Food In Pattaya

Pattaya offers a diverse culinary scene, catering to both locals and tourists. Here are some popular food types:

  1. Thai Street Food – Affordable and flavorful, featuring dishes like pad Thaisom tam (papaya salad), and moo ping (grilled pork skewers).
  2. Seafood – Fresh catches like grilled prawns, spicy seafood salads, and fried fish are widely available, especially at places like Pattaya Floating Market.
  3. International Cuisine – From Italian pasta and American burgers to Japanese sushi, Pattaya has many restaurants serving global flavors.
  4. Indian & Middle Eastern Food – Curries, kebabs, and biryanis are popular, particularly in areas like Soi Buakhao.
  5. Fast Food & Western Chains – McDonald’s, KFC, and Burger King are present for those craving familiar tastes.
  6. Vegetarian & Vegan Options – Many eateries offer plant-based versions of Thai and international dishes.

Indian Food

Pattaya has a vibrant Indian food scene with numerous restaurants serving authentic North and South Indian cuisine, as well as Indo-Chinese dishes. Here are some top places to enjoy Indian food in Pattaya:

Top Indian Restaurants in Pattaya

  1. Royal Indian Restaurant (Pattaya 2nd Road)
    • Famous for butter chicken, dal makhani, and tandoori dishes.
    • Affordable prices and generous portions.
  2. Punjabi by Nature (Central Pattaya)
    • Known for rich curries, biryanis, and kebabs.
    • Stylish ambiance with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
  3. Bombay Grill (Near Walking Street)
    • Specializes in Mughlai cuisine (kebabs, biryanis, and creamy curries).
    • Good for late-night dining.
  4. Apsara Indian Restaurant (Soi Buakhao)
    • Offers South Indian dosas, thalis, and North Indian favorites.
    • Budget-friendly with a relaxed vibe.
  5. Namaste India (Jomtien)
    • Great for vegetarian dishes, paneer tikka, and dal tadka.
    • Family-friendly with outdoor seating.
  6. Tandoori Nights (Naklua Road)
    • Authentic tandoori dishes, naans, and kebabs.
    • Popular among expats and tourists.
  7. Indian By Nature (The Avenue Mall, Pattaya)
    • Modern take on Indian cuisine with signature curries and biryanis.
    • Good for a slightly upscale experience.

Must-Try Dishes in Pattaya’s Indian Restaurants

  • Butter Chicken & Garlic Naan – Creamy tomato-based curry.
  • Hyderabadi Biryani – Fragrant spiced rice with meat or veggies.
  • Paneer Tikka Masala – Grilled cottage cheese in rich gravy.
  • Masala Dosa – Crispy South Indian crepe with potato filling.
  • Chole Bhature – Spicy chickpeas with fried bread.
  • Mango Lassi – Refreshing yogurt drink.

Local Food

Pattaya offers a variety of delicious local Thai food, with influences from Central Thailand and fresh seafood due to its coastal location. Here are some must-try local dishes and where to find them:

Must-Try Local Dishes in Pattaya

  1. Som Tam (Spicy Papaya Salad) – A refreshing yet spicy salad made with shredded green papaya, chili, lime, fish sauce, and peanuts.
    • Where to try: Street vendors along Soi Buakhao or Naklua Market.
  2. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup) – A hot and sour soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and fresh shrimp.
    • Where to try: Pupen Seafood (near Walking Street) or Mum Aroi (Naklua).
  3. Pla Pao (Grilled Salt-Crusted Fish) – A whole fish (usually tilapia or sea bass) stuffed with lemongrass and grilled over charcoal.
    • Where to try: Lan Pho Naklua Market or beachside restaurants.
  4. Pad Thai (Stir-Fried Noodles) – Classic Thai stir-fried noodles with egg, tofu, shrimp, and tamarind sauce.
    • Where to try: Ruen Thai Restaurant or street food stalls on Beach Road.
  5. Khao Pad Pu (Crab Fried Rice) – Fragrant fried rice cooked with fresh crab meat.
    • Where to try: Pupen Seafood or Somboon Seafood (Central Pattaya).
  6. Moo Yang (Grilled Pork) & Sticky Rice – Juicy marinated grilled pork served with sticky rice.
    • Where to try: Night markets (Thepprasit Night Market or Pattaya Floating Market).
  7. Hoi Tod (Crispy Oyster Omelette) – A crispy egg and oyster pancake served with sweet chili sauce.
    • Where to try: Naklua Fish Market or street food stalls.
  8. Gaeng Som (Sour Curry with Fish) – A tangy and spicy curry made with tamarind and fresh fish.
    • Where to try: Local Thai restaurants like Khao Gaeng Raan Kati (Pattaya Klang).

Best Places for Local Food in Pattaya

  • Naklua Market – Famous for fresh seafood and Thai street food.
  • Thepprasit Night Market (Fri-Sun) – Offers a wide variety of Thai dishes at affordable prices.
  • Pattaya Floating Market – A touristy but fun spot to try different Thai foods in one place.
  • Soi Buakhao Street Food Stalls – Budget-friendly and authentic local flavors.
  • Mum Aroi (Naklua) – A popular seafood restaurant by the water.

Fast Food

Pattaya is a great place for fast food lovers, offering both international chains and local Thai-style quick bites. Here’s a guide to fast food options in Pattaya:

International Fast Food Chains

  1. McDonald’s – Multiple locations, including Central Festival Pattaya and Pattaya Beach Road. Offers Thai-exclusive items like the McSamurai Pork Burger.
  2. KFC – Found in major malls and streets. Try the Zinger Burger or Spicy Thai-style chicken.
  3. Burger King – Locations at Terminal 21 and Central Festival. Known for the Whopper and flame-grilled burgers.
  4. Subway – For sandwiches and salads, available in Central Pattaya and Jomtien.
  5. Pizza Hut – Dine-in and delivery options, with Thai twists like Tom Yum Goong Pizza.
  6. Domino’s Pizza – Popular for delivery with local flavors.

Thai Fast Food & Street Food

  • Pattaya Night Markets (Walking Street, Thepprasit Market) – Quick, cheap, and delicious options like grilled pork skewers (Moo Ping), pad Thai, and mango sticky rice.
  • Food Courts (Central Festival, Terminal 21, Big C) – Affordable Thai meals like stir-fried noodles, fried rice, and som tam (spicy papaya salad).
  • Thai BBQ & Hot Pot Buffets (MK Restaurant, Coca Suki) – Fast-cooked meals with a DIY twist.

Western-Style Fast Food Alternatives

  • Hops Brew House – For burgers, fries, and beer.
  • Beefeater – British-style pub food with quick service.
  • The Pizza Company – Local chain with creative Thai-Western fusion pizzas.

Delivery Options

  • GrabFood and Foodpanda deliver fast food from McDonald’s, KFC, and local eateries.

If you’re craving quick, tasty, and affordable meals, Pattaya has plenty to offer—from global brands to authentic Thai street food!

Fruits

Pattaya, a popular tourist destination in Thailand, offers a wide variety of fresh tropical fruits, both in local markets and street stalls. Here are some fruits you can find in Pattaya and where to buy them:

Popular Fruits in Pattaya:

  1. Mango (มะม่วง – Mamuang) – Sweet and juicy, especially the Nam Dok Mai variety. Often eaten fresh or with sticky rice (Khao Niew Mamuang).
  2. Durian (ทุเรียน – Turian) – Known as the “king of fruits,” it has a strong smell but a rich, creamy taste.
  3. Mangosteen (มังคุด – Mangkhut) – Sweet and tangy with a purple rind, often called the “queen of fruits.”
  4. Rambutan (เงาะ – Ngo) – Hairy red fruit with sweet, juicy flesh.
  5. Longan (ลำไย – Lamyai) – Small, sweet fruit similar to lychee.
  6. Lychee (ลิ้นจี่ – Linchi) – Juicy and fragrant with a rough red shell.
  7. Pineapple (สับปะรด – Sapparot) – Sweet and less acidic than Western varieties.
  8. Dragon Fruit (แก้วมังกร – Kaew Mangkon) – Mildly sweet with vibrant pink or white flesh.
  9. Guava (ฝรั่ง – Farang) – Often eaten with a spicy-sweet salt dip.
  10. Coconut (มะพร้าว – Ma-phrao) – Refreshing water and soft meat, commonly sold at beaches.

Where to Buy Fruits in Pattaya:

  • Thepprasit Night Market – Open on weekends, offers fresh fruits and snacks.
  • Pattaya Floating Market – A tourist-friendly spot with fruit vendors.
  • Local Markets (Talad Ban Amphur, Naklua Market) – Cheaper prices, more authentic.
  • Street Vendors – Found along Beach Road, Walking Street, and Soi Buakhao.
  • Supermarkets (Tops Market, Big C, Lotus’s) – Clean, packaged fruits but slightly pricier.