Best Vegan Food in Chiang Mai: A Guide to Delicious Plant-Based Eating

From vibrant pad Thai to creamy curries, Chiang Mai is a haven for foodies. But what if you’re vegan? Don’t worry, you won’t have to miss out on the city’s culinary delights. As a vegan myself, I’ve scoured the streets to find the tastiest and healthiest plant-based eats. Here’s my ultimate guide to the best vegan food in Chiang Mai. 🌱

Introduction

Chiang Mai is a city full of vibrant culture, stunning temples, and delicious food. Known as the Rose of the North, it’s a hub for backpackers and digital nomads alike. While the city is famous for its street food scene, finding vegan options can be a challenge. However, with the rise of plant-based eating, Chiang Mai has become a haven for vegans. In this guide, I’ll take you on a journey through the best vegan food in Chiang Mai, from local Thai dishes to international cuisine.

Why Veganism is on the Rise in Chiang Mai

Over the past few years, Chiang Mai has seen a surge in veganism. There are several reasons for this trend, including a growing concern for animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and health benefits. As veganism becomes more mainstream, restaurants are responding by offering more plant-based options. In Chiang Mai, you’ll find everything from vegan street food stalls to upscale restaurants catering to the growing vegan community.

How to Find Vegan Food in Chiang Mai

While veganism is on the rise, it can still be daunting to find plant-based options in a city that’s known for its meat-heavy cuisine. Fear not, though! Chiang Mai has plenty of vegan-friendly restaurants and street food stalls. One of the best ways to find vegan food is to use apps like HappyCow or TripAdvisor. You can also ask locals for recommendations or join online vegan communities to get insider tips.

The Best Vegan Food in Chiang Mai

Now, let’s get down to the delicious details. Here are some of the best vegan food options in Chiang Mai, ranging from traditional Thai dishes to international cuisine.

Best Traditional Thai Vegan Food

1. Khao Soi

Khao Soi is a popular Northern Thai dish that’s usually made with meat, but vegan versions are available. This fragrant curry soup is made with coconut milk, spices, and noodles. It’s typically served with pickled vegetables, lime, and crispy noodles on top. You can find vegan Khao Soi at several places in Chiang Mai, including Aum Vegetarian, Pun Pun, and Anchan Vegetarian.

2. Papaya Salad (Som Tam)

Som Tam is a spicy and sour salad that’s made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, chili, lime juice, and peanuts. It’s a refreshing dish that’s perfect for hot days. Most street vendors in Chiang Mai make Som Tam, but make sure to double-check that it’s vegan. Some vendors may use fish sauce or shrimp paste in the dressing. You can also find vegan versions at restaurants like Imm Aim Vegetarian and Taste from Heaven.

3. Massaman Curry

Massaman Curry is a fragrant and creamy curry that’s usually made with beef or chicken. However, many restaurants in Chiang Mai offer vegan versions that use tofu or vegetables instead. This curry is made with coconut milk, potatoes, peanuts, and spices like cinnamon and cardamom. You can find delicious vegan Massaman Curry at restaurants like Rustic & Blue and Amrita Garden.

Best International Vegan Food

4. Vegan Pizza at By Hand Pizza Café

If you’re craving pizza, head to By Hand Pizza Café. This cozy restaurant serves up delicious vegan pizzas with creative toppings like kale and cashew pesto or Beyond Meat sausage. They also have gluten-free options, making it a great choice for anyone with dietary restrictions.

5. Vegan Burgers at Beast Burger

Beast Burger is a vegan fast food joint that serves up mouthwatering burgers and fries. They use Beyond Meat patties and offer unique toppings like vegan mac and cheese or spicy kimchi. It’s the perfect spot for a quick and satisfying meal.

6. Vegan Sushi at Blue Diamond

Blue Diamond is a vegetarian restaurant that has plenty of vegan options. Their sushi rolls are a must-try, with creative combinations like pumpkin and avocado or mango and cucumber. They also have a variety of vegan desserts, including coconut ice cream and chocolate cake.

Best Vegan Brunch Spots

7. Goodsouls Kitchen

Goodsouls Kitchen is a cozy café that serves up delicious vegan brunch options. Their menu includes dishes like tofu scramble, pancakes, and avocado toast. They also have a range of smoothies and coffee drinks to start your day off right.

8. Blue Diamond

Blue Diamond is a popular spot for vegans in Chiang Mai. In addition to their sushi rolls, they also offer a vegan breakfast menu with options like vegan waffles and omelets. Their outdoor seating area is perfect for a leisurely brunch.

9. Rustic & Blue

Rustic & Blue is a hip café that’s known for its brunch menu. They have several vegan options, including a delicious vegan Benedict made with tofu and hollandaise sauce. Their coffee is also top-notch, making it a great spot to start your day.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Thai food vegan-friendly?

While Thai cuisine is known for its meat-heavy dishes, there are plenty of vegan options available. You can find vegan versions of popular dishes like Pad Thai, Curries, and Som Tam at most restaurants in Chiang Mai. However, make sure to double-check with the server that the dish is vegan, as some restaurants may use fish sauce or shrimp paste in their dishes.

2. Can I find vegan street food in Chiang Mai?

Yes, there are plenty of vegan street food options in Chiang Mai. You can find vegan versions of popular street food dishes like Pad Thai, Som Tam, and Fried Rice. Look for street vendors that have a jay sign, which indicates that the food is vegan.

3. Is there a vegan community in Chiang Mai?

Yes, there is a thriving vegan community in Chiang Mai. You can join online groups like Vegan Chiang Mai on Facebook to connect with other vegans and get insider tips on the best vegan food in the city.

4. Can I find vegan options at non-vegan restaurants?

Yes, many non-vegan restaurants in Chiang Mai offer vegan options. However, make sure to ask the server which dishes are vegan and which are not. Some restaurants may use fish sauce or shrimp paste in their dishes, so it’s important to double-check.

5. Are there any vegan cooking classes in Chiang Mai?

Yes, there are several vegan cooking classes in Chiang Mai. You can learn how to make traditional Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Curries, and Tom Yum Soup. Some popular cooking schools that offer vegan classes include A Lot of Thai and Thai Farm Cooking School.

6. What is jay food?

Jay food refers to vegan food in Thailand. It’s a term that’s used to describe food that excludes meat, eggs, and dairy. In Chiang Mai, you’ll often see street vendors with a jay sign, which indicates that the food is vegan.

7. Can vegans eat at traditional Thai markets?

Yes, there are plenty of vegan options available at traditional Thai markets. Look for stalls that sell fresh fruits and veggies, as well as stir-fries and curries made with tofu or vegetables. Just make sure to ask the vendor if the dish is vegan, as some may use fish sauce or shrimp paste in their cooking.

8. Are there any vegan-friendly cafes in Chiang Mai?

Yes, there are plenty of vegan-friendly cafes in Chiang Mai. Some popular options include Goodsouls Kitchen, Rustic & Blue, and Into the Woods Coffee.

9. Can I find vegan desserts in Chiang Mai?

Yes, there are several vegan dessert options in Chiang Mai. Look for cafes that offer vegan cakes, ice cream, and smoothies. Some popular spots include Blue Diamond and Imm Aim Vegetarian.

10. What are some vegan-friendly restaurants in Chiang Mai?

There are plenty of vegan-friendly restaurants in Chiang Mai. Some popular options include Pun Pun, Aum Vegetarian, and Amrita Garden. You can also find vegan options at non-vegan restaurants like Rustic & Blue and By Hand Pizza.

11. Are there any vegan-friendly night markets in Chiang Mai?

Yes, there are several vegan-friendly night markets in Chiang Mai. Look for