As a gluten-free, paleo-inspired eater I’m always on the look-out for wholesome and nourishing “real food” in the cities I travel to. You know, the basics…that aren’t so basic in flavor. I prioritize organic and farm-to-table, but understand that not every country is going to make Paleo eating as easy as Sydney. One can dream!

But Thailand isn’t as difficult as you may think. In fact, Chiang Mai may surprise you. The restaurants listed below serve up crazy good (and of course healthy!) breakfast options. They’re also a nice alternative to the street food you’ve probably been eating waaayy too much of in Thailand. 

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day (as the story goes), so make sure to start your day right by visiting one of these healthy breakfast restaurants in Chiang Mai:

Rustic & Blue

Outdoor eating at Rustic & Blue has a down home, backyard barbecue vibe. Complete with hay bales and string lights. And personally, I think string-lights are the cherry on top of outdoor ambience. But the food, oh, the food! Rustic & Blue instantly jumped to my #1 favorite restaurant in Chiang Mai after eating their eggs benedict. It’s ranking solidified after eating both the baked sea bass and gluten-free, chickpea-crust pizza for lunch. Fresh and flavorful doesn’t even begin to describe all of the menu options at Rustic & Blue.

Favorite Breakfast Options:

• Eggs benedict + rawsome green smoothie (pictured)
• Scrambled eggs with house-cured smoked bacon
• Chia seed cashew pudding with homemade granola (*contains oats)

Address: Nimmanhaemin Soi 7, Chiang Mai 50130
Hours: Open everyday, 8:30am – 10pm
Website: www.facebook.com/rusticandbluechiangmai

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Food4Thought

Food4Thought takes healthy, mindful eating to an entirely new level. On each table you’ll find a “book for thoughts” – where patrons are encouraged to comment, note or scribble. On chalkboards you’ll find inspirational, uplifting quotes. But honestly, the real inspiration is the food. Generous portions and fresh ingredients make Food4Thought a restaurant you’ll go back to again and again (and again!). An added bonus is Bay’s Coffee (which shares the space) and serves up outstanding beverages and plenty of gluten-free desserts.

Favorite Breakfast Options:

• “Big” breakfast + raw passion mango smoothie (pictured)
• Poached eggs with asparagus
• Western or Thai-style omelette

Address: 15/5 Moo, Chang Phueak Subdistrict, Chiang Mai 50300
Hours: Tues – Sat, 10:30am – 8:30pm
Website: www.facebook.com/Food4ThoughtCM#_=_

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Blue Diamond Breakfast Club

When a restaurant has “breakfast” in the name, you know where you’ve got to go! Blue Diamond is a mini oasis within the bustling old city. Behind a large, unassuming wall lies the tranquility of green trees, flowing water, healthy food and an extensive menu.  Their onsite health shop is an added bonus, providing organic fruits, veggies, nuts and would you believe it, homemade coconut yogurt! If you’re in the mood for a splurge, their gluten-free, paleo(ish) baked goods are the bees knees.

Favorite Breakfast Options:

• Mixed vegetable omelette + carrot, beet, ginger juice (pictured)
• Eggs (any way), ham, bacon, fruit, juice
• Homemade yogurt and fruit plate

Address: Moon Muang Road Soi 9, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Hours: Mon – Sat, 7am – 9pm
Website: www.facebook.com/BlueDiamondTheBreakfastClubCmTh

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Have any favorite, healthy cafes in Chiang Mai to add to the list? Share below!