Nestled within the ancient walls of Chiang Mai’s Old City lies a vegetarian food scene that rivals some of the best in Southeast Asia. This northern Thai city has long been a haven for plant-based eaters, blending traditional Thai cuisine with innovative vegetarian and vegan approaches. Whether you’re a committed vegetarian or simply looking to explore meat-free options during your visit, the Old City’s narrow sois (lanes) hide some remarkable culinary gems.
From humble local eateries serving traditional Buddhist jay (vegan) food to stylish cafes crafting contemporary plant-based dishes, Chiang Mai’s Old City offers something for every palate and budget. Let’s explore the ten best vegetarian restaurants that locals and long-term residents swear by.
Authentic Thai Vegetarian Experiences
While international vegetarian cuisine has found its place in Chiang Mai, the city’s traditional Thai vegetarian options remain among the most beloved. These establishments honor centuries-old recipes while ensuring not a trace of meat crosses their threshold.
Pun Pun Organic Vegetarian Restaurant
Tucked away inside the grounds of Wat Suan Dok temple, Pun Pun represents much more than just a restaurant. This establishment is the culinary extension of a larger sustainable living and seed-saving project. The menu features organic vegetables grown at their own farm, transformed into authentic northern Thai dishes that burst with flavor.
Don’t miss their khao soi, a northern Thai curry noodle soup reimagined without the traditional chicken. Their version uses mushrooms and tofu to create a rich, satisfying bowl that rivals any meat-based version in town. The restaurant’s peaceful temple setting adds to the experience, making it perfect for a mindful meal away from the city’s bustle.
May Kaidee’s Vegetarian Restaurant
A Chiang Mai institution, May Kaidee’s has been serving plant-based Thai cuisine since before it was trendy. What began as a small family-run eatery has grown into one of the most respected vegetarian restaurants in the city. Their menu spans the entire range of Thai classics, from som tam (papaya salad) to massaman curry, all prepared without fish sauce or other animal products.
Beyond just serving food, May Kaidee’s offers popular cooking classes where you can learn to recreate their dishes at home. Their signature dish, the Penang curry with tofu, strikes the perfect balance between creamy, spicy, and sweet—a must-try for any visitor.
Budget-Friendly Vegetarian Options
Eating vegetarian in Chiang Mai doesn’t have to strain your wallet. Some of the city’s best plant-based meals can be found at surprisingly affordable prices, especially at these local favorites.
Khun Churn
Though technically a small chain with locations throughout Thailand, the Khun Churn branch in Chiang Mai’s Old City maintains the quality and charm of a family-run establishment. Their vegetarian buffet, available daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, is legendary among locals and expats alike. For just 129 baht (roughly $4 USD), you can enjoy unlimited access to over 20 different Thai dishes.
The selection rotates daily but always includes staples like vegetable curries, stir-fried morning glory, and their famous mushroom larb (a spicy herb salad). Their a la carte menu is equally impressive, featuring dishes like crispy mushroom rolls and vegetarian tom yum soup that will satisfy even dedicated meat-eaters.
Ming Kwan Vegetarian Food
This unassuming stall near Wat Phra Singh represents the authentic jay food tradition that’s deeply rooted in Thai Buddhist culture. Following strict Buddhist vegetarian principles, Ming Kwan serves pre-prepared dishes displayed in metal trays—simply point to what you want, and they’ll serve it over rice.
At just 25-30 baht per dish (less than $1 USD), this is possibly the most economical vegetarian meal in the Old City. Despite the low prices, the flavors are rich and complex. Their mock meat dishes, particularly the “pork” with basil, have convinced many carnivores to return repeatedly. Look for the yellow flags with red Chinese characters that signify jay food establishments throughout Thailand.
International Vegetarian Cuisine
Chiang Mai’s cosmopolitan nature means you’re never limited to just Thai food. The Old City hosts several outstanding international vegetarian restaurants that bring global flavors to your plate.
Taste from Heaven
Despite its Thai name, Taste from Heaven excels at blending Thai and Western vegetarian cuisines. Their extensive menu features everything from traditional pad thai to Mexican burritos and Italian pasta dishes. What makes this place special is their commitment to creating satisfying meals that don’t merely substitute meat but stand deliciously on their own merits.
Their mushroom shawarma wraps have developed something of a cult following among the expat community, while their pumpkin burgers satisfy cravings for Western comfort food. The restaurant also offers cooking classes and donates a portion of profits to animal welfare organizations in Chiang Mai.
Free Bird Cafe
More than just a restaurant, Free Bird Cafe operates as a social enterprise supporting Burmese refugees through the Thai Freedom House literacy program. Their menu draws inspiration from Burmese, Shan, and Northern Thai cuisines, creating unique fusion dishes you won’t find elsewhere in the city.
Try their tea leaf salad, a Burmese specialty featuring fermented tea leaves mixed with crunchy nuts, seeds, and vegetables. The cafe also houses a small secondhand shop where proceeds support educational initiatives. The bohemian atmosphere, complete with floor cushions and low tables, makes this a perfect spot to linger over a meal while contributing to a worthy cause.
Contemporary Plant-Based Eateries
As vegetarianism and veganism have grown globally, Chiang Mai has seen an influx of modern plant-based restaurants that push culinary boundaries while maintaining a commitment to sustainable practices.
Goodsouls Kitchen
Housed in a beautifully renovated traditional wooden building, Goodsouls Kitchen represents the new wave of plant-based dining in Chiang Mai. Their bright, Instagram-worthy space serves as the perfect backdrop for equally photogenic dishes that taste as good as they look.
Their menu features creative offerings like watermelon “tuna” sushi, jackfruit “pulled pork” sandwiches, and beetroot burgers. Don’t miss their signature rainbow dumplings, filled with colorful vegetables and served with a tangy dipping sauce. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond the menu to eco-friendly packaging and waste reduction practices.
The restaurant also offers an excellent weekend brunch menu featuring plant-based versions of breakfast classics like “eggs” benedict made with tofu and avocado toast topped with marinated mushrooms.
Reform Kafe
Located within the tranquil Green Tiger House hotel, Reform Kafe offers sophisticated vegetarian dining in a serene garden setting. Their menu successfully bridges the gap between traditional Thai flavors and contemporary presentation, creating dishes that appeal to both locals and international visitors.
Their mushroom massaman curry, served in a coconut shell, exemplifies their approach—traditional flavors presented with modern flair. The restaurant sources many ingredients from their own organic garden, ensuring freshness and minimal environmental impact. Their fresh fruit smoothie bowls make for a perfect light lunch during Chiang Mai’s hot season.
Hidden Gems Off the Tourist Trail
While some vegetarian restaurants in Chiang Mai have gained international recognition, others remain beloved local secrets, tucked away in quiet corners of the Old City and primarily catering to residents rather than tourists.
Jay Suan Dok Vegetarian
Not to be confused with Pun Pun, this small jay restaurant sits just outside the temple grounds of Wat Suan Dok. Primarily serving the local community, including monks from the nearby temple, Jay Suan Dok offers some of the most authentic vegetarian Thai food in the city at remarkably reasonable prices.
Their khao gaeng (rice and curry) selection changes daily, but always features at least 10-15 different options. The mushroom laab and vegetarian nam prik ong (northern Thai tomato chili dip) are standout dishes that demonstrate how traditional Thai flavors can shine without meat. Most visitors are surprised to find that their entire meal costs less than 60 baht (under $2 USD).
Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant
Hidden down a quiet soi near the southwest corner of the Old City, Anchan operates on a simple but effective concept: a small, rotating menu of vegetarian dishes made with whatever is fresh at the market that day. This farm-to-table approach means you might not find the same dish twice, but everything is guaranteed to be fresh and flavorful.
The restaurant is tiny, with just a handful of tables, and the owner-chef personally prepares each dish. Their purple rice (colored naturally with butterfly pea flower) serves as the base for many of their creations, adding both visual appeal and nutritional benefits. The homemade kombucha, flavored with local fruits like passion fruit or lychee, provides the perfect accompaniment to your meal.
Final Thoughts on Vegetarian Dining in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai’s Old City offers a vegetarian food scene that’s remarkable not just for its variety but for its deep integration with local culture and traditions. From centuries-old Buddhist jay food practices to cutting-edge plant-based innovations, the area provides a unique window into how vegetarian cuisine can evolve while honoring its roots.
Whether you’re committed to a plant-based lifestyle or simply curious about exploring meat-free options, these ten restaurants represent the best of what Chiang Mai’s Old City has to offer. Beyond just good food, many of these establishments embody the city’s commitment to sustainability, community support, and mindful living—values that make dining here a meaningful experience beyond the plate.
As you wander the ancient moated city, keep an eye out for the yellow jay food flags or follow the scent of lemongrass and galangal to discover your own vegetarian favorites. In Chiang Mai, the next unforgettable plant-based meal is often just around the corner, waiting to be discovered.
