Vanko International Hotel Pattaya

Simplicity and quality go hand in hand at this hidden gem with an intimate atmosphere. Experience food in its most authentic form thanks to skilfully prepared fresh ingredients. The bold yet nuanced stir-fried black squid ink delivers an intense, textured exploration of the sea's flavours.

Traditional boat noodles are served here with various toppings in a bold and savoury soup. We also recommend the spicy boiled pork and pork condiments, which have an intensely flavoured sauce and the aroma of fried garlic.

The go-to spot in Pattaya for pork offal soup with boiled sweet leaf bush, this eatery draws inspiration from Thai cuisine nationwide to offer a plethora of quick street food dishes. From the many noodle and rice options, the stir-fried glass noodles with seafood stand out.

The breezy, spacious dining room surrounded by vines and plants makes for a relaxing and laidback coastal ambience. The seafood-based menu features shrimp, squid and crab options cooked several ways. The stir-fried squid with black ink sauce is a showstopper, but diners also enjoy shelling the stir-fried whole crab with curry powder. The sweet local seasoning enhances the food's natural umami.

In a vintage decor featuring wooden accents, music from the 1980s and 1990s sets the mood. At this locally renowned Thai restaurant, the chef-owner's uniquely creative menu boasts intensely flavoured, unapologetically spicy dishes – though milder versions are available upon request. Seafood is the star, with fresh, expertly cooked offerings served at perfect temperatures. Instead of regular rice, we suggest ordering the signature fried rice with salt.

Thanks to direct links with fishers, this local favourite in a small alley uses the day's catch in a changing menu revolving around seafood, with squid, shrimp and whole fish cooked in a straightforward Thai style. The bold, confident seasoning is aimed at local palates, rather than toned down for visitors. Sharp, fragrant and comforting, the sour soup with snakehead fish and bilimbi is not to be missed. Weekends can be busy, so booking ahead makes sense.

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