Pattaya is one of Thailand’s most popular holiday destinations and it comes as no surprise there the food on offer in this town is fantastic. As someone who loves to explore new food, this place will give you a great range of flavors and experiences. You can find anything from street vendors to high end dining spots and you’ll quickly find when visiting that Pattaya caters to every palate and every occasion. The local food scene is a vibrant mix of cultures and tastes that keeps me coming back for more.
High End Dining
If you’re looking to try some of the fine dining establishments in Pattaya, you will not be disappointed. Depending where you choose to eat you will get a different experience but if you are going to one of them near the sea, you can expect great views and a see breeze. The seafood in Pattaya really is a standout feature. Whether it’s a juicy lobster tail or a beautifully seasoned crab dish, the seafood here really represents the city’s culinary excellence.
The Street Food Symphony
Even though fine dining is an amazing experience, let’s not forget the street food. Walking through a night market in Pattaya will have your taste buds tingling. The air is thick with the mouthwatering aroma of grilled meats and spicy noodles where vendors serve up everything from spicy somtam to rich and satisfying pad Thai. These dishes are often cooked right in front of you and are as authentic as it gets. I’ll never forget the first time a vendor handed me a mango sticky rice, my word, it was glorious!
A World of International Tastes
What’s truly fascinating about Pattaya is its cosmopolitan dining options largely due to the amount of international travelers and expats who visit and live in the city. Pattaya boasts a great range of international food that cater to pretty much everyone. Among my favorites are the authentic Indian dishes brimming with spices and the aromatic Middle Eastern kebabs that are great for a late evening bite. There’s also an abundance of Italian pizzerias, Japanese sushi bars, and French patisseries.
Charming Cafes and Hidden Treasures
For more relaxed dining, Pattaya’s cafes offer a cozy retreat. Like most places in the world, the coffee scene has really taken off in Pattaya and it’s hard to find a street that doesn’t have a coffeeshop or 5 on it! One of my favorite spots is a quaint cafe tucked away in a quiet alley, known for its signature Thai iced tea. There are so many of these little coffeeshops and you can find them all over the city, some even have fantastic see views and offer a great brunch menu.
Pattaya is really up there as a food destination, and outside of Bangkok it’s probably one of the best places to eat in terms of quality, price and variety in Thailand.
