Khao Soi Por Jai: Classic Northern Thai Noodles in Chiang Rai
Khao Soi Por Jai is a famous khao soi shop in Chiang Rai that has been cooking for over 40 years, with house-pounded curry paste and a well-balanced broth.
Meeting Point Management Team
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Quick answer
Khao Soi Por Jai is a khao soi and nam ngiao shop that has been open for over 40 years on Jet Yod Road in central Chiang Rai, near the Clock Tower. The curry paste is made in-house. There's chicken, shrimp and fish khao soi, sai ua sausage and chive cakes, from 40 baht. Open daily 7am to 5pm.
Key takeaways
- Open for over 40 years on Jet Yod Road, near Chiang Rai's Clock Tower
- House-pounded curry paste, balanced and not heavy
- Chicken, shrimp and fish khao soi, plus nam ngiao
- Homemade sai ua sausage and well-filled chive cakes
- From 40 baht, open daily 7am to 5pm; parking is tricky
Say "khao soi" and most people think of northern Thai food. Today we're taking you to eat at Khao Soi Por Jai, a famous shop in Chiang Rai. If you're visiting Chiang Rai, don't miss it; you'll love it.
Khao soi is a staple of northern Thai cooking. If you visit the north and don't eat it, it's like you haven't really arrived. It's practically compulsory.
Chiang Rai is Thailand's northernmost province and has a long history. It was once part of the Yonok Chiang Saen kingdom. King Mangrai came across this fertile, beautiful land by chance, brought people to settle here and founded the kingdom of Chiang Rai in 1262 (B.E. 1805).
To us, Chiang Rai is like a sweet, gentle young woman. The people are simple, kind and very welcoming to visitors. Getting around and planning a trip is easy. It's a city in the valleys, with great food, lots of art, and mountains and beautiful nature all around.
Besides the natural beauty, another charm of Chiang Rai is its local northern food, with flavors you won't find anywhere else, especially the khao soi and nam ngiao at Por Jai, an old shop that has been serving for more than 40 years.
Khao Soi Por Jai occupies two adjoining shophouses on the street by the roundabout in central Chiang Rai. Parking is a bit tricky; you may need to circle around or park at the Wangcome Hotel (30 baht per entry). The shop itself is easy to find, close to the Clock Tower.
The shop pounds its own curry paste, heavy on spices, with a fresh taste that isn't too heavy or rich. If you like khao soi with plenty of broth to sip, give it a try. There's chicken, shrimp and fish khao soi.
What we tried:
Chicken khao soi
Delicious, as they say up north. The broth is well rounded and needs no extra seasoning. It's not too rich, though not super punchy either. The pickled greens are great. Squeeze in some lime, add shallots, mix it all up and you won't want to stop.
Sai ua sausage with sticky rice
The northern sausage is very fragrant, tightly packed and not at all gamey. It's made in-house and fully spiced. Eaten with sticky rice, it's very filling.
Chive cakes (kanom gui chai)
Cheap and tasty, with lots of filling and a soft wrapper. A great way to finish. A savory meal without something sweet never feels complete.
We can honestly say we were very pleased (por jai) with our meal at Khao Soi Por Jai. We were stuffed. Every trip to the north makes us happy, and the food is a big part of that.
Por Jai, Jet Yod Road, Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai
Open daily: 7:00am to 5:00pm
Tel: 053 712 935, 089 700 2624
Prices from 40 baht
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FAQ
What are Khao Soi Por Jai's opening hours?
Open daily 7am to 5pm. Tel: 053 712 935 or 089 700 2624.
Where is Khao Soi Por Jai?
On Jet Yod Road, Wiang subdistrict, central Chiang Rai, by the roundabout near the Clock Tower.
How much does it cost?
Prices start at 40 baht.
Where can I park?
Street parking is hard to find. You can park at the Wangcome Hotel for 30 baht per entry.
The Meeting Point management team loves eating, travelling, temple visits and lifestyle. We pick the restaurants, cafes, stays, attractions and temples we have visited ourselves and write about them honestly.
