Chiang Mai mornings hit a little differently when you’ve been out on the fairways since 7:00 AM. By the time you sink your last putt on the 18th hole with the assistance of the experienced golf caddies in Thailand, the mountain mist has burned off, replaced by the mid-morning heat of Northern Thailand. Your legs are tired, your visor is damp, and your stomach is screaming for something far more exciting than a lukewarm protein bar.
Now that your morning round is wrapped up, your next priority is figuring out where to refuel.
Post-round dining generally splits golfers into two camps. You can either unpack and eat on-site at a breezy clubhouse terrace or head out into surrounding neighborhoods to explore local food shacks. Northern Thai cuisine, particularly iconic regional staples like Khao Soi and Som Tam, is custom-built for post-sport fuel.
Option 1: Dining On-Site at Clubhouse Restaurants
If you wish to bypass the hustle and bustle of mid-day traffic and enjoy some cold drinks while tabulating your scorecards, then you’ll find the golf clubhouse restaurants in Chiang Mai provide surprisingly authentic meals in addition to local specialties.
- Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort: The open-air terrace dining room overlooks the 18th fairway framed by mountain peaks. Their kitchen excels at freshly pounded Som Tam Thai (green papaya salad with garlic, chilies, fish sauce, palm sugar, and peanuts) served alongside Gai Yang (smoky lemongrass-marinated grilled chicken) and sticky rice. Their signature Crying Tiger Platter, marinated grilled steak with dried-chili jim-jaew dip, is another top protein recovery choice.
- The Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort: Featuring a classic second-floor open-air terrace, this clubhouse specializes in traditional Lanna platters. It is a prime spot to order authentic Sai Ua (grilled Northern pork sausage packed with lemongrass, kaffir lime, and red curry paste) paired with cold local beers.
- Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai: For groups with varied tastes, Alpine’s massive restaurant covers all bases. Alongside spicy Larb Moo (minced pork salad spiked with toasted rice powder), they serve fresh salmon sashimi and hearty Western comfort foods.
- Gassan Legacy Golf Club: Known for its relaxed setting, the clubhouse turns out excellent post-round staples like Phad See Ew (stir-fried wide rice noodles with pork) and rich green curries.
- Mae Jo Golf Resort & Spa: This casual venue offers great views of the course alongside hearty regional dishes like spicy Tom Yum Goong and crispy garlic pork over jasmine rice.
Option 2: Leaving the Grounds to Explore Off-Course Shacks
Golfers who prefer driving into town or stopping at open-air roadside joints can sample world-class street food and neighborhood eateries.
Iconic Khao Soi Noodle Shops
Khao Soi is the ultimate meal after a game of golf in Northern Thailand. The traditional dish comes with smooth egg noodles drenched in a thick, coconut curry sauce, garnished with crispy fried noodles, pickled mustard, raw onions, and lime.
- Khao Soi Mae Sai (Santitham): Located north of the Old City, this low-key favorite earned a Bib Gourmand in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand. Their tender chicken leg khao soi delivers the exact mix of carbohydrates and aromatic spices needed after a four-hour walk.
- Khao Soi Khun Yai (North Gate): Grandma’s Khao Soi is a simple street stall near the moat that prepares a hearty beef curry bowl dish that runs out by noon.
- Khao Soi Samer Jai (Faham): Situated along the Ping River, this sprawling food hall serves bold, spice-heavy noodle bowls alongside open-grilled skewers of pork satay.
- Khao Soi Lamduan Fa Ham: Operating for over 80 years, this Michelin-recognized institution serves a silky, deeply fragrant coconut broth recipe passed down through generations.
- Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kad Kom: A legendary southern Old City spot famous for its thick, intensely savory beef curry broth.
Grill Houses, Som Tam & Lanna Samplers
- Cherng Doi Roast Chicken (Nimman): A popular stop in the city center, also recognized by Michelin for its unique crispy-skin roasted chicken served with spicy Som Tam (papaya salad) and tamarind dip.
- SP Chicken (Old City): Famous for small whole chickens stuffed with garlic and herbs, roasted over low charcoal heat and served fast alongside spicy minced pork salads (larb khua).
- Huen Muan Jai (Chang Phueak): Housed in a wooden Lanna home, this spot serves full Northern tasting platters, including nam prik noom (smoky roasted green chili dip) with pork cracklings.
- Huen Phen (Old City): A long-standing institution serving a rich midday spread of Gaeng Hang Le (slow-simmered pork belly curry) and grilled Lanna sausages.
- Gai Yang Wichian Buri (Nimman): Specializes in dry-rubbed, charcoal-roasted split chickens paired with extra-spicy chili dips and freshly pounded papaya salads.
Whether staying on a breeze-cooled resort terrace for Som Tam or navigating the Old City for Michelin-recommended Khao Soi, choosing where to eat between morning rounds is half the fun of golfing in Northern Thailand.
Where do you eat in Chiang Mai between morning rounds? Let us know.
