Crispy Snakehead Fish Salad, Pickled Mustard Green Soup, Braised Duck Stir-Fried with Holy Basil at Mod Khao Tom Chiang Rai

Crispy Snakehead Fish Salad, Pickled Mustard Green Soup, Braised Duck Stir-Fried with Holy Basil at Mod Khao Tom Chiang Rai

If you travel to Chiang Rai, a city full of cultural charm and beautiful nature, one thing mr.hotsia never misses is stopping by to taste local food at Mod Khao Tom Chiang Rai. This is a long-established local restaurant I have visited many times. The atmosphere is simple, like eating at a friend's home, and most importantly, the food is flavorful and distinctive enough to keep me coming back.

The first dish I want to recommend isCrispy Snakehead Fish SaladCrispy snakehead fish mixed with a spicy salad dressing made from fresh bird's eye chilies, sliced shallots, and a perfectly balanced sweet and sour sauce. Eating it with hot steamed rice is incredibly satisfying. The difference here is that the fish is freshly fried, crispy but not too hard, and the dressing is perfectly blended.

Another dish I love so much I order every time isPickled Mustard Green SoupA hot, clear soup that refreshes the palate and cuts through richness very well. The broth is clear but flavorful, with the aroma of well-fermented pickled mustard greens. It’s not overly salty and contains minced pork and soft white tofu, melting smoothly in your mouth. Perfect for the cool weather of Chiang Rai as it warms your body instantly.

Another must-try dish I highly recommend isBraised Duck Stir-Fried with Holy BasilThe name might sound unusual, but the flavor is incredibly deep. The duck is braised until tender, then stir-fried with fragrant holy basil leaves and fresh bird's eye chilies. The taste is spicy and well-balanced, a unique dish I discovered in Chiang Rai that everyone should try at least once.

Why choose Mod Khao Tom Chiang Rai?

mr.hotsia loves the atmosphere here because it’s not a fancy restaurant but full of warmth from locals who come to eat every day. You get to experience the real Chiang Rai lifestyle—from the soft chatter of customers to the aroma of food wafting through the air. Most importantly, the prices are very reasonable compared to the quality and portion sizes.

The restaurant is located in downtown Chiang Rai, close to many important landmarks such asChiang Rai Clock Towerwhich features beautiful lighting and sound shows in the evening. If you stay ataffordable and good hotels in Chiang Rai citylike Suknirand Hotel where I have stayed, it’s just a short walk from the hotel.

Chiang Rai, a city you should not miss

Chiang Rai is not only known for its nature and beautiful temples likeWat Rong Khunbut also as a city of authentic local flavors that maintain the original boldness of Northern Thai cuisine. mr.hotsia enjoys strolling around downtown Chiang Rai, especially in the evening atSaturday Walking Street “Kad Chiang Khai Ram Luek”because besides delicious food, you also get to see the lifestyle and culture of Chiang Rai people up close.

And if you have more time, don’t forget to drive up toDoi Changwhich is a famous coffee-growing area in Chiang Rai. Doi Chang has great weather all year round and stunning views along the way, perfect for those who want to relax and truly immerse themselves in nature.

Summary of mr.hotsia’s experience

If you ask me which dish impressed me the most in Chiang Rai, I would say it’s the “Crispy Snakehead Fish Salad” and “Braised Duck Stir-Fried with Holy Basil” from Mod Khao Tom Chiang Rai. These flavors reflect the care of the cook and the freshness of local ingredients. Tasting these dishes in the atmosphere of the Chiang Rai city I love made this trip more meaningful and heartwarming.

If you plan to visit Chiang Rai, mr.hotsia recommends staying in the city near the Clock Tower so you can easily stroll around and enjoy local food. And don’t forget to stop by Mod Khao Tom Chiang Rai—you’ll surely fall in love with it just like I did.

For those interested in seeing the full atmosphere and signature dishes of Mod Khao Tom Chiang Rai, watch my video atthis linkplease.