Hidden Local Restaurants: Where Pattaya Expats Actually Eat
Discover Authentic Thai Cuisine Away from Tourist Traps
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After 3 years living in Pattaya and talking to hundreds of long-term expats, I’ve discovered the restaurants that locals actually recommend to each other. These aren’t the flashy places on Walking Street or the tourist-friendly spots with English menus. These are the hidden gems where you’ll find authentic Thai flavors, incredibly affordable prices, and the kind of atmosphere that makes Pattaya feel like home.
🎯 Why Expats Know the Best Restaurants in Pattaya
Living in Pattaya as an expat means you quickly learn to separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to dining. Tourist restaurants charge premium prices for mediocre food, while the real gems are tucked away in residential areas, local markets, and side streets that most visitors never explore.
Long-term expats develop relationships with restaurant owners, learn which dishes are prepared fresh daily, and discover places where a complete meal costs less than a single appetizer at tourist restaurants. These aren’t just cheap eats – they’re authentic culinary experiences that showcase the real flavors of Thailand.
💡 Insider Truth:
The best indicator of a great local restaurant? Look for Thai families eating there regularly. If you see the same faces week after week, and especially if you see grandparents bringing grandchildren, you’ve found a winner.
📊 What Makes a Great Local Restaurant
After extensive research and countless meals, here are the criteria that separate exceptional local restaurants from the rest:
| Criteria | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Price Point | Authentic places serve locals, not tourists | Main dishes 60-120 baht |
| Language | Minimal English = authentic clientele | Thai menu, basic English |
| Location | Away from main tourist strips | Residential areas, local markets |
| Clientele | Regulars indicate consistent quality | Thai families, long-term expats |
| Freshness | High turnover means fresh ingredients | Busy lunch/dinner periods |
🏙️ Central Pattaya Hidden Gems
The Secret: This British-run establishment has been serving comfort food since 2004. Located on Soi Buakhao, it’s where many long-term British and European expats gather for authentic home-style cooking and legendary Sunday roasts.
Must Try: Full English Breakfast, Sunday Roast with Yorkshire pudding, and their famous Bangers & Mash. The cottage pie is made exactly like “mum used to make” according to regular customers.
Expat Tip: “David and Debby have been running this place for 20 years. It’s not cheap, but it’s the most authentic British food in Pattaya.” – Regular customer review
The Secret: Ranked among the top budget restaurants in Pattaya, this spot is incredibly popular with locals and long-term expats. The portions are huge and prices unbeatable.
Must Try: Fish & Chips for 79฿ (cheapest in Pattaya), Seafood Chowder, and their massive ice cream sundaes. Everything is available for takeaway via food delivery apps.
Expat Tip: “Best value for money in all of Pattaya. I can get a full meal and dessert for under 150฿. It’s always packed with regulars.” – Long-term Buakhao resident
🚗 Getting There
Both restaurants are on Soi Buakhao, easily accessible by baht bus (10฿) or motorbike taxi (30฿). Parking available for those with their own transport. Hungry Hippo is diagonally opposite Tree Town Market.
🏖️ Jomtien Local Favorites
The Secret: One of Pattaya’s most picturesque beachfront restaurants offering stunning Gulf of Thailand views. While it looks upmarket, many expats know it serves excellent value authentic Thai dishes alongside international cuisine.
Must Try: Fresh seafood caught daily by local fishermen, Tom Yum Goong with a view, and their sunset dining experience. The Thai dishes are prepared by local chefs using traditional recipes.
Expat Tip: “Come for the afternoon or evening – avoid noon when it’s hot. The Thai food here is surprisingly authentic despite the upmarket setting.” – Glass House regular
The Secret: So popular on Soi Buakhao that they opened this second branch near Jomtien immigration office. Known for serving the best English breakfast in Pattaya, it’s become a meeting point for expats doing visa runs.
Must Try: Full English Breakfast (the stuff of legend among British expats), Cottage Pie, and Fish & Chips. Everything is prepared fresh and portions are generous.
Expat Tip: “Perfect location if you’re doing immigration paperwork. The breakfast will fuel you for hours of queue waiting.” – Visa run veteran
🏘️ Naklua Authentic Spots
The Secret: While it looks like a casual Western cafe from the outside, Jasmin’s serves some of the most authentic Thai food in Pattaya. Many expats come here specifically for the Thai menu, which locals say rivals any street stall.
Must Try: Tom Yum that’s as good as any street vendor, Toog Tong (Thai money bags – crispy wonton parcels), and their excellent Som Tam. Don’t miss the mango sticky rice for dessert.
Expat Tip: “Order from the Thai menu, not the Western one. The staff will be impressed and you’ll get the real authentic flavors.” – Long-term expat diner
💰 Local Restaurant Cost Breakdown (Typical Meal for 2)
- Tom Yum Goong: 120฿
- Pad Thai: 80฿
- Jasmine Rice (2 servings): 40฿
- Chang Beer (2 bottles): 120฿
- Total: 360฿ ($10.50 USD)
🎯 Want More Pattaya Food Tips?
Discover more hidden restaurants and local food secrets in Pattaya!
🎥 Watch Pattaya Food Videos🏡 East Pattaya Family Places
East Pattaya is where many expat families live, and the restaurants here reflect that demographic. These places offer excellent value, kid-friendly environments, and authentic Thai food that doesn’t compromise on quality.
The Secret: This restaurant is built around a fish pond where kids can feed the fish while parents enjoy authentic central Thai cuisine. It’s a local institution.
Must Try: Pla Nin Nueng (steamed tilapia from their own pond) and Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (green curry). Everything is made from scratch, including curry pastes.
Family Tip: “The kids’ play area in the back is perfect for families. They have high chairs and the staff loves children.” – Michelle, American expat family, 4 years
🛴 Secret Street Food Spots
The best street food in Pattaya isn’t on Walking Street or the night bazaar. It’s in the neighborhoods where people actually live and work. Here are the spots that expats guard like trade secrets:
| Location | Specialty | Price Range | Best Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soi Post Office (near police station) | Khao Soi Gai | 40-60฿ | 11 AM – 3 PM |
| Sukhumvit Soi 87 (morning market) | Kanom Jeen | 30-50฿ | 6 AM – 11 AM |
| Thepprasit Night Market (back section) | Grilled Seafood | 80-200฿ | 6 PM – 11 PM |
| Soi Buakhao (opposite Big C) | Mango Sticky Rice | 50-80฿ | 2 PM – 8 PM |
🥭 Street Food Champion: Soi Buakhao Mango Lady
Khun Malee has been selling mango sticky rice from the same cart for 18 years. Expats know to ask for “kao neow mamuang farang” – mango sticky rice made specifically for foreign palates (less sweet, more coconut milk). She’s there every day except Mondays, rain or shine.
💸 Cost Comparison: Local vs Tourist Restaurants
The price difference between authentic local restaurants and tourist-oriented establishments is staggering. Here’s a real comparison based on equivalent meals:
| Dish | Local Restaurant | Tourist Restaurant | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pad Thai | 60฿ | 180฿ | 67% |
| Tom Yum Goong | 120฿ | 350฿ | 66% |
| Green Curry | 80฿ | 250฿ | 68% |
| Mango Sticky Rice | 50฿ | 150฿ | 67% |
| Chang Beer (large) | 60฿ | 120฿ | 50% |
📊 Monthly Dining Savings for Expats
Couple eating out 4 times per week:
- Local restaurants: 8,000฿/month ($230 USD)
- Tourist restaurants: 22,000฿/month ($635 USD)
- Annual savings: 168,000฿ ($4,860 USD)
🗣️ How to Order Like a Local
Knowing how to interact with local restaurant staff can dramatically improve your dining experience. Here are the phrases and techniques that expats use:
Essential Thai Phrases for Ordering
- “Ao ahaan arai dee?” – What food is good?
- “Mai pet mak” – Not too spicy
- “Pet noi” – A little spicy
- “Mai sai nam tan” – No sugar (for stir-fries)
- “Kep tang dai mai?” – Can I take it to go?
- “Aroi mak!” – Very delicious!
🎯 Pro Ordering Strategy
The “Point and Smile” Method: Don’t be embarrassed to point at what other customers are eating. Thai people appreciate foreigners showing interest in their food, and restaurant owners are usually happy to explain dishes.
The “Local Regular” Approach: If you see Thai customers getting dishes that aren’t on the English menu, ask “Ao baep nan dai mai?” (Can I have the same as that?). This often leads to off-menu specialties.
Payment and Tipping Etiquette
In authentic local restaurants, payment practices differ from tourist establishments:
- Payment: Always pay at the counter, not at the table
- Tipping: Round up to the nearest 10 baht or leave small change
- Large bills: Avoid 1000 baht notes at small local places
- Credit cards: Cash only at most authentic local spots
For more insights into exploring Pattaya like a local, check out our complete guide to public transport vs taxis and discover what to do on your first day in Pattaya.
🍽️ Ready for Your Culinary Adventure?
Now you have the secret map to Pattaya’s best-kept dining treasures! From Soi Buakhao’s budget gems to Naklua’s authentic flavors, you’re equipped to eat like a true local. Remember to pay at the counter, tip modestly, and most importantly – embrace the adventure of pointing and smiling your way to incredible meals.
Found this guide helpful? Share it with fellow food lovers and help them discover the real taste of Pattaya! 🌟
ทานให้อร่อย (Taan hai aroi) – Eat deliciously! 🇹🇭
