Northern Thai cuisine, also known as Lanna cuisine, offers a culinary journey through a rich and diverse heritage, promising a delightful adventure for your taste buds. It boasts a distinct culinary tradition that sets it apart from other Thai regions. A myriad of influences from neighboring countries like Myanmar, Laos, and China, combined with the local climate and geography, have helped shape the exceptional Northern Thai cuisine, which promises to be an adventure in itself.
Northern Thai food is characterized by herbal, subtly seasoned flavors, a contrast to the fiery spice of Southern Thai cuisine. Traditional northern dishes lean heavily on fresh, locally sourced ingredients like herbs, vegetables, and pork or chicken. One of the main staples is sticky rice, eaten with the fingers and used to scoop up other food. For breakfast, many locals (and 8Adventures staff!) enjoy sticky rice with barbequed pork- Khao Ngiaw Moo Ping.
We can’t talk about Northern Thai cuisine without mentioning Khao Soi, a rich and creamy coconut curry noodle soup, topped with crispy noodles and served with lime, pickled mustard greens, and shallots on the side. Another quintessential Northern Thai dish is Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiaw, a tangy tomato and pork-based soup served over rice noodles. This dish provides a delightful array of flavors and textures, from the softness of the noodles to the chewiness of the pork, balanced with the sharp, fresh notes of tomato and spices.
Other noteworthy dishes include Sai Ua (Northern Thai sausage) full of herbs and spices, and Larb, a spicy minced meat salad flavored with a range of aromatic herbs. Order the local Chiang Mai larb, Larp Muang.
Northern Thai cuisine promises a delightful and diverse dining experience, allowing you to savor the regional flavors of this beautiful part of Thailand. Next time you’re visiting 8Adventure’s make sure to indulge in the rich and flavorful dishes of Northern Thailand, and let your taste buds embark on an adventure of their own!
