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-friendly— which is the beauty of Indian cuisine!
They do breakfast too, with Indian, American, and Thai options. But my advice? Stick with the Indian stuff. That’s where they really shine.
They’re open for lunch every day, and the staff is super helpful. Even though they gave us a ton of food, we cleaned our plates. Seriously, it’s that good.
Mr. Green Restaurant
We got to visit Mr. Green just once – it’s tucked away in the upper right corner of the old town. Went there on a pal’s recommendation.
First up, I tried this killer papaya salad – all the taste, none of the shrimp. Totally hit the spot. Then, I ordered a coconut smoothie, and wow! Trust me, it’s the best thing to cool you down when you’re out and about in the hot, humid weather.
Next was my introduction to khao soi – and let me tell you, it was everything I could’ve asked for. It had a spicy kick, a sour twist, and all these cool textures going on. Crispy, salty, chewy, fresh – everything you want in an epic soup. And as a bonus, it’s now my favorite Thai dish.
Now, I’m gonna be forever on the hunt for this soup. Every Thai place I hit up, I’ll be scouring the menu hoping to find a veggie version of khao soi.
Mr. Green is this charming little corner spot. They serve their meals on banana leaf plates, which is a nice touch. Everything’s cooked fresh and the flavors are off the charts. And at 80 baht, given the location, it’s a real steal.
The ladies running the show there are the sweetest. The vibe’s super chill, the place has an authentic, cozy feel, and the prices won’t break the bank.
Meena Rice-Based Cuisine
Alright, here’s the thing. I’m not the type to fanboy over YouTubers like Mark Wiens, but one of his videos on this hidden gem called Meena caught our attention. The colorful rice he showcased was just too inviting, so we decided to check it out.
Meena advertises itself as a rice-centric joint, which kinda led me to believe it was all about rice dishes and maybe even fully vegan. But, in reality, that wasn’t exactly the case. Sure, they’ve got some vegan options, but they’re not the main act.
The food was decent, from the vibrant rice to the crispy fried veggies and cool, refreshing watermelon juice. But, if I’m totally honest, the portions didn’t really wow me. Given how popular this place seems to be, I was hoping for a little more on my plate.
But here’s the kicker— the restaurant and the surrounding area— they’ve got this whole vibe going on that’s just unmissable.
We dropped by in February, and even though the place wasn’t buzzing, it left a mark. It was like stepping into a magic circle— completely unforgettable and a part of what I love to call cultural immersion.
If you ever get the chance to swing by Meena and maybe take a stroll around the area, I’d definitely recommend it. It’s a pretty cool spot.
Salsa Kitchen
Salsa Kitchen might not be an all-vegan spot, but let me tell you, it serves up some of the best vegan Mexican grub I’ve ever had. Take their vegan Cauliflower Soft Tacos, for example. Simply incredible (just look at that pic above).
Their black beans and rice? Super tasty. And the zingy dips and jalapeños they toss in there just elevate those tacos to a whole new level. Plus, the way they serve up their dishes is pretty impressive. Honestly, they’ve got it nailed down.
Seriously, it’s the best vegan Mexican food I’ve come across in Thailand, and that’s saying something because I’ve been to three other joints in this country.
I’ve had the pleasure of eating at Salsa Kitchen at least three times, and this place is always buzzing. Sure, you might have to wait a bit for your food, but once you take a bite, you’ll see it’s worth every minute.
Prices are pretty fair, and the portions are seriously hefty. Be ready to loosen that belt a notch or two when you come here because they’re not shy about serving up a full plate— and everything is so filling!
And here’s something else that I really appreciate: they’ve got a whole page of the menu just for vegan options. Makes life a whole lot easier for us plant-eaters to figure out what we can chow down on.
The Donut Cafe
Prior to setting foot Chiang Mai, I’d never even considered vegan donuts. I mean, donuts weren’t really my thing, but boy, did the Donut Cafe change my mind. These vegan donuts? They’re honestly unreal.
They’ve got a bunch of different flavors, and the donuts always taste fresh. If you’re not sure where to start, I’d suggest trying the Lemon Poppyseed or the Chocolate Almond. Both are top-notch. But my wife swears by the mint chocolate ones with cookie crumbles on top.
They’ve got more than just donuts too. If you’re looking for a full breakfast, they’ve got a vegan breakfast sandwich and some solid coffee to wash it down with.
As for the shop itself, it’s pretty basic. Doesn’t have that trendy vibe or anything, but hey, I’m there for the donuts. Heard they’ve recently moved locations and are looking to spruce the place up, which is exciting.
I’d love to see Donut Cafe flourish. Their donuts really are something else.
7 Senses Gelato
In the heart of the lively Nimman district, there’s an ice cream shop that is remarkably generous to vegans, which shows they understand their diverse clientele.
I sampled a range of their vegan offerings, and I must say, the pistachio gelato stood out. It was a nice surprise and it left an unforgettable taste. The mixed berry was refreshing, similar to a sorbet, and the mint chip was pretty good too. As for my wife, who is a big fan of Oreos, their soy-based Oreo flavor hit the spot.
The shop offers both outdoor and indoor seating options, with the indoor area being air-conditioned. One interesting aspect is the large window that offers a view into the kitchen, demonstrating their commitment to cleanliness. The decor is modern and the environment is family-friendly.
Stefano, the founder, is welcoming and always willing to answer questions or suggest flavor combinations if you’re adventurous enough to try multiple scoops.
If you like gelato and have had trouble finding it in Thailand, or if you just enjoy trying fun, new foods, this place is worth a visit. While it’s not the cheapest, the generous portions of dense, flavorful ice cream make it a worthwhile experience.
Let Us Know If You End Visiting These Restaurants!
We hope this guide inspires your foodie adventures in Chiang Mai. Don’t forget, everyone’s tastes and experiences are unique. So, if you get a chance to try these fantastic places out, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Did you discover a new favorite dish? Or perhaps an unforgettable culinary experience?
Drop us a line in the comment section below. Let’s share the joys and discoveries of the Chiang Mai vegan food scene together. Bon appétit!
