A digital nomad hotspot and must-visit destination in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a utopia for plant-based eating. Featuring a vibrant cafe culture and an array of local establishments and Western hotspots that will satisfy any foodie, the city has a huge amount to offer. To make your visit to Chiang Mai easier and ensure you’re enjoying the very best plant-based delights that the city can provide, our Digital Communications Manager and current digital nomad, Victoria Smith, has put together this list of her seven favourite vegan-friendly restaurants in Chiang Mai. Enjoy!
Goodsouls Kitchen: Something for everyone
At the North of the Old City lies Goodsouls Kitchen, a small 100% vegan chain (Downtown Garden and Reform Kafe are sister restaurants) with brunch, lunch and dinner options that any foodie will adore. From smoothie bowls to pancakes for breakfast, and Thai specialities and Western classics for main meals, there’s a huge selection of delicious options to choose from. While the Khao Soi is a must-try, their pancakes are a sight – and taste – to behold. I chose the Chocolate and Banana version, consisting of a thick stack of pancakes layered with fresh sliced banana and topped with homemade whipped coconut cream and syrup for pouring. One small piece of advice if you’re heading for Goodsouls: come hungry, you’ll need a lot of room in your stomach!
Aum Vegetarian Restaurant: A moment of zen
Located just outside the Old City, Aum Vegetarian Restaurant is a haven of tranquility, featuring an upstairs balcony with sunset views and a myriad of beanbags and good vibes. The eatery offers 100% vegetarian and vegan versions of Thai classics, as well as a few fusion options, so there’s something for everyone. I chose the plant-based Khao Soi – a Northern Thai classic brimming with tofu, noodles and vegetables, and a side of avocado maki just to mix things up. Khao Soi is a staple in Northern Thailand, and this version definitely hits the spot – creamy, subtly spiced, and rich in Thai flavour. With a view of a nearby temple, this is the perfect spot to chill out and enjoy some delicious plant-based food. .
The Vegano Bistro: Thai classics with realistic plant-based eggs
Although both locations are outside the Old City (one inside One Nimman food court and one near the airport), The Vegano Bistro is not to be missed for one very special reason: they offer incredibly realistic vegan eggs! One of their most popular menu items is their plant-based version of Pad Krapow (stir-fried meat alternative with holy basil and chilli served with rice and a vegan fried egg). And boy does this one pack a punch! Rich and flavourful, with a kick and a perfectly formed plant-based egg to fool any non-vegan, their Pad Krapow is not to be missed. Also on the menu are Thai staples like Pad Thai, as well as pasta dishes and salads for Western tastebuds.
Top tip: You can also order food delivery via Grab if you don’t want to leave the Old City, that’s what I did!
Rad Rabbit Pizzeria: Brunch, lunch and dinner sorted
In the northeast corner of Old City is Rad Rabbit Pizzeria, a fully vegan pizza and pasta bistro that offers an innovative brunch menu. Their most exciting option is the plant-based Eggs Benedict, served on a toasted English muffin with hollandaise sauce, vegan bacon, avocado and tomato. The tofu-based egg white and pumpkin puree ‘yolk’ is a match made in heaven, and looks incredibly realistic – it’s total plant-based alchemy! Also on the brunch menu are waffles, a breakfast hash, an omelette, and a full English breakfast. But make sure to pop back for lunch or dinner, and try one of their delicious Italian-inspired dishes. From Texas BBQ Pizza to plant-based Bacon Aglio e Olio and even an Eggplant Parmesan Focaccia, there are plenty of delicious options to explore.
Blue Diamond The Breakfast Club: Much more than breakfast
Aptly named, this hidden garden cafe has a wide variety of plant-based breakfast options, including a selection of completely vegan cakes and pastries in the attached bakery/shop – think almond croissants, cinnamon buns, donuts and muffins. The restaurant itself serves up bagels and toast with plant-based toppings such as cashew cream cheese, smashed avocado, and scrambled tofu for breakfast, as well as salads and sandwiches with plant-based cheese and chicken and a range of Thai-style mains including the famous Khao Soi. If you’re travelling with non-vegans, this is a must-visit as there are options for both meat-lovers and herbivores alike.
Try the Veggie Challenge!
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Begin Vegan: Quick-serve Thai classics that won’t break the bank
Looking for cheap and quick Thai food that uses interesting meat replacements? Begin Vegan is the spot for you! Offering the Northern classic of Khao Soi with soya-based meat for just 65 baht (about £1.50), as well as a huge set menu featuring rice-based dishes with mock meats and a side of Tom Yum soup for just 89 baht (£2), this quick-serve restaurant is a fan favourite for a reason. While most restaurants in Thailand offer tofu, this can feel a bit repetitive, especially if you’re used to a larger variety of meat alternatives in your home country. But with dishes imitating everything from duck to chicken, Begin Vegan offers a bit of variety that is much needed when eating plant-based in Thailand.
Mr Green Restaurant: Thai classics and irresistible sweet treats
Serving up 100% plant-based Thai food in the North-Eastern corner of Old City is Mr Green Restaurant. With decent prices and lovingly cooked food, this eatery is not to be missed. The Papaya Salad was a particular highlight, served with fresh corn and rice noodles in a deliciously sweet and savoury sauce that is borderline addictive! I visited Mr Green multiple times, and also highly recommend the Khao Soi and the Red Curry for a filling and tasty meal in the Old City. For something sweet, don’t miss their brownie – it’s a proper fudgy treat that I had definitely been missing in Thailand.
Bonus: V Secret Street Food Stall
Located at Ploen Ruedee Night Market is V Secret, a fully vegan street food stall offering a selection of Thai fried appetisers such as Tofu Fries and Sweetcorn Fritters, as well as curries, noodles, and fried rice dishes. The market is open from 6 pm until midnight (except on Sundays), and also features vegan-friendly stalls such as Coco Mango (coconut and mango shakes and smoothies) and Lahla Ice Cream (dairy-free ice cream flavours).
Chiang Mai: a must-visit city for plant-based foodies!
There are plenty of vegan-friendly restaurants in Chiang Mai to explore, and my top seven represent just a small taste of what’s on offer. So, if you’re looking for a travel destination that offers a diverse selection of cuisines to dive into, book a trip to Chiang Mai today! You won’t regret it.
For more plant-based travel recommendations, check out our guides to Berlin, Budapest, London, Madrid, New York, Cape Town and Amsterdam.
Victoria Smith
International Digital Communications Manager
