Pattaya Local Cuisine: Traditional Dishes and Famous Restaurants
Explore Pattaya's local cuisine with traditional dishes and top restaurants. Dive into the flavors of Thailand's coastal gem.
Pattaya Local Cuisine: Traditional Dishes and Famous Restaurants
Pattaya, a coastal city in Thailand, is well-known for its vibrant culinary scene that boasts a perfect blend of traditional Thai flavors and international influences. From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, Pattaya offers a diverse range of local dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Traditional Dishes
1. Som Tum: This spicy papaya salad is a popular dish in Pattaya, featuring a mix of shredded unripe papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, and chili peppers.
2. Tom Yum Goong: A quintessential Thai soup, Tom Yum features a spicy and sour broth with fresh shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal.
3. Pad Thai: A iconic Thai stir-fried noodle dish made with rice noodles, eggs, tofu, shrimp, and crushed peanuts.
Famous Restaurants
When in Pattaya, be sure to visit these renowned restaurants:
- White Horse: Located on Walking Street, White Horse is a top choice for seafood lovers with its fresh catches and scenic ocean views.
- Cabbages and Condoms: This unique restaurant not only serves delicious Thai cuisine but also promotes safe sex awareness with its quirky decor.
- Rimpa Lapin: Situated amidst lush greenery, Rimpa Lapin offers a serene dining experience with authentic Thai dishes.
Local Anecdotes and Interesting Facts
One interesting fact about Pattaya's cuisine is that the city's culinary scene has been shaped by its history as a fishing village, leading to an emphasis on fresh seafood in many traditional dishes. Locals here take great pride in their culinary heritage, often passing down family recipes from generation to generation.
Traditional Recipes
Som Tum Recipe:
- Peel and shred an unripe papaya.
- Mix the shredded papaya with sliced cherry tomatoes, crushed peanuts, and chili peppers in a mortar.
- Add fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar to taste.
- Pound the ingredients lightly to mix the flavors.
- Serve the salad topped with more peanuts for crunch.