Where I love to Eat
Chiang Mai isn’t just a city bursting with temples and mountain views – it’s an absolute haven for vegan travellers. The plant-based scene here has exploded, and honestly, it feels like you can’t walk more than a few streets without stumbling upon a vegan-friendly restaurant, an organic smoothie bar, or a café serving up something delicious and guilt-free.
Whether you’re a lifelong vegan, just trying to eat more consciously, or someone who simply appreciates a vegan-friendly great meal, Chiang Mai has something up its sleeve for you.
Here’s my pick of the 8 best vegan-friendly restaurants in town that you absolutely can’t miss!
1. Free Bird Café – Dining with a Purpose
Set in a charming house just outside the Old City, Free Bird Café 
is so much more than just a great spot for lunch — it’s a place where your meal genuinely makes a difference. All profits go toward supporting Thai Freedom House, a non-profit education centre for Burmese refugees.
The menu is fully vegan-friendly plant-based and packed with vibrant, flavourful dishes. I tucked into their vegan Khao Soi — a rich and creamy Northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup — it’s one of my favourite Thai dishes.
Their smoothie bowls are an absolute riot of colour, packed with tropical fruits, homemade granola, and a handsome helping of peanut butter that ties everything together perfectly. Vegan-friendly Free Bird Café
On top of the amazing vegan-friendly food, there’s a small zero-waste shop and a second-hand boutique at the front, so you can pick up some unique souvenirs or eco-friendly goodies when you visit.
2. Goodsouls Kitchen – A Vegan Favourite in the Old City
If you ask any vegan who’s spent time in Chiang Mai for their go-to restaurant, chances are they’ll mention Goodsouls Kitchen within about three seconds. And with good reason!
Located just inside the Old City walls, Goodsouls has created a warm, spacious setting where you can tuck into everything from fluffy vegan pancakes to massaman curry or mushroom burgers.
The portions are generous, the smoothies are thick and fruity, and there’s a brilliant mix of Thai and Western favourites.
Here’s a top tip: if you’re going to stop by Goodsouls Kitchen for a bite, make sure you save room for dessert… their cakes are so good you’ll get FOMO! visit the vegan-friendly Goodsouls Kitchen
3. Asa Vegan Kitchen and Studio – A Hidden Gem
Tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood near Nimmanhaemin, Asa Vegan Kitchen feels like stepping into a little sanctuary.
The food here is all about creative, nourishing meals. I loved their jackfruit teriyaki bowl, and the BBQ pulled mushroom waffle is one of the most unique vegan-friendly dishes I’ve had in Thailand. They also have fantastic desserts — their raw chocolate tart is rich enough to make even the most stubborn of non-vegans swoon. I think it’s safe to say that whoever came up with the menu had Asa Kitchen had a genius creative streak.
Beyond its culinary offerings, Asa Kitchen features an upstairs yoga studio and hosts various community events, such as art workshops or occasionally live music. They are also actively involved in social initiatives, working with the community to build positive change.
4. Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant – Seasonal Thai Flavours
Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant has been a firm favourite among plant-based food lovers in Chiang Mai for years, and it’s easy to see why. They specialise in seasonal, locally sourced
Thai ingredients, and their menu changes regularly based on what’s fresh and available. Their Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Pad Thai is a showstopper — imagine a plate of bright blue noodles topped with crunchy peanuts, lime wedges, and piles of veggies. It’s just as tasty as it is beautiful. Their red pumpkin curry is another hearty, comforting dish perfect for those slightly cooler Chiang Mai evenings.
Of all the vegan-friendly restaurants in Chiang Mai I tried, this one had some of the most impressive variations of classic Thai dishes, so it was quite exciting to place your order and see what masterpiece came out. Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant
5. Reform Kafé – Tranquil Vegan Dining
Hidden within the gorgeous Green Tiger House boutique hotel, Reform Kafé is a serene garden café that feels a million miles away from the city buzz. If you’re craving some peace with your plate of curry, this is the place to be.
The menu leans heavily into Thai comfort vegan-friendly food, with highlights like green curry fried rice, crispy tofu satay, and that age-old Asian favourite—mango sticky rice. They also serve delicious smoothies and cold brews if you’re stopping by for a lazy afternoon drink. For me, this was a total gem, as it has the perfect atmosphere for a bit of remote work and an iced coffee.
Reform Kafé has sister restaurants in Chiang Mai: Goodsouls Kitchen (as I mentioned above) and Downtown Garden(which I sadly didn’t make it to). It’s one of those places where you order one thing, spot something else at the next table, and immediately start planning your next visit. Reform Kafé
6. The Vegano Bistro – Family-Inspired Vegan Comfort Food
Just a short Grab ride from the Old City, The Vegano Bistro is a labour of love by a family passionate about vegan-friendly plant-based living. The atmosphere here is chic and calming, and there is pure artistry in every dish.
Their menu leans toward Western comfort food, with fun vegan twists. Their food looks so good, it kind of makes choosing your meal a nightmare, but I settled for The Wimpy Cheeseburger, and it did not disappoint! The famous mini dessert cakes (some gluten-free!) are so good that taking a few extra for “later” is basically compulsory. The Vegano Bistro
7. Bee Vegan – Budget-Friendly Local Eats
If you’re after simple, delicious Thai vegan-friendly food without the bells and whistles, Bee Vegan near Chiang Mai University is an absolute gem. It’s no-frills, but it’s friendly, ridiculously affordable, and the food is authentic and fantastic.
This is a classic case of why the “eat where the locals eat” rule exists! The menu is full of classic Thai dishes made vegan, from Pad See Ew and morning glory stir-fry to rich Penang curry. Most dishes cost around 50–70 baht (less than £2!), so it’s a brilliant option if you’re trying to stretch your wallet a little bit further.
Trust me, this is not a place where the price compromises the flavour – I ended up having quite a few meals here and every single one was “the best Thai food I ever had”… Bee Vegan
8. Alchemy Vegan Restaurant – Sweet Treats Galore
Last but definitely not least, Alchemy Vegan (previously known as Churro Gato) is a must-visit if you’ve got a sweet tooth. They specialise in vegan-friendly churros, but their expanded menu now includes pita wraps, vegan paninis, smoothie bowls, and an irresistible lineup of plant-based desserts.
Their churros are light, crispy, and come with a range of sauces (the dark chocolate one is a personal favourite). Plus, they have one of the best selections of vegan cakes in Chiang Mai.
Apparently, the café is run by a chemist-turned-chef—I’m not sure if that’s the secret to the perfect dessert, but it could be where we’ve all been going wrong…
If you’re in the Santitham area and find your sweet tooth is acting out, then this is where you need to head! Alchemy Vegan
9) Bonus Bit… Mama Noi Thai Cookery School
Mama Noi Thai Cookery School in Chiang Mai offers an immersive cooking class focused on making traditional Thai food using fresh, organic ingredients from their own garden.
While not exclusively vegan, the school accommodates plant-based diets by offering vegetarian and vegan options if you let them know in advance.
This cookery class isn’t confined to the kitchen, nope, you’ll get to enjoy a guided tour of a local Thai market, followed by a visit to the school’s own organic garden to harvest herbs and vegetables for their dishes.
The hands-on masterclass will see you learn how to prepare five dishes, including curries, stir-fries, and desserts, so bring a hungry tummy (and maybe some Tupperware boxes to take it home for later).
Just to make the whole experience even more adorable, you’ll receive a certificate to prove that you’re now Chiang Mai’s next top chef and a special cookbook to go with the title!
Final Thoughts
Chiang Mai is hands down one of the most vegan-friendly cities in Southeast Asia, and I honestly found it harder narrowing this list down than putting it together. Whether you’re looking for creative Western dishes, authentic Thai favourites, or just a laid-back café to chill with a smoothie, there’s no shortage of amazing vegan spots here.
I have a feeling that there will be a ‘volume two’ of this article in no time!
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