Introduction
I recently visited the Northern Thai restaurant “MUAY Khao Soi” located just off Nimmanhaemin Road in the heart of Chiang Mai, and I’m here to share my review.
About the Northern Thai restaurant “MUAY Khao Soi” in Chiang Mai
The Northern Thai restaurant “MUAY Khao Soi” is situated a short walk down a side street from Nimmanhaemin Road, the main thoroughfare in central Chiang Mai. The side street is likely Nimmanhaemin Soi 12.
Nimmanhaemin Road is a bustling street approximately 1.6 km long. Lined with雑貨屋 (zakka shops), clothing stores, restaurants, and hotels, it’s a popular area for strolling and shopping. Many famous Khao Soi restaurants in Chiang Mai are located on the outskirts of the city, so MUAY Khao Soi’s central location makes it very convenient.
Incidentally, “Muay” in the restaurant’s name appears to be the same “Muay” as in “Muay Thai.” I looked into it, but couldn’t determine the exact meaning.
The establishment appeared to maintain good hygiene, with no flies noticeable. It’s a typical open-air Thai eatery style, with no air conditioning, only fans. The restroom facilities were not checked.
Menu at “MUAY Khao Soi” (Photos, Prices, Review)
I ordered the most luxurious Khao Soi on the menu, the “Chicken + Pork Khao Soi” for 90B. Even with both chicken and pork, 90B is a great price for Chiang Mai! For reference, the regular chicken-only Khao Soi is 65B. The Khao Soi comes with pickles, onions, and lime for adjusting the flavor.
The curry soup itself is very rich, with a well-balanced blend of coconut milk and spices. I ordered it with “less spice” for children, and it came with a less reddish soup. It was mild and comforting. The noodles are the flat, wide type, with a strong and delicious wheat aroma. The fried noodles were also excellent. Adding the pickles, onions, and lime created a completely different flavor, offering a second wave of deliciousness.
Regarding the “chicken versus pork in Khao Soi” question, after comparing, chicken was the clear winner. The chicken was fall-apart tender, thoroughly infused with flavor, and incredibly delicious. The pork was substantial, and while it likely contributed a different broth base, it lacked the same tenderness and depth of flavor penetration as the chicken.
Besides their signature Khao Soi, the menu also included rice noodles, green curry, side dishes, and desserts. For a small shop, they offered quite a variety.
Recommendation Score for “MUAY Khao Soi”
To be helpful, I’ll assign a score in the style of Tabelog (Japan’s top restaurant-review site). For the Northern Thai restaurant “MUAY Khao Soi” in Chiang Mai, I personally estimate it to be around a 3.4 on the Tabelog scale.
The main reasons for the high score are the delicious and affordable Khao Soi. Among the Khao Soi I’ve tried so far, this was the most delicious. Beyond Khao Soi, I’m also curious about their green curry and rice noodles. Its location in the city center also makes it more accessible compared to famous spots. The only downside is the lack of air conditioning, which can make it feel hot.
Conclusion
“MUAY Khao Soi,” a Northern Thai restaurant in Chiang Mai, offers delicious and affordable Khao Soi. Its central location also makes it easily accessible compared to more famous establishments, making it highly recommended.
| Restaurant Name | Northern Thai Restaurant “MUAY Khao Soi” |
| Cuisine Type | Northern Thai Restaurant, Khao Soi Specialty |
| Budget | 60-90 THB (per dish) |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed Sundays) |
| Access | Nimmanhaemin Soi 12, Chiang Mai |
| Phone Number | 088-252-4580 |
| Address | 36 Soi12, Nimmanahaeminda Road, Muang, Chiang Mai |
| Website |
