Chiang Mai: Private Street Food Tour & 10 Tastings with Locals

Summary

Chiang Mai flavors with locals, temples and street food stories

You’ll wander Chiang Mai’s streets with a local guide, tasting 10 real dishes from spicy Khao Soi to sweet banana-leaf treats. Pause for temple visits and city stories between bites. Pick your own Thai tea style and laugh along as you try new flavors—this private food tour is about more than what’s on your plate.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I nearly missed the start because I got lost in the maze of scooters outside Mountain View Guesthouse. Our guide, Nok, just grinned and waved me over like she’d seen this before. First stop was something light (I think it was sticky rice with coconut?) — and I still remember the smell of lemongrass drifting from a nearby stall. There’s no rush here; Nok chatted with the vendor in Thai, then told us about her grandmother’s version of the dish. It made me wish I had a Thai grandma.

We wandered toward the monument, passing monks in orange robes and that constant low hum of traffic mixed with birdsong. The Thai tea stop surprised me — you get to pick how sweet you want it, hot or cold. Mine was so orange it almost glowed. Nok explained why, but honestly I was distracted by the ice clinking in my cup and some kids giggling nearby. That’s when I realized how much of Chiang Mai happens on these sidewalks.

Khao Soi came next at a tiny place Nok swore by (she winked and said “not for tourists”). The noodles were soft but the curry broth had this slow-building heat that made my nose tingle. We tried papaya salad too — spicy enough to make me cough, which made everyone laugh (including an old man at the next table who gave me a thumbs up). Somewhere between bites we ducked into a temple courtyard; gold everywhere, incense smoke curling up into sunlight. It felt good to pause for a second.

Honestly, I lost track after tasting number seven or eight — there were grilled meats, something crispy with herbs, and sweets wrapped in banana leaf that stuck to my fingers. Nok kept us moving but never hurried; she pointed out little things like hand gestures vendors use or why certain statues have flower garlands. It wasn’t just eating — it felt like being let in on how people here actually live day to day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chiang Mai local food and culture tour

• Meet guide at Mountain View Guesthouse
• Enjoy a light local dish
• Try Thai tea, choose sweetness and temperature
• Taste best Khao Soi in local restaurant
• Visit temple with viharn, ubosot, chdi, salas, and statues

Top questions

How many tastings are included in this Chiang Mai street food tour?

The tour includes 10 different food and drink tastings selected by your local guide.

Is this Chiang Mai food tour suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, vegetarian alternatives are available—just let your guide know any dietary needs.

Does the tour include visits to temples or city highlights?

Yes, you’ll see city highlights like temples between food stops during the tour.

Where does the private street food tour start?

The meeting point is Mountain View Guesthouse in Chiang Mai.

Is public transportation available near the starting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to Mountain View Guesthouse.

Are drinks included on this Chiang Mai street food tour?

Yes, drinks such as Thai tea are included among your 10 tastings.

Will our group be private or mixed with others?

This is a private tour—only you and your group will join your local guide.

What’s included

Your private Chiang Mai street food tour includes 10 carefully chosen tastings (with vegetarian options if needed), drinks like Thai tea, all guided by a local host who shares stories along the way. You’ll also see city highlights such as temples between food stops—and everything moves at your pace since it’s just your group and your guide.