Patong Beach: Thai Food and Restaurants

Thai Food

Som Tam Hawkers (papaya salad)

Moving food carts generally found in busier areas of Patong Beach. This traditional northeastern Thai (Isan) dish has become standard fare all over Thailand and can be found on almost every beach in the country. Thin slices of green papaya combined with peanuts, dried seafood, and vegetables all mixed into one spicy salad that is eaten with sticky rice and fresh grilled chicken. Makes a perfect lunch to nibble on while soaking up sun on the beach.

New Hawkers Food Court

Has recently opened. Located on the beach at the intersection of Soi Sawatdirak and Thawiwong Road (Patong Beach Road). At the time of printing the authorities had yet to work out some administration problems, like what hours the market will be open, and determine which stalls will be allowed to serve what type of food. When all 48 stalls are open it should be a great place to sample a lot of different types Thai food.

The Night Market

Soi Rat-U-Thit 2 blocks north of Soi Bangla

Among this rather tatty looking collection of noodle stands and seafood stalls are a number of fruit venders. This is a good place to sample the fresh tropical fruits that are in season. The venders cut and prepare the fruit, then wrap it in plastic. This is both convenient and cheap because preparing tropical fruits can be messy for the untrained. You can purchase small servings and sample many different fruits. The pineapple grown on Phuket is particularly sweet and crunchy. The seafood offered here is expensive considering the surroundings, but the rice and noodle dishes and the barbecued satays (meat or seafood roasted on a stick) are a good value.

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Restaurants

Baan Rim Pa

Everything about the Ban Rim Pa is special. It perches upon a cliff on the north end of Patong Beach overlooking the Andaman Sea, a beautiful location with an impeccable atmosphere, top notch food and service to match. The food served here is ‘royal’ Thai cuisine, as it is styled after the magnificent dishes traditionally reserved for the royal court. If you are unable to make a reservation for dinner you may want to just drop by the piano bar and enjoy a drink.

Buffalo Steak House

One sign of a good restaurant is a crowd of hungry customers and the Buffalo Steak House is busy every day. The atmosphere is quiet and the service is friendly and professional. Enjoy one of the best steaks in town or order a delicious meal from the full menu of Scandinavian, Thai or International food -- all prepared by a European chef.

Casanova

People who love great Italian food and wine will be right at home at this classic Patong Beach restaurant. Serving traditional dishes from the island of Sardinia that take full advantage of the wealth of fresh seafood available in Phuket. Great Pizza.

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Da Maurizio

The design and location of "Da Maurizio" both make it worthy of a visit. This restaurant sets the standard for elegant dining and specializes in serving authentic regional cuisine from the finest ingredients.

The Dive Inn

Good selection of delicious and healthy Thai dishes suited to European tastes. An extensive and well-prepared selection of western dishes.

Expat Hotel

A twenty-four hour coffee shop offering good western food, a nice selection of popular Thai dishes, and breakfast is served all day. The steakpie and hamburger are both highly recommended. One well-liked item is beans, (the kind that comes from a tin can) served with eggs or on toast. Dine in air-conditioned comfort while watching a video, or at one of several out door bars. Hosts the weekly run by the ‘Hash House Harriers’. A good place to meet foreign residents of Phuket.

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Faulty Towers

A friendly British pub atmosphere with satellite TV, darts, bar games and good drinks. Standard pub fare with a good cottage pie, bangers with mash, and fish and chips.

Islander

Serving traditional English, Thai and International dishes at reasonable prices in a friendly atmosphere. A special roast dinner of the day, full English breakfast, and homemade pies The lamb roast offered on Sunday evening is highly recommended. A sport’s bar environment with satellite TV, pool table, and videos.

Longhorn Restaurant & Bar

Small pleasant restaurant serving Scandinavian and Tex-Mex food in the heart of Patong. The chef is from Sweden and is developing a local following within the ex-pat community, especially on Friday evenings when he hosts an 'all you can eat' barbecue for 150 baht.

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Otowa

Pass though the 15^th century Kyoto gate and enter an enchanting Japanese restaurant perched out over the crashing waves at Kalim Beach. Come early and enjoy the sunset while sampling some of the many varieties of authentic Japanese cuisine offered. Well known for its exceptional sushi and Robata Yaki (Japanese BBQ).

Sabai Sabai Coffee Shop

Good selection of both Thai and Western food. Serves fresh bread and is a favorite place for visitors looking for a good western style breakfast. Everything on the menu is good, well prepared, and the prices are reasonable. The service is usually bad and sometimes terrible.

Sam’s Steak and Salad Bar

When Thai food just won’t do and you need a steak, Sam’s is the place to go. Imported beef perfectly prepared to suit your taste and served with all the trimmings. The restaurant is fast becoming a legend along the Beach Road.

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Malee Seafood Village

Typical open air seafood restaurant in Patong Beach. Choose from a large variety of seafood laid out on beds of ice. Lobsters, still alive and kicking, are displayed in large basins, but remember a lobster will up the price of your meal considerably. The seafood is then prepared for you and served at your table. In spite of the fact new seafood restaurants seem to open every day and the competition is fierce, seafood prices continue their upward spiral.

The Royal Kitchen

Chinese restaurant perched on top of a 25 story hotel. Good selection of Chinese food and the service is quite good. The panoramic views of Patong from the restaurant unfortunately attract a large number of group tour customers.

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Published by the Plain Paper Guide Book Co., Ltd. by Gary L. Ebsen