While in many of Thailand’s less commercially developed holiday centres visitors are happy to eat at the same places as the locals, Pattaya attracts holidaymakers who are often less ambitious and in search of some traces of familiarity where food and drink are concerned.
Fortunately, Pattaya has a wealth of venues that are tourist friendly including those owned by Thais keen to cash in on the steady influx of annual visitors and those owned by expats hoping to attract other expats and grab something of the tourist trade also.
Most hotels offer breakfast as part of the price of a room for the night and while they generally have facilities for providing lunch and dinner, many visitors are out and about during the daytime and will need to find somewhere on their travels that can satisfy their food needs.
There are plenty of venues open for lunch and visitors can choose from either Thai or western food. In the latter category, eateries that stand out include the Queen Victoria Inn on soi 6 with its fine selection of typically English fare and Pat’s restaurant on soi 3 offering similar grub. Guide to quality Pattaya restaurants Between them, customers can expect to find fish and chips, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, shepherd's pie and ploughman's lunch up for grabs.
For fast food, Subway has a branch of its famous sandwich chain situated on Pattaya Klang road and offers its typical selection of Americanised fare, while the City Grill restaurant on Walking street covers all the usual bread and meat combinations such as hot dogs and hamburgers. For food of a similar ilk with that little bit extra, Bob's BBQ & Grill is sure to please with its ribs, burgers and steaks.
Dinner time sees a greater selection of eateries, with many restaurants restricting themselves to evening trade only. Thai food vendors begin to line the streets once the sun has set, dishing up cheap yet authentic Thai cuisine from their mobile food carts. It’s possible to eat for less than 50 baht at these places, although the roadside setting won’t win any awards for being romantic or serene.
To enjoy Thai food in a restaurant setting yet at a reasonable price, try Somsak on soi 1 or Baan Thai on Central road where traditional fare with an haute cuisine edge can be enjoyed at higher prices than the former. Dinner with entertainment can be found at Adam & Eve’s at Sabai Jai Village and PIC Kitchen on soi 5.
When it’s got to be something familiar or something that is not spicy, then its time to try one of Pattaya’s many international restaurants. Establishments in this category include those serving the cuisines of England, France, Belgium, Germany and Japan. For spicy food of a different nature, there are also Indian and Mexican eateries.
Italian food is popular in Pattaya, as anywhere else in the world, and Duilio's on Central road and Little Italy situated on the opposite side from Royal Garden Plaza are the among the best places to enjoy a plate of pasta or a pizza. For something from France, check out Au Bon Coin on soi 5 and Mon Ami Pierrot on Walking street; both delivering high quality, authentic French cuisine. Belgian food is best enjoyed at either Klein Vlaanderen on the Pattaya 2nd or Patrick's Belgian at the Diana Arcade.
Go Japanese at either Yamato on soi Yamato or at either of the city’s Daidomon branches (Big C and Royal Garden Plaza), with the former being the best option in terms of authenticity. For nan bread, samosas and milky curries, head to Sher E Punjab on Beach road or Ali Baba on Central road, while tacos and chili are sure to be found on the menus of Mexican establishments Blue Parrot on soi 2 and Tequila Reef on soi 7.
After dinner, a cool alcoholic beverage is appealing and Pattaya has plenty of drinking venues on offer. Unfortunately, the main drinking zone, situated around Walking street, has a reputation as a haven for sex tourists and the kind of establishments that cater to them. If this is not your scene, there are still bars in the same area where visitors can drink and socialise without this kind of distraction.
Falling into the aforementioned category are venues such as the Bamboo Bar and Kilkenny’s Irish pub on Walking street; Hard Rock Café, Hopf Brew House and Rosie O'Grady's on Beach road; and Shenanigans and the Queen Victoria Inn in the Pattaya 2nd road area. Pattaya bar scene
Of course, there are some visitors who will want to avoid any chance of wandering into seedy areas and for them the safety of hotel bars is perhaps the best option. The big hotels all have their own bars, many of them attractively furnished and offering quality wines and spirits as opposed to locally brewed beverages.
The Sheraton in Pattaya Hill, All Seasons on Pattaya 2nd road, Marriot on Beach road and Royal Orchid Resort in North Pattaya are just some of the establishments with bar facilities. Customers need not be guests of the hotel to drink at these bars. It’s also worth considering that these hotels all have excellent in-house restaurants which are open to guests and non-guests alike. The standard of food is exceptionally high and both Thai and international cuisine are available. Non-residents should consider booking ahead, especially in high season.
http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/331197?articleid=331197
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
2007/09/04
Guide to Thai Cuisine
Tourist restaurants will often serve up a spineless, tasteless version of what should be a full flavour feast, and without anyone to tell you the food is less than genuine; a visitor’s introduction to Thai food is often tainted by these ‘farang-ised’ Thai dishes. Once you have had enough of yet another overly sweet, messy slop of phad thai, it is time to explore the never-ending possibilities of Thai cuisine.
When asked what they like most about Thailand, visitors often answer ‘the food’. The creation of Siam servings is a masterful mix of salty, sweet, sour, spicy and bitter. The spice factor, often too much for most westerners, is used for medicinal purposes, combined with the use of market fresh vegetables and the choicest local herbs for bursting flavours and prevention of common ailments. The food is low in fat and high in fibre and most dishes, considering they taste so good, are surprisingly nutritious.
But it is not only the unique and pleasantly pungent tastes that visitors love, the cost of eating in Thailand is as satisfying as the pleasure experienced by the palate. One of Thailand’s major industries is agriculture. Grains, meats, vegetables and most importantly rice are all locally produced at minimal cost. The country also has rich waters filled with fresh and sea water creatures, which are shipped across the land, making seafood and fish dishes some of the most popular choices. Add to this the natural innovation and long standing techniques used by Thais in food preparation and there are few who visit who cannot be satisfied.
Passing through different regions of Thailand, you may notice that the dialect and sound of the language changes abruptly. When you think you have learned how to say sawdee kha in exactly the right tone, you move to another place and find that they have a completely different method of utterance. The same goes for the food. There are four main regions offering cuisine adventurers a unique experience.
Food in the northeast is influenced by neighbouring Laos. Dishes are highly seasoned and among the most popular specialities are larb, a spicy, seasoned salad made with pork or chicken; somtam, spicy papaya salad, and gai yang, barbequed chicken. All are served with glutinous rice, a northern favourite widely known as sticky rice, or khao neow.
Burmese influences have bearings on the dishes of the central northern regions. Northern cooks generally are less heavy handed with the chilli and the use of ginger, tamarind and turmeric is common. Khao soi, a curry with egg noodles and pickled cabbage, is only found in the north and should be number one on any visitor’s list of dishes to try. Tourists to the north should not miss the opportunity to dine at a traditional Khantoke dinner, combining the best of northern specialities and traditional performances in a reconstructed wooden palace.
Throughout the central plains of Thailand, the food combines mixes from all regions, and many Chinese-Thai fusions are common characteristics. The south is the place to get down to spicy treats. Chilli-filled soups and curries are common dishes and fresh seafood is abundant. Influences are also found in dishes taken from Indonesia, such as chicken kebabs with peanut sauce (gai sate), an international favourite, and rich curries such as kaeng masaman from Malaysia.
Eating in Thailand is very much a family affair. It is often thought of as odd to see someone eating alone and most Thais will wait to the point of starvation until they find a dining partner. A typical meal will include a soup, fried fish, spicy salad known as yam, a curry dish and a dip with vegetables. Each member of the party will be served a bowl of rice and can take a bite from the main dishes in the centre of the table. Meals are eaten with a spoon and fork, while chopsticks are generally only used for noodle soups or Chinese food.
Thai ‘fast food’ is known as such, not because of its enticing greasiness or fat content as with the western equivalent, but instead as a range of dishes that can be cooked up in a matter of minutes. These dishes such as phad thai, or fried noodles, khao phad, or fried rice, or phad khrapao, or fried basil with pork or chicken, are commonly ordered as a quick lunch, breakfast or evening meal, and often served with a fried egg plonked on top.
There are few countries that can offer such a range of fruits like Thailand. Its tropical climate and heavy rains in monsoon season mean that fruit is everywhere. The diversity of delicious fruity sweetness to be found is so vast and the cost so little, some health conscientious rebels decide to diet solely on fruit as an internal body cleansing exercise. From the vibrant pinks of the dragon fruit to the prickly looking shells of the rambutan, photo opportunities are an added bonus to the already particular delight of fruit shopping in Thailand.
Thai desserts, in general, use five base ingredients: coconut cream, coconut flesh, rice flour, palm sugar and eggs. Among the favourites are thong yip, a sweet egg yolk cup; foi thong, shredded, sweetened egg yolk, and tako, a jelly served with creamy coconut.
Those interested in more than just sampling the food fare on offer while travelling in Thailand will be pleased to know that in any mildly touristy area you are sure to find a local cooking school. Courses include trips to local markets, ingredient preparation, cooking and best of all, an eating party after all the hard work.
Top 10 Thai dishes among tourists
Tom yam goong: a spicy shrimp soup made with coconut milk, lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal and shallots.
Kaeng khio wan gai: green chicken curry made from green curry paste and coconut milk.
Phad thai: noodles fried with tofu, spring onions, bean sprouts and ground peanuts.
Phad khrapao: chicken, pork or prawns stir-fried with basil.
Kaeng phet pet yang: roast duck curry.
Tom kha gai: chicken in coconut soup with galangal and lemongrass.
Khao phad: boiled rice fried with meat, egg, onion, cilantro, garlic and tomatoes.
Moo/gai sate: pork/chicken kebabs served with peanut sauce.
Gai phad met mamuang: stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts.
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/guide-to-thai-cuisine-185162.html
When asked what they like most about Thailand, visitors often answer ‘the food’. The creation of Siam servings is a masterful mix of salty, sweet, sour, spicy and bitter. The spice factor, often too much for most westerners, is used for medicinal purposes, combined with the use of market fresh vegetables and the choicest local herbs for bursting flavours and prevention of common ailments. The food is low in fat and high in fibre and most dishes, considering they taste so good, are surprisingly nutritious.
But it is not only the unique and pleasantly pungent tastes that visitors love, the cost of eating in Thailand is as satisfying as the pleasure experienced by the palate. One of Thailand’s major industries is agriculture. Grains, meats, vegetables and most importantly rice are all locally produced at minimal cost. The country also has rich waters filled with fresh and sea water creatures, which are shipped across the land, making seafood and fish dishes some of the most popular choices. Add to this the natural innovation and long standing techniques used by Thais in food preparation and there are few who visit who cannot be satisfied.
Passing through different regions of Thailand, you may notice that the dialect and sound of the language changes abruptly. When you think you have learned how to say sawdee kha in exactly the right tone, you move to another place and find that they have a completely different method of utterance. The same goes for the food. There are four main regions offering cuisine adventurers a unique experience.
Food in the northeast is influenced by neighbouring Laos. Dishes are highly seasoned and among the most popular specialities are larb, a spicy, seasoned salad made with pork or chicken; somtam, spicy papaya salad, and gai yang, barbequed chicken. All are served with glutinous rice, a northern favourite widely known as sticky rice, or khao neow.
Burmese influences have bearings on the dishes of the central northern regions. Northern cooks generally are less heavy handed with the chilli and the use of ginger, tamarind and turmeric is common. Khao soi, a curry with egg noodles and pickled cabbage, is only found in the north and should be number one on any visitor’s list of dishes to try. Tourists to the north should not miss the opportunity to dine at a traditional Khantoke dinner, combining the best of northern specialities and traditional performances in a reconstructed wooden palace.
Throughout the central plains of Thailand, the food combines mixes from all regions, and many Chinese-Thai fusions are common characteristics. The south is the place to get down to spicy treats. Chilli-filled soups and curries are common dishes and fresh seafood is abundant. Influences are also found in dishes taken from Indonesia, such as chicken kebabs with peanut sauce (gai sate), an international favourite, and rich curries such as kaeng masaman from Malaysia.
Eating in Thailand is very much a family affair. It is often thought of as odd to see someone eating alone and most Thais will wait to the point of starvation until they find a dining partner. A typical meal will include a soup, fried fish, spicy salad known as yam, a curry dish and a dip with vegetables. Each member of the party will be served a bowl of rice and can take a bite from the main dishes in the centre of the table. Meals are eaten with a spoon and fork, while chopsticks are generally only used for noodle soups or Chinese food.
Thai ‘fast food’ is known as such, not because of its enticing greasiness or fat content as with the western equivalent, but instead as a range of dishes that can be cooked up in a matter of minutes. These dishes such as phad thai, or fried noodles, khao phad, or fried rice, or phad khrapao, or fried basil with pork or chicken, are commonly ordered as a quick lunch, breakfast or evening meal, and often served with a fried egg plonked on top.
There are few countries that can offer such a range of fruits like Thailand. Its tropical climate and heavy rains in monsoon season mean that fruit is everywhere. The diversity of delicious fruity sweetness to be found is so vast and the cost so little, some health conscientious rebels decide to diet solely on fruit as an internal body cleansing exercise. From the vibrant pinks of the dragon fruit to the prickly looking shells of the rambutan, photo opportunities are an added bonus to the already particular delight of fruit shopping in Thailand.
Thai desserts, in general, use five base ingredients: coconut cream, coconut flesh, rice flour, palm sugar and eggs. Among the favourites are thong yip, a sweet egg yolk cup; foi thong, shredded, sweetened egg yolk, and tako, a jelly served with creamy coconut.
Those interested in more than just sampling the food fare on offer while travelling in Thailand will be pleased to know that in any mildly touristy area you are sure to find a local cooking school. Courses include trips to local markets, ingredient preparation, cooking and best of all, an eating party after all the hard work.
Top 10 Thai dishes among tourists
Tom yam goong: a spicy shrimp soup made with coconut milk, lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal and shallots.
Kaeng khio wan gai: green chicken curry made from green curry paste and coconut milk.
Phad thai: noodles fried with tofu, spring onions, bean sprouts and ground peanuts.
Phad khrapao: chicken, pork or prawns stir-fried with basil.
Kaeng phet pet yang: roast duck curry.
Tom kha gai: chicken in coconut soup with galangal and lemongrass.
Khao phad: boiled rice fried with meat, egg, onion, cilantro, garlic and tomatoes.
Moo/gai sate: pork/chicken kebabs served with peanut sauce.
Gai phad met mamuang: stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts.
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/guide-to-thai-cuisine-185162.html
2007/08/10
Bangkok restaurants
There are plenty of restaurants in Bangkok, so you’re never far from some form of food outlet. Everywhere you look there are noodle stands, fruit stalls, curry shops, road-side barbecues and even carts selling fried insects; and then there are countless superb restaurants serving international as well as Thai and other Asian cuisine to suit most tastes and budgets. The range of options is quite staggering and very few visitors or expats can claim to have tried everything Bangkok restaurants have to offer.
During your time in Bangkok it’s certainly worth making the effort to seek out a few quality restaurants, and there are many throughout the city. Most of the top hotels will have at least one or two restaurants and these can be excellent, although often pricey – especially the ones offering non-Thai cuisine. But if you take to the streets some very good and more affordable Bangkok restaurants present themselves – there are many Thai restaurants but you can also find Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese restaurants to satisfy Asian tastes; and for western food Bangkok is well served with its Italian, French, German, Scandinavian and British eateries.
If you’re staying in a guesthouse it’s even more important to get out and experience Bangkok restaurants as guesthouse food can be bland and after a while it all starts to taste the same.
If you’re new to Thai food and you’re feeling adventurous then Bangkok is a great place to start. Dishes from all regions of Thailand can be found here: the very spicy North-eastern Thai food (from the area known as Isaan) includes somtam – a salad made from papaya and a variety of pungent sauces and spices, and of course copious amounts of chilli (how many can you handle?); and laap – minced pork fried with mint and, yes, more chillies and served with salad. Southern Thai dishes include gaeng som – a very flavoursome and tangy curry made with oranges; and massuman – another curry, this time very creamy and made with peanuts and potatoes. Then you have the Thai classics such as tom yam goong – a sour and spicy soup made with lemongrass, ginger and chilli, pad thai – a very popular fried noodle dish available on the streets as well as restaurants everywhere; and gaeng phet – the famous red curry, which can be found in Thai restaurants the world over.
Price guide
$ dishes b60 – b100; quart of beer b100; whiskey shot b100; cocktails b120
$$ dishes b100 – b200; quart of beer b150; whiskey shot b150; cocktails b200
$$$ dishes b200 – b350; quart of beer b200; whiskey shot b200; cocktails b300
$$$$ dishes b350 and above; quart of beer b300; whiskey shot b300; cocktails b450
Bangkok restaurants - Thai dishes
Lemongrass: very nice décor and excellent food. Serves a touristy clientele but the food is distinctly Thai. $$
Sukhumvit Soi 24, BTS station Phrom Phong. Tel 0 2258 8637. Booking recommended.
Baan Kanitha: doubles up as an art gallery, so the numerous works of art on the walls add to the ambience of this superb, award winning Thai restaurant. Well worth a visit. $$$
South Sathorn Road, BTS Station Surasak or Sala Daeng. Tel 0 2675 4200 or
Sukhumvit Soi 23, BTS station Asoke. Tel 0 2258 4128. Booking recommended.
Klang Soi: very affordable and popular with locals and tourists alike. Good food, good value. $
Sukhumvit Soi 49. BTS station Thong Lo. Booking not necessary.
Anna’s Café: ideal for lunch, this bright and cheerful second floor café serves a range of dishes, both Thai and western but the Thai food comes highly recommended. $$
Sukhumvit Road, next to Landmark Hotel. BTS Station Nana. Tel 0 2653 2395. Booking not necessary.
Vientienne House: serving Lao and Northeastern Thai food, this great restaurant features nightly Lao dancing and sometimes even Thai boxing matches. These performances are unobtrusive though, so you can get on with enjoying the excellent food. $$$
Sukhumvit Soi 36, BTS Station Thong Lo. Booking recommended.
Tom Yam Kung: named after one of Thailand’s signature dishes, this is by far the best Thai restaurant on Khao San Road. Very affordable too. $
Khao San Road. Booking not necessary.
Naj: a pricey and sophisticated venue, Naj is a good restaurant for a special occasions. Features classical Thai music performances on the more informal second floor. $$$
Convent Road, Silom. BTS Station Sala Daeng. Tel 0 2632 2811. Booking recommended.
La Na Thai: if you’re feeling very flush then the elaborate La Na Thai can provide you with some of the finest Thai food in the city. Located in the trendy Face complex which also features an exclusive spa, a swanky cocktail bar and another superb Indian restaurant, this is a place for extravagance, and of course, outstanding food. $$$$
Sukhumvit Soi 38. BTS Station Thong Lo. Tel: 0 2713 6048. Booking essential.
Bangkok Restaurants - International dishes
Gullivers (international, pub food): very much an expat bar and restaurant, this large and air-conditioned venue has some great British-style pub grub as well as some Thai dishes. A good place for night time entertainment too. $$
Sukhumvit Soi 5. BTS Station Nana or Khao San Road.
Outback (American): more of a lunchtime or post-shopping diner, expect hearty meals of burgers, steaks and ribs at this friendly, cheerful establishment. $$
2nd Floor Siam Discovery Centre. BTS Siam.
Sweet Basil (Vietnamese): great atmosphere and live piano combine with delicious Vietnamese food to make for a highly recommended city centre restaurant. $$
Siriveng Road (off Soi Pramuan), Silom. BTS Station Surasak. Tel. 0 2238 3088. Booking recommended.
The Irish Exchange (Irish, pub food): a wide selection of British-style pub meals and Irish stews provide a hearty meal in this popular night-time venue. Special offers and happy hours are frequent. $$
Convent Road, Silom. BTS Station Sala Daeng.
De Lalo (Italian): fun restaurant located in the busy Sukhumvit Road area, with pizza dough being thrown in the air and full-length windows looking out onto the streets below. $$$
Sukhumvit Soi 23. BTS station Asoke. Tel 0 2260 9750. Booking recommended.
Himali Cha Cha (Indian): one of many excellent Sukhumvit Indian restaurants, Himali Cha Cha specialises in Northern Indian dishes. It’s all very affordable too. $$
Sukhumvit Soi 35. BTS Station Phrom Phong. Tel 0 2713 6048.
Jasmin (Chinese): great Chinese food is to be had at this award winning Bangkok Chinese restaurant. Specialising in Hong Kong cuisine, the Peking duck and suckling pig are not to be missed. $$$
4th Floor Time Square building, Sukhumvit. BTS station Asoke. Tel. 0 2250 0501 Booking recommended.
Café Swiss (Swiss): fondue, salmon steak and raclette are all excellent here, and there are some Thai options on the menu too. Great, fun restaurant, ideal for large groups of diners. $$$
Convent Road, Silom. BTS station Sala Daeng. Tel 0 2233 5345. Booking recommended.
Angelini (Italian): located in the five-star Shangri-La hotel, this award winning Italian restaurant is certainly a great place to visit if you fancy splashing out. The menu is constantly being updated so that the place feels fresh and exciting. $$$$
Shangri-La Hotel, New Road. BTS station: Saphan Thaksin. Tel 0 2236 7777. Booking essential.
Kisso (Japanese): popular with Japanese expats and tourists, this expensive but excellent restaurant is worth the effort to sample if you can afford it. Features a sushi counter, a Sunday buffet and teppenyaki tables. $$$$
8th Floor, Westin Grande Sukhumvit Soi 19. BTS station Asoke. Tel 0 2651 1000. Booking essential.
Le Beaulieu (French): Brand new French restaurant with a Mediterranean twist, Le Beaulieu is going down a storm with the critics. Excellent, classy food and a great wine list, somewhere for a special occasion. $$$
G/F Sofitel Residence Sukhumvit Soi 19. BTS station Asoke. Tel 0 2202 2004. Booking recommended.
During your time in Bangkok it’s certainly worth making the effort to seek out a few quality restaurants, and there are many throughout the city. Most of the top hotels will have at least one or two restaurants and these can be excellent, although often pricey – especially the ones offering non-Thai cuisine. But if you take to the streets some very good and more affordable Bangkok restaurants present themselves – there are many Thai restaurants but you can also find Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese restaurants to satisfy Asian tastes; and for western food Bangkok is well served with its Italian, French, German, Scandinavian and British eateries.
If you’re staying in a guesthouse it’s even more important to get out and experience Bangkok restaurants as guesthouse food can be bland and after a while it all starts to taste the same.
If you’re new to Thai food and you’re feeling adventurous then Bangkok is a great place to start. Dishes from all regions of Thailand can be found here: the very spicy North-eastern Thai food (from the area known as Isaan) includes somtam – a salad made from papaya and a variety of pungent sauces and spices, and of course copious amounts of chilli (how many can you handle?); and laap – minced pork fried with mint and, yes, more chillies and served with salad. Southern Thai dishes include gaeng som – a very flavoursome and tangy curry made with oranges; and massuman – another curry, this time very creamy and made with peanuts and potatoes. Then you have the Thai classics such as tom yam goong – a sour and spicy soup made with lemongrass, ginger and chilli, pad thai – a very popular fried noodle dish available on the streets as well as restaurants everywhere; and gaeng phet – the famous red curry, which can be found in Thai restaurants the world over.
Price guide
$ dishes b60 – b100; quart of beer b100; whiskey shot b100; cocktails b120
$$ dishes b100 – b200; quart of beer b150; whiskey shot b150; cocktails b200
$$$ dishes b200 – b350; quart of beer b200; whiskey shot b200; cocktails b300
$$$$ dishes b350 and above; quart of beer b300; whiskey shot b300; cocktails b450
Bangkok restaurants - Thai dishes
Lemongrass: very nice décor and excellent food. Serves a touristy clientele but the food is distinctly Thai. $$
Sukhumvit Soi 24, BTS station Phrom Phong. Tel 0 2258 8637. Booking recommended.
Baan Kanitha: doubles up as an art gallery, so the numerous works of art on the walls add to the ambience of this superb, award winning Thai restaurant. Well worth a visit. $$$
South Sathorn Road, BTS Station Surasak or Sala Daeng. Tel 0 2675 4200 or
Sukhumvit Soi 23, BTS station Asoke. Tel 0 2258 4128. Booking recommended.
Klang Soi: very affordable and popular with locals and tourists alike. Good food, good value. $
Sukhumvit Soi 49. BTS station Thong Lo. Booking not necessary.
Anna’s Café: ideal for lunch, this bright and cheerful second floor café serves a range of dishes, both Thai and western but the Thai food comes highly recommended. $$
Sukhumvit Road, next to Landmark Hotel. BTS Station Nana. Tel 0 2653 2395. Booking not necessary.
Vientienne House: serving Lao and Northeastern Thai food, this great restaurant features nightly Lao dancing and sometimes even Thai boxing matches. These performances are unobtrusive though, so you can get on with enjoying the excellent food. $$$
Sukhumvit Soi 36, BTS Station Thong Lo. Booking recommended.
Tom Yam Kung: named after one of Thailand’s signature dishes, this is by far the best Thai restaurant on Khao San Road. Very affordable too. $
Khao San Road. Booking not necessary.
Naj: a pricey and sophisticated venue, Naj is a good restaurant for a special occasions. Features classical Thai music performances on the more informal second floor. $$$
Convent Road, Silom. BTS Station Sala Daeng. Tel 0 2632 2811. Booking recommended.
La Na Thai: if you’re feeling very flush then the elaborate La Na Thai can provide you with some of the finest Thai food in the city. Located in the trendy Face complex which also features an exclusive spa, a swanky cocktail bar and another superb Indian restaurant, this is a place for extravagance, and of course, outstanding food. $$$$
Sukhumvit Soi 38. BTS Station Thong Lo. Tel: 0 2713 6048. Booking essential.
Bangkok Restaurants - International dishes
Gullivers (international, pub food): very much an expat bar and restaurant, this large and air-conditioned venue has some great British-style pub grub as well as some Thai dishes. A good place for night time entertainment too. $$
Sukhumvit Soi 5. BTS Station Nana or Khao San Road.
Outback (American): more of a lunchtime or post-shopping diner, expect hearty meals of burgers, steaks and ribs at this friendly, cheerful establishment. $$
2nd Floor Siam Discovery Centre. BTS Siam.
Sweet Basil (Vietnamese): great atmosphere and live piano combine with delicious Vietnamese food to make for a highly recommended city centre restaurant. $$
Siriveng Road (off Soi Pramuan), Silom. BTS Station Surasak. Tel. 0 2238 3088. Booking recommended.
The Irish Exchange (Irish, pub food): a wide selection of British-style pub meals and Irish stews provide a hearty meal in this popular night-time venue. Special offers and happy hours are frequent. $$
Convent Road, Silom. BTS Station Sala Daeng.
De Lalo (Italian): fun restaurant located in the busy Sukhumvit Road area, with pizza dough being thrown in the air and full-length windows looking out onto the streets below. $$$
Sukhumvit Soi 23. BTS station Asoke. Tel 0 2260 9750. Booking recommended.
Himali Cha Cha (Indian): one of many excellent Sukhumvit Indian restaurants, Himali Cha Cha specialises in Northern Indian dishes. It’s all very affordable too. $$
Sukhumvit Soi 35. BTS Station Phrom Phong. Tel 0 2713 6048.
Jasmin (Chinese): great Chinese food is to be had at this award winning Bangkok Chinese restaurant. Specialising in Hong Kong cuisine, the Peking duck and suckling pig are not to be missed. $$$
4th Floor Time Square building, Sukhumvit. BTS station Asoke. Tel. 0 2250 0501 Booking recommended.
Café Swiss (Swiss): fondue, salmon steak and raclette are all excellent here, and there are some Thai options on the menu too. Great, fun restaurant, ideal for large groups of diners. $$$
Convent Road, Silom. BTS station Sala Daeng. Tel 0 2233 5345. Booking recommended.
Angelini (Italian): located in the five-star Shangri-La hotel, this award winning Italian restaurant is certainly a great place to visit if you fancy splashing out. The menu is constantly being updated so that the place feels fresh and exciting. $$$$
Shangri-La Hotel, New Road. BTS station: Saphan Thaksin. Tel 0 2236 7777. Booking essential.
Kisso (Japanese): popular with Japanese expats and tourists, this expensive but excellent restaurant is worth the effort to sample if you can afford it. Features a sushi counter, a Sunday buffet and teppenyaki tables. $$$$
8th Floor, Westin Grande Sukhumvit Soi 19. BTS station Asoke. Tel 0 2651 1000. Booking essential.
Le Beaulieu (French): Brand new French restaurant with a Mediterranean twist, Le Beaulieu is going down a storm with the critics. Excellent, classy food and a great wine list, somewhere for a special occasion. $$$
G/F Sofitel Residence Sukhumvit Soi 19. BTS station Asoke. Tel 0 2202 2004. Booking recommended.
2007/08/08
Guide to wining and dining on Koh Samui Thailand
by Andy Burrows
Some of the world's finest cuisines can be found in Southern Thailand, this has been made apparent by the amount of Thai restaurants that have sprung up throughout the globe over the last number of years. Koh Samui is no different; the people here are highly imaginative when it comes to selection and presentation of food. Whether it is a local street vendor or a top end restaurant you can be sure that you'll find something to suit any palate and budget. The food is always prepared with fresh ingredients. To continually improve the quality and standard of food and service, the Samui Culinary Circle (SCC) was set up, thus ensuring that over the last couple of years Samui has become a centre for culinary excellence, in addition to its beautiful beaches and friendly people. There are three main areas on Samui for restaurants and bars; with a further four more secluded areas to explore. The first and most popular area is Chaweng beach. Here you can find a huge range of options to choose from, including French, Japanese, Royal Thai and Italian cuisine, just to name a few.
All of these can be enjoyed on the beach under the stars, beneath a thatched roof or in cool air-conditioned comfort. In the south of the island you'll find Samui's second largest beach - Lamai beach. In general dining here is cheaper than Chaweng beach and is where you will find a plethora of small, family run Thai eateries. Although, there is still an eclectic mix of restaurants from European to Asian fusion, ensuring all tastes are catered for. Situated near the famous Big Budda, in the north of the island, is Bophut beach. This once predominately fishing area has given way to a range of restaurants and is now the culinary heart of Koh Samui. The quiet and picturesque setting makes it an ideal place for a romantic night out. The fisherman's village, which is considered by most to be one of the oldest areas on the island, is littered with wooden houses reminiscent of a by gone era that have been lovingly restored and now serve as shops and restaurants. Here you'll find French, Indian, Thai, Italian and seafood restaurants all of which are a stone's throw from the waterfront. One of Samui's quietest and most picturesque beaches is Maenam. The restaurants here will cater to every budget and offer food from around the world. The area is packed with street stalls where you can purchase a portion of Pad Thai and eat it on the beach for an inexpensive but memorable dining experience. Big Buddha beach has plenty of excellent Thai restaurants to choose from alongside international cuisine. Exceptional and inventive pub grub is available from funky cafés which are scattered throughout the area. For the more adventurous and those who enjoy heading off the well trodden tourist trail should make for the south-east and west coasts. As most of the island's fresh fish is caught just of these coastlines, seafood lovers will be in culinary paradise. Some of the restaurants here are so small they don't even have names but you are nearly always guaranteed a delicious meal and a warm Thai welcome. However, it's not only the welcome that is warm; the dishes are spicy enough to blow your socks off! Whatever your culinary taste you are sure to find it on Koh Samui and not only will you leave feeling satisfied and relaxed, you won't be lighter than when you arrived! Your eating experience here will probably be both culinary and culturally satisfying.
1stopsamui.com
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