Pattaya

Popular Seafood Dishes

1. Tom Yum Goong: A spicy and sour shrimp soup, often considered a must-try. It features fresh shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili.

2. Pla Pao: Grilled fish, typically barramundi, coated in salt and grilled over charcoal. It’s served with a spicy dipping sauce.

3. Som Tum Poo Pla Ra: A spicy papaya salad that often includes fermented fish sauce, giving it a unique flavor.

4. Pad Thai Talay: A seafood version of the famous stir-fried noodle dish, usually made with shrimp, squid, and sometimes crab.

5. Goong Ten: Live shrimp served with a spicy dipping sauce, a delicacy for the adventurous eater.

6. Lobster and Crab: Often grilled or steamed, served with garlic butter or a spicy seafood sauce.

Recommended Restaurants

1. Mum Aroi: Located in Naklua, this restaurant is famous for its fresh seafood and stunning sea views. Try their grilled fish and seafood platters.

2. The Glass House: Situated on the beach, it offers a romantic setting with a wide variety of seafood dishes. Their seafood BBQ is highly recommended.

3. Pattaya Seafood Market: A unique dining experience where you can select fresh seafood from the market and have it cooked on-site. Prices are reasonable, and the quality is excellent.

4. Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya: Their rooftop restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a seafood buffet that includes a variety of local and international dishes.

5. Khao Takiab Seafood: Located near the beach, this restaurant is known for its fresh catch and local flavors. The crab dishes are particularly popular.

Seafood Markets

• Pattaya Floating Market: While primarily a tourist attraction, it offers a variety of seafood stalls where you can sample local dishes and buy fresh seafood.

• Sukhumvit Road Seafood Market: A local market where you can find fresh seafood at competitive prices. You can also have it cooked at nearby restaurants.

Average Costs

• Street Food: Expect to pay around 50-100 THB ($1.50-$3) for a seafood dish from street vendors.

• Casual Dining: A meal at a mid-range restaurant will typically cost between 200-600 THB ($6-$18) per person, depending on the dishes ordered.

• Fine Dining: Upscale restaurants may charge 800-2000 THB ($24-$60) per person for a full seafood meal, including drinks.

Dining Customs

• Sharing: Thai dining culture often involves sharing dishes, so it’s common to order several items for the table.

• Chopsticks: While chopsticks are used for noodles and some seafood dishes, most Thai people eat with a fork and spoon. Use the fork to push food onto the spoon.

• Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Leaving a small amount (10% of the bill) is a nice gesture in restaurants.

Local Tips and Considerations

1. Freshness: Always check for freshness, especially in markets. Look for clear eyes in fish and vibrant colors in shellfish.

2. Spice Levels: Thai food can be quite spicy. If you’re sensitive to spice, ask for a milder version when ordering.

3. Food Safety: When eating street food, choose stalls that are busy, as high turnover usually indicates fresh ingredients.

4. Local Festivals: If you’re in Pattaya during the seafood festival (usually in May), it’s a great opportunity to try a variety of dishes at discounted prices.

5. Allergies: If you have seafood allergies, communicate this clearly, as some dishes may contain shellfish or fish sauce.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy the rich seafood offerings in Pattaya, making the most of your culinary experience in this vibrant coastal city. Enjoy your seafood adventure!