Sesame Rice @ Chiang Rai Walking Street

Sesame Rice at Chiang Rai Walking Street: A taste and atmosphere mr.hotsia never forgets

Speaking of Chiang Rai Walking Street on Saturdays, called “Kad Chiang Rai Remembrance,” this place is not just an ordinary market but a space full of the lifestyle and culture of Chiang Rai people blended with the aroma of local foods that are hard to find in big cities. On my latest visit, I, mr.hotsia, discovered a must-try dish called “Sesame Rice” that was so delicious I had to take out my camera to record a clip (watch the clip atSesame Rice @ Chiang Rai Walking Street)

The sesame rice at Chiang Rai Walking Street is extraordinary because it uses perfectly cooked jasmine rice. The flavor is mellow from finely ground roasted sesame seeds generously sprinkled on top, complemented by side dishes such as salted egg, fried shallots, roasted peanuts, and fresh vegetables that add a refreshing touch to every bite. The real highlight is the sesame sauce made by the shop, which is neither too sweet nor too salty but has a balanced savory taste perfect for those who enjoy a rich yet moderate flavor.

I remember sitting and eating the sesame rice surrounded by the lively sounds of tourists and locals chatting as they shopped for handicrafts, snacks, and local drinks mixed with the scent of Thai spices and herbs in the air. This made eating the sesame rice an experience filled with feelings and memories beyond just the taste.

How to Get There and Nearby Accommodation for Travelers

If you are planning to try the sesame rice at Chiang Rai Walking Street, I, mr.hotsia, recommend staying in downtown Chiang Rai for convenience and proximity to many main attractions such as the Chiang Rai Clock Tower or the landmark Wat Rong Khun (read more atWat Rong Khun, the White Temple of Chiang Rai)

The hotel I stayed at on this trip wasSuknirand Hotelwhich is located next to the Chiang Rai Clock Tower and the walking street, making it very convenient for me to walk to eat sesame rice and stroll along the walking street. The hotel is affordable, and the air-conditioned room I bargained for was very worthwhile considering the location and comfort. Additionally, nearby there is the Yellow Truck Coffee shop I previously wrote about inYellow Truck Coffee, Clock Tower, Chiang Raiperfect for those who enjoy morning coffee or a break before sightseeing.

Chiang Rai Walking Street: The Unmissable Kad Chiang Rai Remembrance

Chiang Rai Walking Street has a charm comparable to anywhere else in Thailand, especially on Saturdays at “Kad Chiang Rai Remembrance” on Thanalai Road, where I took a detailed stroll. It is a market with food, goods, handicrafts, and most importantly, a warm and friendly atmosphere of genuine locals. Walking, eating, and tasting at various stalls selling local dishes and desserts such as sesame rice, traditional pad thai, fresh herbal drinks, and mango sticky rice ice cream that I have previously described (see more details atMango Sticky Rice Ice Cream, Chiang Rai)

The interesting aspect of Kad Chiang Rai Remembrance is the cultural diversity. It’s not only Chiang Rai locals but also various hill tribe people and tourists from around the world gathering here, giving the market a lively and colorful vibe unlike anywhere else in Thailand. I, mr.hotsia, enjoy wandering here until I lose track of time because each stall has an interesting story. For example, the sesame rice stall I ate at has been open for a long time, and the owner shared the secret recipe of the sesame sauce passed down to the second generation.

Connections to Other Attractions in Chiang Rai

When you visit Chiang Rai, sesame rice at the walking street is just the starting point to truly experience the lifestyle and culture of Chiang Rai. Before or after strolling the walking street, I recommend visiting the stunningWat Rong Khunwith its unique architecture, or taking an evening walk to see theChiang Rai Clock Towerwhich features beautiful light and sound shows at night.

For nature lovers and road trip enthusiasts, I have written about the route to Doi Chang, not far from Chiang Rai (Driving Trip to Doi Chang), which has coffee plantations and interesting hill tribe villages. If you have several days in Chiang Rai, I recommend setting aside time to experience the atmosphere of Doi Chang as well.

Summary of mr.hotsia’s Impressions of Sesame Rice at Chiang Rai Walking Street

Tasting sesame rice at Chiang Rai Walking Street is not just about food but about experiencing the genuine lifestyle of the locals. This place is warm, culturally diverse, and filled with the northern city’s unique atmosphere blended perfectly. This kind of food is hard to find in big cities, and if you want to deeply experience Chiang Rai, trying sesame rice here on a Saturday is an experience I, mr.hotsia, highly recommend.

If you want to know more about Chiang Rai, you can read other stories I have written, includingAffordable and Good Hotels in Chiang Rai CityorStrolling Around Chiang Rai Cityto plan a complete trip covering nature, culture, and food.