Western-stye eating in Chiang Mai
The best budget restaurants for Northern Thailand visitors
A listing is made of several Western-style restaurants in Chiang Mai, Thailand for travelers on a budget.
Chiang Mai is Thailand's second largest city. With a populaton of about 200,000, it is still quite a bit smaller than Bangkok. Many people love to visit this city in Northern Thailand to see the ancient, and well preserved temples and such sites as Doi Suthep. Chiang Mai attracts many back-packers and visitors who want to take advantage of this relatively inexpensive city. For some, there is the temptation to really save money by eating at one of the many street-side restaurants that are frequented by the locals. While one can have a terrific meal for well under one dollar, there are two things to consider - the restaurant will probably not have the same cleanliness as the Thai restaurant in North America, and Thai food can be extremely spicy.
While there is one McDonald's here, there are alternatives for those visitors who would like a decent Western-style meal for less than they would pay at home. The following restaurants are all a short distance from each other, on or near Chayapoom Road. Menus are in English, and the restaurant staff can speak at least some basic English.
For the vegetarian, The Blue Diamond is the place to go, if you can find it. Hidden away on Moon Muang Soi 7, this restaurant is extremely popular with back-packers and those who have come to study Thai message. The breakfasts include pancakes with a choice of apple or banana slices, a variety of fruit drinks and teas, and homemade pastries, all for less two dollars a person.
At the other extreme is Mike's, proudly boasting that he "converts vegetarians". On the busy intersection of Chayapoom and Chang Moi, Mike's offers burgers, fries and a drink, either to eat diner style or take-away. The combos begin at 125 Thai baht, with a larger drink and more fries for 15 baht more.
For those craving authentic barbeque, Hell's Kitchen is run by an ex-pat from Florida. Also on Chayapoom Road, a chicken sandwich plus a side order is only 70 baht, while a pork sandwich is only 20 baht more. Hell's Kitchen offers ribs, plus rib and chicken combos. For those to tired to leave their hotel, Hell's Kitchen also will deliver.
A surprisingly good, large, smothered burrito can be had at Miguel's, also on Chayapoom below Wichayanon. As can be guessed by the name, Miguel's is one of a handful of Mexican restaurants in Chiang Mai. If you visit, make sure to try their deep-fried ice cream burrito.
