Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a haven where ancient traditions and modernity blend in beautiful harmony. This enchanting city, with its backdrop of mist-wrapped mountains and lush jungles, is a treasure trove of cultural delights and culinary wonders. It's a place where the air is perfumed with the scent of street food spices by day and the night markets dazzle with their lively haggling and kaleidoscopic array of goods after sunset.

Wander through the old city's labyrinthine lanes, and you're likely to stumble upon a vibrant arts scene, serene temples that have stood the test of time, and, of course, the warm smiles of the local people. Chiang Mai's charm lies not just in its visual or spiritual appeal but in its ability to offer a gustatory adventure that's second to none.

Among the myriad experiences this city affords, its culinary souvenirs are particularly noteworthy, offering travellers a taste of Chiang Mai to bring back home. Listed below are the most popular Thai souvenirs you can bring home!

Read also: 10 Must-Try Chiang Mai Street Food

Table of Content

1. Northern Thai Sausage - Sai Oua
2. Cured Pork Sausages - Naem
3. Pork Rinds - Kaeb Moo
4. Green Chilli Dip - Nam Prik Noom
5. Red Chilli Dip -  Nam Prik Ong

Top 5 Souvenir Ideas From Chiang Mai

Top 5 Souvenir Ideas From Chiang Mai

Northern Thai Sausage - Sai Oua

Sai Oua is a type of grilled sausage found in northern Thailand and the Laotian region that is made out of coarsely chopped pork, lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal, coriander leaves, chilies, shallots, and other seasonings. Each bite releases rich, fragrant flavours especially of the lemongrass. Sai Oua is usually served as starter alongside the fiery Nam Prik Nume, a Thai version of salsa.

Sai Oua sold at the Warorot Market in Chiang Mai

Cured Pork Sausages - Naem

Also known as Jim Som (literally: sour meat), Naem is a type of fermented pork that is soured using cooked sticky rice. In the olden days when refrigerators have yet to be invented, there are usually plenty of meat left after a pig is slaughtered. In order to avoid letting the excess go to waste, the pork would then be finely chopped and combined with leftover sticky rice to be preserved. The result? A addictive and delicious pork dish with a very distinctive sourness that sets it apart from every other type of cured meat in the world. Aroi mak mak!

Easy packs of Naem Taeng sold in the markets

Pork Rinds - Kaeb Moo

Diving into the culinary heart of Chiang Mai, one cannot help but be enchanted by the delightful Kaeb Moo - a local treasure where pork rinds are transformed into crispy, golden brown morsels of joy. Deep-fried with a generous seasoning of salt, cloves, crushed coriander stalks, and garlic, each bite offers a crunchy exterior that gives way to deliciously fatty pockets, melting delicately upon the palate.

It's a perfect embodiment of how simple ingredients, when combined with a touch of local culinary wizardry, can create something utterly sublime. As these cracklings crumble in your mouth, they not only offer a taste of Chiang Mai's rich culinary heritage but also tell a tale of tradition and taste that is waiting to be discovered.

Pretty much crushed, but still good!

Green Chilli Dip - Nam Prik Noom

Imagine the zesty kick of Thailand in a single scoop – that's Nam Prik Noom for you, a vibrant concoction that's the very soul of a joyous feast in Chiang Mai. It doesn't merely flirt with your meal; it waltzes boldly across your plate, partnering splendidly with virtually any dish laid before you.

Crafted from an ample throng of the fiery Prik Chee Fah peppers, this chunky, verdant relish sparks a tango of flavours upon the tongue. It's an adventurous dip, much like a Thai twist to the classic salsa, inviting the bold traveller to awaken their palate and embrace a refreshingly heated companionship with every bite. So, go ahead, my fellow epicureans, and let this green chilli dip whisk you away to the bustling streets of Chiang Mai where the culinary zest knows no bounds.

Nam Prik Noom bottled and travel-friendly

Red Chilli Dip -  Nam Prik Ong

Nam Prik Ong offers a tantalising invitation to a gastronomic adventure. Often fondly dubbed as the "Thai Bolognese", this red chilli dip offers a sensory seduction that's slightly gentler compared to its green counterpart. Picture the mellow swirl of tomato-based paste, enriched with finely minced pork and a dash of the enigmatic bird’s eye chillies, crowned with the fragrant whisper of coriander.

Each taste of Nam Prik Ong is a thrilling exploration of Thai gastronomy, where flames dance more softly, creating a harmony of heat, umami, and spice that's both an indulgence and an introduction to the culinary worldview of the Land of Smiles. So, go ahead, seize your culinary compass and let this unique dip guide you through an odyssey of Thai cuisine – each bite promising a journey full of surprising revelations and fiery delights.

Example of Nam Prik Ong sold in Chiang Mai

Going on a culinary treasure hunt in Chiang Mai is a delightfully effortless affair, thanks to the meticulous care with which these local delicacies are prepared, sealed, and packaged, ready for you to take on your journey back home. The snack mentioned above is but a tantalising glimpse into the cornucopia of gastronomic gifts Chiang Mai offers, each one a perfect token of appreciation for those awaiting your return.

By bringing back a piece of this culinary paradise, you're not just sharing a snack; you're extending an invitation to loved ones to savour the bold, intricate flavours that define this enchanting part of the world. So, as you wander through the vibrant markets, let the rich palette of tastes inspire you to collect these culinary souvenirs, knowing they're crafted to travel well and ignite wanderlust with every bite.