Best Local & Traditional Foods to Try in Pattaya
Discover the 6 best local and traditional foods to try in Pattaya. Get AI-powered recommendations for authentic dishes, traditional cuisine, and the best restaurants.
Pad Thai
A quintessential Thai dish, Pad Thai features stir-fried rice noodles with a savory-sweet sauce, often topped with crushed peanuts, lime, and bean sprouts. In Pattaya, it’s commonly made with shrimp or chicken, giving it a local twist that enhances its flavor.
Ingredients
Best Time
lunch/dinner
Cultural Significance
Pad Thai is a beloved street food that showcases Thailand's culinary heritage and balance of flavors.
Where to try it
Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)
A spicy and tangy salad made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, and peanuts, Som Tum is a refreshing dish that perfectly represents the bold flavors of Thai cuisine. It’s often served with sticky rice and grilled chicken for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Best Time
anytime
Cultural Significance
Som Tum is a staple in Thai cuisine, particularly popular in the northeast region, but widely enjoyed across the country.
Where to try it
Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
This iconic Thai soup is known for its vibrant flavors, combining shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili paste into a spicy and sour broth. A must-try for seafood lovers, it embodies the essence of Thai cooking.
Ingredients
Best Time
dinner
Cultural Significance
Tom Yum Goong is a symbol of Thai cuisine and is often served at celebratory events and gatherings.
Where to try it
Mango Sticky Rice
A beloved Thai dessert, this dish features sweet sticky rice topped with ripe mango slices and drizzled with creamy coconut milk. It’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for cooling off in the tropical heat.
Ingredients
Best Time
dessert/snack
Cultural Significance
Mango Sticky Rice is often enjoyed during the mango season and is a favorite among both locals and tourists.
Where to try it
Banana Roti
This delicious Thai street food features thin pancakes filled with bananas, folded, and fried until crispy. Often drizzled with condensed milk and chocolate, it’s a popular snack that’s both sweet and satisfying.
Ingredients
Best Time
snack/evening
Cultural Significance
Banana Roti is a popular street food in Thailand, enjoyed by people of all ages, especially as an evening snack.
Where to try it
Thai Iced Tea
This sweet and creamy beverage is made from strongly brewed black tea, sweetened with sugar and condensed milk, then served over ice. It's a refreshing drink that pairs well with spicy dishes and is popular among locals and tourists alike.
Ingredients
Best Time
anytime
Cultural Significance
Thai Iced Tea is a staple beverage in Thailand, often enjoyed during meals or as a refreshing treat.