EVERYTHING I ATE AT CHIANG MAI’S SUNDAY NIGHT MARKET

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Every once in a while I think it would be great to be a food blogger. But once I get to a market/food court I realize that I am not made for it. After just one (or maybe two) snacks I am full so there is no way I can give enough food a try to write up an article – usually.

However, during my trip to Chiang Mai I visited the famous Sunday Night Market four times. Even though I only managed one or two foods each time, it did add up. I know it can be kind of intimidating or difficult to decide what to eat when there is such a huge variety on offer. So I wrote up what I ate and what I thought about it – hopefully it will help you make your choice!

Crispy Fried Chicken

At just 40 Baht this was a lot of fried chicken! And it was tasty – hot, fresh, juicy, and with a crispy outside. It was though quite filling and I was completely stuffed after. So great value but not ideal if you want to try several options.

Where: Temple Area
How much: 40 Baht
Value for money: Very good
Would I eat it again: Maybe? It was delicious but very filling and maybe not as exciting as some other options. It was a nice, safe option during my first visit though.

Spicy Popcorn Chicken

This was a great snack for 30 Baht. The chicken pieces were crunchy – you definitely tasted the batter/spices more than the chicken. They offered a spicy and a non-spicy version. I went for the spicy one and was glad I did. It had a bit of a kick and a slight burn but not so much that it was unpleasant. I definitely recommend putting a sauce on top of it though (they had several options, including sweet chili and plum sauce).

This stall seems to be quite popular as it was always busy when I passed by.

Where: Next to Three Kings Monument
How much: 30 Baht
Value for money: Good
Would I eat it again: Absolutely (and I did). They made a great snack!

Coconut Khanom Krok

This was a bit of a surprise as I had no idea what to expect. Basically, it is a very thin batter/shell filled with a pudding-like creme that tastes like coconut. You can choose to add coconut, corn, or spring onion on top.
What really surprised me was how sweet this was – I had expected it to be more neutral but it definitely is more a (sweet) dessert. I am not sure if my batch was cooked quite right as the chef seemed to have some issues with the temperature while cooking.

Where: Temple Area
How much: 30 Baht
Value for money: Good
Would I eat it again: Probably? I will definitely give them at least one more try but next time will opt for the coconut version and order them when I am in the mood for a sweet treat.

Steamed Bun with Curry Chicken

A real highlight and much better than I expected! The bun itself was light and fluffy and the filling not dry but also not so moist to make eating it messy (important if you are eating on the go). The filling had a great taste with just the right amount of spiciness.

This snack was fairly filling, maybe similar to a small hamburger? One of my favorites!

Where: Temple Area on the right walking towards the center
How much: 40 Baht
Value for money: Good
Would I eat it again: Absolutely!

Waffle on a Stick

There are a number of stalls at the night market selling waffles. I bought mine close to the end, in the side street next to the Three Kings Memorial, right in front of a small temple. To me it seemed that the vendors in this area are more local aunties that packed up their home-made food (or brought along their waffle iron) instead of more polished offerings.

This waffle was much cheaper than most I saw – for 10 baht I even got a drizzle of honey added. At first I wasn’t quite sure whether I liked it. I generally prefer my waffles on the crispy side but this was more cake-like. But when I had finished I was almost contemplating going back and getting another. Not sure if I was just hungry or if this is one of those foods that grow on you.

Where: Near Three Kings Memorial
How much: 10 Baht
Value for money: Excellent
Would I eat it again: Surprisingly yes!

Pandan Waffle

I had spotted this bright green treat on my first visit, but was a bit too intimidated. But on my last visit to the night market, I decided to try it in the interest of exploring new foods (the pandan part, not the waffle). Given that, I didn’t expect too much.

Boy, was I wrong! This waffle was easily one of the best things I ate during my time in Chiang Mai. It was so delicious I wish I had bought two (or three). Wonderfully crispy it was just the right amount of sweet. To be honest, I am not sure I could taste the papadan (unless it tastes like coconut?) but that did not matter. The waffle had a slight coconut taste and was just scrumptious. I highly recommend you give this a try (unless you absolutely hate coconut). (Okay, I have now found out that pandan indeed has a slight coconut/vanilla taste!)

Where: Food Court at Wat Sumpow (I think? Anyway on the right hand coming from the gate)
How much: 20 Baht
Value for money: Good
Would I eat it again: Absolutely, anytime

Thai Donuts

These little donuts were again sold at the very end of the night market in the little alley next to the 3 Kings Monument. They were slightly crunchy on the outside but chewy on the inside and soaked with honey.

These donuts were quite filling and maybe a tad heavy but tasty nevertheless (and I am not a donut fan).

Where: Near Three Kings Memorial
How much: 20 Baht
Value for money: Very good
Would I eat it again: Probably

Some Things I did not Eat or Try

Sushi

Yes, the sushi at these stalls does look (and possibly taste) delicious but to me raw fish does not go with an open air market in high temperatures and no refrigeration. Maybe I am overly cautious but this seems to be an invitation for food poisoning. Who needs that on a vacation?

Scorpions/larvae/insects

Do I honestly need to explain why I didn’t try these? Who would (or does)? There may be situations in which it can not be avoided (like if you are competing on Survivor) but a stroll through the night market isn’t one of them.

Conclusion

All in all, I loved the food I tried at Chiang Mai’s Sunday Night Market and all of it was very affordable. I stuck to street food that I could eat on the go so I didn’t have to worry about finding a place to sit. There are of course lots of “real” dishes on offer, like khao soi, curries etc.

My favorites were definitely the Steamed Bun, Spicy Popcorn Chicken, and Papadan Waffle but there was nothing I really regreted.