People visit Thailand’s 7th largest city for three reasons: the temples, the digital nomad scene and to sit in a cafe in Chiang Mai. Seriously, Chiang Mai is a haven for foodies – no matter if you actually are a coffee connoisseur or not (I am not). In fact, Thailand is known for its affordable and delicious meals, and Chiang Mai certainly doesn’t disappoint and instead goes above and beyond.
Here, food isn’t only served to treat your tastebuds, it will also appeal visually. So where should you sit down your bum for the cutest and most instagrammable spots that serve top-notch cuisine?
Here’s my personal list of favourites that are still open in 2024. You just gotta pick one cafe in Chiang Mai to get started. (
Watch my short video on coffee shops and restaurants in Chiang Mai for starters.) What are you waiting for? Food is definitely one of the many things to do in Thailand.
Smoothie Blues
I was lured here with the promise of the best smoothie in Chiang Mai and certainly left with a happy face. It really was delicious! And quite big. Similarly, the food was mouth-watering. (Which was also partly due to the spiciness factor – I am quite the sissy when it comes to spicy food). The cafe/restaurant Smoothie Blues isn’t hard to find as it sits on Nimmanahaeminda Road, where plenty of great dining options and coffee shops in Chiang Mai can be found.
It isn’t hard to spot either with its blue painted entrance and potted plants offering shade and refuge from the busy street. It almost feels like a backyard. Alternatively, you can sit inside and enjoy the air conditioning on a hotter day.
Address: Smoothie Blues Nimman, 17 Soi Hua Min Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200
Opening Times: Monday-Sunday 9AM–8PM
Sarah House
I’ll be honest, this is more of a restaurant but it has its own cafe spot. Sarah House looks like the love child of an interior design office and modern gardenscape. Potted ferns are hanging from airy boardwalks underneath shady trees, black iron shelves act as partitions and decorator elements in the large dining room of Sarah House. There are photo opportunities galore!
Sit down and you already have a black and white table set in front of you, food preparation doesn’t take long and staff are constantly smiling. If you want a different take on the typical Thai milk tea, try the rose milk tea. It tastes exactly like roses smell!
Address: Sarah House Cafe In Town, Chonprathan Road Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200
Opening Times: Monday-Sunday 8AM–10PM
On Cloud Nine
“Think pink”, that is the motto of this cute little cafe On Cloud Nine in Chiang Mai. The motto is applied very literally because the house is painted in a soft but vibrant pink both within and without. Bright neon lights remind customers that “Ice Cream is Sweet & so am I”. Indeed, there is no way of not being in a sweet mood after being treated to one of the cutest desserts.
Try the name giving cloud nine drinks. Fairy floss sits atop a deep red or blue soda cocktail with colourful raindrops sprinkles. Ice cream is served with “eyes” and different moods, depending on the flavour. While I was nursing my cloud drink, the wall next to me was constantly the backdrop for selfie purposes. This place is the quintessential instagramworthy hotspot!
Address: On cloud nine – a sky full of Desserts, Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Opening Times: Monday-Sunday 11AM – 10PM
Fine Cup Day
A little way out of Chiang Mai’s center, but if you are headed for the Royal Park Rajapruek or the big buddha at Wat Phra That Doi Kham, you might want to stop by here. You can seat yourself outside underneath shady trees or lounge on rose pillows and shoot envious glances at the shelves full of manga. Of course, they are in Thai.
The Fine Cup Day cafe I had a delicious smoothie and the chicken with cashew rice. Both were very good, but if you are feeling more sweet, there is a selection of cakes on display. A big bonus is the fact that you can pay with credit card.
Address: 58 1, Mae Hia, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Opening Times: Sunday-Friday 7:00AM–7:00PM
So which Cafe in Chiang Mai is the Best for Foodies?
Coming in Chiang Mai as a digital nomad means that work might be the top priority but really, what decent digital nomad doesn’t hang out in a cafe in Chiang Mai? That’s work-life balance wrapped in a neat little bundle right there.
Sipping on the best smoothies while scouring the internet, digging into fresh papaya salads while ailing out pitches – or just refuelling while sightseeing – Chiang Mai is a haven for foodies!
But finding just the right cafe is an entirely different thing. There are so many different factors to consider: comfort, wifi, food and drink selection, friendliness, style, etc. The trouble with that, however, is that any cafe in Chiang Mai pretty much ticks these boxes. They are all so downright charming.
So you gotta visit one cafe in Chiang Mai and stay there unless you want to wander around forever because once you start, you cannot stop. It’s an adventure in itself. And I gladly accept the challenge!
Have you visited one of these coffee shops in Chiang Mai yet? Which is your favourite cafe in Chiang Mai?
Baan Por-Dee
Library Cafe
Pencil Lucky Cafe
Smoothie Blues
Sarah House
On Cloud Nine
Frosé Yogurt Cafe
Fine Cup Day
DOM Cafe
Piccadilly
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