In Pattaya, food is more than fuel – it’s the heartbeat of the city. Whether you’re a street food adventurer or a seafood lover chasing the perfect sunset meal, every turn in the city delivers a feast of flavors.
From comforting Thai classics to ocean-fresh feasts, Pattaya serves up flavors that are as vibrant as the city itself. In this guide, you’ll find the dishes that define the city, the street food worth lining up for, and the seafood restaurants that turn dinner into an experience.
What are Pattaya’s Must-Try Dishes?
Pattaya is a melting pot of flavors where every meal feels like a new adventure. From fiery street food classics to rich curries and fresh seafood straight from the Gulf of Thailand, the city has flavors to please every palate. If you are a first-time visitor wondering what to try, here’s a list of must-try dishes that will make your trip deliciously memorable.
1. Som Tum (Papaya Salad):
Som Tum isn’t your average veg salad. Imagine crunchy strips of green papaya tossed with lime juice, garlic, chili, fish sauce, and a handful of peanuts. The result? An explosion of flavors for your taste buds.
This crunchy, tangy, and addictively spicy salad is perfect for a side dish or light meal. Just a warning, the chili kick is not for the faint-hearted.
To try this dish, head to Thepprasit Night Market or Soi Buakhao Market, where street vendors prepare it freshly, right in front of you.
2. Pad Thai & Pad See Ew:
Pad Thai is Thailand’s most famous noodle dish. It is made with stir-fried rice noodles tossed in tamarind sauce with tofu, shrimp, and peanuts. You get a mix of sweet, savory, and nutty flavours in every bite. This dish put Thai food on the world map.
Pad See Ew, on the other hand, is a soy-sauce-based noodle dish with Chinese broccoli and pork or chicken. It is richer and less tangy than Pad Thai.
Street food carts along Pattaya’s Walking Street or casual eateries like Mae Sri Ruen Noodle Restaurant serve these dishes.
3. Tom Yum Goong (Hot & Sour Prawn Soup):
Tom Yum Goong is a must-have soup in the city that balances spicy, sour, and aromatic flavors with lemongrass, kaffir lime, galangal, and plump prawns. It’s not just some soup, it’s a party in a bowl.
Head to Leng Kee Restaurant on Central Pattaya Road to try out an authentic Tom Yum. It is a favourite among both locals and tourists.
4. Green Curry & Massaman Curry:
Thai curries don’t just fill your stomach, they fill your soul.
Green Curry, made with green chillies simmered in coconut milk, eggplant, and Thai basil, is a spicy, fragrant dish. Want to elevate the experience? Then try it with a bowl of rice.
Massaman Curry is a dish influenced by Persian flavors. Often cooked with beef, potatoes, and peanuts, this dish is milder and creamy.
Modern Thai restaurant, Rimpa Lapin, with a sea view, is a great choice to try out the dish.
5. Laab (Spicy Minced Meat Salad):
This Northeastern Thai specialty features minced pork or chicken tossed with lime, chili, roasted rice powder, and fresh herbs. Its spicy and tangy flavour pairs beautifully with sticky rice.
Feel like having a bite? Head straight to Isaan-style street food stalls around Soi Buakhao Market and Terminal 21 food court.
6. Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers):
Juicy marinated pork skewers grilled over charcoal, that’s Moo Ping. Locals often pair these sweet, smoky skewers glazed with a hint of caramelized sugar with sticky rice. Honestly, you’ll want more than just one skewer. Moo Ping can either be a quick snack or a great breakfast choice.
It is usually available in the early mornings at local street corners, local vendors outside 7-Eleven stores or at the Pattaya Night Bazaar. You’ll definitely smell it before you see it.
7. Pla Pao (Salt-Grilled Fish):
If there’s one dish that screams “beach town,” it’s Pla Pao. This seafood delicacy is made of whole fish stuffed with lemongrass, coated in a salt crust, and grilled until smoky and tender. A spicy dipping sauce is usually served with it. Pla Pao is truly a Thai seafood showstopper.
Tear it apart, dunk it in the spicy seafood sauce, and eat it with your hands. It’s finger-licking good.
It is served at the seafood stalls of Jomtien Beach or try it from the Lan Pho Naklua Seafood Market for the freshest catch.
8. Mango Sticky Rice:
Mango Sticky Rice is the ultimate Thai dessert. Ripe mango slices with glutinous sticky rice drizzled in sweet coconut cream. Sounds tempting, doesn’t it? This light, sweet and comforting dessert has made its way across the world and won the hearts of sweet tooths. It’s the perfect ending to a spicy Thai feast.
You can find this dessert at stalls near Thepprasit Night Market or along Beach Road where mangoes are always fresh and juicy.
Street Food in Pattaya
Pattaya’s Street Food Hotspots
Pattaya’s street food scene is a feast on every corner. Wandering through the city means following the scent of sizzling skewers and the buzz of night markets. This foodie map will take you straight to the heart of the city’s street eats.
1. Thepprasit Night Market:
If you are a foodie, then it is mandatory to visit Pattaya’s biggest and most famous food market. So make your way towards the Thepprasit Night Market.
This weekend-only market serves everything from grilled seafood and spicy salads to Thai desserts. Here you’ll find rows of sizzling grills, giant seafood skewers, spicy papaya salads, Thai pancakes, and even exotic snacks like fried insects. This is an ideal location for foodies who want to explore new dishes.
Even though the market is pretty crowded, it is perfect for trying out a little bit of everything in one night. If you want to avoid the biggest crowd, it is best to arrive early in the evening.
2. Jomtien Night Market:
If trying out street food with a beach view sounds like your vibe, then head towards Jomtien Night Market, the ideal spot for a casual food crawl.
Sitting right by the beach, this market offers mouthwatering delicacies like fresh grilled prawns, salt-crusted fish and fresh oysters. Besides seafood, you’ll also find plenty of sweet treats like coconut ice cream and mango sticky rice. Enjoy it all with the sea breeze in your hair.
Compared to Thepprasit Market, you can have a more relaxed stroll here with fewer crowds. The ideal time to visit is right before sunset. Grab some dinner and take a peaceful walk along the shore.
3. Soi Buakhao Food Street:
Known as Pattaya’s backpacker food hub, Soi Buakhao is packed with budget-friendly stalls that stay open late into the night.
From Moo Ping skewers and Pad Thai to international quick bites like kebabs, falafel wraps, and burgers, here you’ll find it all. The crowd has a lively mix of backpackers, tourists and locals enjoying cheap but delightful eats. Sounds like a great place to socialise, doesn’t it?
Beyond food, there are also stalls selling fresh herbs, spices, and ingredients. This is a great experience if you’re curious about Thai cooking.
Don’t miss the Soi Buakhao Tuesday Market, when extra food stalls pop up, making it a true foodie playground.
4. Pattaya Night Bazaar:
Planning on a shopping spree with a side of quick bites? Pattaya Night Bazaar has got you covered. Located right in the heart of the city near Beach Road, this indoor-style market is a mix of food stalls, souvenir shops, and small boutiques.
While smaller than the other markets, it’s a convenient spot in Central Pattaya to grab quick bites like crispy spring rolls, grilled chicken, seafood skewers, or a refreshing fruit shake. The best part is that it is pocket-friendly and easy to reach by foot from most hostels and attractions.
It’s a favorable market to go to if you are short on time. Many visitors pop in here when they need a quick snack or break from the heat.
Pattaya’s Street Food Favourites
| Street Food Item | What It Is | Where to Find It |
| Grilled Seafood Skewers | Fresh prawns, squid, and fish grilled over charcoal, brushed with chili sauce or garlic butter. | Jomtien Night MarketBeachfront stalls. |
| Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers) | Juicy pork skewers marinated in garlic, soy, and coconut milk. Often served with sticky rice. | Morning vendors near 7-ElevenSoi Buakhao Market |
| Roti Pancakes | Crispy Thai pancakes filled with banana, Nutella, or drizzled with condensed milk. | Thepprasit Night MarketWalking Street |
| Fried Chicken & Sausages | Crispy Thai-style fried chicken and a variety of spicy or garlicky sausages. | Soi Buakhao Food StreetJomtien Night Market |
| Thai Iced Tea & Fruit Shakes | Sweet, creamy iced tea or fresh fruit shakes made with mango, coconut, and more. | Walking Street stallsJomtien Beach vendors. |
| Fried Insects | Crunchy crickets, grasshoppers, and silkworms, seasoned with soy and pepper. | Thepprasit Night MarketWalking Street. |
Seafood in Pattaya
Pattaya’s Seafood Culture & Where to Find the Freshest Catch
For seafood lovers, Pattaya is paradise. Imagine sizzling prawns that hit the grill, the aroma of garlic crab throughout night markets, and the thrill of pointing to a live lobster in a tank before it becomes your dinner. At the heart of it all are places like Naklua Fish Market and Bang Saray fishing village. The city’s fresh seafood culture is a must-try for all of Pattaya’s guests.
If you want to see where Pattaya’s legendary seafood begins, head to the Naklua Fish Market. The stalls are filled with fresh prawns, crabs, squid, and fish still glistening from the morning catch. Both locals and tourists alike crowd this place, and some bargain for the best price. Want to make the experience even better? You can have a “sea-to-table” experience by getting your purchase grilled on the spot.
Not a fan of the crowd? The Bang Saray fishing village offers a more peaceful and authentic look of Pattaya’s seafood culture. Known for its long-standing fishing traditions, most restaurants purchase fresh ingredients from this village. Dining here will feel like stepping into a seaside kitchen. Rest assured, you will create unforgettable memories that will last beyond your trip.
One thing you’ll notice in Pattaya’s seafood restaurants is the row of aquariums and tanks brimming with live fish, crabs, and lobsters. This isn’t just for show – it’s a guarantee of freshness. See anything you like? Simply point at it, and you’ll get it seasoned and cooked on the spot. They’re served fresh and hot.
This live seafood culture has become a signature part of Pattaya dining. It’s not just tasty, it’s a fun, interactive experience for tourists. From luxurious beachfront restaurants to humble local eateries, this focus on freshness is what makes Pattaya a true seafood paradise.
Must-Visit Seafood Restaurants in Pattaya
| Restaurant | Where It Is | What It’s Known For | Why Visit |
| Moom Aroi | Naklua, North Pattaya | Beachfront dining Fresh daily catch | A local favorite where you can enjoy grilled seafood with sea breeze and laid-back vibes. |
| Suttangrak Pattaya | Jomtien Beachfront | Classic Thai seafood Family-friendly | One of the city’s longest-standing spots, famous for authentic flavors and satisfying portions. |
| Preecha Seafood | Bang Saray Fishing Village | Fisherman’s village dining | Seafood straight from the boats, offering a true sea-to-table experience. |
| Leng Kee Restaurant | Central Pattaya Road | Thai-Chinese seafood Late-night dining | Buzzing, casual eatery loved for crab, prawns, and wok-fried seafood dishes. |
| Rim Talay | Jomtien Beach | Beachside dining with sea views | Perfect for sunset meals by the shore, serving fresh seafood in a relaxing beach atmosphere. |
Want a Unique Seafood Dining Experience?
Pattaya’s seafood experience is not just about what you eat, where you eat also matters. From rustic floating restaurants to beachfront grills and stylish rooftop buffets, the city offers dining experiences as memorable as the food itself.
1. Floating restaurants in Naklua:
If you are a traveler who loves exploring and discovering unique experiences, hop on a boat and set towards Naklua’s floating restaurants.
These restaurants float on wooden platforms and give you a panoramic view of Pattaya Bay. It’s a great way to enjoy the day’s fresh catch. Fish, crab, and prawns are brought in fresh from the sea and cooked simply to highlight their natural flavors.
The boat ride itself adds to the experience and these floating restaurants have come up to become favorites among couples and families alike.
2. Beach BBQ stalls:
Nothing says “Pattaya” quite like grilling your own seafood right by the beach. Along the stretches of Jomtien and Naklua are fresh seafood vendors selling squid, prawns, and fish.
Buy them and toss it right onto the grill and enjoy a smoky, seaside feast. Sounds like fun, right? Add a cold drink to the feast, enjoy the sound of crashing waves, and you’ve got the ultimate laid-back Thai dining experience.
3. Luxury buffets & rooftop seafood nights:
Done enjoying the authentic side of Pattaya dining? If you are craving a more high-end setting away from the noises, Pattaya has no shortage of luxury hotel buffets and rooftop dining experiences.
The Hilton Pattaya’s Horizon Rooftop Restaurant, for example, is famous for its seafood nights – think endless oysters, lobsters, and sushi with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand. It’s an ideal location to try out Pattaya’s fine dining scene.
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Gulf of Thailand is InterContinental, Pattaya. The resort’s restaurants serve up fresh seafood with a refined twist. Think grilled tiger prawns, whole fish with Thai herbs, and elegant international seafood platters.
With open-air terraces, ocean breezes, and a romantic setting that’s perfect for sunset dining, the ambiance is as memorable as the food. The resort is a looking glass into Pattaya’s 5-star services.
Modern Dining & Cafes
Street food may be the heart of Pattaya’s culinary scene, but the city also has a modern side for foodies who crave stylish settings, fusion flavors, and cozy cafe vibes. No matter what you’re looking for – beachfront fine dining, a lively beach club atmosphere, or just a latte and dessert to wind down, Pattaya’s modern dining spots will not disappoint.
The Glass House is one of Pattaya’s most iconic dining spots. It combines stunning sea views with a menu that mixes Thai seafood classics and international favorites. Imagine enjoying a plate of grilled river prawns or a Western-style steak while the waves crash just a few meters away. Its chic glass-walled design and sunset views make it perfect for both romantic dinners and stylish gatherings.
For a more laid-back yet trendy vibe, Surf & Turf Beach Club on Naklua Beach offers modern seafood creations alongside international comfort food. They have everything from seafood towers and fresh oysters to pasta and burgers. It’s a place where you can sip cocktails, listen to live music, and enjoy a beachfront atmosphere.
Pattaya is not just seafood or savory eats. They have something for everyone. Stylish coffee shops and dessert cafés are scattered across the city for all you sweet tooths. From artisanal lattes to cakes, waffles, and Thai-inspired desserts, they have everything that can make your Instagram feed more exciting.
Spots like La Baguette, The Chocolate Factory, or small indie cafés near Jomtien are perfect for unwinding or working remotely.
Foodie Tips for Pattaya
- Best Time to Visit Markets: Evening is when most night markets come alive. During weekends they can become quite crowded.
- Price Ranges: Street food usually costs 30–80 THB per dish, while dining at seafood restaurants starts at around 500 THB and above.
- Hygiene & Safety: Stick to stalls with long lines as they are a sign of freshness and turnover. Do not drink tap water. Instead stick to filtered or bottled water.
- Vegetarian & Vegan Options: Look out for meat-free favorites like tofu Pad Thai, mushroom Tom Yum, and fresh fruit smoothies.
Pattaya is a perfect harmony where street eats, fresh seafood, and modern dining meet. From night market snacks to beachfront feasts, every bite tells a story. So come hungry and let the city’s flavors make your trip unforgettable. Hungry for more? Book your experience with Thrillark and taste Pattaya at its best.
