Thailand is not only the Land of Smiles, but also the land of dipping sauces. Across the country, you’ll find hundreds of regional nam phrik, or chili dips, each with its own character. In the North, the most popular by far is nam phrik num, the smoky green chili dip that defines Northern Thai flavor.
Nam phrik num: Lanna’s best dip
Nam phrik num hails from northern Thailand, its shades of green — from pale to deep — born from young chilies that thrive in Lanna. Long and yellowish-green, they carry a gentler heat than most. To make the dip, you only need a handful of extras: shallots, garlic and salt for depth and aroma. Some cooks add fish sauce, chopped fermented fish or grilled shrimp paste wrapped in banana leaves. Quick to prepare yet packed with flavor, nam phrik num has been a northern table staple for centuries.First, toss those green chilies and friends on the grill, then pound away until everything turns into a silky mash. Et voilà — you’ve got a dip that hits salty, sweet and just the right whisper of heat. The smoky perfume of charred chilies, shallots and garlic is enough to make anyone swoon. Nam phrik num is the ultimate all-rounder — scoop it up with crisp veggies, pair it with local favorites, or simply show it off as the North’s pride in a bowl.
Samrab nam phrik num: Northern Thai charcuterie
The fun of nam phrik num isn’t just in tasting the subtle differences from recipe to recipe. It’s also in the way the samrab — a spread not unlike Western charcuterie — is laid out with an array of meats and vegetables. Some sets favor steamed vegetables, while others insist on raw, but the star theme is always local ingredients, especially pork.The undisputed must-have is khab mu (crispy pork crackling). No platter is complete without it. Other porky companions often include chin som or naem (fermented pork sausage), chin tod (fried meat), and sai oua (spiced northern sausage packed with herbs). Some versions go even further with mu yo (pork sausage steamed in banana leaves) and boiled eggs. Together, the combination is known as hors d'oeuvres mueang — a northern-style appetizer spread that may also feature other dips alongside nam phrik num.
What pairs well with nam phrik num?
A platter of nam phrik num is already satisfying on its own, thanks to the mix of textures. But it can be made even more lum tae — a northern expression for “delicious” — when paired with other dishes.The simplest companion is sticky rice or steamed rice. Lab nuea or lab mueang (northern-style spicy minced meat salad), made from pork or beef, is a popular match. For something rarer, try lu (raw meat salad). kaeng hang le (rich northern pork curry) and tam khanun (jackfruit salad) bring extra intensity.
If the heat gets overwhelming, balance it with khai pham (grilled ant eggs wrapped in banana leaf) or cool down with jaew pakkad (clear sour soup with Chinese cabbage). For pure indulgence, pu ong (creamy crab paste served in shells) adds a rich, luxurious note to any samrab nam phrik num.
Where to enjoy nam phrik num
Although nam phrik num is a northern specialty, people across Thailand love it too — which makes this chili dip easy to find nationwide. In Bangkok, spots like Maan Muang (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025) and Huen Lamphun (Taling Chan) (Recommended, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025) bring the flavors of Lanna to the capital.If you’re heading north, don’t miss Gongkham (Recommended, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025), Lumdee Te Khuadang (Recommended, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025), and Krua Lawng Khao (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025). We’ve also put together a full list of restaurants offering northern dining experiences. For a true taste of Lanna to take home, you can even find jars of nam phrik num at local markets.
Now that you know where to eat, explore where to stay with MICHELIN Guide Hotels.
It’s time to plan your trip north for an authentic nam phrik num experience. The nature and culture of Chiang Mai, along with neighboring Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son, are waiting to be explored. For updates on travel destinations, call the TAT Call Center at 1672 or follow TAT’s Facebook page, 1672 Travel Buddy.
READ FURTHER: 11 Must-try Places In Chiang Mai For Northern Thai Food
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This post is brought to you in partnership with Tourism Authority of Thailand
