When most visitors think of Thai food in Pattaya, they picture green curry, pad Thai, and mango sticky rice. And while those do show up on menus, they’re often not what locals are really ordering. If you wander into a busy roadside place or a quiet shophouse tucked behind a market, you’ll notice a few patterns in what’s coming out of the kitchen.
Sit down at lunch in one of these spots and you’ll probably overhear someone ordering something simple and fast like khao man gai or khao moo daeng. These are standard meals that locals rely on during work breaks or between errands. They’re affordable, filling, and familiar. Dishes like this keep regulars coming back because they hit the spot.
Plenty of neighborhood places specialize in stir fries and one-plate meals that aren’t always found in tourist-heavy restaurants. Pad kra pao, usually with pork or chicken, is everywhere. It’s one of the most common choices, and everyone has their preferred spice level and egg style. If you’re trying to find a proper Thai restaurant Pattaya locals actually eat at, see how many people are ordering that dish. It’s a decent sign that it’s done well there.
The soup station is another giveaway. Locals love their broths, whether it’s a light tom yum or a peppery rad na sauce over noodles. Guay teow stalls stay busy from morning to mid-afternoon, and people often have strong opinions about which place gets the broth right. Some swear by boat noodles, others go for the clearer pork-based styles.
When it comes to dinner, things shift a bit. Shared dishes become more common, especially among families and groups of friends. Som tum shows up alongside grilled chicken, sticky rice, and sometimes fermented fish sauce. Larb, a spicy minced meat salad, is another favorite that’s easy to find once the sun goes down.
Seafood is a big deal but it’s not always dressed up like the stuff served in tourist spots. Locals lean toward grilled fish with herbs, fried fish cakes, or spicy seafood salads. It’s not about flash. It’s about fresh. You might see someone go for a plate of grilled squid with dipping sauce instead of a fancy platter.
You won’t see many people drinking cocktails or craft beer either. It’s usually iced water, soft drinks, or maybe a shared bottle of local whiskey with soda. Fruit shakes are mostly for beachgoers or tourists. During the week, meals are quick and practical. People eat and move on with their day.
Desserts don’t always come with the meal. Instead, locals might grab something sweet from a street cart nearby. Think roti with condensed milk, grilled bananas, or sticky rice with banana wrapped in leaves. These are more likely to be eaten on the go rather than at the table.
If you want to eat like a local in Pattaya, skip the places with glossy menus in five languages. Look for a spot where the menu is hand-written and everyone inside looks like they’ve been there before. The TV might be on in the background, and there’s probably a cat sleeping near the fan. That’s where the good stuff is. That’s where people eat every day.
