🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Ask a local in Chiang Rai where to get khao soi and you'll get more answers than you'd expect, because every neighborhood has its own regular spot. Some shops go for a thick, paste-heavy broth, some for fall-apart tender beef, and some are just as known for their nam ngiao khanom jeen as for the khao soi itself. We've ordered this list by popularity and review buzz, not as a fixed ranking, because khao soi really comes down to which flavor suits your own taste.
Chiang Rai khao soi shops, ranked
Khao Soi Por Jai
An old-town veteran that Chiang Rai locals treat as their go-to. The chicken-and-coconut curry broth is thick and fragrant with paste, the fried noodles are crisp at just the right level, and the shop is roomy and clean. There's nam ngiao khanom jeen and sai ua on the side, and it's easy to reach since it sits right in town.
Khao Soi Pa Yao
The shop reviewers bring up for beef so tender it almost melts. The broth is bold, spicy and fragrant without feeling heavy, the noodles are good, and the price is fair. Better suited to people who prefer beef khao soi over chicken.
Khao Soi Mae Pimporn
A spot travelers heading to Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) stop at often, since it's close to the temple. The broth is thick and spice-fragrant, with chicken, beef, and pork to choose from. Good for refueling before or after the temple.
Khao Soi Thao Kae Ek
A shop in the Wat Phra Kaew area that makes the curry broth fresh to order, rich and on the spicy side, with crispy pork to add on. The other standout is the fried vegetable fritters eaten with a pineapple dipping sauce, a snack this place does really well.
Khao Soi Islam Chiang Rai
A halal shop that draws both locals and foreign travelers. The chicken is tender and the broth is fragrant with paste, a good pick for Muslim diners or anyone who wants to try khao soi done halal-style.
Khao Soi Samoe Jai
A shop that's kept the same recipe going for over 30 years. It's roomy with quick service, and besides khao soi you can try khao ji (grilled sticky rice) served with the curry broth. Good for groups since there's plenty of seating.
Khao Soi Ban Du
A shop near Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, bold and clearly fragrant with curry paste, generous portions, and friendly prices. The regulars are students and people working nearby.
Khao Soi Pa Nang Kham
An old shop near the road up to Doi Tung, with both chicken and beef. The other standout is khao fuen tod (fried khao soi noodles), crisp outside and soft inside. Good to stop at on the way up the mountain.
Khao Soi Pa Loi
Another roadside spot in the Doi Tung area, with generous portions and a rich broth, eaten with northern-style pickled greens and chili. Good for anyone driving the mountain route who wants an easy stop.
FIN.FRIEND.FAMILY
A newer shop in the city center known for its bold dry chicken khao soi, with nam ngiao khanom jeen to order alongside. The space is decorated for photos and it's a good pick if you want khao soi somewhere comfortable to sit.
When to go
Most khao soi shops in Chiang Rai open in the morning and sell out by the afternoon. If you want to be sure the beef and chicken are still in stock, go before noon, especially at the old-school spots that get a queue late in the morning.
Want to taste deeper? Try a Chiang Rai food tour or cooking class
Half a day with a local who knows the lanes — or cooking a dish yourself — teaches you more than just eating. Book ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide.
How Chiang Rai khao soi differs from Chiang Mai
Plenty of Chiang Rai shops make the broth thick and clearly fragrant with curry paste. Some use more coconut milk, some lean on tender beef over chicken. Another thing you'll notice is that Chiang Rai khao soi shops often sell nam ngiao khanom jeen in the same place, so it's worth ordering both to share.
- The standard sides — pickled greens, sliced shallots, lime, and chili oil, add as much as you like.
- Beef vs. chicken — many Chiang Rai shops do beef khao soi well, so if you like it tender, try the beef.
- Things to eat with it — sai ua, pork rinds, or fried vegetable fritters all pair nicely with khao soi.
Pick a shop by the trip you've planned
Around the city
Right in town and easy to drop by, go for Khao Soi Por Jai, Khao Soi Samoe Jai, or FIN.FRIEND.FAMILY.
White Temple route
If your plan takes you to Wat Rong Khun on the south side of the city, stop at Khao Soi Mae Pimporn nearby.
Doi Tung route
Driving up to Doi Tung / Mae Fah Luang, stop at the roadside Khao Soi Pa Nang Kham or Pa Loi.
Plan a full eat-and-explore trip in Chiang Rai
See the Chiang Rai travel guide →