Being a vegan traveler can be tough, but being vegan in Chiang Mai is fortunately not quite as hard as in other places! For a long time, being a world traveler as a vegetarian was risky business and a ‘vegetarian’ meal often meant that there were no visible chunks of meat in your dish that you could see and you really just had to hope for the best.
Vegans often didn’t stand a chance but that’s all been changing and, lucky for all of us, Chiang Mai is one of the best cities in the world for vegan food! The UK newspaper, The Independent, even recently declared Chiang Mai the ‘vegan capital of Asia’, having embraced this lifestyle with open arms. Vegan food in Chiang Mai is popular, with around 40 options that are exclusively plant-based, and the choices range from smoothie places all the way to traditional Thai food and even to vegan pizzerias.
While the whole concept of veganism is still foreign in many places in the world, Thailand is a bit different. The idea of veganism has been connected with Buddhist spiritual practices for hundreds of years and it’s known as ‘jae’. To spot vegan places and menu items, keep an eye out for red and yellow signs either with the word ‘jae’ or with the Thai (เจ) or traditional Chinese character (齋).
Some people credit the influx of foreigners interested in yoga with the explosion of vegan places in Chiang Mai. Others suggest that perhaps it’s the popularity of the city with digital nomads that means there are many people with extra money to spend on vegan food that might be a bit more expensive than the usual Thai fare. But no matter what the reason, Chaing Mai is one of the best places in the world to be a vegan and, because it’s in Thailand, the food will be fresh and affordable, too! Plus it’s not just Thai food that will be on the menu here, you can find vegan places in Chiang Mai from a wide array of international cuisines.
With so much choice for vegan food in Chiang Mai, it’s difficult to find the best ones, but here’s a selection of vegan restaurants and cafes to get you started as you eat your way around Chiang Mai as a vegan. We’ve also listed a few vegetarian restaurants in Chiang Mai and a couple places that also serve meat because they have a great selection of vegan options and they shouldn’t be overlooked.
It seems like there are new places opening all the time, so keep your eyes peeled and don’t forget to look out for those red and yellow signs to find some small, local Thai places, too!
Alchemy Vegan
This cafe is 100% vegan with a selection of healthy and delicious goodies like panini wraps, artisan bread, Thai food, salads, cake, fresh juice, and smoothie bowls. For dessert they have excellent churros, vegan gelato, and a large selection of different cakes.
Address: 9, 10/72 Thipanet Rd, Haiya Sub-district
Phone: +66 88 597 0799
Email: hello@alchemyvegan.com
Website: https://alchemyvegan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alchemyvegancafe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alchemyvegan
Alice’s Restaurant
Though Alice’s does now serve meat, this previously 100% vegan place still has a strong focus on organic vegan and raw vegan dishes including desserts. They’ve got all sorts of interesting health foods and superfoods on the menu like kombucha, veggie proteins, cannabis food and products, kimchi, wheatgrass, and fermented probiotic superfoods. It’s a small place but has air conditioning and a full bar.
Address: 74, 1 Loi Kroh Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan
Phone: +66 53 279 487
Email: alicesorganicvegetarian@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alicesorganic
Ama Vegan Kitchen
The Ama Vegan Kitchen is located on the ground floor of the upscale Trams Square Wellness Residency. It’s a lovely place that’s modern and clean with the kitchen in the center of the restaurant so you can see the food being prepared in front of you. Mostly vegan versions of classic Thai dishes like yellow curry and pad Thai plus a few Western-style dishes. They also have lots of raw food options and vegan ice cream and some desserts. Everything is vegan and organic.
Address: 80/137 Trams Square Wellness Resort Residency, Super Hwy Chiangmai-Lumpang
Phone: +66 814 178 882
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ครัวเจอาม่า-Ama-Vegan-Kitchenorganic-1353257524715018
Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant
Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant is an unassuming place with great vegan choices and a changing menu depending on which ingredients are in season with the local farmers. They offer vegetarian and vegan versions of traditional Thai food without using fake meats and they don’t use MSG. They have both a fixed menu and also a menu that changes weekly with nice salads and a good selection of vegan cakes. Anchan is a bit pricy as compared with other places but it’s worth it. Bookings are recommended here as the space isn’t very large.
Address: 28 Nimmanahaeminda Road
Phone: +66 83 581 1689
Email: anchanvegetarian@gmail.com
Website: https://anchanvegetarian.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnchanVegetarianRestaurant
Asa Vegan Kitchen and Studio
Asa Vegan Kitchen and Studio is a 100% vegan place with a focus on the environment and sustainability. They offer all day breakfast, smoothie bowls, brunch, Thai dishes, and they have a selection of gluten-free options.. Downstairs is a cafe and upstairs you can do yoga and take various workshops. In Thai, the word ‘asa’ means ‘to volunteer, to step forward, and to offer’ and this restaurant also aims to allow their customers to connect with locals through volunteer opportunities.
Address: 217 Thapae Rd, Tambon Chang Moi
Phone: +66 63 651 4496
Email: info@asavegankitchen.com
Website: https://asavegankitchen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asavegankitchenandstudio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asavegankitchen
Aum Vegetarian Restaurant
Opened in 1982, Aum Vegetarian Restaurant is the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the city and, while not strictly vegan, they have a lot of great options including vegan sushi and a great selection of Thai dishes. This homey, rustic place has a family atmosphere and they even source many ingredients from their small farm that is located nearby. Everything is made fresh and they have delicious tempeh and excellent juices and spring rolls.
Address: 1/4 Suriyawong Alley, Haiya Sub-district
Phone: +66 53 278 315
Email: aumsaifa@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AumVegetarianRestaurant
Bee Vegan
Bee Vegan is a small, unassuming place that doesn’t look like much, but it packs a punch! They offer an impressive range of Thai and Western vegan dishes with everything cooked to order. They also have some vegan desserts, juice, and smoothies but they don’t serve coffee or alcohol. It’s a simple that that offers tasty, good value food and it’s perfect for vegans in Chiang Mai who are on a budget.
Address: 19 Suthep Rd, Tambon Su Thep
Phone: +66 96 795 7704
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeeVeganfood
Free Bird Cafe
Free Bird Cafe is a restaurant with a cause and a long time popular vegan hangout. When you eat here, 100% of the proceeds go towards educating Burmese refugees at the non-profit, Thai Freedom House. It opened back on 2009 and was one of the first exclusively vegan restaurants in Chiang Mai. It’s a great choice for breakfast and a focus on Burmese food but it also has some Thai and Western dishes mixed i. Check out the zero-waste store next store, My Best Life CNX.
Address: 116 Maneenopparat Rd.
Phone: +66 99 351 4404
Email: thaifreedomhouse@gmail.com
Website: http://thaifreedomhouse.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreeBirdCafe
Goodsouls Kitchen
Goodsouls Kitchen is an upmarket vegan place serving all-day breakfast and a huge variety of both Western (including a very tasty vegan burger) and Thai dishes along with a good selection of desserts. It’s 100% vegan and a bit more pricey than other places, but totally worth it. They offer healthy juices and different flavors of kombucha, excellent cakes and raw, bit-sized energy balls which make a great snack to go. It’s a newer vegan place on the Chiang Mai scene and it’s sophisticated and has a nice, cozy atmosphere in the evenings.
Address: 52/3 Singharat Rd, Tambon Si Phum
Phone: +66 88 819 9669
Email: goodsoulskitchen@gmail.com
Website: https://goodsoulskitchen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodsoulskitchen
Happy Time Vegan Restaurant
A clean and modern buffet place serving pre-made dishes that change each day. It’s small but nice and with comfortable seating areas. All of the food is vegan and it’s designed with healthy options in mind and it seems like the food is less oily than at some other places. You’ll find the usuals like khao soy and curries but you can also get sushi and sandwiches. They also have a good selection of desserts and juices and you can ask for takeaway. The owner is friendly and happy to talk about their food and it’s just a nice, simple, and affordable place.
Address: Kaeonawarat Rd, Tambon Chang Moi
Phone: +66 95 145 9990
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Happy-time-vegan-restaurant-434037773628607/
Im Jai
Im Jai is a vegetarian food stall located inside the Maya Mall sharing seating with other restaurants in a food court setting. They have a selection of vegan dishes and fried sides and snacks, friendly staff, and very good prices.
Address: Food Court, Maya Mall, 44 Huay Kaew Rd
Phone: +66 52 081 555
I’m Your Vegan
Vegan fast food place with a selection of burgers using plant-based ‘meat’ (made from Beyond Meat and Let’s Plant Meat) and a whole menu filled with food choices that a quite a bit different to the usual healthy vegan options. The inside is brightly decorated and has a creative feel to it and the food is no different with some of it coming out in interesting colors! You’ll find a menu of fast food items done in a very creative way including some very Instagrammable burgers and shakes.
Address: 29 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 17
Phone: +66 98 161 1475
Email: hello@imyourvegan.com
Website: https://imyourvegan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Imyourvegan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imyourvegan
Juicy 4 U
Juicy 4 U is a colorful vegetarian place with lots of choice for vegans including an excellent selection of juices, smoothies, and some amazing desserts. They also have options to make your own sandwiches, wraps, and salads so you can go as vegan as you want here!
Address: 11 Ratchamanka Rd
Phone: +66 83 330 6664
Morning Glory
Morning Glory is a vegetarian restaurant and cooking school that serves up mostly vegan dishes. Unfortunately the restaurant is currently closed for renovations, but their cooking school is still open which means you can try something a bit different to eating vegan food in Chiang Mai and try learning how to cook some home cooked Thai vegan fare for yourself while you wait for the restaurant to reopen.
Address: 34 Prapokkloa Rd, Tambon Phra Sing,
Phone: +66 87 717 5275
Email: diana_chaichong@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.morninggloryvegan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Morning-Glory-RestaurantCooking-Classes-153644771464176
Munchies
Munchies has taken the fast food concept and created dishes that are 100% vegan but with a fast food twist complete with fluorescent lighting and disposable packaging. Their offerings look just like regular fast food which is quite impressive, especially if you’re a vegan who’s craving something a little naughty from time-to-time! You can get burgers, hotdogs, and even a breakfast burrito and the ‘milk’ shakes come recommended.
Address: 4 Ratchapakhinai Road Phra Sing
Phone: +66 52 001 067
Email: hello@munchies.world
Website: https://munchies.world
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MunchiesVegan
Mr Green
Mr Green is a vegan place located in the old city that uses its own home-grown organic veggies. They have a lot of raw options and serve a good selection of Thai dishes. They also have vegan cakes and smoothies and it’s an excellent choice for brunch. The prices here are very affordable!
Address: 189/3 Moon Muang Rd, Lane 7
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrgreenrestaurantcm
Pun Pun Vegetarian Slow Food
Pun Pun is an organic vegetarian restaurant with vegan offerings like the very unique fermented mushroom sausage. Their mission is to save seeds and to help transition local farmers to the organic ways through trainings and education and this restaurant supports their efforts. Pun Pun’s food is healthy and they choose not to use MSG, GMO, preservatives, or white refined sugar and they only use non-refined whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat flour.
Address: Wat Suan Dok Chiang Mai
Phone: +66 84 365 6581
Website: http://www.punpunthailand.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pun-Pun-Vegetarian-Slow-Food-1522384938067682
Pure Vegan Heaven
Pure Vegan Heaven is a full vegan restaurant with a great selection of healthy menu options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu is large and they have everything from rice paper salad rolls to nachos to burgers to a build-your-own salad option. If you like Mexican food, this place has one of the better selections in Chiang Mai. Plus Pure Vegan Heaven is set in a beautiful spot with a relaxing atmosphere in an open-air setting. The don’t use hydrogenated oils or refined sugars and flours and their menu is 100% vegan.
Address: 175 Tambon Su Thep (at Freeative Art Space)
Phone: +66 63 980 7140
Email: pureheaventhailand@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pureveganheavenchiangmai
Rad Rabbit Vegan Pizza
Rad Rabbit is a vegan pizzeria with a focus on sustainability. It’s a sister restaurant to Vegan Heaven with an Italian twist including pizza with their own homemade vegan cheese. It’s an innovative restaurant with pasta dishes and foccacia sandwiches to compliment their pizza. They also have a small selection of alcohol and desserts and, if you’re in the mood, they even have some games for you to play with your friends. If you’ve been in Chiang Mai for awhile and are craving something different, Rad Rabbit is a great choice, even if you’re not vegan!
Address: 27/2 Moon Mueang, Soi 9, Si Phum
Phone: +66 947 549 095
Email: radrabbitveganpizzacm@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RadRabbitCM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radrabbitveganpizza
Salad Concept
Salad Concept is a slick restaurant that serves meat but they also serve loads of clearly marked vegan options where you can either choose from the menu (like tofu steak with mac and ‘cheese’) or create your own salads (the vegan-friendly dressings are also clearly marked). You can choose your own salad and get it on the go, so make one that’s vegan and you’re set! They use pesticide-free vegetables and their dressings are free from artificial colors and MSG.
Address: Two locations – 49/9-10 Nimmanhamin Rd. Soi 13, 94 Chai Sri Poom Soi 1
Phone: +66 53 232 342
Email: thesaladconcept@gmail.com
Website: http://www.thesaladconcept.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaladconcept
V Secret Street Food
V-Secret is a hidden gem of a food stall located at the Ploen Ruedee Night Market near the kid’s playground. It’s a vegetarian place with many vegan options in its a small but very tasty and cheap menu. Dishes change daily but get their inspiration from traditional Thai, Burmese, Laotian, and Balinise cuisine. Food is served on a banana leaf on a wooden tray and they cook the food right in front of you.
Address: Central Festival (at GF food court)
Phone: +66 873 120 570
Email: vsecretchiangmai@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VSecretHomemade
Vegan Heaven
Vegan Heaven (formerly known as ‘Taste from Heaven’ and not to be confused with ‘Pure Vegan Heaven’ which is listed above) opened back in 2004 Mail. They serve a large selection of Thai and Western dishes. Western vegan food mixed in with Thai vegan versions using mock-meats and veganized food. They have everything from porridge to tofu scramble to fried rice to ice cream and their vegan brownies are something you’ll want to try. They don’t use MSG or preservatives in their dishes.
Address: 44 6 Loi Kroh Rd, Chang Khlan Sub-district
Phone: +66 62 292 6414
Email: veganheavencm@gmail.com
Website: https://veganheavencm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganHeavenCM
Vegan Society Cafe & Restaurant
Vegan Society is a newish, cozy restaurant serving vegan versions of local Thai dishes. The staff are friendly and the prices are very affordable, especially considering the large portion sizes. Try the sweet and sour tofu and their mango and sticky rice.
Address: 30 Ratchamanka Rd Soi 7, Tambon Phra Sing
Phone: +66 82 403 0355
Email: vegansocietycm@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vegansocietycm
Have we missed any amazing vegan restaurants in Chiang Mai? The food scene in Chiang Mai is vast and always growing and veganism is gaining in popularity every day, so I’m sure there will be new vegan restaurants, bakeries, and cafes popping up all the time. Please let us know about your favorite Chiang Mai vegan places that we may have missed and we’ll be sure to add them to our list!