9 Authentic Delicacies You Must Try in Northern Thailand

Northern Thailand is renowned for its fascinating attractions and rich culinary heritage.

9 Must-Try Local Specialties in Northern Thailand

The cuisine here is not only diverse in cooking methods but also rich in historical significance, owing to the abundance of ingredients. Below are 9 quintessential dishes from Northern Thailand that every traveler should experience.

Khao Soi

Often referred to as a curry noodle soup, Khao Soi features tender beef or chicken with pickled vegetables in a flavorful curry broth. Khao Soi is a beloved dish in Northern Thailand, especially in the city of Chiang Mai. Finding a better version of this dish outside Chiang Mai is quite a challenge. Khao Soi in Chiang Mai is prepared with delicate and harmonious spices, suitable for most palates.

Destination Suggestion: Khao Soi Prince, Chiang Mai

Khanom Jeen Naam Ngiaw

Combining pork broth, dried chili curry powder, boiled blood cubes, tomatoes, and flat rice noodles, Khanom Jeen Naam Ngiaw boasts a rich and aromatic flavor profile. At Pa Bunsri, chefs use smoked dried chili in the traditional manner, imparting a unique and delicious taste to the dish that distinguishes it from versions found elsewhere in Thailand.

Destination Suggestion: Pa Bunsri, Lampang.

Nam Phrik Num

This traditional dipping sauce is made from grilled chili, garlic, and coriander, following the Northern Thai style. Not only does this sauce pair exceptionally well with boiled vegetables, rice, or fried chicken, but it also offers health benefits. Essentially, it complements a wide range of fried dishes and various green vegetables perfectly.

Destination Suggestion: Midnight Fried Chicken, Chiang Mai

Khao Soi Naam Naa

This special noodle dish differs from others you may have tried as it lacks coconut milk or curry powder. The highlight of Khao Soi Naam Naa lies in the finely minced pork and fermented soybeans mixed with dried chili and lard. At Pa Orn, this dish is prepared with simplicity yet packs incredible flavor, keeping you hooked even with the accompaniments being equally exceptional.

Destination Suggestion: Pa Orn, Chiang Khong

Khao Taen

Khao Taen is a rice cake made from glutinous rice mixed with sugar, salt, sesame seeds, and watermelon juice. It is then dried, fried until crispy, and drizzled with sugar syrup. This snack is favored for its crispiness, sweetness, aroma, and non-greasiness. Tourists often buy them as souvenirs.

Destination Recommendation: Khun Manee, Lampang

Khao Kan Jin

This dish consists of minced pork, pork blood, and rice steamed, infused with garlic oil, and wrapped in banana leaves. While this dish might seem daunting to foreign tourists, its delightful aroma of garlic oil is undeniable. When visiting Paa Jaang, a place with 40 years of Khao Kan Jin tradition, be mindful of timing as many stalls often sell out within an hour of opening.

Destination Recommendation: Paa Jaang, Mae Hong Son

Jin Tup

Jin Tup is simply pounded beef. The beef is marinated with fish sauce and salt, then grilled over charcoal for several hours until completely dry, and finally pounded soft with a mallet. It stands as one of the finest beef dishes in Northern Thailand.

Destination Suggestion: Phen, Mae Hong Son

Laap Muu Khua

While in northeastern Thailand, Laap (Larb) is quite popular with aromatic herbs, sourness, and roasted sticky rice powder (thinh), in Northern Thailand, Laap is entirely different. Here, Laap Muu Khua features more meat, no sourness, abundant spices, and notably the flavor of pepper, making the dish more fragrant and intense.

Destination Suggestion: Jin Sot, Phrae

Muu Phan Pii

Muu Phan Pii is believed to originate from Chinese immigrants. The dish is made from pork belly, pickled cucumbers, and layers of oolong tea leaves, then steamed for about 4 hours. Muu Phan Pii is delicious when served with rice or steamed buns. The sourness of pickled cucumbers, the rich aroma of pork, and the bitterness of tea create an enticing dish.

Destination Recommendation: Sue Hai, Chiang Rai

According to Tiến Quang/ Ngôi Sao

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Reference: Travel guide Mytour