Walter Ponce
Finding out how simple it is to be a vegetarian in Chiang Mai was a welcome treat. There are a ton of choices accessible throughout the city, including different cuisines. But Vegan Heaven goes a step further by being entirely vegan, and it also serves Thai cuisine and a wide variety of breakfast options.
The decor look very western, and actually describe themselves on their website as “Chiang Mai’s First 100% Vegan Western Restaurant”.
The restaurant was pleasant, but it was clearly designed for actual vegans. There were numerous quotations from well-known vegans on the walls. For real vegans, I’m sure they would have been very motivating, but for us, they just served to make me feel bad about all the meat, seafood, and dairy I’d consumed the week before. However, the cuisine was excellent. Smoothies were served first. I drank a green drink that was actually 90% apple juice with some kale added to make it look green. Karl drank some delicious fruit drink.
In terms of what’s actually on the menu, Vegan Heaven also has the most range out of anywhere we ate. They have a hearty “western” section, who’s standouts include the chicken and red meat substitute burgers, hot dogs, “chicken” wraps, a few different spaghetti options, cauliflower “chicken wings”, a couple different multi-tiered sandwiches, a massive English breakfast, a few raw salads, sushi, cold and deep fried spring rolls and lots more.
My favorite section had the most choices and was appropriately titled “Thai.” Green and red curries, soups, rice- and noodle-based dishes, drinks, and desserts all have at least one entire page on the menu devoted to them. They offer a wide variety of hot and cold beverages, including alcoholic cocktails, hot coffee, ten various teas, iced coffee, iced tea, and chocolate, as well as a large number of juices and smoothies, the finest of which was the Strawberry Shake with Coconut Milk, which could also have chia seeds added.
They also have you covered for regions in the west. Order the “Chocolate Vegan Brownie” if you enjoy dessert. Although it resembles a cake more than a brownie, it is still incredibly tasty and was the best value for money dessert we discovered in Chaing Mai at only 60 THB (1.8 USD). They also offer deep-fried bananas, veggie ice cream, waffles, the traditional Thai dish of mango with sticky rice, and more.
**Vegan Heaven Address: **44, 6 Loi Kroh Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
**Vegan Heaven Website: **https://www.veganheavencm.com/ **Vegan Heaven Menu: **https://veganheavencm.com/our%20menu
Why Chiang Mai Is Great for Vegetarians and Vegans
Chiang Mai has a reputation as one of the easiest cities in Southeast Asia for plant-based eating. A large community of long-stay travellers and digital nomads, many Buddhist temples and a strong café culture have created a huge range of vegetarian and vegan restaurants.
A few things help:
- “Jay” food. Look for yellow flags with red lettering. They mark Thai vegan food stalls, which follow a Buddhist-Taoist diet without meat, dairy, eggs and often without garlic and onion.
- Tofu and mushrooms are everyday ingredients in northern Thai cooking.
- Most menus are in English in the Old City and Nimmanhaemin areas, and many mark vegetarian dishes clearly.
Useful Thai Phrases
- “Gin jay” – I eat vegan (jay) food.
- “Mai sai nuea sat” – Without meat.
- “Mai sai nam pla” – Without fish sauce.
- “Mai sai kai” – Without egg.
Fish sauce and shrimp paste are common in Thai cooking, so it is worth asking at non-vegetarian restaurants.
Where It Is
Loi Kroh Road runs between the Old City and the Ping River, close to the Night Bazaar area. It is a lively street with bars, massage shops and restaurants, and is within walking distance of Tha Phae Gate.
Getting Around Chiang Mai
- Songthaews (red trucks): Shared taxis that you can flag down. Agree on the price before getting in.
- Ride-hailing apps: Widely used and convenient for fixed prices.
- Walking: The Old City and the Night Bazaar area are compact and easy to explore on foot, though it gets hot at midday.
- Bicycle or scooter rental: Common, but traffic can be chaotic.
What to Do Nearby
- Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, a short walk away, with handicrafts, clothes and street food in the evening.
- Tha Phae Gate, the most famous gate of the old city walls.
- Wat Chedi Luang, a large ruined chedi in the Old City.
- Wat Phra Singh, one of the most important temples in the city.
- Sunday Walking Street on Ratchadamnoen Road, a big weekly market.
- Warorot Market, a local market by the river.
Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai
- November to February: Cool season, with comfortable days and fresh evenings. The most popular time to visit.
- March to April: Hot, and often the smoky “burning season”, when air quality can be poor.
- May to October: Rainy season, greener landscapes and fewer tourists.
Festivals like Yi Peng and Loy Krathong (usually in November) bring lanterns and crowds, so book accommodation early if you travel then.
Tips for Eating Vegan in Chiang Mai
- Try both Western and Thai dishes. Many vegan restaurants in the city do both.
- Look for vegan versions of classics such as khao soi, the northern Thai curry noodle soup.
- Join a vegan cooking class. Several cooking schools in the city offer plant-based options.
- Check opening hours. Small restaurants can change hours or close for holidays, so confirm before you go.
Similar Places in Chiang Mai
The Old City and Nimmanhaemin neighbourhoods both have many vegan and vegetarian cafés, from smoothie-bowl spots to Thai jay buffets. Searching “jay” or “vegan” on a maps app while in the city usually brings up a long list of options.
FAQ
Is Vegan Heaven fully vegan? Yes, it describes itself as a 100% vegan restaurant, serving both Western and Thai food.
Where is it? On Loi Kroh Road, between the Old City and the Night Bazaar.
Is Chiang Mai good for vegans? Yes. It is one of the best cities in Asia for plant-based food, with many dedicated restaurants and jay stalls.
What does “jay” mean? It refers to Thai vegan food following a Buddhist-Taoist diet, often marked with yellow flags.
What is the best time to visit Chiang Mai? November to February, during the cool season.
