Searching for Jain food in Chiang Mai becomes surprisingly easier than in Bangkok or Phuket, thanks to the city’s thriving vegan and vegetarian culture. Moreover, Chiang Mai hosts Thailand’s largest concentration of pure vegetarian restaurants, many offering no onion, no garlic preparations perfect for Jain dietary requirements. Specifically, this guide organises Jain-friendly restaurants by meal time—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—helping you plan each day effortlessly.
Unlike Bangkok’s overwhelming size or Phuket’s beach resort isolation, Chiang Mai’s compact old town and university areas concentrate most vegetarian restaurants within 10-15 minutes of each other. Therefore, finding authentic Jain food in Chiang Mai throughout your day requires minimal travel while offering maximum variety from traditional Thai to international cuisines.
Why Perfect for a Jain Breakfast?
Pure Vegan Heaven specialises in wholesome morning meals using sweet potato, oats, and whole wheat bases. Additionally, everything is prepared fresh daily without onion or garlic naturally. Moreover, their breakfast menu focuses on fresh fruits, whole grains, and plant-based proteins—ideal Jain food principles.
What to Order:
Jain Confirmation: Request “no onion, no garlic” when ordering—staff understands completely. Additionally, ask about root vegetables in specific dishes since some bowls may contain sweet potato or carrot.
Contact Details:
Getting There: 15-minute drive from Old Town. Use Grab or Bolt taxi apps.
Why Excellent for Morning Meals:
Although Reform Kafe opens at 8 AM, their breakfast menu runs all day. Furthermore, this all-vegan restaurant understands dietary restrictions thoroughly since they serve health-conscious expats and digital nomads daily.
What to Order for Breakfast:
Jain Customisation: Simply inform staff you’re Jain—they’ll guide you through safe menu options. Additionally, they accommodate removing potatoes, carrots, or any root vegetables easily.
Contact Details:
Pro Tip: Arrives early (8-9 AM) before the morning rush. Additionally, bring your laptop—excellent WiFi and charging points make it perfect for working breakfasts.
Why Ideal for Group Lunches?
Aanchan offers spacious seating perfect for corporate groups or families. Additionally, their extensive menu clearly labels vegan options, and staff are trained specifically on dietary restrictions, including Jain requirements.
What to Order:
For Dessert: Almond hazelnut vegan cake (changes seasonally—confirm ingredients)
Contact Details:
Pro Tip: Arrive before 12:30 PM or after 2 PM to avoid lunch rush. Alternatively, book ahead for groups of 10+.
Why Choose Business Lunches:
Located inside Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort, Moreganic provides upscale vegetarian dining perfect for client meetings or business lunches. Furthermore, beautiful ambience and professional service elevate the experience beyond casual cafes.
What to Order:
Jain Accommodation: Staff trains in accommodating dietary restrictions. Specifically mention “Jain food—no onion, no garlic, no root vegetables” when ordering. They’ll consult the chef directly.
Contact Details:
Best For: Important client dinners, VIP guests, or when ambience matters as much as food quality.
Why Perfect for Jain: Hands-down favourite among vegans and locals. All-vegan restaurant with amazing flavours and reasonable prices. Understands dietary restrictions well.
What to Order:
Jain Customisation: Staff are very accommodating. Request “no onion, no garlic, no potato” – they understand completely.
Contact Details:
Why Great for Casual Group Dinners:
After days of Thai food, Salsa Kitchen offers Mexican comfort food completely customizable for Jain requirements. Moreover, their sister restaurant (Feast Society) shares the same commitment to quality and dietary accommodation.
What to Order:
Jain Customization: Staff accommodates requests easily. Simply state “no onion, no garlic, no potato” when ordering—they’ll adjust recipes accordingly.
Contact Details:
Group Friendly: Can accommodate 30-40 people comfortably. Additionally, lively atmosphere makes it perfect for team dinners or celebrations.
Why Excellent: Women-owned, 100% vegan pizzeria. Best vegan pizza in Chiang Mai! Strong ethical sourcing (partners with local organic farms).
What to Order:
Jain Requests: All pizzas can be customised without onion/garlic. Request no potato in any side dishes.
Contact Details:
Special: Uses non-GMO organic ingredients, partners with local farms!
For: DINNER (Late Night Option!)
Why Unique: Same owners as Goodsouls Kitchen. Beautiful inner courtyard garden setting. ONLY restaurant open until midnight – perfect for late dinners!
What to Order:
Jain Accommodation: Same staff training as Goodsouls – excellent understanding of dietary restrictions.
Contact Details:
Special Feature: Live band some evenings! Open the latest all-vegan restaurants in Chiang Mai.
While not a restaurant, the ISKCON Chiang Mai temple sometimes offers prasadam (blessed food) to visitors. Additionally, they can guide you to Jain-friendly eating options in the city.
Contact:
Print this card and show at any restaurant:
ภาษาไทยสำหรับอาหารเจน (Thai for Jain Food)
พวกเราทานอาหารแบบเจน (We eat Jain food)
ขอบคุณค่ะ/ครับ (Thank you)
| Meal | Budget Option | Mid-Range | Upscale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | THB 100-150 (~₹230-340) | THB 150-200 (~₹340-450) | THB 200-300 (~₹450-680) |
| Lunch | THB 80-150 (~₹180-340) | THB 150-250 (~₹340-570) | THB 250-400 (~₹570-900) |
| Dinner | THB 120-200 (~₹270-450) | THB 200-300 (~₹450-680) | THB 300-450 (~₹680-1,020) |
Daily Food Budget:
Firstly, Thailand’s second-largest city offers significantly more vegetarian restaurants per capita than Bangkok. Additionally, a strong expat and digital nomad community drives demand for quality vegan options. Moreover, university presence (Chiang Mai University) ensures affordable prices. Finally, compact city size means all restaurants sit within 10-20 minutes of each other—easy navigation even for first-time visitors.
Furthermore, Chiang Mai residents generally speak better English than other Thai cities, simplifying dietary communication. Therefore, explaining Jain requirements becomes less stressful, and staff rarely seem confused by special requests.
At Mastyatri, we specialise in planning Thailand tours for Indian travellers with specific dietary needs. Moreover, we understand Jain requirements intimately and pre-arrange all meals to eliminate daily stress about finding appropriate food.
Contact Us:
Whether visiting Chiang Mai independently or as part of larger Thailand tours, we ensure your Jain dietary needs are met effortlessly while you enjoy temples, markets, and mountain scenery.
Q1: Is Chiang Mai better than Bangkok for Jain food?
Yes, generally easier. Chiang Mai has higher concentration of pure vegetarian restaurants, and smaller size makes navigation simpler. Additionally, vegan culture stronger here than Bangkok.
Q2: Can Thai restaurants make food without onion and garlic?
Most vegetarian restaurants in Chiang Mai accommodate easily. However, always confirm before ordering since Thai cuisine traditionally uses both heavily.
Q3: What if I can’t find Jain food?
Fall back to fresh fruit from street vendors, coconut water, plain rice with vegetables, or 7-Eleven packaged snacks (check ingredients carefully).
Q4: Are these restaurants expensive?
No! Chiang Mai offers Thailand’s most affordable quality vegetarian food. Expect spending 40-50% less than Bangkok for comparable meals.
Q5: Do I need to book restaurants in advance?
Only for Moreganic (resort restaurant) or large groups (10+ people). Most cafes operate walk-in basis, though arriving before peak meal times avoids waiting.
Eccentric Blogger, Traveler and Consultant.
