Best Bread in Chiang Mai (3 Winners; 1 Loser; 1 Wild Card)

[Old Curmudgeon]

 

When it comes to bread in Chiang Mai, there are two aspects to consider:

1. bread served in restaurants

2. bread you can buy to take home

Years ago, there was a little restaurant near Kad-Suan-Kaew with a name like, "Amazing Sandwich: An Island In a Sea of Rice."

I don't know if still in business, and frankly I'm not going to check, because the sandwiches weren't great and the bread itself wasn't impressive -- just, I suspect, ordinary white bread from a plastic wrapper.
But back then, bread -- any bread -- was a welcome change from rice everywhere, and from the lack of good-quality bread here.

Now, in 2024, the situation is completely different.

Excellent bread is easily available here.
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The Best Bread in Chiang Mai Restaurants

Two restaurants share my Grand Prize for bread:

* That's It Schnitzel

Their homemade egg bread sandwich rolls are a delight:

• Soft, light crumb with subtle yeast + egg aroma
• Just slightly sweet
• Very thin crust
• Topped with sesame seeds

 

* Billy's Italian Restaurant

Billy's Italian bread is exceptional.

I'd bet it's homemade because bread this good doesn't come from a factory.

• Soft, delicate, slightly chewy crumb (as Italian bread should be)
• Warm yeast aroma
• Likely make with imported hard-wheat flour. 

 

 

Both deserve the top spot for their bread.

* Sausage King Garden

While I’m not sure if Sausage King bakes their bread in-house or sources it from an outside baker, the result is outstanding.

• Smooth, even crumb
• Light, soft crust
• Rich flavor and aroma of high-quality yeast

 

And this bread makes incredible breakfast toast.

As someone who has baked bread at home, using top-quality, high-protein flour and kneading by hand, I can honestly say Sausage King’s bread is my ideal.

I’ve never achieved this level myself, but they’ve nailed it.

 

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Bread for Take-Home or Delivery

 

Can you buy these excellent breads to take home or order for delivery?

 

I haven’t asked at That’s It Schnitzel or Billy’s Italian Restaurant, but I did inquire at Sausage King Garden.

Unfortunately, they didn’t seem very interested in selling their bread outside the restaurant.

Personally, I think their bread would be popular if they offered it for delivery through Grab, LineMan, or FoodPanda.

 

Do you know of other restaurants in Chiang Mai with outstanding bread—or bakeries where you can buy or order high-quality bread?

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Before I name the worst bread I've encountered, a quick detour:

Farmhouse Bread

I very much like Farmhouse Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread (not the "royal bread," which is too airy).

For a factory-made bread, it’s a fine product, and I buy it often.

And Farmhouse offers delivery with a minimum order of only 100 baht.

That said, I’m always looking to upgrade my sandwich bread, so I welcome suggestions from others.

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The Loser: TOPS In-Store Bakery

TOPS in-store bakery consistently delivers subpar bread.

Every variety I've tried is disappointing.

Why Is It So Bad?

 

1. The Business Reason

TOPS is increasingly moving to its own branded products, like "Smarter" and "Love the Value."

While prices are slightly lower than name brands, the quality is usually a lot lower.

Their bread seems to be made from very cheap commercial mixes.

The result?

Bread that is inconsistent and low in quality.

 

2. The Cultural Factor

In Thai culture, if something looks good, it must be good.

TOPS takes full advantage of that fallacy.

Their bread looks so good—big, shiny, and enticing.

But slice into it, and you’ll find a crumb full of air.

Bite into it, and you’ll discover there’s almost no flavor.

Do they skimp on the rye flour or skimp on the grains or something like that?

But with a hi-so name like, "German Rustical Dark Rye" the locals will snap it up.

 

 

I stopped buying any bread from the in-story bakery at TOPS years ago.

So my severe opinion here could be out-dated.

Their quality may have changed, may have improved.

If so, please post here to tell me and I'll give it another try.

But I will be very surprised if it is any good.

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The Wild Card: TikTok Bread

Now for the joker in the deck: bread ordered online from TikTok.

Yes, TikTok—for bread !

 

A few days ago, I placed an order for several loaves and some hamburger buns from two bakers I found on TikTok.

I haven’t received it yet, so can’t comment on the taste.

 

     

 

Will they be any good?

Only one way to find out—order and try.

If it turns out to be good, I’ll be pleased.

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Your Thoughts?

So, that’s my take on bread in Chiang Mai—the best, the worst, and a potential wild card.

What do you think?

Have you found any exceptional bread here?

What’s your favorite for sandwiches or toast?

 

[Keeps]

The UNIrish bakery next to and owned by UNIrish sports bar on Ratvithi Road (near Thapae Gate) does a very decent English crusty loaf. Both white and wholemeal. 50 baht for small and 80 baht (I think) for large. They will slice it for you if required. They have a fairly wide selection of other bread and rolls. Best to get there early though (opens at 9am) as they sell out quickly some days. 

[Old Curmudgeon]

49 minutes ago, Keeps said:

The UNIrish bakery next to and owned by UNIrish sports bar on Ratvithi Road (near Thapae Gate) does a very decent English crusty loaf. Both white and wholemeal.

 

Thank you @Keeps for mentioning UNIrish's bake shop.

Web site shows the name on the door now is "Crusty Loaf".

 

I'm wondering about delivery service.

Searched LINEMAN and FoodPanda, but no mention either UNIrish or Crusty Loaf.

Do you know about deliveries from Crusty Loaf bake shop?

[Keeps]

5 minutes ago, Old Curmudgeon said:

Do you know about deliveries from Crusty Loaf?

I don't know about deliveries. I always go in person as I like to see what I'm buying (and to see if there is anything else I fancy) and it's also on my morning route march.