The Airport Hotel

For over 50 years, Granny Somphit has been crafting flavourful Isan cuisine daily, balancing local spices with Thai herbs. Fresh offal cuts and the signature Isan spicy calf beef salad, seasoned with smoky rice powder for crispness, stand out. The homemade beef sausage and fermented meats are also notable.

At this rotisserie stall, they have spent over 50 years perfecting their signature dish of chicken (farmed or domestic) marinated in a secret peppery, herbal blend before it hits the spit. Juicy and tender, with a thin skin, the meat comes served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce.

This simple, open-air restaurant serves Thai-Chinese fare. The food is distinctive for its simply cooking techniques yet quality dishes with extra-fresh ingredients and intense flavours. They offer a fantastic range, including several seafood and made-to-order options. Deep-fried chicken thigh with fish sauce and stir-fried spicy seafood are recommended.

Chef-owner Anuwat Thiemkreangkrai's 12-year-old stall stands out with its fresh, light MSG-free seafood dishes. His passion shines through in stir-fries that bring out the natural essence of the fresh catch, such as celery with seabass and the beautifully balanced seafood with Thai basil.

The owners, originally from Suphan Buri, specialise in beef and offal noodles simmered over charcoal in a smoky, clear broth. The mixed beef luak chim features braised beef, beef slices, beef balls and offal tossed with dark soy and a squeeze of fresh lime, creating a distinctive flavour combination.

This three-storey house with simple décor is family run and in its second generation. Jay Noi's house special of hao-dong is a popular local treat using sliced pork and spicy Isan sauce, chilli and roasted rice. The four pad mee Korat is also recommended. Its sticky rice noodles are fresh and go really well with the sweet and sour sauce, fresh bean sprouts and chives. You can order the homemade curry puff for take away, with a variety of optional sides.

Having clocked up over 50 years, this enduring favourite remains a top spot for flavour-packed Isan fare in Korat. The tender grilled chicken – crisp-skinned and marinated to perfection – is a must, pairing well with the fiery som tum made with their own fermented fish sauce. The menu also features korat noodles, tom sap and well-charred meats. Suitable for friendly gatherings or even just a quick stop, there's plenty of seating both indoors and out.