Pattaya, Thailand, offers a vibrant and diverse culinary scene that can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. From budget-friendly street food to upscale dining, deciding where to eat can be a delightful challenge. This guide explores some of the best dining options in Pattaya, catering to various tastes and budgets.
For a cheap and cheerful breakfast, numerous establishments offer standard fare like bacon, eggs, toast, juice, and coffee for around 50-80 baht. Alternatively, several hotels, such as the Lek Hotel, Apex, and Diana Inn on Second Road, provide breakfast buffets for approximately 110 baht, offering a wide selection, though the quality may be basic.
For a more substantial and flavorful breakfast, consider the Sportsman on Soi 13. Their full English breakfast, priced around 240 baht, is a hearty platter featuring bacon, sausage, eggs, toast, beans, bubble and squeak, and fried tomatoes.
If you find yourself hungry at lunchtime, Pattaya boasts countless options. Fast food chains and street vendors abound, ensuring you’re never far from a tasty snack or meal. The Royal Garden Shopping Center’s food court is a popular choice. Purchase a pre-paid card, load it with baht (around 200 baht is usually sufficient), and explore the numerous vendors offering diverse Thai dishes. Expect to pay around 30-40 baht for most meals, which include soups, rice dishes, and noodles. Beverages and desserts are also readily available.
For dinner, venturing to a street vendor is a great way to experience authentic Thai cuisine. On Soi Buakhao, just north of Soi LK Metro, you’ll find a cluster of street vendors offering delicious and affordable options. One standout vendor serves boiled chicken, fried pork, and cooked red pork, all served with rice for just 25-30 baht. A bottle of water costs an additional 10 baht.
No matter the time of day, Pattaya ensures you won’t go hungry. Street vendors, both stationary and mobile, are ubiquitous, serving an array of soups, barbecued meats, and rice and noodle dishes. For the adventurous, you can even sample Northern Thailand snacks like grasshoppers, silkworms, ants, and beetles.
Eating is an integral part of Thai culture, and you may find yourself eating 4-6 times a day. Meals are typically small but packed with flavor. Be mindful of the spice level, as some Thai dishes can be very spicy due to the use of chili peppers.
If you prefer familiar Western fare, pizza, burgers, and fries are widely available throughout Pattaya. Moreover, you can also find high-quality steaks and European cuisine. Seafood is plentiful and remarkably affordable, offering lobster and crab at a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere. Regardless of your culinary preferences, Pattaya guarantees a satisfying and diverse dining experience.