in on those sweltering hot Chiang mai days!
Dinner:
Vegano Bistro: Treat yourself to a gourmet dining experience at Vegano Bistro, where innovative plant-based dishes take center stage. From artfully plated salads to decadent desserts, each dish is a culinary masterpiece.
I loved their pastas, they had some of the best vegan cheese I have tasted!
Red Rabbit: Dive into a world of plant-based comfort food at Red Rabbit, a cozy eatery known for its vegan pizzas, pastas, and burgers. Don't miss their homemade dairy-free ice cream for dessert!
While I never tasted their desserts, their vegan pizza was something I ordered at least once a week off of the grab app!
Pure Vegan Haven: A well-known vegan restaurant located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, It's highly regarded for its delicious plant-based cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. Pure Vegan Haven is popular among both locals and tourists seeking healthy, cruelty-free dining options. The restaurant is committed to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, and they place an emphasis on creating flavorful dishes that appeal to vegans and non-vegans alike.
This was another go-to grab order for me when I didn’t feel like leaving my house! So many good options and all meat and dairy free.
Alchemy Vegan: Alchemy is a renowned vegan and vegetarian restaurant located in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It's known for its commitment to providing healthy, organic, and sustainable food options. Alchemy is situated in the Nimmanhaemin neighborhood and serves as a community hub for health-conscious individuals in Chiang Mai. They often host workshops, events, and wellness activities, ranging from yoga classes to cooking demonstrations, further promoting holistic living.
Super yummy sandwiches and they also have delicious coffee, I was OBSESSED with their vegan affogatos!
The Salad Concept: The salad concept was a treat in Nimman I would get after a spa day. They are not a fully plant based restaurant but they do have yummy vegan options. My favorite is the Vegan Chikin Katsu with a yummy salad and a butterfly pea tea!
Grocery Stores
For those looking to stock up on vegan essentials or whip up their own plant-based creations, Chiang Mai has several grocery stores catering to vegan diets. Tops Market and Rimping Supermarket offer a wide selection of fresh produce, plant-based alternatives, and specialty vegan products.
If you are looking for items you would buy in the US, Rimping is probably the best place for you, just note it is very expensive compared to regular Thai pricing.
Ordering Food on Grab
Navigating Chiang Mai's bustling food scene is made easy with Grab, a popular ride-hailing and food delivery app. Simply download the Grab app, select your desired vegan-friendly restaurant, and place your order with the option for delivery straight to your doorstep.
More than half of my meals in Chiang Mai were ordered through the grab app! There is also Food Panda, Line and a few others (some Thai) that you could order through although some require a Thai phone number to create an account.
Organic Markets
For a taste of Chiang Mai's vibrant local food culture, be sure to visit Jing Jai Market, a weekly organic market held every Saturday and Sunday. Here, you'll find an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, and artisanal vegan products sourced directly from local farmers and producers.
With its abundance of vegan-friendly eateries, markets, and resources, Chiang Mai is a paradise for plant-based travelers seeking to indulge in delicious and wholesome cuisine. So pack your appetite and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure unlike any other in the heart of Thailand's enchanting northern region!
