The food of Northern Thailand, like the language, traditional dress and architecture, is quite distinct from that of Bangkok and central Thailand.

Northern Thai cuisine differs from central Thai cuisine in that it is clearly influenced by the traditions of neighbouring Burma, Laos and Yunnan. To begin with, the staple is not khao suai, the soft, fragrant boiled rice of the central plains so familiar to Westerners. Instead, the Khon Muang prefer to eat khao niaw, or glutinous sticky rice. This is steamed, served in tiny wicker baskets, and eaten with the fingers along with a selection of spicy dips and curries.