Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Generous-portioned Thai in downtown Hilo with mixed service and flavor consistency; great for hearty plates, less ideal for purists or those sensitive to sweetness.
New Chiang Mai delivers solid neighborhood Thai with respectable food quality and generous portions that keep regulars returning, but inconsistent execution across visits and unreliable service attention prevent it from reaching higher standing. The pleasant downtown setting and fair value appeal to families seeking hearty comfort food, though recent service complaints suggest operational challenges that undermine reliability.
In downtown Hilo, New Chiang Mai serves Thai comfort in a bright room with warm, simple decor. Plates land big and colorful, and on good nights the staff feels quick and welcoming. One diner put it simply: "Portions were huge and we left with lunch for tomorrow." However, flavors and service can swing between visits, so expectations matter. The cooking leans classic—pad thai, curries, fried rice—with local seafood cameos rather than edgy fusion. Think vegetable-forward curries, peanuty Buddha Rama, and fresh summer rolls. Spice is adjustable, but some found dishes milder or sweeter than expected, and a few called the curries thin. When it clicks, it is satisfying, hearty Thai; when it misses, it can read bland or too sweet. Families do well here thanks to familiar choices like pad thai, satay, and fried rice, plus generous portions. There is no dedicated kids menu, but noodles and sticky rice make easy wins. If ordering vegetarian, confirm add-ins like mushrooms and spice levels to avoid surprises.
Area: Central downtown Hilo with small shops and local businesses; casual, neighborhood vibe serving residents and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe with regular foot traffic; typical downtown lighting and activity.
Nearby: Close to bayfront shops, galleries, and Volcanoes NP day-trippers; street parking norms.
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →