Prachuap Khiri Khan Thailand – Best Places to Eat

While Prachuap Kiri Khan may not be the most westernised spot in Thailand, what it lacks in flavours familiar to the tourist, it makes up for in an abundance of sensational traditional and seafood fare.

Street food and markets

As with almost anywhere in Thailand, a market is a great place to grab some cheap traditional Thai food. The fare at markets is often a little more ‘out there’ than your conventional Pad Thai or Tom Yum Soup. Rather you’ll find fish, cooked and created in ways you’ve never seen. You’ll find strange looking sausages and desserts that you could easily mistake for a savoury side to your chicken kebab. Overall, Thai markets present somewhat of an oral and olfactory experience. Steam swishes your hair back as you squeeze passed a stand with an unfamiliar substance bubbling away in a big pot, the smell of the next stand hits you square in the face, colouring your experience in shades of wonder and bewilderment. In short, they’re fantastic! Be sure to check out the food-only night market opposite the Yuttichai Hotel on Kong Kiat Road.

There is a larger market that runs on weekend afternoons and evenings on the beachfront at Ao Prachuap – this is also well worth a visit.

If reading this has made you want to find the nearest market immediately and it is only 1.00 pm on a Tuesday, then head to the daily market along Maitri Ngam Road and get involved!

Beachfront restaurants

If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, but still rather relaxed, pay a visit to one of the many informal restaurants on the beachfront. There is a good choice of usual Thai restaurants on the seafront between Nin’s Place and Maggie’s Guesthouse, just a bit south of the pier. Take a seat with the change in your pocket, grab a beer, a good plate of something spicy, and reflect on how wonderful life is while the waves keep rolling in. Dishes from 80 THB.

A good option is beach restaurants in Ao Manao. Surprisingly inexpensive and similarly yummy, they are absolutely no-frills. Take a deckchair under casuarinas and enjoy your day on the beach. Dishes from 40 THB.

Vegetarian

Vegan’s and vegetarians can sometimes have a bit of a tough time in the less developed areas of Thailand. However, the Veg Food Stall, and the Vegetarian Eatery and Shop have got you covered! Both these spots are vegan and serve both Thai and Western cuisine.

Seafood

As has been made clear, Prachuap Khiri Khan is well known for its seafood. Just as brie cheese and cucumbers taste better when eaten on a picnic blanket, seafood tastes best when eaten at a small, secluded, seaside joint. Nye on being a secret spot is a tiny restaurant at the northern end of the bay. There are small bamboo-thatched tables and sensationally grilled prawns and squid. Do all that you can to find this place. Prices are low - you can expect to pay around 200 THB per person. Other good seafood spots include In Town Seafood, Rop Lom, and the very inexpensive Krua Chaiwat.

With a view

A great spot for almost anything that you need to put in your tummy is the Top Deck Lounge Bar and Restaurant. From Western food to smoothies, Thai food, real mustard, wines, and cocktails, there isn’t anything that the restaurant doesn’t do well. The food is fantastic and the views are wonderful. Get there early enough to ensure that you have a table for the sunset. After your meal, head through to the pool table with your drink and let good times continue. Thai dishes go for around 100 THB and Western dishes for around 200 THB.

Bars

If you’re in for a good steak, head to Sunset Bar – it is a few minutes’ walk from the train station. This is also a great place for a drink in the latter hours of the day and the early hours of the night.

Another great spot for a few drinks, a bit of a dance, and a chance to make some memories with new and old friends is the lively Jim’s Bar.