Chiang Mai khao soi

ข้าวซอย Khao soi · Chiang Mai, Thailand

Photo: Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0

Muslim noodles that came down the trade routes from Yunnan became northern Thailand's signature dish.

Know before you go

Don't bring pork products into a halal restaurant

This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.

Culture

Culture & customs

Background

Khao soi is believed to come from the Chin Haw, Chinese Muslim caravan traders from Yunnan. From the 18th to the early 20th century they travelled the trade routes through Burma's Shan State, Laos and Thailand, bringing a noodle dish to northern Thailand, then under Burmese control. Today's khao soi is a soup of deep-fried crispy egg noodles and boiled egg noodles, served with pickled mustard greens, shallots and lime. Because of its Muslim origins it is traditionally halal and is still mostly made with chicken or beef rather than pork.

Local customs

Squeeze in lime, add pickled greens and shallots, then push the crispy noodles into the soup

Religion & beliefs

Old shops in the old city and near Chiang Mai's mosques are mostly halal.

Etiquette

Etiquette & taboos

Rules that apply here

Red linePhotos & dronesThailand

Drones must be registered in Thailand

Register with Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) within 30 days of arrival or purchase, even if you don't plan to fly

Bringing in an unregistered drone

Fines of up to THB 100,000 or 5 years in prison, or both.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice

Red lineEntryThailand

E-cigarettes are completely illegal in Thailand

Leave e-cigarettes, pods and e-liquids at home before you travel

Carrying or using e-cigarettes, pods, e-liquids or heated-tobacco devices

Confiscation, fines (usually THB 5,000–30,000), detention and prosecution; no exceptions for tourists or personal use.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersThailand

Never insult the Thai royal family

Treat portraits of the royal family and related topics with respect and care

Posting or sharing any criticism of, or jokes about, the royal family, online included

The lèse-majesté law is interpreted very broadly and can bring long prison sentences; it applies to past and present members of the royal family.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice

Don’t DON'T

Don't bring pork products into a halal restaurant

Locals appreciate DO

People in Chiang Mai appreciate visitors who make a trip to an old shop and eat slowly.

Plan your visit

Practical info

Travel tips

There are many old shops in Chiang Mai's old city and around the mosques, busiest at lunchtime. Prices and opening hours are set by each shop
popular old places often have queues, so go outside peak mealtimes.

Sources & verification notes

Wikipedia: Khao soi