Kai Yang Wan Na

Khao Suan Kwang, a district on the Mittraphap Highway north of Khon Kaen city, gave its name to one of Thailand's best-known styles of gai yang. Kai Yang Wanna has been grilling chicken here since 1973 and is listed in the 2026 Michelin Guide.

The chickens are butterflied, seasoned and cooked slowly over charcoal every day, giving crisp skin and smoky, well-seasoned meat. The rest of the menu covers Isaan standards such as som tam, larb and nam tok. It is a relaxed, family-style place with an air-conditioned room and veranda seating, popular with road-trippers.

What to order

• Gai yang Khao Suan Kwang: butterflied charcoal-grilled chicken, the reason to stop
• Som tam: pounded green papaya salad, ordered as spicy as you like
• Larb: minced meat salad with toasted rice and herbs
• Khao niao: sticky rice to eat with everything

Good to know

• Bring cash, as cards are not accepted.
• It sits on the main highway with its own car park, so it is easiest by car on the way between Khon Kaen and Udon Thani.
• Opening hours are not published; phone ahead if arriving late in the day.