Chiang Mai is considered the cultural capital of Thailand and that influence has also spread to the food served here. Being in the North, the food is heavily influenced by Burmese and Chinese cuisine. It is also quite distinct from the food served in the rest of Thailand. Here, the curries are milder and there is a heavier use of turmeric and ginger.
In Chiang Mai, they eat more sticky rice than steamed rice. The rice is complemented by chilli dips (nam priks) which are unique to the northern cuisine. Dishes such as egg noodle curry (Khao Soi), grilled herb sausage (Sai Qua), Burmese sweet curry (Gaeng hang Lay) and Jackfruit salad (Tam Khanun) are very popular.
The street stalls in Chiang Mai serve tasty northern inspired Thai snacks and cuisine. The food is hygenic (the Thai are known for their cleanliness) and will go easy on your palate, since it is not very spicy. Some common street food in Chiang Mai are Khao Soi (fried noodles in coconut milk gravy and cabbage), Sai Ua (minced pork sausages), Kaeb Moo (crispy fried porn rinds), Sarabao (steamed buns filled with minced pork, sausage and salted egg yolk). If you want to try something sweet, don’t miss Kalamae. It is created from molasses, coconut milk and coconuts and it comes in different flavors.