Where to eat in Krabi, Thailand

The favourite pastime of the Thai’s is definitely eating and drinking. Food is found in abundance here - from mobile motorcycle and pushcart vendors to street side stalls and markets, as well as a great range of small eateries, outdoor cafes and elegant restaurants. A variety of flavoured dishes are offered on the menu a feast not to be missed! You can easily sense the freshness of herbs and spices that are used to perfect the taste at every meal. One of the specialities of the south is Massaman curry. Southern Thai cuisine is somewhat unusual from the Central, North and North-East method of cooking. Many more curries, reflecting a Malaysian and Indian influence is the ethnicity. You must try massaman, a sweet-smelling saffron-coloured curry with peanuts and sweet potatoes; the hot and sour kaeng som, fish in a tamarind-laced broth; the lightly-spiced noodle dish, khanom jin; and the Thai-Muslim version of a chicken biryani, khao mok gai.

A large selection of good and authentic western and international food is available in the tourist areas –where expats have mostly opened restaurants in Krabi. Pizzerias are common and popular. You will also find French, German, Swiss, Swedish, Danish, Japanese, Indian and Chinese cuisine, as well as British pub grub.

Seafood -The Krabi beach areas have several restaurants with the 'catch of the day' displayed on ice outside. Usually all forms of fish; juicy crabs and langoustines; shellfish, together with giant oysters; as well as squid and lobsters are on offer and can be prepared in an assortment of sauces, or simply grilled and served with a dipping sauce.

Seafood Restaurants

Sala Thai: on the beach, with good, fresh seafood, located at the very end of the wooden 'Seafood Soi' at the far corner of Ao Nang beachfront. $$$

Laem Sak Seafood: off the beaten track, but worth the detour if you're driving around the area. Considered to be the best in the province. At the end of Route 4039, past Ao Luk. $$

Lanta Seafood: high-quality of fish, direct from the fishermen on the pier. regular local haunt - On the pier in Saladan Village. $$

Chao Koh Restaurant: a popular spot overlooking Ton Sai Bay, with regular BBQ specials. Next to the 'Marlin' statue in Ton Sai Village, Phi Phi Don. $$$

International Restaurants

Red Snapper: outstanding French and fusion cuisine. Inside Relax Bay Resort on Long Beach, Koh Lanta. $$$

Café Europa: Danish-run place, with good value European food. An expat favourite in Krabi Town. Soi Ruamjit, at the bottom of Maharat Rd. $$

Viva Ristorante: authentic Italian in Krabi Town, with possibly the best pizza - if you like your crust thin and crispy. Preuksa Uthit Rd, near the round about. $$$

Jeanette's: Scandinavian cuisine in an adequately decorated beachfront dining room. Ao Nang Beach Rd. $$$

Carnivore: Steaks and grilled meats being top-notch. Klong Haeng Rd, Ao Nang, opposite Thai Village Resort. $$$

Sakana Restaurant: Japanese café reasonably priced with fresh sushi and sashimi. Ton Sai Village plaza, Phi Phi Don. $$

Thai Restaurants

Ruen Mai: precisely well thought-out to be the finest in Krabi, with a gorgeous garden setting and excellent food. Maharat Rd, next to the eagle traffic lights. $$

Orchid Garden: just outside of Ao Nang, on the road towards Klong Muang, pretty location near a river and is a popular lunch spot. Good selection of spicy salads. $$

Sala Bua: up market Thai restaurant just out of Ao Nang centre. Pleasant ambience and food, with small portions. Soi Klong Haeng 2. $$$

Pum Thai Restaurant: free cooking lesson with each meal - if you wish - or just sit back and sample anything from their tasty menu. Ton Sai Village plaza, Phi Phi Don. $$

Same-Same But Different: with the same owner as Ruen Mai in Krabi Town, this charming beach restaurant cannot fail to please. Far end of Kantiang Bay, past Pimalai Resort, Koh Lanta. $$

Budget Eating

There are abundant small noodle shops and reasonable restaurants strewn all over the area, providing Thai meals, for instance fragrant fried rice with chicken or pork, or Phad Thai noodles with shrimp are a simple and cheap lunch meal. Thai food being cheaper makes it possible for the Thai clientele to eat for less than 100 baht, which is good value for money.