Answer
• It is customary to greet the staff with a smile and a polite 'Sawasdee' (hello).
• Always remove your shoes before entering a restaurant that has a raised floor or is a traditional setting.
• When dining, it is polite to wait for the host to start the meal before you begin eating.
• Using a spoon and fork is common; the fork is used to push food onto the spoon, which is used for eating.
• Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving small change is a nice gesture.
Practical Chiang Mai planning note: Choose by location, dietary needs, hygiene, atmosphere and the time you plan to visit rather than relying on a single "best" list. Menus, opening days and stall locations change, especially at markets and seasonal venues.