The northern herb sausage: coarsely chopped pork packed with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaf, shallot, garlic and chilli, coiled and grilled over charcoal.
Sai ua is the everyday flavour of the north, sold by weight from coiled rings at every Chiang Mai market. Its dense herb-and-spice paste, heavy on lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaf, turmeric and dried chilli, reflects the Shan and Burmese influence that separates Lanna cooking from the milder central Thai plate. Traditionally it was a way to use and preserve pork, seasoned generously and grilled slowly over coals until the casing blisters. Warorot Market stalls like Dam Rong built reputations on their recipes, and today sai ua travels home with visitors as the north's edible souvenir.
3 editor picks for Sai ua in Chiang Mai, ranked by editorial score. All Chiang Mai signature dishes · Sai ua across every city.
Huen Muan Jai ★ 4.6
chang-phueak · 24 Ratchaphuek Alley, Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai 50300
A garden Lanna house and longtime Michelin Bib Gourmand, plating northern curries, herb sausage and smoky chili dips under its wooden garden pavilions.
Sai Ua Dam Rong ★ 4.3
chang-khlan · Warorot Market, Wichayanon Road, Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai 50300
The famous Warorot Market sausage stall, coiling lemongrass-and-herb sai ua sold by weight alongside pork rinds and chili dips, the benchmark for the dish.
Tong Tem Toh ★ 4.3
nimman · 11 Nimmanhaemin Soi 13, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai 50200
The teak-and-brick Nimman courtyard where students and tourists queue for a broad northern menu of herb sausage, chili dips and sticky rice.