When my wife and I had the opportunity to spend two glorious months in Chiang Mai, a city nestled in the warm embrace of Northern Thailand, we were struck by the impressive array of food options, ranging from Oriental to Western cuisine.
As we explored this beautiful and vibrating city, we found that Chiang Mai offered a wealth of vegan restaurants, as well as plenty of eateries with extensive vegan-friendly options, so it was almost like we’d hit a green jackpot!
With our appetites fired up and our taste buds ready for an adventure, we embarked on a gastronomic quest to sample the vegan delights Chiang Mai had to offer.
And let me tell you, the North has the South beat by a mile when it comes to food!
Without further ado, join me as I take you on a tour of the best vegan-friendly restaurants we’ve personally visited and savored in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Important note: Many of the eateries are vegan, but we also took the liberty to include non-vegan ones that cater to vegans.
Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurants In Chiang Mai
Chada Vegetarian Restaurant
The first time we strolled into Chada, it was buzzing with people, which was a good sign. It stood out even more because the non-vegan place next door was kinda empty. Usually, you’d expect it to be the other way around, right? But here, it was the vegan place that was packed, and that got me pretty pumped for our meal.
We’ve been back to Chada more times than I can count. Every time, we’ve left with our bellies full and taste buds satisfied. Their Pad Thai is spot-on. The noodles are always just right – not too mushy, not too firm – and the flavors hit the sweet spot. It’s not too spicy or too mild, just perfectly balanced.
And those spring rolls? Hands down the best I’ve ever had. Crispy on the outside, flavorful on the inside, and served with this sweet and tangy dipping sauce that brings out the crunch of the spring rolls perfectly.
And let me tell you about their Massaman Curry (that’s the dish in the picture above). The coconut-infused broth paired perfectly with the fresh, tender ingredients, making each bite an absolute treat.
You might think a place this good would be pricey, right? But nope, not Chada. The prices are super reasonable for the quality and quantity of the food. We’ve tried Pad Thai which costs 150 baht at other places, and they can’t hold a candle to Chada’s 50 baht Pad Thai, just being honest here.
But here’s a heads up— Chada isn’t totally vegan, even though the menu says 100% vegan. For example, if you’re ordering Pad Thai, make sure you ask them to hold the eggs. Apart from that minor detail, Chada is my top pick for a vegan-friendly Thai place.
GoodSouls Kitchen
If you’re wandering around the upper west entrance of Chiang Mai’s old town and crave something different than Thai food, this spot is worth checking out. Even though we only swung by once, it was a nice change of pace.
GoodSouls Kitchen stands out from the regular Thai joints. The place has a bit of an Italian feel to it, but it’s not just about pasta and pizza – they serve a bunch of different Western dishes. Don’t get me wrong, they still do Thai food, but they do it in a new and interesting way. That said, we were on the hunt for something non-Thai that day.
I went for the vegan falafel pitta. I must say, it was pretty tasty, especially the falafels – super crispy. The only downer was how it was served (you can see in the pic above). It was kind of tricky to get a bite that had a bit of everything in it.
My wife decided on the vegan mushroom burger. It was hearty and satisfying and came with these spice-dusted fries – a genius idea that I’m definitely borrowing. The side salad was also surprisingly fresh, considering we’re in Thailand. Honestly, if I’d had this back home and paid double, I’d still think it was a pretty good deal.
The inside of GoodSouls is slick and comfortable, kind of trendy and hipster-like. Sure, it feels a bit touristy, but that’s not a knock on the place. Whoever’s running the show here knows what they’re doing, and the kitchen crew is really on their game.
Rad Rabbit Vegan Pizza
So, we’ve paid a visit to Rad Rabbit quite a few times, and I’ve got to say, it’s probably one of the standout vegan pizza spots I’ve encountered during my seven-year vegan journey.
Our first trip there was a dinner with friends. We ordered a bunch of different pizzas to share, which was a great way to sample their offerings. After enjoying a pizza feast, we had a blast playing board games.
Among the variety we tasted, the Spicy BBQ Jackfruit pizza stole my heart. It’s this delightful mix of BBQ-pulled jackfruit, fiery jalapenos, earthy mushrooms, and tangy olives, slathered with BBQ sauce, and topped with gooey vegan cheese. It’s a flavor party, let me tell you!
But don’t think Rad Rabbit is a one-trick pony. They’ve got more than just pizza. You can kick off your meal with appetizers like crunchy cauliflower wings or dive into plates of spaghetti, wraps, sandwiches, and salads. They’ve even got a dessert lineup. But, I won’t kid you, their pizzas are the real stars of the show.
Rad Rabbit is a top-notch hangout spot. It’s got the vegan pizza crown in Chiang Mai, no contest. Plus, its location in the heart of the old town adds to its charm. If you manage to grab one of the two outdoor tables, you’ll have the perfect perch for people-watching and soaking up the captivating atmosphere of Chiang Mai.
Chai n Thai @ Nimman
Right off the plane in Chiang Mai, the first place we hit up was Chai n Thai. The vibe was so cool, we just had to snap a picture.
It’s smack in the middle of the Nimman area (where we stayed for two months). That’s where all the hip spots are, with tons of cool restaurants, coffee places, and bars – a great spot if you’re into the nightlife scene.
Chai n Thai is run by an Indian gentleman and the menu is full of both Indian and Thai dishes. We had to get some help choosing what to eat, as not everything is vegan. But man, the food was great. Sure, it’s a bit pricier than some places, but considering where it’s at and the quality, it’s worth it.
If I recall correctly, the restaurant serves Indian food from both the Northern and Southern parts of India, so there are plenty of options to choose from, many of which are vegan