B2 Udon Premier Hotel

The original owners moved to Isan more than 20 years ago and brought the flavours of Northern Thailand with them. The owner doesn't compromise on quality, ensuring the spices are well utilised to produce bold, balanced and authentic flavours. Khao Soi is the speciality here. For groups, order the Northern Thai set – the homemade sausage won't disappoint. Round off your meal with a refreshing dessert.

This modest roadside shop is known among locals for its pad thai with prawns, not overly sweet and full of wok aroma. They offer variations with seafood, meat, or other toppings. Indoor seating is air-conditioned, service is friendly, and an English menu is available.

The striking green tiles of the facade hint at the warmth of this stylishly refurbished neighbourhood café. Vintage wooden and rattan furnishings foster an inviting, laid-back ambience, for a light yet flavoursome meal – the perfect start to the day. Highlights are the signature kao piak with a soothing, fragrant broth and bánh bôt loc – a lightly chewy roll with a delicious spicy shrimp and minced pork filling. Be prepared to queue during peak hours.

For over four decades this restaurant has been a mainstay for locals. Focusing on freshwater fish and meat, it serves large sharing portions. Seasonal options and occasional fish specials accompany enduring classics, such as the flavourful deep-fried Pla Som, or snakehead fish in flavoursome tom yum soup. The friendly staff are happy to share their recommendations.

This family-operated lunch spot has been a popular haunt for half a century. The dishes get their distinctive flavour from their home-made fermented fish sauce. This tasty addition elevates favourites such as mixed som tum with pork crackling and fermented sausage.

This eatery has thrived in a traditional shophouse for over 30 years. Choose between the original flavour and tasty tom yum with its fresh lime and roasted peanut aroma, served with or without soup.

Pork reigns supreme at this traditional Isan eatery, which may be renowned for its namesake Lab Mu – minced pork, skin and liver – but the flavourful Somtum Lao is another standout. Lunchtime can get hectic, but service is swift. The sharing sets of four to six dishes are perfect for groups.