4 Food Destinations to Explore in Thailand

Thailand is famous for its idyllic beaches, majestic temples, and vibrant open-air markets. But Thai cuisine is also an undeniable highlight, contributing immensely to the country’s cultural richness. Beyond the traditional Pad Thai, Thailand offers a vast array of culinary specialities, with each region showcasing its own distinct dishes, shaped by local history, climate, and ingredients.

In this article, we present four must-visit cities for food lovers during your stay in Thailand. Whether you're a street food enthusiast or eager to explore more traditional dishes, this guide is made for you!

 

Key Takeaways:

• Bangkok offers a mix of bustling markets like Yaowarat or Ratchada Rot Fai, and Michelin-starred restaurants such as Sorn or 80/20. You can also take cooking classes or enjoy innovative vegetarian and vegan options.
• Koh Samui is renowned for its seafood and coconut milk-based dishes, such as Yam Talay or Pla Tod Kamin. Night markets and beachfront restaurants provide an authentic culinary experience, also catering to vegetarian and vegan diets.
• In Hay Yai, you can try unique dishes like Khao Mok Gai or the famous Hat Yai fried chicken, often halal. The city is full of diverse street food and markets like the Greenway Night Market.
• Recognized by UNESCO, Phuket offers a spicy and diverse cuisine blending Thai, Chinese, and Malaysian influences. With lively markets, Michelin-rated restaurants, and an annual vegetarian festival, the food scene is rich and varied.
• Each destination featured offers restaurants suitable for meat-free diets, with creative or reinvented dishes. Whether in Bangkok, Koh Samui, Hat Yai, or Phuket, you'll easily find tasty vegan options.

 

The capital of Thailand is an essential destination to explore the full richness of the country’s gastronomy. Between bustling street markets and Michelin-starred restaurants, there's something for every palate, and you'll get a comprehensive overview of Thai cuisine as a whole.

Thailand is famous for its street food scene, and Bangkok is certainly no exception. You can visit several markets to discover many delicious and affordable dishes:

• Yaowarat Road: one of Bangkok’s main arteries where you’ll find many food stalls. You can enjoy a variety of culinary specialities, especially Chinese cuisine such as roast duck, grilled seafood, crab fried rice, or steamed bao buns. There’s something for everyone.

• Sukhumvit Soi 38: this market is a must-visit for discovering Bangkok’s street food. You can sample delicious Pad Thai, mango sticky rice, pork skewers, and more.

• Ratchada Rot Fai: this night market, also known as the "Train Market," is one of the city’s highlights with its unique atmosphere and numerous street food stalls. The original Rot Fai Market is located outside the city, but a more accessible version has opened in the city centre.

Did you know? Bangkok has been ranked the best street food city in the world by CNN several years in a row. In 2025, it was named the second-best food city by Time Out, just after New Orleans.

If you’re looking to enjoy high-end cuisine, rest assured: Bangkok is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants. Several of these establishments also offer fusion cuisine blending Thai, Japanese, or French influences.

Among the most well-known addresses, we can highlight:

• Sorn: a must-visit for discovering Southern Thai cuisine in the best possible conditions. Each dish is perfectly executed, respecting ancestral traditions while bringing a touch of modernity, all in an intimate setting. Be sure to book well in advance to secure a table.

• 80/20: this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a seasonal tasting menu where creativity and innovation are at the heart of every dish. In addition to using traditional techniques, the chef draws inspiration from Laotian specialities, resulting in a unique culinary experience.

• R-Hann: enjoy sophisticated Thai-inspired cuisine at this Michelin-starred restaurant. Start with a cocktail in the lounge before heading into the main dining room where you can sample a range of flavours, including amuse-bouches, main courses, and sorbets. Expect plenty of surprises at R-Hann.

For an authentic experience of Thai life, take time to visit one of the many food markets. In close contact with locals, you can buy fresh produce, regional specialities, sample typical dishes, or simply wander among the stalls.

Some of the food markets you can explore include:

• Or Tor Kor Market: known for its high-quality fresh produce, regional specialities, and handcrafted snacks.

• Chatuchak Weekend Market: a must-visit spot to discover all kinds of typical dishes and both sweet and savory delights.

• Pak Khlong Talad: in addition to being a flower market, it also offers many tropical fruits and Thai specialties to taste.

Want to get hands-on and learn how to cook typical Thai dishes? Be sure to take part in a cooking class. These immersive experiences are a fantastic way to bring Thai culinary know-how home with you and impress your friends upon your return.

Most classes include a visit to local markets to purchase the necessary ingredients, and you’ll get to enjoy the dishes you prepare at the end of the session. Depending on the class you choose, you may even enjoy your meal aboard a floating barge on the Chao Phraya, one of Thailand’s largest rivers.

Bangkok also caters to new dietary trends, and vegetarians and vegans will not be left out.

You’ll find several traditional Thai dishes that have been reimagined, such as Tofu Pad Thai or vegetable curries.

Many restaurants also offer innovative vegan cuisine, including:

• Mercy Republic: one of the best spots for vegan food in Bangkok, offering many reimagined traditional dishes such as Thai Vegan Chicken Curry or mushroom Pad Krapow.

• May Veggie Home Express: with its 100% vegan menu, this place is a must-visit in Bangkok if you want to enjoy Thai specialities. Although slightly off the beaten path, it is definitely worth the trip.

• Tonklar Facai: this vegetarian restaurant is known for its flavourful dishes made with ingredients sourced from local farms. Every dish is the result of collaboration between chefs and nutritionists to offer balanced and delicious cuisine.

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is a city famous for its idyllic beaches and cuisine that primarily features seafood, coconut milk, and fragrant herbs.

During your stay in Koh Samui, you will have the opportunity to try many local specialities that are typically milder than those found in other regions of Thailand.

Among the most famous dishes from Koh Samui are:

• Pla Tod Kamin: a whole fried fish with turmeric and garlic, often served whole. It is marinated for several hours and typically made with Pla Daeng, a red-fleshed fish that is very common in Thailand.

• Gaeng Som: also known as Kaeng Som or Asam Rebus, this spicy fish soup is usually served with vegetables and is particularly popular in Southeast Asia. It is distinguished by its tangy flavor, provided by tamarind pulp. Palm sugar is also frequently used to mellow out the curry.

• Yam Talay: this Thai seafood salad is a must-try while in Koh Samui. It usually includes shrimp, squid, and mussels, and is served with fresh herbs, chili, and a tangy dressing. The name comes from the words "Yum," referring to a spicy Thai salad, and "Talay," which means "sea" in Thai.

• Among the popular desserts, you will find grilled coconut, steamed banana cake, as well as coconut sorbets and ice creams.

Thailand is known for its night markets, and you will certainly find some in Koh Samui. In addition to offering a wide variety of Thai culinary specialities, these markets often feature entertainment and a lively atmosphere.

• Chaweng Walking Street: located near Chaweng Lake, this market is a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. Although very popular with tourists, it remains a must-visit for a convivial and affordable meal.

• Nathon Night Food Market: only open on Tuesday evenings, this smaller market is ideal for sampling a variety of Thai specialities such as coconut pancakes, crispy crêpes, mango sticky rice, and more.

• Si Khao Night Market: for a more authentic experience, head to this night market with around sixty stalls. In addition to food, you will also find several clothing vendors.

You will find many beachfront restaurants all over the island where you can enjoy a wide range of seafood dishes, grilled fish, and cocktails.

Coco Tam’s, located at Fisherman’s Village, is a top choice to enjoy the sunset while savoring a delicious grilled fish.

For a spectacular dining experience, consider Tree Tops Sky Dining & Bar. Offering a particularly romantic atmosphere, you can enjoy a delicious meal from high up in a 120-year-old tree in Chaweng.

If you have a larger budget, Dining on the Rocks offers a tasting menu with an incredible view of the ocean. Make sure to book well in advance if you plan to watch the sunset from the terrace of this Michelin-starred restaurant.

For a simpler, more budget-friendly experience, visit My Friend Restaurant, a chain found throughout Thailand where you can enjoy Pad Thai at a good price among the locals.

The vegetarian and vegan scene is growing rapidly in Koh Samui, and you will find many establishments catering to these alternative diets. Several restaurants offer suitable options, including:

• Smoothie bowls and detox juices

• Vegetarian Thai dishes such as Tofu Pad Thai or coconut curries without meat

• Vegan alternatives to traditional dishes made with tempeh, tofu, or seitan

Do not hesitate to ask upon arrival if the restaurant can adapt its dishes to be vegetarian or vegan.

Good to know: “vegetarian” is said as mangsawirat in Thai, and “vegan” is pronounced jay.

Several restaurants are especially well-known for catering to vegetarian and vegan customers:

• Greenlight Café & Bar offers a great selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes such as buddha bowls, vegan burgers, and lentil curries.

• The Art Club features a 100% vegan menu in Nathon. You will also find regular art exhibitions organized at the venue.

• Pure Vegan Heaven provides a fully vegan menu, including gluten-free options. This restaurant can also be found in Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Phangan.

Located in the Songkhla province near Malaysia, Hat Yai is a culinary destination not to be missed during your trip to Thailand. Influenced by Malaysia and China, the city offers a rich and diverse cuisine, sometimes inspired by the Muslim culture of southern Thailand.

You will find several specialities that you absolutely must try when visiting Hat Yai:

• Khao Mok Gai: a biryani-style chicken and rice dish seasoned with turmeric and spices, served with a sweet and spicy sauce.

• Roti Mataba: do not miss this stuffed roti bread filled with vegetables, curry, or meat typical of the region. It is often served with a cucumber chutney.

• Kanom Jeen Namya: this dish consists of fermented rice noodles with a fish curry or vegetable sauce and is a must-try while in Hat Yai.

• Hat Yai Fried Chicken: chicken marinated and fried with crispy shallots, served with sticky rice and a sweet and spicy sauce. Famous throughout the country, this speciality is a must-try during your stay.

Street food is very popular in Hat Yai, and you can easily find something to eat at all hours of the day and night.

The Asean Night Bazaar is a huge covered market featuring clothing, souvenirs, and a large food court. You can enjoy grilled seafood, skewers, curries, spicy salads, sweet roti, as well as vegan and halal dishes.

For a more authentic experience, head to the Greenway Night Market, where you will find many food stalls offering traditional Thai and Malaysian dishes.

Street food vendors can be found all around Hat Yai, especially in front of shopping centres, near university neighbourhoods, and close to train stations and shopping streets in the city centre.

Beyond street food, there are many restaurants to explore in Hat Yai. Whether you are looking for a Michelin-starred restaurant or a budget-friendly spot, there is something for everyone.

For breakfast, you can visit Chokdee Dim Sum, a place offering more than 50 varieties of dim sum served in small steam baskets. The atmosphere is friendly, the service impeccable, and the dishes absolutely delicious. All this at a very reasonable price, what more could you ask for?

For lunch, try Chen Long Boat Noodles, a restaurant specializing in flavourful noodle soups.

Although vegetarian and vegan cuisines are not dominant, rest assured that it is entirely possible to find places that meet your needs in Hat Yai.

You will find several vegetarian restaurants near Chinese temples and in Muslim neighbourhoods. These places often offer meat-free dishes in buffet form, usually at very affordable prices.

Among the most popular vegetarian restaurants are:

• Madame Cat: a well-known place with a varied menu offering vegetarian alternatives to traditional Thai dishes.

• Num Heng: affordable prices and tasty vegetarian food at this establishment, frequented by both locals and tourists.

• Chingzin: a family-run business offering a buffet with several vegetarian dishes served with rice.

If you are looking for vegan options, the choices are more limited. However, Num Heng offers vegan sausages and fried corn fritters, which are great takeaway options. They also sell canned vegan products, a perfect solution to compose your own plate without animal products.

In any case, do not hesitate to ask if vegan and vegetarian options are available when you enter a restaurant. It is very likely that menus can be adapted to your preferences.

Phuket is an island known for its paradise beaches but also for its strong culinary identity. In fact, it was labelled a "Creative City of Gastronomy" by UNESCO in 2015. The cuisine reflects influences from Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, and even European cultures.

Phuket is known for its unique cuisine, often spicier than in other regions of Thailand. You will find many iconic dishes such as:

• Mee Hokkien: a dish of stir-fried yellow noodles served with pork, shrimp, squid, egg, and bean sprouts. A must-try during your visit to Phuket.

• Loba: fried offal served with a sweet and spicy sauce.

• Moo Hong: pork braised in a sweet and salty sauce made with garlic, pepper, and dark soy sauce.

• Gaeng Tai Pla: a particularly spicy curry made with fermented fish.

• Oh Aew: a dessert made from red bean jelly and agar-agar flavored with banana or syrup.

Phuket is full of night markets where you can taste local cuisine in a festive atmosphere while keeping your expenses low.

In Phuket Old Town, visit the Phuket Sunday Night Market, a pedestrian street that turns into a night market every Sunday evening. Whether you want to eat or just stroll, take the time to soak up the island’s ambiance.

Chillva Market is also a stop not to miss. This night market, set up in shipping containers, offers traditional dishes and attracts a younger crowd with concerts and DJs in the evening.

Finally, if you love seafood, head to the Banzaan Market, a covered market near Jungceylon. You can buy fresh seafood and have it cooked on-site at nearby establishments. This is a more authentic experience and allows you to eat well on a budget.

You will find several restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide in Phuket for a high-end culinary experience:

• Raya: taste all the island’s specialities in this restaurant, acclaimed by both locals and tourists. The atmosphere is one of its assets, located in a well-preserved Sino-Portuguese house. Expect to pay between 200 and 250 THB per dish on average.

• Blue Elephant: discover royal and southern Thai cuisine in this magnificent restaurant. Located in a colonial palace, you will enjoy an exceptional setting and delicious food. The restaurant also offers cooking classes if you want to get hands-on.

• Suay Restaurant: if you are looking for modernity, this restaurant is an excellent choice. The cuisine is flavourful and refined, and you might even enjoy live music from a local band during your visit.

Phuket is particularly suitable for travellers seeking vegan and vegetarian cuisine. You will almost always find meat-free options in most restaurants, and can even find many establishments specializing in vegan cuisine.

• Tu Kab Khao: offers several vegan and vegetarian options in this Michelin Guide restaurant located in the heart of the Old Town.

• The Vegan Table: vegan dishes are highlighted in this renowned establishment near the Old Town.

• Santosa Vegan Restaurant: one of the best vegan restaurants in Phuket, offering a very varied menu and tasty dishes.

The island also hosts a vegetarian food festival every October. Organized by the large Chinese community present in Phuket, this celebration is an opportunity to taste 100 percent vegetarian dishes and watch spectacular rituals. You will find street food stalls all over the city. Whether you are a fan of alternative cuisines or just passing through, do not miss this unique event that welcomes visitors from all over the world every year.