Grill Goals in Chiang Mai: Why Lert Ros is a Must-Try

/ Chiang Mai / By

Discovering Chiang Mai: A Hidden Gem Called Lert Ros

Chiang Mai has stolen my heart—again! 🌿 Compared to the bustling chaos of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is like a breath of fresh air: clean, peaceful, and oh-so-charming. It’s a small city perfectly wrapped in nature, with an artistic vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into an indie movie.

I’ve only explored Chiang Mai and Pai in Northern Thailand, but both places share this cozy, artsy, and slightly magical energy. Everywhere you look, the colors of nature blend seamlessly with the city, and it’s like being wrapped in a big warm hug from Mother Earth.

This trip marks my return to Chiang Mai after ten years, and guess what? It’s even more beautiful than I remembered! The city has grown with new and adorable shops everywhere, yet it’s held onto its unique character, like an old friend who hasn’t changed one bit. And let me tell you, that familiarity felt so comforting.

How I Found Lert Ros, the Famous Local Grill Spot

On my second day in Chiang Mai, I was wandering around near my hotel (you know, casually pretending I’m a local) when I remembered seeing a grilled fish restaurant pop up on TripAdvisor with sky-high ratings. The name? Lert Ros, also known as “that place that’s about to blow your taste buds away.”

Address: 18/4 Rachadamnoen Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

As soon as I turned the corner and saw the restaurant, I knew I was in the right place. The smell of charcoal-grilled fish wafting through the street? Heavenly. The small and humble storefront? Perfect. I could feel the decades of history just standing there.

The Vibes at Lert Ros

The first thing you’ll notice? They’re grilling fish right out front, and it smells divine. You can literally watch the cooks work their magic while you wait to be seated. When I arrived, it was just past lunchtime, but most tables were already full. Clearly, this place has a loyal fanbase!

My travel buddy and I managed to snag a table, and we immediately dove into the menu. Spoiler alert: we wanted to order EVERYTHING. 😅 But hey, when you’re traveling, you gotta live a little, right?

What We Ordered

So here’s the deal—I’m that girl who refuses to hold back when it comes to food while traveling. I’ll order way too much and somehow manage to finish it all (travel magic, I swear).

Here’s what made it to our table:

  1. Grilled Salted Fish
    The star of the show! 🐟 Perfectly grilled with a crispy, salty crust and tender, juicy meat inside. Dip it in their tangy, slightly spicy sauce, and you’re in food heaven.

  2. Charcoal-Grilled Pork
    Sweet, savory, and oh-so-tender. Pair it with some rice, and you’ll be daydreaming about it for weeks.

  3. Som Tum (Papaya Salad)
    A must-have when in Thailand! The spicy and zesty flavors balanced the grilled dishes so well. Plus, it felt like I was eating something healthy (win-win).

Why You NEED to Visit Lert Ros

Let me just say this: TripAdvisor did NOT lie. This place was AMAZING. No fancy frills, no over-the-top presentation—just simple, honest food made with love. The grilled fish was hands-down one of the best things I’ve eaten in Thailand, and every bite made me happier than the last.

The vibe? Chill and unpretentious. The prices? Super reasonable (140–160 baht for the grilled fish, which is like $5–6). The result? Two VERY happy girls who absolutely demolished their plates.

Final Thoughts

Lert Ros is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. From the smoky aroma of the grill to the comforting flavors of the food, everything about this place feels like a warm hug for your soul (and your stomach).

If you’re ever in Chiang Mai, do yourself a favor and visit this spot. Whether you’re a foodie, a traveler looking for authentic vibes, or just someone who appreciates good food, Lert Ros will not disappoint.

Now, excuse me while I go dream about that grilled fish again. Until next time, Chiang Mai! 💛