The moment you step out of your hotel in Pattaya, the tantalizing aroma of food fills the air, and the streets brim with culinary delights. But where can you find affordable eats that truly capture the essence of Pattaya’s cuisine? Check out some recommended dining spots and must-try dishes below!

South Pattaya Road is lined with eateries offering tasty, budget-friendly meals. Walking Street is often dubbed the foodie paradise of Pattaya. You’ll also find food courts in shopping centers with noodle and rice dishes starting at just a few bucks. And scattered across the city’s streets are familiar fast-food joints like McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, and Pizza outlets.

Dining in Pattaya – 10 Must-Try Dishes

Pattaya isn’t just a travel hotspot for its stunning scenery and top-notch tourism services—its food scene plays a huge role in making it a paradise for visitors. Skipping these 10 iconic Pattaya dishes would leave your trip feeling incomplete.

Tom Yum (Seafood Soup)

Considered Pattaya’s top soup, Tom Yum is a spicy, tangy delight. If you’re not a fan of heat, just say “no spicy, please.” It’s crafted with shrimp or chicken, fragrant Thai herbs, and a mix of spices like lemongrass, ginger, lime, and coconut milk. Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top boosts both flavor and color. A bowl ranges from small to large portions, depending on your appetite.

Somtom – Papaya Salad

Papaya salad might sound familiar to Vietnamese folks, but Pattaya’s Somtom offers a fresh twist. Made with simple ingredients like shredded green papaya, long beans, cucumber, chili, basil, roasted peanuts, garlic, sugar, and lime juice, it’s a light yet flavorful dish. Add dried shrimp or crab for an extra kick. You’ll spot this tangy treat at restaurants, street stalls, and food carts all over town.

Stir-Fried Morning Glory – Thai-Style Water Spinach

Thai and Vietnamese cuisines share some ingredients, but the preparation sets them apart. In Pattaya, water spinach—known locally as Phad Phak Bung Krob—is split, soaked for crispness, then stir-fried with garlic and chili. The result? A crunchy, aromatic dish with a subtle spice, best enjoyed with plain rice. It’s a humble yet irresistible bite for visitors.

Steamed or Salt-Crusted Grilled Sea Fish

With its coastal charm, Pattaya shines when it comes to seafood. Among the highlights is steamed or salt-crusted grilled fish. Fresh catches are wrapped in banana leaves with local herbs or grilled over coals encased in salt. The initial fishy whiff gives way to sweet, tender flesh that’s warm and succulent—a taste that’ll have you raving. Pair it with grilled squid or octopus for a seafood feast.

Fried Insects

Scorpions, worms, ants, and grasshoppers might send shivers down your spine, but in Pattaya, they’re a beloved delicacy. Street vendors pile their carts with these critters, turning them into surprisingly tempting snacks. Sourced from Cambodia’s rural fields, they carry a rich, nutty flavor from their natural diet. Cleaned, seasoned with salt, chili, and lemongrass, then fried to a crisp, they’re a hit. Start with grasshoppers—called “Kao Gam”—for a nutty crunch, then brave scorpions or crickets. Don’t miss the chance to try water bugs, once common in Vietnam but now rare, served fried with butter or mixed into dishes. At first, it’s daunting, but watching others dig in sparks curiosity—and soon, you’re hooked on the oddball flavor. Pair it with a cold Thai beer for hours of snacking bliss.

Sticky Rice with Mango

A Thai classic that shines in Pattaya, sticky rice with mango is as delicious as it is elegant. Juicy, golden mango slices sit atop creamy, coconut-infused sticky rice, finished with a sprinkle of peanuts or sesame seeds. It’s a sweet, sticky treat that keeps you coming back. Making it is an art—selecting the right rice, cooking it just so, and picking mangoes that strike the perfect balance of sweet and firm. Served on dainty plates, it’s a testament to Thai culinary finesse.

More Must-Try Pattaya Dishes

Pat Thai

Think of Pat Thai as Thailand’s take on stir-fried noodles, akin to Vietnam’s bún xào. It’s a hearty mix of noodles, eggs, peanuts, shrimp, squid, and tofu. A staple across Pattaya, you’ll find it at any food spot. Wash it down with a refreshing coconut water or orange juice.

Pad Krapow Moo Saap – Basil Stir-Fried Pork

This dish might remind you of Vietnamese flavors, but Pattaya gives it a unique spin. Minced pork is stir-fried with basil, fresh chili, green beans, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar, creating a bold, savory bite. It’s typically served with rice and a fried egg for a satisfying meal.

Yum Woon Sen – Spicy Glass Noodle Salad

This zesty glass noodle salad is simple yet crowd-pleasing. Dried shrimp, peanuts, onions, lime, Chinese celery, garlic, pork, and chili come together with slippery noodles for a dish that’s tangy, spicy, and endlessly munchable. Toss it all up and dig in.

Gai Yang with Khao Niao – Grilled Chicken with Sticky Rice

Sticky rice is a Southeast Asian favorite, and in Pattaya, it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken. The rice is soft and fragrant, while the chicken adds a smoky depth. Dip it in a sweet-spicy sauce and eat it with your hands for the full experience. You’ll see this combo at roadside stalls and casual eateries throughout the city.

Pattaya’s food scene is a treasure trove of flavors, blending familiar ingredients with Thai flair. Whether you’re slurping spicy soups or crunching on fried bugs, every bite adds a delicious layer to your travel adventure.