How to Indulge in Pattaya's Delectable Street Food

While it may not be the most obvious choice when it comes to savouring Thai street food, Pattaya offers beach lovers some of the best local treats in the country. Although it is primarily a beach Mecca for the masses, this former fishing village is a must-visit destination all foodies must experience in Thailand. From its delectable salads and rice dishes to its grilled goodies, here are some of the best street food varieties one can dig into in Pattaya.

Pla Pao

Thanks to the beach town's unequal access to fresh seafood, this is a local street food variety that's ubiquitous all across Pattaya. Grilled to perfection in high-end restaurants and street-side kiosks alike, whole fish is cooked barbecue style with springs of lemongrass stuffed in its mouth. While it is technically a snack or a starter, most tourists enjoy Pla Pao as a meal as the succulent taste of the fish is hard to resist after one pops the first grilled treat into the mouth. Salt is slathered over the fish to maintain its moistness during the grilling process while the lemongrass is responsible for the sour and fruity flavour of the fish. Usually served with garlic-infused chilli seafood sauce, Pla Pao can be paired with steamed rice.

Khao Gaeng

When it comes to rice dishes that have become staple street food, there are none that are as impressive or as simple as the Khao Gaeng. With its name literally translating to "rice with topping" it is reasonable not to expect too much from this quick meal. But those who love to dine on Khao Gang during lunchtime find the mixed rice with veggies and meat items topping it off the perfect fix for daytime hunger.

Kai Jeow

Rice fans will also want to dig into a plate of Kai Jeow during a trip to Pattaya as this is a favourite among egg lovers. A bed of steamed rice is topped off with a light and airy omelette and drizzled with fish sauce to complete this wholesome dish that packs in plenty of proteins and carbs to keep one full for a few hours. Some restaurants also toss in fried chillies as a garnish to add some much-needed spiciness.

 Moo Ping

Grilled pork is another must-try street food in Pattaya whether you are based at Travelodge Pattaya or any other hotels near Pattaya Beach. Although there are Moo Ping grilled delicacies that consist of chicken and other meats, the pork variation is the most popular skewer owing to the marinade which gives the meat its unique flavour.  Traditional Moo Ping also includes sticky rice which is placed alongside the meat on the skewer to add some texture to the dish.

Som Tum

As one of Pattaya's best vegetable-based street foods, this crunchy papaya salad isn't entirely vegan, however. Fish sauce dried prawns and other seafood are often tossed into the mix but the real hero of this dish is the raw papaya that's shredded and included with beans and tomatoes. Peanuts are often used as a garnish and to add some much-needed crunch to this tangy starter.

Satay

While every Thai tourist hub has its own take on Satay, what makes Pattaya's Satay sticks the toast of the town are the sausages, fish and pork cubes that are included alongside the traditional grilled chicken bits.

Gai Yang and Khao Niao

Sold on every street corner, Gai Yang with Khao Niao comprises the winning combination that is sticky rice and grilled chicken served with an array of dips. Sweet chili sauce is perhaps the most commonly served dip with Gai Yang and Khao Niao which is a great lunch meal in Pattaya's street food hotspots.