Street food in Pattaya in Thailand

Street food in Pattaya is a great way to experience the authentic Thai flavors and culture. You can find a variety of dishes, from spicy salads and soups to grilled meats and noodles, at every corner of the city. Here are some of the best street food you must try in Pattaya:

Khao gaeng: This is a dish of rice covered with a curry of your choice, such as chicken, beef, pork, or vegetable. It is a quick and filling meal that you can find at many stalls and carts.

Som tum: This is a green papaya salad that is mixed with peanuts, beans, dried seafood, tomatoes, fish sauce, and chili. It is very spicy and refreshing, and often served with sticky rice or grilled chicken.

Tom yum goong: This is a hot and sour soup that is made with shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili. It is a popular dish that is rich in flavor and aroma.

Kai jeow: This is a Thai-style omelet that is fluffy and crispy, and usually stuffed with minced pork, onion, and tomato. It is served with rice and a spicy sauce, and makes a great breakfast or snack.

Moo ping: This is a grilled pork skewer that is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, and cooked over charcoal. It is tender and juicy, and often eaten with sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce.

Fried grasshoppers: This is a crunchy and salty snack that is made by deep-frying grasshoppers and seasoning them with salt, pepper, and chili. It is a delicacy that is high in protein and low in fat, and can be found at night markets and street vendors.

Satay: This is a grilled meat skewer that can be made with chicken, beef, pork, or tofu. It is served with a peanut sauce, cucumber salad, and toast. It is a popular snack that is influenced by the Malay and Indonesian cuisine.

Pad thai: This is a stir-fried rice noodle dish that is cooked with eggs, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts, scallions, and a tangy sauce. It can be customized with different meats, seafood, or vegetables, and is one of the most famous Thai dishes in the world.

What are some good places to eat street food in Pattaya?

There are many places to enjoy street food in Pattaya, depending on your taste and budget. Here are some of the popular options:

Along South Pattaya Road: This is a good place to find cheap and authentic Thai street food, such as khao gaeng, som tum, kai jeow, and fried grasshoppers. You can also try some Chinese and Indian dishes here.

Walking Street Pattaya: This is the most famous nightlife area in Pattaya, where you can find a variety of street food, from seafood and barbecue to sushi and satay. You can also enjoy the live music, shows, and bars along the street.

The Food Courts in the Shopping Centers: If you prefer a more comfortable and air-conditioned environment, you can visit the food courts in the shopping malls, such as Central Festival Pattaya Beach, Royal Garden Plaza, and Terminal 21. You can find a wide range of cuisines, from Thai and Asian to Western and halal.

Thepprasit Road Night Market: This is a large and lively night market that opens on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. You can find many stalls selling street food, such as pad thai, tom yum goong, moo ping, and fried ice cream. You can also shop for clothes, accessories, and souvenirs here.

When do people usually go out to get street food in Pattaya?

There is no fixed time for street food in Pattaya, as you can find vendors and stalls operating throughout the day and night. However, some of the best times to enjoy street food are:

Early morning: This is when you can find fresh and hot breakfast items, such as kai jeow, khao tom (rice soup), and jok (rice porridge). You can also try some Thai coffee or tea to start your day.

Lunchtime: This is when you can find a variety of dishes, from rice and noodles to salads and soups, at affordable prices. You can also sample some regional specialties, such as khao soi (curry noodles) and khao kha moo (braised pork leg).

Evening: This is when you can find the most lively and diverse street food scene, as many night markets and walking streets open up. You can find everything from seafood and barbecue to sushi and satay, as well as desserts and drinks. You can also enjoy the entertainment and shopping options along the way.

How do I order street food in Thai language?

Ordering street food in Thai language is not very difficult, as long as you know some basic words and phrases. Here are some tips to help you order street food in Thai:

First, you need to know the name of the food you want to order. You can look at the menu, if there is one, or point at the food you see. You can also ask the vendor if they have a certain dish by saying kho thot (ka/khrap). Mii ___ mai (ka/khrap)? (Excuse me. Do you have ___?). For example, kho thot ka. Mii khao niao mai ka? (Excuse me. Do you have sticky rice?)

Next, you need to say ao ___ (khrap/ka) to order the food you want. Ao means want or take, and it is followed by the name of the food. You also need to add khrap if you are a male speaker, or ka if you are a female speaker, to be polite. For example, ao khao niao ka (I want sticky rice)

Then, you need to specify the type of noodles, broth, or meat you want, if applicable. You can use the word gàp (with) to connect the food name with the type you want. For example, ao bah mhee gàp moo daeng ka (I want egg noodles with roasted pork)

Finally, you need to pay for your food. You can ask the vendor how much it costs by saying ra ka thao rai (khrap/ka)? (How much is it?). You can also say lot noi dai mai (khrap/ka)? (Can you give a discount?) if you want to bargain.